The Faded Print/Part 1/Chapter 1 - Avery

"Avery?"

"Oh! Yes, Master?" at the summons of the tall, handsomely-dressed prince, Avery gathered the cobalt skirt of her maid-style dress and hurried to the side of the throne. Her silver braids fell over her shoulders as he bowed her head respectfully. The fair, raven-haired prince leaned over in his seat, a shift in light accenting the regal, dark blue streaks in his hair. He reached for the girl and gently caressed her soft, rosy cheek; then tilted her chin up slightly. Avery blushed unconsciously as she met the prince's deep red eyes with her own crystal blue gaze.

"I have a little task for you, my dear." purred the prince. He grinned seductively, his vampire fangs glinting in the light for a brief moment. Avery's heart pounded as she awaited his orders, and she couldn't help but steal a furtive glance at his fangs.

"A-anything for you, Master…" she replied, catching a breath. Avery couldn't care less what the task was, whether it was menial cleaning or fetching a glass of fine wine for the handsome vampire she served. When he gave her orders, it was always in such an attractive manner that she could barely contain herself.

"Wait in my chambers. I'll be with you shortly." he answered with a sly smile. Puzzled, Avery stopped short, rather than going immediately to do as she'd been told. This was a bizarre request… usually the prince just gave her chores to do then and there.

"Master..?" asked Avery unsurely. The prince raised an eyebrow in mild surprise; Avery had never before questioned orders.

"Go." commanded the prince, making a dismissive gesture. Avery swallowed hard, still with an uneasy feeling in her heart, but bowed politely and left the room. As the door closed behind her, the prince sat back in his throne, smiling to himself with satisfaction.

"Soon, Avery… you will be mine." he mused to himself, as he licked his lips…

~~~

Avery tentatively crept into the prince's chamber. The room was decorated lavishly in silver, midnight blue, and black hues. A large curtained bed dominated the space, and across from it was an ornate mirror, framed with intricate silver dragons, lions, and unnamable fanged beasts. Admittedly, the victorian room gave off a somewhat unsettling, dark sensation. Avery felt something prick at the back of her neck, as if she was being watched. Shaking her head to clear it of creeping dread, Avery walked over to a small table and preoccupied herself with arranging some gorgeous burgundy roses housed in an antique vase. She jumped slightly as she heard the door opening behind her.

"M-Master!" she stood straight and faced the prince as he entered, her arms folded in front of her politely in waiting, as she'd been taught to do. Her face flushed again, both out of embarrassment and shy attraction. The prince smiled at her softly, closing the door behind him. He strode across the room, and upon reaching Avery, swept his arms around her waist and pulled her gently against him. Avery made a small sound of surprise, and blushed uncontrollably as her master gazed down at her lovingly, an alluring, vampirish smirk crossing his face.

"Wh-what are you doing?" gasped Avery, her voice barely a whimper.

"Oh Avery… you know how much I adore you… right?" spoke the vampire in a velvety tone. "You've been working for me for three years now. And I think we've grown close…" Avery blushed even more deeply, and leaned closer against her prince, tentatively resting her hands against his chest. It was true; the prince was not only her master, but a friend to her as well. She recalled the times they had spent together beyond her servitude: horseback riding, taking tea together, even the night she'd fallen asleep in his arms… but she could barely believe that the prince was showing feelings toward her like this, at this very moment… it was a dream come true.

"…Quince…"

"I love you, Avery." he confessed, before Avery could utter another word. Shocked, Avery tried to answer him, but was unable to even speak.