Keep Your Fangs To Yourself!

@ Sweet.Persephone
A look of wonder was on display as Jax walked around the castle for the first time in his life. While on the inside he was honestly indifferent to the whole thing. Taking in all of the fancy artwork and expensive-looking statues. It screamed the lifestyle of the rich and famous. Luxury, and power. An while Jax grew up rather comfortable himself, with a small handful of maids and a butler. His childhood home wasn't anything like this. It was mainly just him and his mother, two rejects of high society because of one's craving for power.

"This will be your new wing, Your Highness." The butler that was giving Jax a tour said. Stopping and turning sideways to look at the young man. Doing his best to keep up his kind nature, Jax smiled at the man. "I get my own wing? Cool!" That wording didn't seem to please the butler. "Yes... cool." The butler said in a monotone voice. A sure sign that he wasn't happy in the least bit. Then, the butler started to walk once more. Pointing at what rooms were what. Explaining that his guests would be able to have rooms of their own and that he even had a private dining area if he didn't want to eat with the King and Queen.

Most of what the butler was saying was honestly going in one ear and out the other. As Jax really didn't care. He wasn't here because of luck, he was here because he was smart and had gotten rid of his competition. He needed to be careful and watch his next step because now the real game was going to start soon. He needed to bring his A-game.

Following the butler down a hall, he pretended to have not realized that a human was coming down as well and walked into her as she was turning the corner as well. "Ah, my apologies." He said and grabbed the female's arms to steady her. A small smile playing upon his lips as he looked at her. "I wasn't paying attention." He said as he let the girl go and moved to continue walking after the butler. Acting as nothing had happaned.

@ FallenHope95

As she was hurrying back to her room, Arielle wasn't paying much attention to what was around her. She couldn't believe what was happening. Giovanni was out and some new guy was in? And was Giovanni really doing drugs this whole time? It certainly did not seem impossible but it also didn't necessarily make a lot of sense to her. As all of this was swirling in her mind, Arielle suddenly felt someone run into her but before she even had a chance to stumble back, he steadied her. "I apologize as well, I wasn't either," Arielle said before she watched the man walk him. He seemed nice. Some guest of the King, she guessed.

With that, she continued on her way to her room

---

-A week later-

It had not taken long for the vampiric king to contact her parents and get them to agree to the new engagement. After all, they did not know Giovanni and only wanted her to marry him for the truce. So it meant little to them that a new son was going to be her husband. But when Arielle spoke to her parents alone, they seemed relieved that she would not be marrying a drug addict and encouraged her to keep a close on the second son, just in case he was as well.

Over the last few days, Arielle had become quite curious as to who the second son was. All she had received was a name, Jax, but she knew nothing else about him. She had not been so keen on speaking to the vampires and it seemed there was not a lot of information on the son online except for the fact that he was a bastard child. Not the case so much anymore though. But today was the day that the King was going to officially name the man his new heir and their engagement. At last, she would finally meet Jax.

Arielle dressed in something appropriate for the occasion before she made her way down to the throne room. She stood up front but to the side, out of the way for the announcement of him becoming heir but still able to step forward and walk to Jax when their engagement was announced. How unfortunate that this whole situation didn't just cancel the engagement but... well she hoped that Jax would be kinder to her than Giovanni was.

@ Sweet.Persephone
How the hell was Giovanni able to handle all of this shit? So many rules, you can't sit like that in public, you need to slow down when you drink. Please watch your posture as you walk, it's not becoming of a Crown Prince to slouch so much as he walks. To think that even though he'd practiced the same shit at home, Jax was still being taught to act like a stuck up noble with a stick up his ass. Then again, he was now getting what he and his mother had strived for. Taking his rightful place by his father's side. So, doing all of that training shit was worth it. Even though it was a pain in the ass.

Head up, shoulders back, legs straight. Jax walked down the halls. Carrying himself with as much confidence as he could bring up. His playful smirk working its way onto his lips. Replacing the oh so formal frown and stoic expression that he was supposed to have in situations like this. They may have trained his little brother to be their monkey, but he was no monkey. No, Jax was a beast that they hadn't bet on. Something more dark and wild. When he'd show his real colors, they'll all bow. For the real king has arrived.

As Jax approached the throne room, the large golden doors swing open slowly and all sound dies. Hundreds of eyes shift towards him, camera's flash and film. Catching each and every move he makes, ready to tell the press how Prince Jax, the new heir to the kingdom isn't fit for the role. How he's not the true heir. He's a mistake, a burden. Oh, how he couldn't wait to prove them all wrong and make them see he was the right choice all along.

Walking into the room, Jax took a knee in front of the throne, in front of his father. In front of the king, pledging his alliance to him, the crown, and the people. He was accepting his new role as heir, as the future of the Kindom. The King rose and Jax lowered his head respectfully as he approached. Giving his speech about how proud he was to name him as the heir, how he knew that Jax would make the people proud, and blah blah blah. Then, once he was done with his speech he spoke to Jax once more in his booming tone. "Crown Prince Jax, raise and allow the people to meet their new heir." The King said and then he turned around to face the people, the press, and the cameras. His playful smirk plastered along his lips as he raised his right hand in greeting. His hazel eyes looking to meet each and every direction. Making himself seem friendly and approachable.

Then, as Jax slowly lowered his hand he didn't bring it back to his side. Instead, he looked over his shoulder to the pretty girl in the white dress and grinned as he reached it out to her. Offering her to share the spotlight with him. To stand by his side, to once again seem like a good guy.

----

Sitting on the ridiculous thing they called a couch in his new apartment, Gio scowled. His body leaned forward, resting on his elbows on his knees. His gaze focusing on the television and slowly shaking his head. "You fucking piece of shit." He mumbled, watching as his bastard brother took his place. Taking what wasn't his to take. Ruining Gio, making him feel like a fool. "Don't trust that man, Ari. Don't." He mumbled, watching as his brother offered Ari a hand. Acting like the gentleman that he wasn't.

@ FallenHope95

Some surprise moved through Arielle as she watched Jax move through the room to claim his new title. Despite having been in the same castle as the new prince, Arielle had not been introduced to him yet. So to find out that it was the kind man she had run into the hallway was surprising. Though, Arielle supposed that it bode well for her. After all, he had been kind to her and it wasn't a guarantee that he knew his new position or who she was at that point.

So there was some hope. Some hope that this new prince would be kind. Perhaps he would understand her more than Giovanni had. She still had mixed feelings about it all. Starting over again with someone new. And she still did not want to be married off to a vampiric prince? Would he feel the same way and try to help her get out of it? There was a lot up in the air at the moment and she didn't care for it. But it did not mean that she might not end up in a better situation than before.

Once Jax turned back to her and offered his hand, she smiled warmly at the man. This was just another good sign. Arielle laid her hand into his and moved forward to stand at his side. She looked out to the people, the press and the cameras, smiling widely at them, as though she was pleased with her new fiancée. It was her job at that point, to seem like she was happy about the change. And while she wasn't sure if she was or not, at least she was pleased with how it was going so far.

After a moment, Arielle looked back at Jax, wanting to take his lead on this. They were meant to officially meet each other after this. And, as far as she knew, the King had nothing else planned for this day. So, where ever Jax wanted to go, she would follow. Whether that was to speak to the press or to head out to finally meet.

@ Sweet.Persephone
A small smile lit up Jax's lips as he watched the human Princess move towards him. Her painted smile and fake politeness radiating off of her and digging like knives into Jax's being. She was trained for this shit. She was born and bred for the spotlight and he could see right through that mask of hers. Yet, he didn't call her out on it. No, he needed her to use it right now and he needed to practice his. These were his people now. He needed them to fall for him.

Shifting his gaze back towards the people once more, Jax allowed for a couple more pictures to be taken. His lips pulled into his signature boy next door sort of smile that seemed to make all the girls panties wet for him and the guys to want to be him. Looking towards Arielle, Jax allowed for his smile to soften and his shoulders to seem like they've relaxed as he lowered them. "Ready to get out of here, Princess?" Jax asked, and motioned with his eyes for them to leave. Then, once she gave a nod or whatever answer she'd deem acceptable, Jax would take the lead on leading them out of the throne room. His free hand raising to wave at the people who've gathered to see his coronation.

Then as soon as they passed through the doors and Jax led the Princess out of any prying eyes, he releases her hand. "Are all royal events like that? It was so stressful." Jax said and let out a small sigh as he ran a hand through his hair. He turned his back towards the young Princess for a moment and let out a small sigh. Seeming like he was overwhelmed for a moment. Then, he turned back towards Arielle and once again offered her a small smile after he seemed to relax a bit. "Who would have thought that the pretty girl I ran into in the hall on my arrival would be the one I'd get to marry." He meant it as a little joke, a tease to lighten the mood if anything.

"I'm Jax, in case you haven't heard." He said as he moved towards Arielle, pretending to not know who she was. "And you are?" He waited for her to take his hand and introduce herself. Then, he'd raise her hand to his lips and press a small kiss to the back of her hand before slowly releasing it.

@ FallenHope95

"Yes I am, Prince Jax," Arielle whispered to him, smiling softly at the man. In truth, she was glad that he did not want to talk to the reporters. After her stay at the hospital, she was feeling a little...uncomfortable with the other vampires again. Giovanni had been able to ease some of her fears before the attack but now after the fact, she felt like she was on edge again. And it only worsened with the proof she had found that Giovanni was uncontrollable due to another's influence. Scary to think that one of them could just lose control and that was the end of her. Even so, she was trying her best to relax again, knowing that showing fear would do her no good.

Once they were out of the throne room, Arielle's shoulders slightly relaxed and she looked to him. And feeling him release her hand only caused her to fold both of hers in front of herself. "It depends on the event." Arielle told him honestly. "If you are not the center of attention, it is a bit easier. Though you still need to remain at your best." She wondered how much Jax knew and didn't know. From her understanding, the man was never meant to be in the castle, and certainly not heir. Perhaps he would find this new position overwhelming and need much help. If that was the case, surely he would not pay much attention to her... Maybe that was a good thing?

"Sounds like fate," Arielle told him with a smile. "And, I have heard. How could I not when you are the buzz of the castle?" As he offered his hand, Arielle laid hers gently on top of his. "I am Princess Arielle of Risa." She told him as he kissed her hand. It was a little surprising that Jax did not know who she was at all, so it seemed that a formal introduction was best. "You can call me Arielle. Seems only right that you are my fiancée," She teased lightly. Although she jested, the young woman was watching his reaction closely. Perhaps he disapproved of this?

@ Sweet.Persephone
Doing his best to show a small smile, Jax nodded his head as he listened to Arielle. She seemed as sweet as the media said she was. Docile in the public eye, but Jax still knew to be wary. For that's how his mother his father's, the king's, attention. "Hmm." Jax murmured quietly, as he slowly nodded his head. "Are you one to believe in the face, Arielle?" Jax asked, tasting her name on his lips. Acting like it's the first time he's spoken it. Like he was savoring the feeling of her name rolling off of his tongue.

Then, Jax made a show with his arm and swept it to the side. Indicating for her to walk down the hallway with him. "Please, join me, Princess. Ah, Arielle. I'd like to explore the castle a bit if that's alright?" He asked, offering the young girl a small smile. "I've not gotten a chance to really see the place other than my living quarters." He explained as they'd start to walk down the hallway. His eyes looking at all of the paintings, to many they must seem beautiful and interesting. While Jax just saw a waste of money.

"I feel like I'm not the only one who's been thrown into a mess they weren't ready for," Jax said quietly after a while of just wondering the halls. "How does the vampire world compare to your, um, the human kingdom?" Jax asked, then slowed his pace till he stopped. "Sorry, I feel like that was really insensitive to bring up." He frowned as he pretended that his mouth couldn't stop rambling to the young girl. "I couldn't imagine being sent to a Kingdom where monsters rule." Jax made himself visibly flinch and brought a hand up to cover his mouth in embarrassment. "Damn, I need to learn to not ramble. My apologies, Princess. I mean Arielle." He forced himself to ramble once more when he lowered his hand and winced. Playing the charming, gullible, yet easily approachable guy. Jax wondered if this type would be able to catch the young girl off guard. As it seemed to work on most, especially with his looks.

@ FallenHope95

"In the face?" Arielle repeated back to him. It was an interesting question for Jax to ask her. And one that she let hang in the air for a moment before responding. "No, absolutely not." Arielle told him honestly. As he indicated for her to walk down the hallway with him, Arielle gave a little nod of agreement and started to head down with Jax by her side. "That is certainly alright. I have been here for a little while now but I could not say I know the castle intimately yet. Perhaps we will find a new area together." It was true, Arielle had not spent much time wandering the castle as she had not wanted to get into a conversation with some vampire noble. Or get found somewhere she did not belong. Though she figured she could worry about those less with Jax by her side.

"I am unsure of how... familiar you are with being in the public eye or being royalty, Jax." Arielle said softly. She did not want to offend him but she had been told that the upcoming heir had been seemingly hidden away for some time now. At least, that was what she got from the little amount of rumors she did know. "But I have found that the face often lies." Arielle glanced up at one of the paintings of some old noble or royal. "Sometimes even more than the mouth."

It was quiet after a while of just roaming the hallways. Though when Jax spoke up, the young woman turned her attention to him. The young prince started to ask her questions that were not very appropriate to ask in a first meeting and it seemed that he had a hard time stopping himself from rambling when he already made an error. A look of curiosity came over the princess' face, however, finding what he said rather interesting. The prince had just said something that Giovanni never would have. Both in that Jax seemed truly interested in how she felt and was taking all of this... but also "Do you see yourself as a monster, Jax?" Arielle asked, some confusion over her face.

@ Sweet.Persephone
Listening to Arielle, Jax couldn't help but slowly blink his eyes as he looked towards the young Princess who had stopped walking a couple of steps in front of him. The expression on her face was one that showed she was interested in him. That she was actually falling for what he was doing and saying to her. Like a little marionette doll. Getting tangled in his strings and becoming his little doll. His little puppet of sorts. Who would of guessed that it would be so easy to get her curiosity in him?

Raising his hand to his mouth, Rubbing his mouth back and forth slowly as he looked down at the ground in thought. A small hum escaping from him to add to the effect of him thinking about what the girl just asked him. "A monster?" He repeated after a moment and looked nack up towards the young girl. His head-turning to the side as he shoved his hands slowly into his front pockets. "No one asked what I thought I was before." He said quietly. "Or how I feel, really." His lips pursed together. "A monster might be too strong of a word though." He said quietly and then shrugged his shoulders slowly before relaxing them. "A misguided being would probably be a better description to how I feel, who I am." His shoulders slowly shrugged once more. Showing that he really wasn't fazed in the least bit by the confession. Almost like it felt like a relief to get that off of his chest.

Slowly turning to the side, Jax started to walk once more. His pace at a leisurely pace as he walked. His hands still in his pockets as he walked. His gaze focused on the ground as he walked. His lips pursing into a line for a moment before relaxing as he raised his gaze. Then, seeing a door to the right, Jax reached out and opened it. Revealing what looked like it was a large ballroom because of the light polished wooden floors and the tables and chairs that were pushed to the side to clean. "Woah," Jax murmured quietly as he stepped inside and looked around. Pretending to be amazed at what he saw.

@ FallenHope95

"So then that is how you believe I see you then?" Arielle responded. "You think that I believe you all are monsters." She glanced the man up and down for a long moment as she continued on. "That is very bold of you to say during our first meeting, Prince Jax." The new heir was currently an interesting man. Though the way he stumbled along his words brought insight into his thoughts. He had put her situation in terms of having to live with monsters... which was not entirely wrong as vampires did literally eat humans. But it was certainly not something she would say to a stranger while on said 'monsters' territory.

The princess turned and started to walk once again now that Jax was starting into the ballroom. "For the record, I do not think of vampires as monsters." Arielle told him. "Though I must say that you are very different from your brother, Jax. I do not believe he once tried to think about how I might felt or to put himself in my shoes..." The young woman walked further into the ballroom until she was standing in the middle of it. She was not nearly as impressed as Jax was by the sight of it, she had been in many ballrooms. But it was still an impressive room.

Arielle turned back slowly to look at the man, her eyes softening slightly. "I apologize if you did not want me to bring Giovanni up. The thought just crossed my mind and I did not think about the displeasure it might cause you."

@ Sweet.Persephone
Shrugging his shoulders, Jax turned towards Arielle and pursed his lips as he listened to her speak. "Don't you?" He asked, and then made a small hum as she explained herself to him. His attention straying to take in the large room. The vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, and the beautiful crown molding along the top of the walls all screamed that this place was being taken very good care of. Most likely, when some sort of important party was to happen, this would be the room used.

"We're to wed in a short time, Princess. Why waste time beating around a bush with pleasantries when we can just be open with each other from the start?" Jax cast a glance over his shoulder at Arielle. His tone a little flat before he turned away from her and then started to walk around the room. Just looking around and taking everything in. "As for speaking of Giovanni, you're fine. I barely knew him." He paused by a chair and ran his fingertips along the top of the smooth wood. "We've met once or twice when we were young, then resorted to secret messages once a month or so. Being the bastard, my brother's mother didn't want me in the picture much."

Turning back towards Arielle, Jax crossed his arms over his chest slowly as he leaned back against the stack of chairs that were behind himself. "What's your opinion on everything that's gone on, Arielle?" Jax asked, his head tilting to the side as he examined her slowly. "If you don't think I'm a monster, then what do you see when you look at me? My father? My people?" He paused to let his questions to sink in. "What do you think about marrying a beast like me?"

@ FallenHope95

Arielle remained quiet as Jax spoke. It was interesting how quickly it seemed that his demeanor was changing. How fast he wanted to do away with the pleasantries and go right into the hard conversations. No, Jax was not like Giovanni all that much. Though she wasn't quite sure how he was different. Right now she was putting together the puzzle that was her new fiancée and Arielle was just beginning to find out that some of the pieces in the box were either fake or missing. Though which ones?

"My opinion on everything that has happened? Well, I think that will take some time to go over. Besides, I am not quite sure you have earned the right to pick around my brain." Arielle said as she turned back to him, quickly beginning to throw her defenses back up. "And if I didn't know any better, I would think that you were trying to bait me." She looked over him for a long moment, her eyes narrowing a bit. "I don't see vampires as monsters or beasts, Jax. I have met plenty of lovely people here and those who were not so nice. Saying that all vampires were one particular way would be short-sighted and ignorant. That being said, I am not thrilled about the prospect of being bitten again. Perhaps you can succeed where Giovanni had failed."

"As for the marriage, it is what it is. As the new heir, you'll quickly get used to it." This seemed like a good time to keep her hand held closed to her chest. There was something that made Arielle think it was better to keep her thoughts to herself. She had plenty of opinions on the vampires, both good and bad but to share them with a complete stranger? A terrible idea. And the same was true with the engagement as she was still trying to plot a way to get out of it. Something in her told her not to share the truth, so what she had told him seemed good enough for now. "Is there something you would like to share about the engagement, then?"

@ Sweet.Persephone
A casual look of surprise appeared upon Jax's face as he listened to Arielle speaking against him. Truth be told, it was his goal all along. He wanted to know how much of a backbone this little girl had and well, she had claws and he liked that. Jax liked that quite a bit actually. Having someone who was an easy pushover was not something that he wanted to deal with while he was here. So knowing that Arielle was here to keep him entertained was a god's blessing. It meant that it won't be so boring while he turned things upside down here.

Slowly, a small smile spread across Jax's lips as he listened to Arielle. Showing her that he was pleased with what she was telling him. "I'm glad that you're not what I assumed, Arielle," Jax said calmly. His voice going back to the calm tone that he'd been using to lure people into his spider web. "Truth be told, I was only told I'd be having a human fiance once I became Crown Prince, so instantly. My mind went, great I'll have an ill-willed human who was desperate to get on my good side. Someone who wouldn't have thoughts in her head except for being scared to death, but you." Jax smiled softly. "I like you, you have spunk. I'm pleased to hear that you've met some of my people and like them."

Standing up straighter, Jax ran a hand through his hair. Ruffling it up a little bit and messing it up a bit. "My Kingdom's in turmoil at the moment, Arielle. I can't have someone weak and scared by my side. So, sorry for flaring your temper." Jax said as he looked around the room once more. Getting the feel for the place once more. "I don't want a pushover, I want a queen that'll help make shit right here." Shoving his hands into his pockets, Jax looked back towards the Princess. "Do you think you'd be up for changing this place? Making it more open? To everyone?"

@ FallenHope95

A deep frown came over Arielle's face as Jax revealed what he had done. That it was all some elaborate trick to see what kind of person she really was. She could understand holding back, waiting to see, and watching one closely but Arielle definitely did not approve of being tested. Especially by someone who had just become heir an hour ago. Jax was jumping into a world that she was quite sure he knew nothing about and was already more than willing to play games. "I don't like being toyed with like that," Arielle responded to him, her eyes showing her disapproval. She took a few steps around him, they were slow and purposeful. And she held the type of confidence of someone who had been heir since she was born.

"Your proposition is interesting though." Arielle didn't hate the idea of her potential husband actually wanting her assistance with his country. She felt rather sure that Giovanni wouldn't have taken her assistance at all. So to know that this new fiancee would... Well, it still made her hopeful that this was someone that she could work with. But Arielle wanted to put him in his place about attempting to test her. This was not something she wanted to become a common occurrence. "I will think about it. I am the heir to my own kingdom, I have my own people to care for. It is of the utmost importance to me that I care for them first and foremost. But perhaps I can help you here and there. I suppose it will be easier since I am here."

Arielle folded her hands together and stood right in front of the man, looking him straight in the eyes. "Well, I can't make a decision though without any information. What is your vision for the future, Jax? And what kind of help do you want from me?"

@ Sweet.Persephone
Nothing was given away as Jax stood perfectly still. Listening to Arielle and merely following her with his eyes. She had a lot to say and seemed pretty sure of herself. Almost to the point of being stuck up with a stick so far up her ass where someone wouldn't be able to pull it out. Except, they never got the idea that maybe shoving something in more would be more destructive than pulling it out. Flipping one's world onto its self instead of trying to change it completely.

"You talk as if we're going to get married and then you'll go back to your home kingdom and never see me again," Jax murmured quietly, amusement dancing along with his eyes for a moment before moving back to being indifferent. "There seems to be a misunderstanding that we both keep dancing around. There is no longer my Kingdom or your Kingdom. It should honestly just be considered our kingdom. Unless your parents plan to have another heir to rule your Kingdom while you're here." Jax's lips slowly moved into a false frown. Pretending to be a little unsure of what he had just said. Almost like he hadn't realized he was saying it til it slipped out of his mouth.

"I want our people to integrate, Arielle. No more Vampire realm or Human realm." Jax said, uncrossing his arms and letting them rest at his sides. Raising his right up, Jax slowly reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind Arielle's ear. "I want peace, I want there to be no more fear and instead of an understanding of each other's cultures, lifestyles." Jax pulled his hand back and rested it at his side. "As you said, not all of us are monsters. I don't want to be overshadowed by those who are any longer. I need someone who's seen good from both sides to help make things right."

@ FallenHope95

Once Jax was finished speaking, a smile came across Arielle's lips. "That is exactly what I was hoping you would say." She told him. The fact of the matter was, Arielle had not wanted to agree to assisting Jax unless he wanted the same thing she did. In the chance that she wasn't able to get out of the marriage, then at least she wanted it to be a good thing for her people. And the best they could do at that point would to have the two kingdoms work together.

"Very well then, I will agree to help you as long as you help me as well. I think, together, we could create something amazing for both of - I mean - our countries." As they talked, it was becoming clear that Jax had no intention of trying to get out of the marriage. Which, Arielle supposed was okay. At least he was heading towards a direction she could life with. In the meantime, Arielle would see if there were any ways out but at this point, she did not believe there was. Hell, they even found her someone new to marry when Giovanni was kicked out.

Arielle reached out and lightly took his hand into hers. "And, I am not sure if anyone told you but we are suppose to be spending half the time at my castle. Though, of course, that got pushed back when you became heir. It was insisted that you learn how to become the prince first. Which makes sense but do expect to travel quite a bit once you're deemed ready to spend sometime with the humans." Arielle let out a warm laugh. "Jax, I think this is going to be a great partnership."

@ Sweet.Persephone
On the inside, Jax couldn't help but scowl. Spending time in the human kingdom sounded like a complete bore to him. Why would anyone with a sane head on their shoulders want to do that? They were completely at his mercy. With a flick of his wrist, he'd be able to slaughter the whole castle. Yet, they expected him to be calm and nice with them? Would he or his entourage even be able to feed while there? Shit. That'll have to be for another time, right now. Jax could hear footsteps approaching them.

Forcing himself to smile slightly, Jax gave Arielle's hand a light squeeze and a shake before releasing it. "It seems so, Arielle," Jax said quietly, then looked up as the footsteps he heard came closer. He might not have been trained in the typical way of being a Prince, but his uncle was more than happy to teach the bastard the art of listening. After all, you never know when someone would try and sneak up on you and kill you. A Vampire must hone their skills in order to be an actually lethal machine.

Entering the doorway was the King, Jax's father. "I was wondering where you two adventured off too." The man said as he looked around the room, seeming a little bored. After all, he'd been in it quite a bit. "When I heard that you were still exploring the castle, it surprised me. I thought you'd want to see more of your future country, Jaxson." The right corner of Jax's eye twitched. "We're getting there, Your Majesty," Jax murmured, not quite sure how to reply to his father. The King's lips twitched. "Just be back before dinner if you do head out." With that, the King bid the two farewell and turned to leave. Giving the two youngsters their privacy once more.

Raising a hand, Jax smoothed back his hair before glancing down at Arielle. "Well, do you want to get out of here?" His voice monotone, giving a hint that he wasn't quite interested in going out, but was willing to if Arielle wanted to.

@ FallenHope95

Arielle's head shifted up as she heard footsteps approaching them. The woman turned around to see that it was the King coming closer. With that, she dropped her hands and folded them together in front of her waist as she faced him completely. And once he was close enough, she bowed her head respectfully to him. While the King was not someone she actually had to listen to, it was still best to give him the proper respect. Especially as both of their countries were now allies. Though she remained quiet during the conversation between father and son. It wasn't really her place to interject.

Once the King had left, Arielle turned back to Jax. "Not particularly." Arielle told him honestly. With the new heir and engagement announcement, the paparazzo were sure to be out of control. And they would remain that way until they got a few good pictures of the new prince and the new happy couple together. But it was not something that the woman wanted to deal with now. And, in truth, she was still skittish around large groups of vampires although she tried her best not to be.

"I actually think it is time that I retire to my room. Though we should go out another time. I am sure that your people are wishing to see their new heir out and about." Arielle curtsied to Jax before turning around and making her way through the castle. It certainly had been a very interesting and informative day. Though she wish she couldn't feel the emotional tug from Giovanni. He had certainly been feeling quite... hectic since he was kicked out of the castle.

@ Sweet.Persephone
Things were going smoothly for Jax. The people were falling head over heels for him. He was on almost every tabloid smiling, people stood outside of the castle wanting to get a picture of him or to shake his hand and of course, he'd oblige with that. Making appearances at fundraisers and asking people to donate to causes that'll help the people and the country. Like orphanages, blood banks, and so on. The people were really excited to have Jax as the heir. He didn't go to parties like Gio and cause a scene for the King and Queen to clean up. He was the perfect future ruler, or so the tabloids say.

Sitting back in his seat, Jax scrolled through news articles on his phone. The people adored him, it was obvious with all of the pictures that were now online of him. The worthless bastard had wormed his way into the people's hearts. Becoming their favorite Vampire to follow. Thinking that he was their salvation and will lead them into the next era with pride and dignity. Oh, how wrong all of these small-minded people were. They didn't see the bigger people. He wasn't salvation nor was he going to show pride or dignity. Well, maybe the Pride part, but what he had planned didn't need dignity. Taking over another Kingdom didn't need such a useless emotion for that. No, it was brutality and cunning. It was chaos and pain. An what the people didn't know, what that Jax was capable of all of that.

The right corner of Jax's lips twitched, things were falling into place. Piece by piece. The people were forgetting that disgrace of a younger brother of his and remembering as well as favoring the runner up. The one who shouldn't have had a right to the throne. Who would have thought that all of those good deeds could cause the people to adore him so much? Shit, maybe Jax should have pretended to be the good son all along. He probably could have kicked Gio out sooner if he had. Ah well, what's done is done as long as Jax keeps things up. After all, they were just beginning.

Standing up from his spot at the dining table, Jax tucked his phone back into his pocket. An empty glass of what had been dark red blood sat in front of his seat. Not a drop had been wasted. It didn't taste as good as fresh blood, but, that'll come in time. After all, a fiance shouldn't worry about their love going hungry. Right? Turning away from the table, Jax headed out of the room and started to head down the hall. This was when he was informed that some guests have arrived for him and were waiting in one of the private sitting rooms that were in his wing.

@ FallenHope95

Things were going wonderfully for the princess over the last two months. Well, in most aspects that was. She still was in the vampire kingdom, and in truth it had gotten much harder to get out of the marriage though that was because of how great things were going with Jax. It had not taken him long to win the hearts of his people and many in the castle. A lot of his own nobles seemed to like him as well. And even Arielle had to admit that he seemed almost perfect.

He was sweet to her and actually listened to what she said. Even when Jax disagreed, it didn't have to become this back and forth. Really things almost couldn't be better with Jax than they were. It made her hopeful for their future that was seemed more enviable by the day. And with how great he was doing, it seemed impossible to get out of the engagement. After all, his country loved him. And, she now knew that there was one pressing company in her country that seemed to be warming up to the man as well.

Arielle looked over the front of the magazine, seeing the photo of Jax on the front of it. And as she turned into the article, Arielle as glad to see that at least one publication was warming up to him. If they were going to be stuck together, she wanted their countries to like each other. And it was a good sign that someone was willing to publish something on the hopeful side since most thoughts on the engagement, and on the countries combining had been negative.

Holding onto the magazine, Arielle made her way towards the room that one of the maids told her that Jax was in. It was in his wing of the castle, which Arielle couldn't say she was totally familiar with. Though she figured it was just a room with some hobby or a place for the man to relax. So, when she arrived, the princess knocked on the door but didn't want for a response to step inside. "Jax!" Arielle said excited as she stepped in. "I have....great news."

Arielle's excitement was quick to dwindle as she really got a look inside of the room. Her eyes shifted around to see the men sitting around a game of poker. Though the game was not the issue but the guests. She was quick to recognize some of them and they certainly weren't the type she would invite to a game, much less the castle. Her fingers around the magazine tightened.