CHAPTER 8

The following evening, the council members, dressed in black, gathered to mourn the Walter's. Lord Aiden left the council's cemetery after the burial.

He walked towards his carriage, his coachman opened the door for him. As he was about to get in, he spotted a cloaked figure behind the bushes. He walked towards the figure.

"Have I not told you not to visit me anywhere else other than my room or if I was the one that called you?"Aiden asked coldly.

The creature gurgled as if to say, "I am sorry." And of course Aiden understood whatever the creature had just said. He then went on to deliver whatever message it had for his master. Aiden dismissed it after he finished reporting.

He went back towards his carriage and the coachman opened the door for him. He got in and the carriage rode out of the council's building. As the journey back to his mansion was a two day journey, they stopped at intervals. Finally arriving at his mansion, The butler came out to welcome him. He got down from the carriage and the coachman went to park the carriage.

"Welcome back young master." Alfred said while taking off Aiden's coat. He hung the coat on a near by rack, ensuring it remained pristine.

"Alfred, send a glass of blood tea to my study, I'll be there in a short while." Aiden said.

"Yes master." Alfred replied.

Aiden then went to his room. He met his elder sister and younger sister on the way to his room.

"How was the council, Aiden?" His elder sister Layla asked him.

Layla was the first child of their parents, with him being the second and Lily, the last child. Their parents were late now though.

"Good." He replied

"Have you found a governess for Lily?" Layla asked her brother.

"I haven't. The ones I found are not to my liking." He said.

"Alright. We are off to a tea party." She told her brother.

"Come on Lily."

He nodded his head and went to his room. Aiden shed all his clothes and went to his bathroom, feeling a sense of libration as the cool air enveloped his bare skin. He stepped into the spacious, tiled room, the soft glow of the dimmed lights creating a tranquil ambience.

The farmiliar scent of lavender filled the air, emanating from scented candles strategically placed around the room. Aiden turned on the faucets, adjusting the temperature until the water cascading from the showerhead was right. After he finished taking his bath, he came out of the bathroom, stepping out onto the plush bath mat.

He wrapped a soft towel around his waist, absorbing the remaining droplets of water. He dressed up and left for his study.

The room was adorned with shelves filled with books, a large, ornate desk, and a comfortable arm chair by the window overlooking the serene garden.

He walked towards his chair and sat down. Alfred already prepared his blood tea. He took it and downed everything. His trusted aide came in also very close friend.

"Aiden, the rogues are causing chaos, harming innocent people." Theodore said.

Theodore was his only subordinate who could only address him casually.

"I know." Aiden said. "But weren't the half vampires taken into the custody of the council?" Theodore asked.

"Either the council did not do a good job or someone's transformation went wrong while turning the humans to a bunch of deranged half vampires." Aiden said.

Then Theodore went ahead to report other matters to Aiden.

"You know the winter's ball is coming up soon and it is going to be held in the mansion." Theodore informed Aiden.

The ball occurred every year. It was usually rotated amongst the empires and this time, it was scheduled to be held in Verdian.

Aiden nodded his head, "Prepare the mansion for the winter's ball. Ensure that everything is in order, from the decorations to the catering. It must be a grand affair that benefits the reputation of the Verdian empire. Do not forget to give out invitations also." Aiden said.

Theodore nodded his head. They continued to discuss about the winter's ball. With their conversation concluded, Theodore bowed respectfully and withdrew from the study, leaving Aiden to contemplate the convergence of political matters and the upcoming festivities.

The winter's ball promised to be a significant event, intertwining the realms of diplomacy and celebration in a delicate dance that would shape the future of the empire.