Lady Dhampir
Chapter 198

They kept chatting a bit more in the nursery, as Eugenie insisted Milena at least pick a few colors or items herself. It turned out her sister-in-law had kept a quite impressive collection of magazines and catalogues from the shops dedicated to babies and toddlers, and was ecstatic to share it with her. Even Raphael was deeply involved, although he was visibly hoping Milena would give birth to two girls. "...Do you have a preference, Lady Milena? For the genders and kind, I mean?"

"I just hope they are born healthy," she shrugged. "That's all I ask. Vampire or human, I don't really care either."

"...Won't the King be an issue?" Suddenly asked Raphael.

Unlike the two ladies who had chosen to rest on a sofa, the vampire was standing a couple of steps away, his arms crossed with a concerned look. Milena shrugged.

"I actually saw him this morning."

"What? Really? Milena, why didn't you mention this earlier!"

"What for? It's not like he will do anything, anyway. He... tried to give me some strange impression as if he had been aware all along, but I highly doubt it. More like he learned too late of my pregnancy, and couldn't act sooner."

"He threatened you?" Grumbled Raphael.

"It's courtesy these days."

"That annoying prick..." Fumed the vampire. "He should be ashamed, after what he did to the vampires."

"Have you heard anything from the Society?"

Milena didn't need to worry about Eugenie hearing this part of the conversation; she already knew her sister-in-law and Raphael had grown close enough. As the new lady of the House and future Duchess, Eugenie was more than likely well aware of all their positions already, and she didn't even react to the mention of the Society of Vampires.

"They're still pissed at the King, and we have a hard time keeping the Supremacists at bay, Milena. The truth is, the King's actions have radicalized a lot of vampires. There is definitely pressure coming from his side. Faint, but still pressure. If it wasn't for you, hell would probably break loose from both sides. With Lady De Nova gone, the old Duke probably can't oversee it all."

Milena was well aware of that. She had entertained correspondence with the Duke to help support his businesses lately, but the Duke was growing old. Like Anton De Crescent, he had a significant age difference with his wife, had conceived his daughter late, and even for a vampire, he probably wasn't so young anymore. One of the reasons Rachael was so respected by her Father and their family despite being a woman was that she had been born when the House De Nova had almost lost hope to have a blood heir. Yet, the young Duchess had been born, and as a vampire too. However, now that her daughter was busy with the war, the House De Nova was once again getting threatened both from the inside and the outside. Milena sighed. She knew Rachael had entrusted her with her family's seal because there would definitely be internal struggle only a person of high position could handle.

"There are more and more rumors growing, too", whispered Eugenie with a worried expression. "Of vampires attacking the army... I don't understand. My husband has never mentioned anything about it, neither did my uncle..."

"Because there's nothing going on," said Milena. "My husband and Lucian said nothing of this, either. I believe those rumors are only meant to scare people inside the Capital, and grow the fear of vampires."

"But it's working," said Raphael. "Our cousins from the Hyacinth House said the same. More of their human staff has been quitting, and the businesses held by vampires are losing customers. Milena, if the blood suppliers get rarer, we might really have some issues coming up."

The Grand Princess knew that. The survival of vampires relied a lot on their trust with humans. If that trust was getting weaker, less humans would be willing to donate their blood to feed the vampires, and with less blood, the vampires would get hungry. Some already thought humans should only serve them as food, if some began to attack because they were too hungry and couldn't stand it anymore, real crimes would arise, and Ellias would have the perfect excuse to attack.

"...The war in itself is an issue," muttered Eugenie. "So many left, on both sides. I fear the lack of news is really making people restless. If news of death and conspiracy keep coming..."

"This is ridiculous!" Protested Raphael. "The vampires at the front even try to drink blood from the people who died there so they can spare the living from giving their strength away! Some even brought their own servants to supply them, and stocks of raw meat, the only thing we can actually digest aside from blood!"

Milena was busy thinking, but from what Raphael had said, an idea had germinated in her mind.

"...Raphael, how much budget does the Society of Vampire have for research?"

"About... a few accounts' worth. Why?"

"Do you remember how I studied Prince Sleverin's work once upon a time?"

"The crazy scientist one?"

"That one. He was insane, but he was a great scientist nethertheless. From what the books said, Sleverin was also studying how to create synthetic blood. What if we could succeed, with the right funding?" Raphael sighed, brushing his long hair back.

"You're not the only one who got interested in that research, Millie. The Society has had its eyes on it for a while... From what I've heard, the Sevira sisters are the closest to achieving something." "Sevira?" Repeated Milena.

"...Do we have relationships with them?" Asked Eugenie.

"It's been a while since I've contacted Kalliope, the eldest sister, but the last time I heard, she was working on something else, not vampire-related... Their family has never had any vampires. But they are quite progressive indeed."

"If you want to take a look at the state of current research, ask them," nodded Raphael. "Since they get the most funding from the Society, they'd be the closest I suppose. The second sister, Genia was in charge of interacting with the Society. I think she handles their administration." "I will. Thank you, Raphael."

Milena was surprised, but it did make sense that the sisters would discreetly work on such a thing. The invention of synthetic blood, if it came true, would make a massive difference in the interactions between vampires and humans. It was perhaps worth investing some of her own money into it, as well as looking at that research from up close. The vampires pulling the strings behind that financing were most likely not supremacists, so Milena could even support it openly without risking her own reputation in the process. She let out a long sigh, although it was one of relief. Milena would always rather have something to keep herself busy with, and that research already sounded very interesting. She had always been fascinated by Princess Silvra, but it felt like her crazy brother had some secrets to deliver as well... She stood up, stretching her back a little.

"I should get going soon," she said, gently smiling to Eugenie. "It's a bit late for you, and I don't want to take a mother's much-needed sleep hours away."

"You should sleep over Milena, it's late indeed," said her sister-in-law, taking her hands. "It will be very cold outside at this hour, can't you just leave tomorrow morning?"

"I didn't warn the Castle before coming here, if I spend the night outside without warning them, I'll worry a lot of people."

"Don't be silly, we could send a bird!"

Milena chuckled, and shook her head.

"I promise it's fine. It's not even near bedtime for me, I'm crepuscular, remember? No, I'll just go greet father before I leave. But I promise I'll consider coming back here soon." "I sincerely hope so, Milena."

She smiled, and gently hugged her sister-in-law, before Eugenie left for her apartments. Raphael, however, stayed with her as Milena walked to her Father's apartments.

"You know, I wasn't sure I should mention it in front of Eugenie, but... There's an... old rumor that we are related to one of Silvra's brothers? The crazy one..."

"Aren't we supposedly related to all of the former Royal Family?" Chuckled Milena. "I mean, I do have Princess Silvra's eyes..."

"Very funny. No, I mean... as the main bloodline. You know how some records were lost about Prince Sleverin?"

"You mean erased. His older brother tried to delete all traces of his sibling's crime and madness..."

"Well," resumed Raphael. "There's a rumor those records would have proven our family is the direct descendant... or something like that."

"What are you trying to say, Raphael?"

"I don't know, just... don't you think it's a bit funny? We're another family with a lot of siblings, and only one dhampir girl. And it happens my younger sister is obsessed with them... Lucian also had a major obsession with the second brother, the knight too, at one point." "...and didn't you have a major obsession with the portrait in the Royal Castle?"

"That's not the topic!" Protested Raphael, embarrassed. "Anyway, I am just saying... I feel like there's something big we have yet to reveal, you know."

"Yeah... I have that feeling too."

Milena couldn't help but smile. Raphael was definitely her brother, and perhaps the closest to her in terms of personality, too. It was a bit funny how they had come up with the same feeling... Although this meant nothing for now. They had arrived in front of their father's apartments, and the servants, among the oldest of the De Crescent Manor's staff, politely greeted them.

"Is my father awake?"

"Yes, my Lady, Young Lord. His Highness the Duke is receiving his medicine, my Lady. We will inform him of your visit right away."

The man disappeared inside, and a heavy weight fell on Milena's heart. She had almost forgotten about her Father's burns on his back and arms... Fire was one of the few things vampires feared the most. Their skin wouldn't heal from it and, strangely, that was the one thing that made them suffer more than humans did. Moreover, the Duke had suffered such large injuries. Milena had never been told the details of it, but she knew the surface was large, and the pain ought to be terrible. She still remembered the horror of that day, when he had been brought out of the flames...

Just like the Manor, the Duke would bear for a long time the sequelae of the fire. Perhaps the daily pain added to the depression Raphael had reported... Her brother grimaced.

"...He doesn't even want to talk about it," he muttered. "But I can tell when he's in pain. Sometimes he doesn't even come out of his room all night."

"...Why didn't you tell me?"

"What could I tell you, and what would it change? You know how Father hates to make us worry... You even more, Millie."

She sighed. Milena still felt sorry about her poor Father.

When they were granted entry, she silently walked in, the Duke wearing a dark bathrobe to greet her. Chasing away the sadness, Milena smiled and walked up to her father to let him hug her. "Milena. They just told me you had come."

"I wouldn't have wanted to wake you up, Father. How are you?"

The Duke smiled, and caressed her cheek as well as put a kiss on her forehead.

"Much better, now that I have seen my precious daughter. How are my grandchildren?"

"Still, for now. I hope that will keep going once they are born..."

Her father chuckled.

"I wouldn't bet on it. If they are like you and your brothers, you have some tough work ahead..."

"You always said we were adorable!" Protested Raphael.

"You saw Lucian and Milena as children, did you not?" Retorted their father, raising an eyebrow.

Raphael glanced towards his sister, making her chuckle. Indeed, he could easily remember some episodes of the De Crescent heirs running down the halls and causing some ruckus in the kitchens...

"I feel sorry for the staff already," he sighed.

Milena chuckled, and hugged her father back, carefully.

"I'm sorry we missed each other at dinner," she said. "But I'm glad I got to see you, Father."

"I'll come to the Castle this week", said the Duke. "I ought to see if they are all behaving with my daughter..."

"That would be much welcome. I plan to be more active in the Senate from now on."

"Really?" Frowned her Father.

Milena nodded. He seemed to hesitate for a moment, turning his eyes to Raphael instead, his red rubies glowing in the darkness of the room. The older brother shrugged.

"We did try to convince her to stay here and take it easy, but..."

The Duke let out a long sigh.

"You really are your mother's daughter... She could never stay in one place, either. Alright, I will support whatever it is you decide."

"I will be alright though, Father; Perhaps you should stay here..."

The Duke shook his head with a smile.

"I am not old enough yet that I would let my daughter fight alone, Milena."

"....I understand," she answered with a smile. "Alright, I will see you next week then. I do have to go now, though, I didn't plan on staying the night."

"Be careful."

"I will."

Just like that and with a heavy heart, Milena turned away. She was a bit bitter, now that she had seen her father for herself. He did look older than the last time she had seen him... Raphael lived with the Duke, and she could understand why he was a bit worried about his health. Milena had always seen her father as a strong man who could withstand anything, but even her father was just as man. Even Anton De Crescent could suffer, grow old or sad...

She greeted the servants again, many who had seen her grow up, and let Raphael accompany her back to her carriage, an extra layer on her shoulders. He helped her up, and closed the door in the butler's stead.

"Our father is right, Milena. You're as stubborn as I remember mom to be."

"...I'm a bit jealous," she sighed. "I don't have many memories of her."

"She did spend a lot of time with you, though, Millie."

"...I know."

Milena felt this discussion had gotten too heavy, and her brother chuckled.

"Look at that, I made the Grand Princess all nostalgic again. I can't wait to see you be a mom with your children. Now, that will be a sight for sore eyes. And it will probably make the grandfather very, very happy too. He spends a lot of time with Antonin when they are both awake at the same time!"

"I bet. I'll get going now, Raphael. I feel sorry for the horses and my guards already."

"Stay safe, Millie."

"You too."

Raphael nodded, and stepped back to stay on the Manor's porch, waving at them as the carriage departed. He stayed there despite being visibly cold, and remained in sight until the coach left the Manor's gates.

Only then did Milena rest her back against the seat, a bit more tired than she had thought. Dinah, too, looked drowsy and trying to fight against the sleepiness.

"My Lady!"

The voices woke Milena up suddenly. She sat up, alerted by Jeremiah's worried voice. Dinah, too, had taken out a little dagger. They were still in the carriage, just about to get out of the forest near the Royal Castle, from what she could see. Jeremiah's head appeared at the window of her carriage, his lips a bit blue.

"What's going on?"

"Two riders are coming from the side, my Lady! Please wait while we check their identity!"

Milena frowned. Why would cavaliers come through that side of the forest, without using the main road? And only two of them? That couldn't be an attack, unless there were more of them. But so close to the Royal Castle, it would have been a crazy attempt! She waited a bit, and heard indeed the horses coming close.

"Who is there!" Yelled Jeremiah. "Your identity, or we will shoot!"

"We belong to the House De Boreal! Here is our insignia! We have urgent news for the Grand Princess De Crescent!"

"De Boreal?" Repeated Milena, surprised. "From Henry?"

She opened her door, and Jeremiah, his sword still drawn out, stepped to the side to let the men through. The two of them were in a pitiful state, and visibly exhausted. They were as out of breath as their horses.

"From... Second young Duke Bryce De Boreal, my Lady," said one of them with a nod. "We came to... deliver some private news."

Milena's heart fell. Why would Bryce send two men to her? Wasn't he at the front?

The two men, with sorry expressions, came down from their horses, and put their knees down, lowering their heads.

"...Our most sincere condolences, Your Royal Highness. Our Master, Bryce, charged us with the heavy task to relay the news, as fast as possible, privately and directly to you before it got through more... official means.... The Commander of the Second Division was killed, my Lady."

"...Wha... W-who died?" Milena repeated, her voice breaking. "... Who?"

"The Comman-... Master Bryce's friend was killed. Your older brother Valentin De Crescent passed away last night, my Lady. We're very sorry."