"Wh-What is this? This thirst--"
The prince had eaten his meal, he'd ensured the intake was sugary enough to keep his thirst at bay. So then why were his lungs and throat on fire? Why did his fangs ache and his skin become slick with sweat? Had he miscalculated? Had someone tampered with his meal?
Doubled over, the blond tried to calm his raging blood by drawing in deep breaths- which to others would sound as ragged as someone unable to breathe at all.
Aries gently kisses Lazarus' cheek and lightly wraps his arms around the vampir. Really, if the others cared so much, he could leave the brothel with Lazarus and live out the simple life he dreams of.
Instead of saying anything about that, he just kisses Lazarus again. "...I don't want anyone to be stupid enough to think you're replaceable. You're important to me and I won't lose you, especially not far from here."
"B-But master-"
This was still- extremely new and uncomfortable for Lazarus. To be treated so kindly and with such seeming favouritism. It made him shift in place, cheeks pink with embarrassment and eyes averted. It was hard, he couldn't deny his master and yet he didn't feel that such a thing was allowed. He was but a lowly whore, and the master was-- well... The master.
"I-- am the only one of my kind but- I-I'm sure you could find someone to replace me if you wanted to, master-"
Lazarus, it seems like the day of your vacation has finally come! For some reason, Aries insists on brushing your hair himself and even putting a decorative comb into it once he's satisfied.
...It's a brand new thing, still smelling like the store he bought it from. It seems like your master is serious about spoiling and loving you.~
"M-Master I don't--"
Why did his master wish to do his hair? Was it too unruly? Surely the length wasn't the issue- so then why'd he pin it up? With something brand new of all things? He felt... Like the pampered, prissy whores who dolled themselves up for their clients. He'd never had to as he was simply alluring as he was. That and his pheromones were all that was needed to get his patrons going.
Still, he couldn't help but be uncomfortable as the comb was put in place to hold his hair, hands twitching with the force it took to keep from pulling it out. His master had put it there- he had to keep it in-
"Are you sure this is okay? I don't want the others to think I'm being spoiled-"
Lazarus gags when he happens across other mermaids devouring what appeared to be a surface dweller. The bile in his throat was hot, the taste in his mouth bitter- how could they-? The sea prince, close to getting sick, hurriedly swam away. Unfortunately, that image would be burned into his mind for quite some time.
"I was made by a god to protect all seafolk." It's the simplest explanation, made for those ignorant of the Seafather's magnificence. No one else but the unaware would argue with a sea witch, after all.
"I don't know why, but even goes to those that don't worship him..." But then again, it's never been his place to question the Seafather. ...If it was, if he was an Ancient, maybe then he could have been enough for Breeze...
"Any other questions?" For now, he can relax and stop passing the knife between his tentacles.
"A god--? I think father mentioned something about a sea god before- but I was never taught anything."
Lazarus had always been a curious child but had been shielded from almost everything... So when he snuck away from home was when he learned what he could about the sea. That only made this encounter all the more exciting! Fear turned to joy and the sea prince swam up close to the other with a sparkle in his eyes.
"I'm Lazarus! What's your name?"
Roh softly huffed. " I don't want to cause you any trouble, you know that. " And he nuzzled the Prince, licking his face. Softly chirping and resting his head on Lazarus.
"Roh..."
Lazarus's voice grew tired. It wasn't like him to allow such fatigue to show, but with Roh's arrival in his life- he really wasn't sure if he wanted to continue being the dutiful soldier for his grandfather or not. For now, it allowed him certain perks, so he'd play the part.
"I am on leave at the moment, my next assignment is not for a few days. Unless something comes up... But they can wait for my return. Thus I allowed you the choice."
Roh happily accepted Lazarus change of position, and would gently lick at him. Staying out for longer... " Yes... I would want to... If we can? " It was the most freedom they could get, and he preferred it over having to stay inside all day for sure.
"If we can-- Roh I asked you, you silly dragon...~"
A gentle, childlike laugh slipped from the prince and soon he offers a smile that mirrors his jovial sound. Such an innocent happiness- he hadn't dared show another since his youth. Was this freedom? It felt like it... What an uplifting feeling.
Lazarus lifts his hand to stroke along Roh's snout before kissing him.
"We will stay out as long as you wish. I enjoy your happiness."
Roh closed his eyes and would lay down on the ground. Sighing softly. " That's true... we have each other. " His tail curled around the two of them. It was a comfort. To have someone who loves him... whom he loves. Neither of them has to go through this life alone.
Sighing in pure satisfaction, Lazarus pulled his head away and licked his lips. Roh's blood tasted... Far different from anything he's had before. Whether that was a good or a bad thing had yet to become apparent but that had nothing to do with the current situation. Thus he slips from beneath the tail and moves himself under one of Roh's front appendages.
"Should we... Stay out longer?"
The dragon would softly hiss - Wincing as his neck was being bitten. Wings lightly flapping. " Vampires are odd. Especially him. " Though clearly the dragon never thought much of vampires, considering how much stronger in pure physicality he was. Him holding back always was just for his masters sake. An unruly pet would bring trouble, he was fully aware of that.
There's a soft purr from the Vampir as the taste of his mate fills his senses. The fact his bite did nothing to Roh was telling of how strong dragons were to magic, so he allowed his bite to last a bit longer in hopes of its effect to take hold. He just wanted Roh to calm down and forget his grandfather for a while... To focus on him and on happier things.
"I understand, I have lived with them my whole life. It will be alright. You have me... And I, you."
Roh sighed, and would shake lightly. Lazarus really did not have to worry how that bothered him... " I'm just... It makes me mad just recalling such conversations. " His tail flicked, and he growled quietly. " He kept trying to convince me... first with too sweet of promises... then with threats... " Claws dug into the ground, his growls becoming louder. Feathers fluffing up in agitation.
"Ah. The typical vampire tactic. If they cannot win you over, then they lay out what they will do to you instead. I learned that very early on. Worry not, my love. Whatever he said, I shall not allow it to happen."
Perhaps his grandfather finally realized that Roh wasn't going to be brought to his side. The very thought of being used as a threat against his mate, however... Made him bristle up as well. Though, he then leaned his head down, locating the area of Roh's neck that was soft before sinking fangs into him. The least he could do was distract him from the frustration.
There was a low, purr-like sound. And the dragon enjoyed those hands stroking along feathers. He deserved his freedom, huh? Even though... Roh barely knew what true freedom was like. And not like he really wanted such either... " ... I choose the freedom to keep loving and being here for you. As your mate. " And Lazarus got a lick to his face.
"You know very well that I meant freedom from my grandfather and his dismal castle."
Lazarus huffs but when that tongue came out, he greeted it with his own. An intimate gesture, one he would never hesitate to offer when able to. Dear, sweet Roh... There was no way he could let him go now.
"Roh, do not feel that you need to keep what grandfather says to you a secret if it bothers you. I can handle it. If not me, then at least speak to mother."
A staff member has a gleam in their eye after noticing the vampir, gently nudging Eir towards him. "If he won't answer, ask Boss."
The slime obediently bounces over to Lazarus, humming softly. "...What's a 'honeymoon'? The staff say Master's taking you on one!~"
The hair on the back of his neck stands on end when he feels eyes on him. He didn't often leave his room, but it seemed that when he did, someone had something to ask of him. How bothersome... At least it was only Eir this time around... Even though his sensitive ears picked up the other voice.
"A honeymoon? Isn't that some shit a couple go on after getting married? Of course master isn't taking me on one. Who the fuck would marry a slave? And a brothel whore at that?"
" Because you dont reduce me to a pet either... " The dragon closed his eyes for a moment and nuzzled the Vampir. " I love you too. " He would not let anyone or anything else touch his beloved mate. Over his dead body.
"Oh Roh...~ Why would I ever reduce you to a pet? As adorable as you are, you are also a living being with your own thoughts and wishes."
Again he'd kiss the dragon's snout before slipping his hands up, fingers massaging between the lovely feathers until arms could wrap around Roh's neck. He'd never truly thought about freedom until he'd rescued Roh from that vendor... And with his sibling now in a safe place as well, he'd made sure that said vendor was tortured until he died. All for Roh...
"You are a mighty dragon, my love... You deserve your freedom."
...What's your favorite thing about your master?
"Favourite thing--?"
Lazarus sucks in a breath as his cheeks darken.
"My master... Ah... My master treats me kindly... Doesn't look at me like I'm some object. That's- my favourite thing..."
The dragon huffed. Of course he'd know him well. He paid attention to everything about his mate after all. And a low growl came from him as Lazarus explained it. He truly disliked that Vampire... to reduce Lazarus to just what he was born as... Roh would eventually land somewhere in the heights, enough to turn his head and look at the vampir. " I don't understand why he reduces you to just that... you are so much more... " He would give the Vampir a lick and huff. He wishes he could do more... but all he could do was to support Lazarus in these small ways. Like getting him out and away for a bit. Like just being there for him.
"It is just as I said. My body is useful. As the only male Vampir I am special. Offspring I bear are bound to be powerful as well. He does not care about familial ties, he cares about power."
Lazarus had fooled himself into believing as long as he was strong and continued to gather power for his grandfather, that he'd be treated the same. Yet...
"You, my parents, and the human staff are the only who see me as anything but a Vampir."
The lick was followed by one of his own to Roh's snout. Roh treated him like he mattered, was valued... Like his mother and father did. To Roh he was just... Lazarus.
"I... Love you, Roh."
There was just a soft huff from Roh, and he would spread his wings. With Lazarus on his back he would run and beat those wings, and soon enough they were soaring through the sky. It was only then when the dragons deep rough voice would voice concern; " Something's on your mind, isn't there? "
Lazarus didn't expect Roh to force him onto his back, he'd been completely alright with staying on the ground this time. So the moment they're in the air he sighs and leans to rest himself along Roh's body. He'd never get used to the vocal difference between Roh in his dragon form versus his usual one.
"You know me too well. It is concerning."
A slight chuckle followed his words. This moment of weakness, so uncharacteristic of the prince, was reserved only for his precious mate.
"Grandfather went after you, to get rid of me. I really thought I was still useful to him, yet it seems... My body is all that really matters in the end. No matter how many armies I crush, how many enemies I eliminate... I am but a vampir in the end."
Lazarus, do you hate Eir? ...Or do you hate that the mistress' thugs used them on you and your master when they got bored?
"That's- my master's slime, isn't it?"
Hate was a strong word reserved for the mistress and her thugs. Not towards things his master did or made. So...
"Of course I hate the mistress' bastard henchmen and what she allowed them to do to my master. Eir didn't know what was going on..."
