Posted: August 2004
Title: Dark Hearts, Book
Author: Estella Greenleaf

*****

The moment Karl saw his beloved's hand in the brave knight's, he knew. Orlando's heart was no longer his to hold. His sweet Prince smiled at his mortal guardian, a slight quirk of his rosy lips, a sad smile deprived of its usual vibrancy. A final reassuring squeeze of joined hands before fingers unlaced, a barely perceivable gesture that told the Hunter what he must do.

His beloved raced towards him with open arms. Karl encircled the sweet Prince in a tight embrace and claimed his delectable lips. He poured all his love and despair into his kiss, knowing he would never feel the young mortal's warmth again. His beloved frowned as they broke apart. Orlando knew him well; he too felt the finality of his touch. "Karl?"

Closing his eyes, the Hunter removed the jewel his beloved had bestowed upon him some months ago: the Prince's signet ring, the token of Orlando's love. Glittering ambers captured molten coco as he took his beloved's slim hand into his own. With infinite care, he placed the jewel upon the young mortal's palm. "I believe this belongs to you."

"I don't understand."

"I would have you smile again, my love, untainted by grief and sadness. If it means letting you go, I will."

Karl released his beloved from his embrace and turned away; he could no longer staunch the tears. He had hoped to find healing in his sweet Prince's embrace; yet, for Orlando's happiness, he had to set him free. In one single night, he had lost the only two loves that had ever touched his immortal soul. For all the time in the world, he knew his heart would never heal; he was destined to be forever alone.

"Wait!" A resolute hand gripped his arm.

"Orlando..." a soft protest, pleading with the Prince to let him go. Karl had no wish for his sweet beloved to see his pain. He did not want to burden young Orlando with the guilt of breaking his heart.

"I love you, Karl. I said I would give my heart to you; and to that promise, I hold. If you wish to leave me, I will not stop you. But know that I will never be happy without you."

The grip upon his arm loosened, but rooted to the ground the Hunter remained. There was no lie in Orlando's voice. Though the sweet Prince loved the knight, he had not forsaken Karl. The Hunter's heart rejoiced as his mind puzzled over what the future holds.

True, he would condemn himself to a life of loneliness for Orlando's happiness; but would he be willing to share his sweet Prince's heart with another man? Would jealousy consume him, turn their fantasy love into a nightmare? These questions he had no answer for. Yet, he could not leave, knowing it would cause his beloved grief.

He turned to face his Prince. Despite the wet tracks of tears, a quivering smile graced the Hunter's handsome features. "Then I will stay, for as long as you will have me."

His beloved smiled, the brilliant smile that burnt away his doubts. His decision had made Orlando happy; that alone was justification enough for any pain the future had in store. Slowly, shakily, Karl moved, wishing to gather his sweet Prince into his arms once more.

Thunder roared as a circle of dark light exploded from the earth, surrounding the young mortal. The Hunter reached for his beloved, but the darkness repelled his hand, sent him tumbling backwards onto the ground. A flash of lightning blinded the earth; when sight returned, the young Prince was gone.

Raising his voice to the heavens, the Hunter howled his beloved's name. He would save his sweet lover again, even if the price were his soul.

*****

Darkness and pain, the only constants in his world, even in death, he was unable to escape their grasps. The legends of souls adrift among the stars, all lies; there was no peace after death, no place for him to belong. A wretched sob ripped through his entire being, the source of another wave of agony.

A soft whimper, barely audible, a prelude to the surge of raw panic that sliced through his dull senses. Then came the unmistakable scent of his elixir, the alluring aroma of fresh blood. An overwhelming pang of hunger assaulted him; his fangs sprouted, his body moved, drawn to the thunderous beating of his prey's heart. But this could not be. Only the living craved sustenance. His beloved had not finished the charade he started. But why? Why had Karl not granted him release from his pitiful life?

The heat of silken skin burnt his fingertips; he wanted to pull away, but his body betrayed him. All that he had suffered had sapped his strength; his will could no longer overcome his predatory nature, the innate desire to survive.

Instinct guided his lips to his victim's neck. So warm, so vibrant, the mortal felt in his arms. Pulse racing, his prey shuddered in anticipation of his deadly kiss. Time stopped as a soft, lilting voice made one last request. "Please, do not forget your promise."

He shrunk away as he would an open flame. Pain washed through his senses, the throbbing on his side a reminder of his desperate need to feed. But he paid the taunting pain no heed; he would not heal himself at the expense of the one he loved.

Eyes, accustomed to darkness, flickered open. The glow of countless candles seared his sensitive azure orbs, blinding him for a long moment. A mocking laughter filled the air; a ghost from the past had returned to haunt him. "Welcome home, brother dear."

He knew what was in his half sister's heart; she wanted dominion over all life. He would not give her the power to unite monster-kind and wage war against men. "Do what you will, Camilla; I will not give you what you seek."

More taunting laughter; her slender hand beckoned. The breeze shifted, bringing the young Prince into her arms. Her plush lips found the exquisite mortal's pulse; her fangs lengthened, their points gently caressing the youth's smooth olive skin. "Really? You will not object to my taking a bite then?"

"Let the boy go," a command that held no authority. His wound had left him weak; he could not protect himself, least say the young mortal Prince.

"Give me my heart's desire and I will give you yours."

Silence hung thick in the air. The offer was one he could neither accept nor deny. His father had trusted him with maintaining the fragile balance between monsters and men; he could not falter now. Yet, he could not allow Camilla to taint the young Prince. Karl's happiness meant the world to him; he would die before letting anyone harm the one who held his beloved's heart.

Camilla's glowing emerald eyes bore into his, seeing the struggle deep inside his soul. The vampiress smiled, deceivingly gentle, as she left the mortal's side. She knew it was time to move in for the kill.

Hand stroking his furrowed brow, infinitely gentle, his half sister whispered, "Father abandoned us, David. He left us here to face extinction alone, while he enjoys eternity with his precious human lover in the Glass City. He laughs at us from above, David, the children he left on this earth to lead the poor souls without a ship to sail to the stars."

Camilla's words had not wounded him as she intended; he knew better than anyone that all was fair in love. He was not one to judge his father's choice. Yet, could he, in his right conscience, make the same decision? Could he choose love over duty without remorse?

"Do you not remember our proud history, brother dear? Vampires were once rulers of this world, our great civilization extending to the stars. Give me our family's Insignia and we can have it all again."

His body wounded, his emotions in shambles, he was too weak to resist the gentle compulsion in his half sister's voice. Of their own volition, his lips moved to form the words, betraying the hiding place of the most powerful relic of his kind. All would have been lost, if not for the soft protest that drowned out his voiceless whisper.

A simple word in the Prince's sweet voice, the very thing he needed to break free from Camilla's spell. The mortal was right; he could not give in. His mind was too befuddled to see before; but now, he knew. All that Karl had ever loved would be lost if he were to grant his half sister's wish. There was only one choice all along.

"It is in me," a broken whisper barely loud enough for his half sister to hear, the perfect lie to buy his beloved Hunter a chance. He knew Karl would come for the young Prince; all he needed was time.

Camilla smiled, cold and victorious; her eyes sought his once more, reading the lines that had not been spoken, the remainder of the lie he wanted her to believe. Her icy hand left his forehead, smile unwavering, she drifted from his bedside. "Stay well, brother dear; I look forward to the new moon."

As his half sister vanished into a wisp of smoke, David smiled. All was once again as it should be. Soon, death would claim him and Karl would be with his sweet Prince. He could ask for nothing more.

*****

Orlando stood, frozen, desperately trying to make sense out of what he had just witnessed. He felt as if his entire world had been turned upside down. Everything that he had perceived as the truth, all contradicted; he no longer knew what to believe. A thousand questions raced through his mind, all condensing into a single word, "Why?"

The vampire closed its eyes, ignoring his question, but Orlando would not be deterred. There was a lot more to his kidnapping than he was led to believe; he would not be kept in the dark anymore. "Answer me!"

Still no reply; the only sound to be heard was the vampire's labored breathing. So vulnerable and alone the wounded creature looked now, calling to mind the wistfulness in its ice-blue orbs when it spoke of love. Orlando knew the vampire had cared for Karl once; what if its feelings had never changed? What if love was the key to all the riddles?

For a long moment, the young Prince pondered his next words. He knew direct questions would be simple to ignore. He must bait the vampire into revealing a hint of its heart. "I won't let you give your sister the power to make war against my people. I would rather die."

The vampire reacted as Orlando had hoped. Pain-filled azure eyes snapped open, holding his gaze with a scornful glint. "Oh, come now, Princeling; as naive as you are, you must know your death will not change a single thing. Would you throw your life away and leave the ones you love to grief for you?"

To the ears, the words seemed censorious; but Orlando's heart heard what was unspoken. He had his answer; love was indeed the key. The vampire would keep him safe at all costs, for the sake of a Hunter they both loved. "I believe the question is: would you?"

A look of shock fleeted across the vampire's features before sapphire eyes blinked against unwanted tears. Seeing the lowered defenses, the young Prince pressed on; he had to know the entire truth behind this elaborate charade. His heart demanded it. "You still love Karl, don't you? You kidnapped me for him."

For a long moment, the vampire remained silent and unmoving, seemingly lost in a world of his own. A soft sigh issued from pale lips as ancient weary eyes locked gaze with the young Prince's once more. "What I tell you now, you must promise not to tell another."

Taking a seat upon the bed, Orlando nodded. "I promise."

The vampire sighed once more and began his tale. "You are right. I love Karl; I will do anything for him. But I am a vampire; I am something he hunts, not someone he loves. And when I saw how happy he was with you, I knew there's only one thing left for me to do. It's to be my last gift to him, this chance to prove his worth to your father."

The quiet resignation in the vampire's voice broke the young Prince's heart. He wondered how many years the immortal had suffered in silence, loving Karl from afar. At that moment, he ceased to see his companion as a monster that preyed upon his kind; his heart recognized David as a kindred spirit, one who would give everything for the one he loved. He took the immortal's icy hand in his own, a gesture of sympathy and comfort. "David..."

The vampire smiled as he pulled away from Orlando's touch. "Please, Princeling, save your pity; I'd much rather you hate me for placing you in harm's way. It won't do for Karl to suspect how I feel."

A night ago, Orlando would have respected the vampire's wishes. But that was before he discovered the price of loving another in secret, before he learnt too late that silence paved the way to missed chances and broken hearts. Even if the object of David's love was his own beloved Hunter, he could not allow the vampire to repeat his mistake. It would be a shame if a love so deep and pure were to perish in the shadows. "Why not? Things are not always as hopeless as they seem. What if Karl cares for you more than you think?"

The vampire heaved a heavy sigh, hand drifting to the wound on his side. "It does not matter anymore, little one. I will not live pass the new moon."

Once his mind was set, the young Prince was not one to give up easily. "Would it help if you feed? I don't fancy being turned into a vampire or a ghoul, but I am sure there is something in this room I can use to draw blood."

The vampire let out an exasperated laugh, azure eyes twinkling despite all that he had suffered. "I appreciate your enthusiasm, Princeling, but it will take a lot more than you could give to help me."

When Orlando tried to argue, his companion silenced him with a small shake of the head. "I am tired, little one; please, let me rest in peace. I give you my word that I will speak with Karl, if I should live to see him again."

Orlando nodded, hoping that rest would help David regain some of his strength. He could only pray that his beloved Hunter would arrive in time to save them from what fate had in stored.

*****

Day and night, two riders raced towards Castle Wenham with single-minded determination. They knew not the identity of their new foe, but they were certain that everything was linked, that the vampire who had taken Orlando from the palace was the key.

A castle loomed in the horizon, a dark spur against the setting sun; their destination was at hand. Mortal eyes failed Sir Viggo as twilight faded into darkness. There would be no moon to guide their paths tonight.

The Hunter's pace quickened, another attempt to lose his mortal companion in the shadows. Many times before, the immortal had tried to leave the knight behind. Sir Viggo knew that Karl sought to protect him, that his strength paled against the dark magic of the Vampire. Yet, he was determined to brave the odds by the Hunter's side.

When Sir Viggo saw his sweet Prince smiled at a tear-stricken Karl, he knew he had done right in letting go. Orlando's love was the only light in the Hunter's dark world; he could never in his right conscience try to steal such a cherished treasure away.
Though his beloved was not his to have in this life, his feelings would never change. He loved Orlando above all else; he would give everything to see the Prince safe and happy. If by his life or death, he could help the Hunter, he would; Orlando's happiness laid with Karl now. He would see the lovers reunited again.

Time flew; the brave knight's trusty steed followed the Hunter's without pause. The flickering lights of two torches drew Sir Viggo's attention; only moments away, an ancient gate stood, barring entrance to the vampire's lair.

The Hunter drew his sword, a few slashes of the blessed weapon, the rusted iron gate was no more. The immortal stormed into the castle, heedless of the danger lurking within. The brave knight followed, his senses strained, alert to any possible danger in the dim light. He knew the worries plaguing the immortal's mind; he would be careful for both their sakes.

In the shadows of the great hall, they found the one they sought. Their Prince was bound, barely conscious, shivering under the touch of his werewolf guard. The Hunter issued a loud battle cry, challenging the monster in a duel to the death. The monster turned; eyes narrowed, it gnarled and left its charge to circle its opponent.

Though reason told the brave knight to help Karl in his fight, his heart urged him to rush to his beloved side. A soft moan reverberated in the hall, barely audible over the sounds of clashing claws and sword, drove Sir Viggo to give in to his heart's demand. He needed to know that Orlando was not hurt.

With the monster occupied, the knight quickly reached his sweet Prince's side. The youth looked so pale and fragile; Sir Viggo feared that they had been too late, that Orlando had been tainted by darkness. But it mattered not to the brave knight; even if his beloved were a vampire or a werewolf or even a ghoul, he would still love him.

Gently, the knight undid Orlando's bonds. He knew he had no right, but he held the youth close all the same, willing his Prince to return to this world with every ounce of his love. Another soft moan answered his prayers; his beloved lived still.

"Viggo…" No title, just his name, a testament of his Prince's love for him. The knight smiled, an affectionate hand brushing a wayward curl from Orlando's brow.

The sound of conflict ceased in the great hall; the Hunter had won. Viggo's arms tightened around his Prince, stealing one last embrace before they parted. He thought Karl would rush to Orlando's side, hold his mortal lover tight and never let go again. But the immortal did no such thing; he stood transfixed, staring at an ornate door at the end of the great hall.

"Please, help me up," a soft plea whispered in the knight's ear. Viggo was uncertain if his Prince was up to the task, but the look in Orlando's eyes left no room for argument.

Orlando's intentions were clear; he wished to reach his dear Hunter. It hurt still, knowing his Prince had chosen another; but the knight would help his beloved all the same. He moved, thinking to support Orlando's weight as they made their way towards the Hunter.

"No, Viggo, I have to do this on my own." Viggo did not understand, but he would trust his beloved. With a soft sigh, he unwound his arms around his Prince's waist and watched the youth staggered towards the frozen Hunter.

"He needs you," the magic words that broke the Hunter's trance. Karl turned, tormented amber eyes seeking comfort in Orlando's warm, understanding gaze.

"My word prevents me from speaking as I wish. But I will say this: not long ago, out of love, you set me free to choose my heart's desire, and now I will do the same."

For a long moment, they stood silent and unmoving, eyes locked as Karl searched for an answer within his heart. The knight did not understand what prompted his companions' actions, but he knew his future and his Prince's rode on the Hunter's choice. He wondered if he should step forward, demand to be part of this conversation that would change their lives.

"I love you, Orlando, I always will," a quiet declaration that broke the tense silence.

Eyes glancing back at the knight, his gaze sparkling with relief and warmth, the Prince replied, "I love you too, Karl."

A smile graced the handsome Hunter's features as he pulled his mortal lover into a soft kiss. Viggo sighed, closing his eyes to fight wayward tears; his Prince was safe and happy in the arms of the one he loved; things were as they should be. Orlando's lilting voice called his name; he was surprised to find his beloved standing so close with Karl by his side.

"Take care of him for me, will you?" a question that stunned the knight to the core. Before he knew it, the Hunter had guided Orlando back into his arms. "There is something I must do."

Viggo looked from the Hunter to his Prince, mind still not comprehending what had just come to pass. But his heart needed no reason; Orlando was in his arms again; he could never ask for more. With no further hesitation, he nodded; he would keep his beloved safe no matter what happens; he could do naught else.

Seemingly satisfied that they had an understanding, Karl stroked his mortal lover's cheek one last time. "Be happy, Orlando, that's all I've ever wanted."

With misty eyes, the young Prince nodded; it was as if he knew he would never see the Hunter again. "Goodbye, Karl. My love will be with you, always."

Then, in the blink of an eye, the Hunter was gone.

*****

Karl burst into the ceremonial chamber, prepared to do what he must to free the vampire he loved and almost lost. This was the second chance he had not even dared to dream of; he would not fail, no matter who stood in the way. "Let him go."

The countess turned, a chilling laughter filled the air. "Do you honestly think a half breed like you can stop me?"

Camilla raised her right hand, summoning an explosion powerful enough to shatter stone and steel. Instinctively, the Hunter held up his sword to create a circle of light against the encroaching darkness. Against any average monster, Karl's barrier would have held, but his opponent tonight was the daughter of the Vampire King, an ancient dark sorceress of unparallel strength. Tendrils of black mist seeped into the Hunter's protective cocoon, burning his skin through the thick armor he wore.

His experience told him he could not hold out much longer, that the countess was too strong, that he should consider a retreat, but he refused to accept defeat. If he were to die tonight, he would die trying to make things right. All these years he spent alone and in pain because he left David when he should have stayed; he would not do the same again.

He heard his opponent's icy laugh; he knew the countess was ready to unleash a spell that would end his life. The attack never came; instead the vampiress let out a cry of shock and turned. A bloody dagger protruded from her back. He used this moment of distraction to the fullest; abandoning his defenses, he threw his sword at the countess. Darkness engulfed him, searing his flesh, but the pain was a worthy price to pay for the screech of disbelief reverberated in the chamber. The sword had struck the vampiress squarely in the chest, piercing her black heart. As the creature crumbled into dust, the shadows vanished, leaving the Hunter wounded but still very much alive.

Fast as his injuries allowed, the Hunter climbed the steps to the ceremonial platform. On the stone slab, David lied unmoving, crucified by razor sharp daggers. Karl's fist clenched, wishing he had come sooner, wishing his beloved had never suffered so. He wasted no time in freeing the vampire from his restraints. That was when he saw it: the huge gash in David's ‘free hand', the one he thought the countess had not have time to pin down before he arrived.

Karl stared at the gaping wound, looked at the bloody dagger on the floor. Now, he finally understood; David would do anything for him, to keep him safe, make him happy, even if it meant hurting himself. Taking Orlando was never about revenge; it was the vampire's gift, a charade to give him his heart's desire. How could he have been so blind all along?

Without hesitation, Karl took a dagger and slashed his wrist. He could only hope his ancient blood was powerful enough to revive the fading vampire. Pushing his bleeding wrist to David's lips, he whispered, "Please do not leave me. Don't go where I can't follow."

The Hunter's heart leapt in joy when the vampire's eyes fluttered open. "Drink, my love, take what I give freely and regain your strength."

Puzzled azure eyes found Karl's as a shudder wrecked through David's emaciated form. Pulling away, the vampire smiled sadly. "It's too late for me, Karl. It's my time to go to the stars."

"Then I will go with you. We will take the ship to the Glass City." Long ago, in their last conversation before he left, his lover had mentioned that in the East Tower was the last ship to this Vampire's paradise, a city where any two beings could live together in peace forever, as long as they were united by true love.

"No. What if there is no city? What if it's all just a myth? I can't…"

Karl silenced his beloved vampire with a searing kiss. Holding David possessively close to him, he answered. "Even if it's just a myth, I will not be parted from you ever again. I love you, David. It took me centuries to admit it; I will not spend another moment without you."

Tears swelled in the vampire's azure eyes as he nodded and relaxed in Karl's arms. The Hunter smiled, not at all bothered by the lack of declaration of love on David's part. Words were no longer necessary between them; they understood each other; that was all that mattered.

*****

Everything was set; their ship was ready for launch. Karl lied down beside David, taking the vampire's slim hand into his own. Stealing a kiss from his beloved's lips, rejoicing in the soft breath that caressed his skin still, Karl activated the countdown sequence. Cryogenic gases began to flood the chamber, sending its occupants into a blissful slumber for their long journey to the stars. Before the oblivion claimed him, as he looked upon the serene smile upon his beloved's face, Karl knew: even if he were to die now, he would have no regrets. After centuries of being adrift alone in the world of men, he had finally found his way home.

*****

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