Summary: This is a story I've worked on for over four months. It takes place in Rome, Italy in the year 1928, and there is a king. He has a son named Dante, who is going to become king when he turns twenty. He is also hiding a huge secret; he is a vampire. Half of his day is spent as a human, and he is a vampire from midnight to twilight. Of course, this is a romance story, so Dante meets someone and finds out the meaning of love, life, and most importantly, himself. I have to say, the first chapter is kind of boring cause it IS the introduction. Hope you like it.

Chapter One:

It is the year of 1928 in the populated city of Rome. Most of this section of Italy is made up of the wealthiest families, while the rest of Rome is struck with more and more lower class citizens each year. Poverty strikes the small area every once in a while, and depressions leave low money wages and jobs that aren't accessible. In times like these, desperation is the only way to go. In hard times like these, there is one thing that the people of Rome can always admire; the beautiful architecture. Even shops at the sides of the ashen streets have a twist of unique beauty, temporarily ridding the astigmatism in which most suffer. Though some are quite lengthy, the ancient Roman building never obscure the furious orange sunsets. A poor man who sits hungrily in an alleyway all day never fears the oncoming twilight, or the long night after it.

What is referred to as 'the part of Rome with low class fellows' is what makes up the fraction of Rome not part of the king's domain. The king's domain is where all the beauty lies. This section of Rome is constantly being renovated, no matter how much it sparkles. The streets, freshly paved in cobblestone, glitter in winter. Not only does the architecture take the breath of tourists away, but the mini landscapes which are peppered over the vast city creates wonders. The most beautiful locations in which tourists travel are Vatican City, Castel Sant Angelo, and St. Peter's Basilica. These magnificent places are also part of the king's domain. Architecture of all shapes, colors, and history display themselves for the naked eye; a pleasure to all.

The head of the king's domain is, of course, King Constantine himself. Being king has its advantage; you get to own the biggest mansion in all of Italy. It's amorous beauty is hard to match, as many people have tried. Even the richest of people can not compare their homes to the king's radiant estate. Holding some of Rome's most familiar and munificent architecture, many stop living their lives only to focus on being invited to the manor one day. The king's mansion is kept up to par by the finest butlers, waiters, housekeepers, and gardeners in the whole country. Astonishment and envy befalls each one of the lucky servants.

The gardens surrounding the mansion are constantly well-nourished and kept in color. Though the rear of the mansion is nothing but confines of green leaves and vines, King Constantine still presses caution about smugglers and the desperate. His ancestors purposely built the manor in a conservative part of Rome in high hopes of escaping the obsessed and wicked.

King Constantine's mansion contains four floors, all of which withhold a specific historic beauty. Stained glass windows with an arch greet approachers on nearly every wall, capturing their gaze with a unique and arcane twist of desire. To most it almost possesses you, and to most it is demented in its own way. The exotic spiraling stairways ascending between the floors unravel a thick, luxurious crimson carpet. The clouds of fabric lift the walker up to the sky. The servants stay on the bottom floor almost always, unless the king or his son had a request. They get to see the numerous drawing rooms, dining rooms, and the kitchen daily.

Guest rooms makes up the first floor, as do many creations of the king and his family. On the east wall, there was a painting made by the king himself made many years before he took the throne. The many paintings of he and his ancestors were worth millions. On the far north wall was a large window which gave a view of the large fountain in the backyard.

On the second floor it was much the same, except that the king's son, Dante, had a room up there. It is the biggest room on that floor. Light in his room is fairly rare, as his windows are guarded by dense black curtains. Dante's large bed was covered in luscious white covers, and it stood just across a large bureau on the west wall. Located magnificently on the north wall are two softly plated glass doors acting as a prelude to the beauty on the balcony. It is all his own. The floor and ledge of the balcony is made of smooth marble. Naturally, Dante finds alot of tranquility in being able to stand out there every night, and to gaze out upon the city. For him, it acted as a comfort.

The next floor up is essential for the maids of the house who clean. However, it provokes alot of envy from those who wish to work for the Constantine family.

Finally, the king's room is located on the top floor of the estate. It takes up the entire floor with its beauty, and is the king's private domain. Not only are the servants cautious while traveling to his room, but no one else would ever think of opening the door at any time of day. Facing the king's anger would not be at all pleasing. Perhaps the reason for such caution is the munificent lighting, or the fluffy red carpets, or maybe the massive bed on which the king sleeps. Overall, having this house was a major advantage, as well as an honor for King Constantine.

Having taken responsibility after his own father, King Constantine resumed to carry on the legacy of the Constantine De Luca name. It was a rather difficult name to live up to, but he craved the responsibility more than anyone. Romans found themselves baffled when the king took the time to stroll the streets, accompanied by servants and chauffeurs. It became a momentous occasion in which everyone anticipated. Those who praised him stood in awe during speeches. Though he seemed to be a responsible man, he was the host of many late night parties. They consisted of interacting, drinking, and staying up until dusk's vanquish. As long as the night was young, it belonged to King Constantine. During these late night gatherings, the king took the time to charm a few tipsy women. You may be asking, 'Would the Queen feel anguish at his behavior?' Perhaps...if there was a queen.

King Constantine lost his wife five years before becoming king. The cause of her death was hemorrhaging moments after the birth of their son. Surely it was a devastation for the king, but these acts of flirtation at his house parties triggered a certain doubt. It is believed that the one most angered by that facy is King Constantine's own son, Dante.

What you saw through the naked eye when you look at the prince was a handsome, elegant man. With glossy hair just passing past his broad shoulders, and with dark eyes like mini thunderclouds, he was sure to score a few points with the females. However, the spoiled young women of Rome did not appeal to his own taste. His father just figured that full-figured blondes were too obnoxious for him. But then he found that lusting brunettes might be to risque. Without a prerequisite reason, red heads were out of the picture. Questions of preference began to worry King Constantine, but they were soon executed when Dante took the time to explain that he just didn't want a companion yet.

Those who knew Dante really only saw the facade, obstructing Dante's true feelings about life. While in public, Dante struggles to keep a smile on his face and an agreeable attitude in hand. Setting a good example for the people of Rome was at a high rank of importance. However, underneath all the false acts and tainted happiness was the true predicament. There was no one in the entire world who knew of Dante's connection with the supernatural, which had just come to a great significance and understanding at age ten.

At this point in time, especially since he has to become king in less than a year, revealing his secret would mean possible execution or exile. What he held was so dark, so ominous that no one could ever understand. Some would find it as rubbish, others would find him ill in the head, and it threatened to drown his life in a furious whirlpool of turmoil and sorrow.