Notes that bite s.jy: Introduction Preview
⁺‧₊˚ ཐི⋆♱⋆ཋྀ ˚₊‧⁺˚˖𓍢ִ Your father, a famed pianist to kings, once brought you to the palace while tutoring the young prince, Jake, a quite acquaintance. Years later, you're summoned to perform at his coronation, a bittersweet reunion. But when the ceremony begins, the prince is missing. Searching the castle, you stumble into his chambers—and find him transformed: bloodshot eyes, gleaming skin, fangs bared under the moonlight. He turns toward you, not with recognition, but hunger. You flee in terror, heart racing. Was that the prince…Or a monster??
Word count 2.2k
Taglist: Historical fiction AU, Prince!jake x Pianist!reader, half vampire!jake x human!reader, enemies to lovers, romance, eventual smut, fluff, angst, jealousy, characters with complex backgrounds, eventual smut, potential kidnapping.
The clatter of hooves and wheels echoed off the cobbled streets, as the capital bloomed with royal banners—blue and gold fluttering like flames in the wind. The streets bustled all in celebration for the prince's coronation. This was a significant time and milestone for your kingdom. A symbol of hope and prosperity for another 50 years. A crowned prince, and soon a king to rule many many years to come.
In your very sculpted gown, you sit in your carriage reading and analyzing your composition sheet over and over again. One mistake and that’ll be in head for sure. This was your first big event as a pianist. You were assigned to play for the prince's coronation specifically requested by the king himself. He said it would be nice to have a familiar face open for his grand event. You immediately accepted in hopes of making your father proud without knowing the rigorous practice and run-throughs you would have to go through to get this perfect.
And now here you are, in front of the giant bustling castle you used to be in 10 years ago when your father had been a mentor for the prince. Inevitably you had gone along with him to follow in your fathers footsteps. Practicing and learning piano with Jake was…Practical. Not much exchange of words. Just practice, critique, learn. A never ending process. You didn’t mind though, even though you had hopes of becoming friends in your time at the castle. But you understood where you stood. Despite your father having somewhat of a title you weren’t royalty and so it would be best to not cross that line.
Flanked by two guards in royal livery, you crossed the threshold of the castle—its towering doors groaning open as if in welcome. They led you down the torch-lit corridor toward the throne room, where the coronation would soon unfold.
There, awaiting you near the dais, stood a woman, Gloria, in fine silk, her hair the color of polished bronze. She had been the mistress of ceremonies planning this event for the coronation.
“Ah, there you are, sweeting,” she said, her voice warm and swift. “Radiant as dawn, truly. Come, I shall show you where you are to perform.”
You bowed low, hands clasped at your waist, and followed her across the echoing chamber.
The grand piano. You’ve never seen anything like it before. Your father would talk about it but it never appeared to you how big it would actually be. With many mechanics even under the keys. You sat down placing your sheet paper on the display and began practicing. All of the other members of the staff had been shuffling around placing decorations, cleaning, and making sure everything was in place.
Going through the opening and the ending to make sure everything was perfect. Before you finished practicing you were introduced to the other court musicians who would be playing later in the ballroom.
“Come now, dear child, you must sample our finest vintage, it would be unjust not to.” Gloria rushed you to the kitchen. Entering with a gush of steam and rich scents you have never experienced before.
“Pardon, my lady, but is this not reserved for honored guests of the court?” you inquired, keeping your voice hushed with decorum.
“Why yes of course you are our special guest. You’re providing this evening with beautiful music. Why wouldn’t you be treated”.
“Thank you so much, I am truly honored”, You smile gently at her.
The sun had been setting and you knew it was time for final preparations to be made. You killed time by exploring and viewing the other areas that would be open during the ceremony as well as going over the music again. More guests started to pour in, filling the entrance and garden, all conversing and laughing about what they’ve been up to. But you know in a matter of time all attention would be on the Prince, Sim Jake. You thought about how you haven’t seen him at all today, not once. Sure he would want to meet the guests, or you, an old acquaintance.
The king had made his way into the throne room, guards on either side of him. Everyone turned, He was tall, made his energy and presence be known amongst the huge room of people. He made his way over to you. Me? What did I do? You started to get nervous, palms moistening as he got closer and closer. You nervously bowed, a little too early but it sufficed.
“Miss Groth, Thank you for playing for us today. You’ve grown so tall since I’ve seen you last.” The king's voice, deep as oaken casks, rumbled through the chamber.
“The honor is mine, your highness. I'm happy to be playing for the prince today”. You bow again and smile softly.
He made his way over to observe the final preparations and you let out a sigh. It always made you nervous being around royalty. Not because they were scary but their power to have you punished with just an order was chilling.
The night has finally arrived. You were in your position at the grand piano. On the upper side of the room, near the throne. It was surreal seeing it up close. The candlelights were set. The ceremony was about to begin. Your hands stay placed on the keys, inches away, waiting for your cue to play. It went quiet, waiting for the lights to begin to start the ceremony. The King on the throne and the High priest beside him ready to begin as well.
Suddenly, Gloria comes rushing, heesl tapping on the floor with a nervous face. “Dear, have you seen the prince anywhere, he’s not in his position”.
“No I’m sorry, I can go look for him if you’d like, I’m sure he'll like to see a familiar face.” You offer.
“Oh of course, you’re so kind.” She smiles and holds your arms.
You go and leave through the side door of the throne room, a long hallway filled with paintings, sculptures made of gold, and hand made architecture that makes your eyes widen. Everything is elegant and perfectly placed. It made you want to stand and admire but that was not the task at hand right now. You knock on doors hoping someone would answer.
“Your Highness? Prince Jake?” you called, voice urgent as you turned down yet another corridor. But then, you halted. A sound. A violent clamor of splintering wood and something...inhuman.
Following the din, you came upon a door trembling in its hinges. With trembling fingers, you nudged it ajar.
And there he stood.
Though half-draped in shadow, the figure was unmistakable—tall, his frame hunched, clawed hands clutched to his head as though in agony. His lips curled back in a snarl, teeth bared like a beast’s. Eyes, once warm hazel, now glowed red and wild.
A terror unlike any you had ever known stole your breath. What is…who is that. Cold swept down your spine. You stepped back, heart thundering like a war drum.
You leaned back up and dashed toward the exit of the hallway like your life depended on it. Breath quickening and heart beating increasing per second. Thinking a thousand thoughts at one. That can’t be the prince no, it was a monster. The prince was possessed by a monster. What the bloody hell is going on.
You slowed when you got to the entrance of the throne room. Act normal. Pretend like you didn’t just see whatever that was in the room. You opened the door and slowed your pace of walking, attempting to look fine. You sat back down at your seat hoping you were just seeing things from the possible fatigue.
A minute goes by and you are given the cue to start playing. Confused but ready, by muscle memory you start playing the piano and the torches begin to light up. The crowd was quiet and observing, you started to feel the pressure weigh on you. You steadied your breath trying to relax. Just like you practiced, all this work can’t go to waste. And like it was second nature you played swiftly and elegantly. The notes flowing off the instrument finely. Everyone looked pleased. Even the king. And there the gates opened. Out came the prince.
Plaid in royal fabrics of blue and gold, cloak rested atop of his shoulders he walked in a steady pace like it was rehearsed. Face unmoving and cold, he walked to the front of the throne room, facing his father and the high priest. Playing your last notes it was time for the ceremony to begin.
The high priest begins, “People of this kingdom, bear witness this day, as we honor this tradition. By the will of the crown and in the sight of the gods, we gather to name the heir to the throne.” His voice was loud and echoing through the silent room. Jake kneels and places his hand up.
”Before my sovereign, and my people I swear this solemn vow, To uphold the laws of this kingdom. To honor the name of my family. To protect its people with my life. And to serve with wisdom, courage and truth even after I am called to wear the crown”. Jakes voice. It was new to you, it had matured and deepened.
The King stands and is given the crown. “By blood and by right, by tradition and trust, I name you Crown Prince. May your path be noble and your reign, when it comes, be long and just”. The king places the glimmering crown atop of his head. “Rise my son”.
Jake stands tall, face still unwavering as he moves to face the crowd. “Let it be known from this day forth, Jake of house Sim is the heir to the throne, Crown Prince, and Guardian of its future!” People cheer and applaud. Your next cue to start playing for the ending of the ceremony.
The moment your fingers hit the key it caught the prince's attention. He slowly moved to look your way. You don’t look back in fear of being spotted, you were scared of the face he might be making. Had he really caught on that it was you? It couldn’t be, he only saw my eye.
The crowd clapped as he walked back down the aisle and out of the throne room. That was the cue to transition to the grand hall where the rest of the event would be happening. Everyone hurried along, ready to enjoy the food and the people there. You stretched your hands and grabbed your music sheet from the display. On your way to the grand hall, you passed through people as some of them complimented your playing skills.
The grand hall was even bigger than the throne room, already set up with places of food and drinks, waitresses on stand by and the rest of the musicians already in place.
The rest of the night was lively and eventful, it was so refreshing to see something like this. Everyone enjoyed themselves as they danced and enjoyed food. You even chatted with the musicians about your father and their music careers. You eased up now that the atmosphere wasn’t so intense. However you could feel eyes on you for almost the whole night. Your eyes searched around and there you saw him.
Jake's eyes gazed at you like he wanted to throw daggers at your back. People had been chatting with him, wine in hand and smiling. But his eyes were on you. Unmoving and still. It made you get goose bumps. Does he really know it was me who peered at him? Never mind that. When the party is over I’m getting out of here as fast as I can.
You played the best you could without the worry and anxiety catching up to you. Face holding a facade of happiness while inside you wondered if you would actually make it out of this castle.
The clock bell struck louder than you’ve ever heard before. Midnight. Finally, that meant the party was wrapping up. Guests were saying their goodbyes, staff had been cleaning tables and collecting glasses, and even Gloria had been wishing everyone a fair well. The musicians stopped to wish their goodbyes to you as well and you knew that was time to go. Just as you got to the entrance Gloria stops you.
“Oh it’s so sad to see you go so soon dear. You were great today. I bet the king would want you to play for other events too.” She spoke with a wide smile.
“Yes thank you it was an honor to be here today” you said in a rush. More than half of the people here are already gone. I need to get out now.
“Are you sure you wouldn’t want to stay here and visit from time to time, you are more than welcome”
“I am so sorry, I am in a bit of a rush. My fathers waiting for me, you know how parents can get. Fair well”. You said fake smiling and before you could hear a response you were out the door. Great. Now you have to deal with the long garden rows to even get to the gate. You spend your way through the garden to get to the line of people making their way to their carriages.
A quick and swift sound was made through the gravel. It happened so fast your mind couldn’t process it. A large shadow grows from behind you. You felt the warmth of breath near your ear.
“Sleep”
Your body shut down before your brain could create a thought and there you were. Lights out. In his arms.
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