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Chapter Eleven: Navigating Storms
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2020-08-14 21:40:50"Corisande, a pleasure to finally meet you." The Empress greeted warmly, though her eyes were appraising, raking over every inch of me. The contract may have been a done deal, but it didn't equate to immediate acceptance. And after all, I was marrying her only son. It was definitely in my best interest to try and make a good impression at this banquet.
"The honour is mine." I greeted in return, bowing my head slightly.
"Indeed Corisande. To meet you is a fine thing." The Emperor concurred.
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"How marvellous!" The Empress cried with glee. "There is no doubt your addition to the Royal Clan with both strengthen and restore reputation." Strengthen and restore reputation? What in Nicneven's name did that mean? I slid a glance Lixiss's way and she subtle shook her head. Guess she didn't know either. Probably another thing Rhuesia had forgotten to mention. There was no doubt the leader of our former clan knew what was going on. That dam
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The rest of the meal passed amicably, as we devoured food and engaged in lighter conversation. I had to admit, this banquet had been impressive, but I wasn't quite ready to have the future heirs to the throne just yet. Sorry Royal Clan. With care, I placed the fine cutlery back on the plate, indicating I was finished. There were still mountains of food spread across the table and upon casting my eyes around at the remainder, it felt as though we'd hardly made a dent in the meal, despite feasting for hours. The delicate clatter of cutlery on the plate next to me showed Theron had also finished. Whether that he was genuinely full, or doing so because I
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I was just about to change into my sleep wear when another knock at the door forced me to abandon that idea.It had been mentally draining to navigate the banquet, Theron and constantly make observations on my safety. I was more than ready for some sleep. With the door locked of course. A sigh heaved through my lips as I tossed the garments to the side and stepped over to the door, cracking it open just a little. The eyes of a cat stared back and relief filled me. I didn't have the energy to handle any more visits from the Royal Clan or Dynus, but Lixiss I could handle. I pulled the door open wider, gesturing for her to come in. I didn't want to risk any of our conversation bein
Last Updated : 2020-09-29Coffin Without Honour Chapter Fifteen: Security Issues
"And you are?" I growled, not in the mood to be dealing with further interruptions. "Aldith." The stranger said easily. As he stood there and my fury dampened, I noticed he was dressed differently to the others I had seen flitting about the palace. His attire resembled robes, only less flowing and sturdier in nature. His hair was so blonde it gave off a silver sheen and its length meant he'd organised it in an intricate single braid. A wisp of memory tugged at my mind, but to insubstantial to really grasp. He reminded me of something. A meeting from long ago, in another life..."Your name tells me little." I returned, noticing the defensive edge in my voice.
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"Your closest friend is an eleven mage." I calmly pointed out, as I walked next to Theron through the corridors."Yes." Theron returned simply, as though he had no understanding of the history between my kind and Aldith's. "I would expect you're aware that eleven mages are famous for their hatred of witches, something me and Lixiss used to be and in fact, partially still are." I returned, a slight edge leaking into my tone. There was no way Theron could be that ignorant. A vampiress witch for a bride and eleven mage for a
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The door swung open as Theron removed his fingers from the material. Another device designed for the Royal Clan no doubt. Candles were scattered around and the flames sprang to life as we entered the large cell. How much here is magic, created by Aldith? The thought both fascinated and terrified me. If the eleven mage had such a stronghold of arcane creations, presumably for security purposes, would they recognise that I used to be a witch, recognise that I still possessed magic? And if so, would these devices turn on me, even if I became a part of the Royal Clan? I brushed the thoughts from my mind. They were contemplations f
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"Such an important decision and you deny us the right to offer advice in such a matter?" One head moaned with anger. The question was directed at Theron, but I couldn't have that. I was the one speaking."As my betrothed said, your connections are the more valuable asset, not your advice. I don't know how many more times that requires repeating to be quite honest
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The grin haunted my thoughts long after we’d parted. The way Theron’s fangs flashed in delight, amidst his elegant face. It was as though in that moment, all defences, pretences and any other shield of propriety had been stripped bare, allowing me to see the real him. Not the Prince of all vampire kind. Not the brutal, bloodied warrior that I’m sure he was after our trip to the dungeons. Just Theron. I shook my head, tendrils of flaming hair surrounding me as I did. I couldn’t afford to let those thoughts take root. Remember why you’re here. Defying Nicneven’s vision was all that mattered. Anything else could be dealt with if I lived. Wandering with renewed purpose across a little ornate bridge p
Last Updated : 2020-12-14
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Popping the mountain deer snack ball into my mouth, I strode around another corner, trying in vain to project confident indifference. "Does he still follow?" The murmured words left my lips.Lixiss nodded in reply.We had been right about the elf's plans and it appeared Aldith had no intention of letting us out of his sight. He must be a fool not to realise we can sense his movements. "The Tailor is up ahead, in the dressing chamber. Stay alert." I uttered. Though safe in the knowledge that Aldith wouldn't attempt to enter the chambers (whether in person or by the arcane), I was curious as
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"So, he showed you a fancy tree planted by the gods and now there's irrefutable evidence you'll be part of the Royal Clan. Does that about sum up your date?" Lixiss smirked, before throwing another snack ball into her mouth, no doubt pilfered from the kitchens."Again, your eloquence for summarising a situation knows no bounds." I replied, "Any blood in those balls?" Lixiss shook her head. "Nope, but have one anyway. They're meaty, whatever they are." Eh, what did I have to
Coffin Without Honour Chapter Twenty-One: Origins
After a moment's hesitation, I reached out, wrapping my fingertips around the stem and avoiding the thorns. The conviction coating Theron's words appeared genuine. I raised my eyes from the flower to meet his, noticing the petals were almost the same shade as Theron's dark crimson gaze. I couldn't detect any malice as he matched my stare, no doubt waiting for me to say something. Rather, I found the same conviction there as in his words."Thank you," I managed eventually, breaking our strange scrutinising and turning my attention back to the flower. "It would mean a great deal to me and Lixiss to be able to have a home and family again." That part wasn't a lie. The Circe Coven had disowned us, love turning to fear and hatred. The Crypt Clan had become more of a family to us, but that was all st
Coffin Without Honour Chapter Twenty: Conversations in the Briars
They were still pretty far ahead, so it was doubtful they'd have seen us.From my vantage point, I watched as Aldith shook some paper in Theron's direction. "She's only been here a day and already...""We'll take care of it. I trust you with all our livesAldith. Between us, these are just empty threats." "But still..." My eyes followed as the elf mage lookedback down at the paper in his grip. "Whoever wrote this is not playingaround Theron. We should exercise caution until we know more."
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The grin haunted my thoughts long after we’d parted. The way Theron’s fangs flashed in delight, amidst his elegant face. It was as though in that moment, all defences, pretences and any other shield of propriety had been stripped bare, allowing me to see the real him. Not the Prince of all vampire kind. Not the brutal, bloodied warrior that I’m sure he was after our trip to the dungeons. Just Theron. I shook my head, tendrils of flaming hair surrounding me as I did. I couldn’t afford to let those thoughts take root. Remember why you’re here. Defying Nicneven’s vision was all that mattered. Anything else could be dealt with if I lived. Wandering with renewed purpose across a little ornate bridge p
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"Such an important decision and you deny us the right to offer advice in such a matter?" One head moaned with anger. The question was directed at Theron, but I couldn't have that. I was the one speaking."As my betrothed said, your connections are the more valuable asset, not your advice. I don't know how many more times that requires repeating to be quite honest
Coffin Without Honour Chapter Seventeen: Council Meeting
The door swung open as Theron removed his fingers from the material. Another device designed for the Royal Clan no doubt. Candles were scattered around and the flames sprang to life as we entered the large cell. How much here is magic, created by Aldith? The thought both fascinated and terrified me. If the eleven mage had such a stronghold of arcane creations, presumably for security purposes, would they recognise that I used to be a witch, recognise that I still possessed magic? And if so, would these devices turn on me, even if I became a part of the Royal Clan? I brushed the thoughts from my mind. They were contemplations f
Coffin Without Honour Chapter Sixteen: Mixed Messages
"Your closest friend is an eleven mage." I calmly pointed out, as I walked next to Theron through the corridors."Yes." Theron returned simply, as though he had no understanding of the history between my kind and Aldith's. "I would expect you're aware that eleven mages are famous for their hatred of witches, something me and Lixiss used to be and in fact, partially still are." I returned, a slight edge leaking into my tone. There was no way Theron could be that ignorant. A vampiress witch for a bride and eleven mage for a
Coffin Without Honour Chapter Fifteen: Security Issues
"And you are?" I growled, not in the mood to be dealing with further interruptions. "Aldith." The stranger said easily. As he stood there and my fury dampened, I noticed he was dressed differently to the others I had seen flitting about the palace. His attire resembled robes, only less flowing and sturdier in nature. His hair was so blonde it gave off a silver sheen and its length meant he'd organised it in an intricate single braid. A wisp of memory tugged at my mind, but to insubstantial to really grasp. He reminded me of something. A meeting from long ago, in another life..."Your name tells me little." I returned, noticing the defensive edge in my voice.
