I walked purposefully down the corridor after exiting my chambers. With a little magic, my hair was perfectly dry. Yira had said to look presentable. Usually, I wouldn't listen to anything Yira said, but it had been an odd tidbit to throw in. Sure, we didn't get along and I'm sure she hated everything about me from my magic right down to my fashion sense, but she had never openly said anything about it, even when I'd been meeting Rhuesia before. Her words caused curiosity and apprehension to wage war within me in equal measure. What exactly was this summons all about? Either Yira knew and wouldn't give me a heads up out of spite, or she only knew what Rhuesia had said. The sooner I arrived at the observatory the better.
I passed a few other vampires, vampiress and the odd Other, shifters and such willing to help or work for the Clan. Everyone was going about their day as if nothing was out of the ordinary. Well, I supposed for them it wasn't. What awaited me at the other end of the castle would decide for me.
I ran my hands over my black blouse and corset combination, smoothing out any lines and wrinkles. "Presentable" was a broad term in my opinion. Yira could have meant anything from a ballgown to a respectable shirt and skirt. I'd opted to go for something in the middle and wouldn't have been so fussy smoothing down the fabric if her words weren't echoing in my head, taunting me. By Nicneven, I hoped I'd made the right decision. It was too late to turn back now.
I continued on, weaving around inappropriately placed furniture no one had put back in its place and up endless staircases. The observatory, naturally, was at the highest point of the castle. At least I'd worn trousers, walking up all these stairs in a skirt would have been a regret.
I followed the bannister as it weaved around and around in an upward spiral. It was a good thing I'd turned, otherwise I'd be an out of breath wreck by the time I made it to Rhuesia. I passed the statue of Ignario. Good, that meant I was almost there. I had little need to visit the observatory, but whenever I did come, relief always filled me whenever I laid eyes on that monument. The irony of Ignario being a symbol of both the end and the beginning of a journey was not lost on me.
Finally, I staggered towards the huge rectangular archway at the top. There was no door to the observatory, something to do with the skies remaining "open". It was a snippet of information I'd neglected to go back and study, with more important research taking precedent. I reminded myself to look it up once this was over. Straightening up, I passed under the archway and onto the large stone balcony.
Some of the balcony had a small glass enclosure, stretching from top to bottom, creating an iridescent gleam similar to the stars. Golden lines connected all the glass as support beams and contained within it all was a phenomenal telescope, the end sticking out of an opening high in its glass cage. At the other end, peering through the scope was a figure as familiar to me as she was to all the Clan.
She pulled away from the telescope as I approached, turning to face me and gesturing for me to come inside. Her black painted nails reminded me eerily of talons. With slight nausea churning in my stomach, I unlatched the door and entered, slowly closing the panel behind me, lest the glass broke. Rhuesia said nothing, staring at me with golden eyes as piercing as cracked amber.
"You wanted to see me?" I asked respectfully.
"Yes. I did." Rhuesia's voice answered softly but firmly. No one knew how long she'd walked upon this land, but rumour indicated it was enough. Enough that every word she spoke held power and experience.
"Is it another mission? Because me and Lixiss only just returned last…" I started, but she held up a hand, silencing me.
"Yes and no." She responded after some consideration.
"Then what…?”
"How much do you know about the Vampiric Prince?" Rhuesia questioned, cutting me off. That seemed to be happening far too much lately. Her eyes seemed to be boring into whatever was left of my soul, anticipation and dread at my answer flickering within them.
"Only his reputation I suppose. He is known for both his cruelty and cunning. He commands respect with his mere presence. That is the extent of my knowledge." I admitted confused. There was also very little information about him in the Clan records when I'd been searching for information on species hierarchical systems.
Rhuesia nodded, as if she expected this. "What you say is true Corisande, I can provide little else other than he is wealthy, skilled in combat and of course as derived from his title, is heir to the throne on which the Vampiric Emperor and Empress currently sit, overseeing all Clans, including our own.”
I nodded in acknowledgement, unsure why she was telling me this.
"I will be blunt Corisande. You are a rare creature, highly prized for your ability to still perform magic. A witch turned vampiress is no common thing, as is a witch turned shifter. From the same Coven no less. Your presence here in the Clan and your bodyguard's has been a great asset to us all. And that is why no less will be accepted.”
"What do you mean by no less will be accepted?" I knew the rest of her speech, but did this mean the Clan was planning to make a move on the Royal family? No matter how much of an "asset" I may be, I wasn't prepared to be involved in a plot to take down some of the highest ranking vampires in the world.
"Corisande, it has been decided between our Clan and the Royal Clan that you and Prince Theron are to wed.”
What?!
"You are joking!" I spat at Rhuesia, though despite my tone, she simply gazed at me with eyebrow raised. "I am as serious as the grave Corisande. It will be a glorious union." She stated, as though this was a fact rather than an opinion. "You do not know that." I hissed back. "And why was I not consulted about my own marriage? Surely that is something the bride of all people needs to be aware of!" I flashed my fangs as the anger poured over me like water. Who in Nicneven's name did Rhuesia think she was? I ignored the little rational voice in my head that pointed out the Clan Leader and Elder Vampiress. "You were away. A decision needed to be made and negotiations were swift." She said again in the tone of voice I hated. Again as if it was fact. A sealed bargain that no one could dispute. The one she used when her word was law. "There was no contact about this before I left." I pointed out. "Meaning the message came in and was subsequently deci
"I cannot sign this." The words hoarsely escaped my throat as the quill began to shake in my grip. A long suffering sigh reached my ears. "We have discussed this Corisande. The matter is decided.” "You do not understand. I have seen this document before, during my Ascension.” Rhuesia's interest seemed to pique for the first time since I'd arrived on the balcony. "If memory serves, that is the ceremony where witches are gifted a glimpse of their future.” I nodded. "What did you see?” Swallowing hard, I uttered "My death. At the hands of my fiancé.” There was silence for far too long, before a soft murmuring interrupted the quiet. "It must have been wrong.” The quill broke in my grasp as I whirled to face her, eyes blazing at the mere thought. "They are not wrong. No witch ever had a vision that did not come to pass.” Rhuesia as ever, was unreadable. "It is wrong. It must be. I cannot understand why the Prince wou
“What!?” Lixiss screeched, her eyes shifting to cat like slits before returning to normal. A sigh blew through my fangs. “You said to tell you what Rhuesia wanted. This was it. I’m not overly thrilled either you know.” “So now you’re bound to marry the man who kills you. Fantastic. Shall I make the funeral preparations now or wait till after I have to gather up your body?” I raised an eyebrow at her. “Thanks for the confidence.”
“Are we there yet?” Lixiss groaned. “Almost.” I countered. We’d been on the road for several days and I could finally make out the spiralled marbled towers of the Royal Clan’s Palace rising in tandem with the mountain it was situated near. “Thank Nicneven. At least I didn’t have to carry your luggage as well this time.” “Hey you were in lynx form, it made sense to strap the bag to your back.”
I had to say, if there was one thing I approved of in this place, it was that the Royal Clan knew their bathing tubs. The one that greeted my vision was more opulent and spacious than any I had come across. It was made of solid porcelain, with golden clawed feet so that it stood off the ground. It had metal things on one end. Reaching out my fingertips, I twisted one, interested to see what would happen. Warm water immediately gushed out of the thin pipe into the tub. Was it undignified for a vampiress to squeal with delight? By Nicneven, it was as if all my bathing prayers over the centuries had been answered.
I walked stiffly, keeping my arm laced with Theron's. He moved elegantly, showing no signs that he immediately wished to murder me. I took that as a good sign I wouldn't be dying tonight."Is it customary for the Prince to fetch the guests?" I asked, simply because traversing all this opulence in silence was uncomfortable.Theron chuckled softly. "No, it is not. But you can blame me for being eager to see my betrothed?""Yes. I was under the impression you signed the contract blindly, with little care as to which bride you were assigned. Or was I wrong in such an assumption?" I raised a
"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.
"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
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
"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
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
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."
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
"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
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
"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
"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.