The Premortals (The Premortals Series Book 1)

by Jacqueline Wrenley

  “To us,” she repeated and did the same then we drank our wine.

  We continued to sit comfortably on our chairs and soon Ellie fell asleep. She looked so serene while napping that I was careful not to wake her up. I looked around the shuttle and I saw Andrew and Mr. Logan deep in conversation. I wonder what they were talking about. Although Andrew trusted me, he was always careful not to involved me too much in his business affairs maybe in fear that I might find out what he had been doing in the Steel Plants. I had my ways though to know what he was planning, his office was not always inaccessible and I just need to be careful not to get caught or everything would be over.

  A couple of hours have passed. I gazed down outside the window and it was cloudy at first but after a few moments, it departed revealing nothing but white on the ground. We finally arrived at Blackard.

  “Ellie,” I softly woke her up, “Ellie,” I gently repeated.

  She finally stirred on her seat and slowly opened her eyes.

  “We’re here,” I cheerfully said nodding towards the glass window.

  She sat up straight then looked out, “Snow,” she gasped in amazement.

  “Yes, it’s winter in Blackard right now,” I confirmed.

  “It’s beautiful,” she admired, “I’ve never seen snow before,” she added.

  “Blackard is always cold all year round that sometimes it would snow even during their summer,” I stated.

  The shuttle started to descend and by this time we were flying over a large city covered in snow. It was a cloudy day but from time to time the sun would shine through the clouds and its rays would make the snow glitter like diamonds all over the city. We landed on a shuttle dock and the footmen assisted us with our fur cloaks to keep us warm. Andrew exited the shuttle first followed by Katherine, Mr. Logan, and Mr. Thistle and rode in a large luxury vehicle and drove off while we took the next one with Miss Pattilyn.

  We were on our way, the snow stopped falling and the streets of Blackard were cleared of it, a variety of magnificent slick dark gray sky scrapers that reached the clouds stood out among the smaller buildings that you could hardly see the top when you were looking down from a car window, and the people in the city all wore heavy thick coats or cloaks but despite the very cold weather, they seemed to be used to it.

  ”Where are we headed?” Ellie asked.

  “My family has a house here so we’ll be staying there,” I responded.

  “Another house with Andrew?” she expressed wryly.

  “It’s a large house, not as big as the manor back home but I don’t think we would run into him inside.”

  We arrived at our destination and a Footman opened the door for us when we stopped on the driveway. The house was still located in the city, in an enclosed neighborhood with the other large houses owned by Elites. It had a more simple architectural design, homier atmosphere but just as elegant compared to the manor. Andrew was already inside and Mr. Thistle greeted us at the door and took our cloaks while he told a Footman to take us to our room. Inside the house, the walls and the shiny floors were of light beige and so was the wide staircase that ascended to our rooms. The footman opened a mahogany colored double door which he announced was our room, and I saw the terrified look on Ellie’s face when I glanced at her direction.

  “You can have this room, I’ll take the one beside it,” I offered to her.

  “Thank you,” Ellie said with a hint of relief.

  Moments after, I heard a gentle knock on my door and when I opened it, I found Ellie standing in her long black fur boots, white pants with a black buckle, and black knitted top that covered her neck which she wore under a white thick fur coat with black buttons and a hood, and black leather gloves. She always looked so good no matter what she wore even if it was not a Lady’s clothes but she always did what she pleases.

  “Aren’t you coming?” she asked excitedly.

  I assumed we were going out, “Let me grab my coat first,” I chuckled.

  Miss Pattilyn hurried over our direction before we left the house.

  “My Lady, my Lord, please be reminded to be back at four this afternoon, my Lady’s gown will arrived by then,” she requested.

  “We’ll be back before then Miss Pattilyn,” I promised.

  We started off walking around the neighborhood admiring the houses then it wasn’t long when we reached the shops. Ellie was excited gazing at almost anything as we reached the display windows. There were bakeries, souvenir shops, clothes shops, ornaments and many more in this busy district. She had fun passing by them and sometimes we would enter the store if something caught her eye and I didn’t mind though; her company was enough to make me happy. We were fascinated about everything in Blackard. We even tried the warm food and hot drinks that they sold beside the streets which seemed to be popular and it helped a lot especially when the weather grew colder as the day was getting late. We touched the snow that was on the sidewalk with our bare hand and was amused by its texture.

  “I think I like snow,” Ellie declared delighted while I laughed at her comment, she looked genuinely delighted to have seen snow, and her laughter and smiles that she wore the whole time was invigorating.

  We eventually got back to the house and Miss Pattilyn was extremely disappointed when we arrived late that she foresees us missing the ceremony. I repeatedly apologized to her but we had so much fun exploring the city that we lost track of the time. Mrs. Rouge’s assistants, June and Francis, were already there and took Ellie to her room for the preparations.

  I was wearing a fine dark blue tail coat, it had diamond buttons that ran at the center, and elegant curves embroidered on my chest down to the waist studded with little diamond stones all over, and a white soft formal shirt under a white vest, and white pants with black buckles, and long black shiny leather boots. Mrs. Rouge had outdone herself this time I thought. I knocked at Ellie’s door when it was almost time to go. Miss Pattilyn opened and ushered me through. There she was in the middle of the room, standing like a magnificent creature. She was shining brilliantly in her long wide gown of a different shade of blue like cobalt that splendidly exposed her shoulders, chest, and back. Layers of diamonds that elegantly curved and spiraled on her waist and on the edges of her skirt. She wore a diamond necklace that glittered on her skin and diamond earrings that dangled, and shines when they sway. Her hair was neatly held up by a diamond band that was shaped like a serpentine. She was breathtaking and I thought nobody was as glamorous as her tonight. She had bewitched me and that was when I knew that I had completely fallen for her. Ellie smiled when she saw me, “What do you think?” she asked while turning around.

  I shook my head beaming at her, “You are going to outshine everybody tonight.”

  We missed the ceremony so we rode the car on the way to the banquet and Ellie was not at all disappointed but I could see how nervous she was when she rubbed her palm with her fingers and so I was thinking of ways to calm her down.

  “Did you know that Blackard’s sigil is a ram?” I suddenly said in a comforting manner.

  She didn’t say anything as she continued to nervously fidget.

  “Blackard has plenty of sheep but the ram is special that they would never kill them,” I informed, “Although, I heard somewhere that they were special because of their, you know….. dung,” I added smiling.

  “What?” she asked bewildered as I finally caught her attention.

  “Their dung is like gold here in Blackard. They believed that the ram’s dung that drops on the ground turns to oil that’s why Blackard is rich,” I explained grinning.

  Her puzzled look turned to laughter, “That’s the silliest thing I have ever heard.”

  I laughed with her shaking my head, “It is, isn’t?”

  The car rang with our laughter but when it died down, there were more nervous silence. I gently placed my hand over hers, and the sudden motion startled her but she didn’t take her hand away, then I looked at her and assured softly, “Everything is goi
ng to be alright Ellie, you can do this.” She smiled warmly and took a deep breath. Our car slowed down on the large driveway of the House of Craye. Cars waited in line for their turn as more Elites poured out the large driveway entering the manor. When it was our time, a footman opened the car door and I exited first then offered my hand to Ellie and she held it when she got off from the car. Snow was lazily falling tonight when we made our way to the entrance. Ellie was admiring the marvelous manor of the Craye’s that was as huge as ours back in Pinewood. Inside the manor the walls were black with white elegant wall moldings, and the floors were black as well with white exquisite carpets and the large tall windows were draped in white curtains with stylish light gray designs. Ellie had her hand around my arm when we made our way to the banquet hall where footmen in black formal stood at attention along the corridors. Art paintings of different styles where hung but we didn’t stop to admire them. We were approaching a large entrance with large white graceful arches above it then I stopped before proceeding and glanced at Ellie smiling, “Are you ready?” She nervously nodded.

  “Don’t forget to smile,” I reminded grinning.

  We entered the grand banquet hall, it had a wide white staircase, and at first, it looked like the hall was open air with exits framed in large white arches with no doors and it leads out to the large balcony into the cold black snowy night but if you look closely, the balcony were actually completely covered in glass shields on the outside that it was so clear you would not notice it and it prevented the snow from falling on the open balcony. We slowly descended the wide stairs together with some Elites who arrived with us, and sure enough some of the guests in their expensive gowns and suits, one trying to outshine the other, who were already there took notice of our entrance. Some stared while others gazed in awe, then some gawked at her, some started to whisper, and others subtly pointed their fingers at us while talking. Ellie suddenly tightened her grip on my arm as we reached the bottom steps and made our way through the crowd. I realized that they were mostly staring at Ellie, and I could feel that even when we passed they continued staring behind our backs. I was proud of her that night the way she handled herself with such elegance and style constantly smiling that you would forget that she was not born an Elite. ‘Yes she is here and she demands your undivided attention,’ it was what I told myself when I glanced and was amused by the Elites and their reactions. The orchestra above us that was playing classical music paused then resumed with a different tune after a footman announced the arrival of the Craye family. The attention of the Elites shifted then to the entrance above the stairs. The members of the House of Craye and their new addition all entered looking ravishing in their fine clothes. Ambrose looked especially happy which was a good sign. Some guest flocked in their direction to offer their compliments to the family and the newly matched. Soon after, the food was served in bite sizes and we took some and drank our wine as we stood away from the crowd when a familiar figure was approaching us.

  “Nigel!” I called out cheerfully.

  “Curtis!” he waved grinning.

  We shook hands firmly when he arrived where we were standing.

  ‘“It’s good to see you again,” I declared smiling.

  “Same to you my friend. I only regret that I missed your own ceremony.”

  “Don’t worry about it,” I assured dismissively, “Let me introduce to you my mate Lady Elaine,” I continued.

  Nigel gallantly bowed and smiled then Ellie curtsied in return.

  “It’s my pleasure to meet you my Lady,” he shyly greeted.

  Ellie smiled widely, “Same to you my Lord.”

  Nigel nervously stood still grinning without saying a word.

  I chuckled, “Please forgive my friend here but he is extremely shy with large group of Elites especially around a Lady,” I explained to Ellie.

  Ellie giggled, “I feel exactly the same way my Lord. At best, two or three Elites I could tolerate.”

  I saw Nigel’s mood relaxed when he laughed at Ellie’s comment. They continued to have a friendly chat when I noticed a couple of Elites nearby staring at our direction, and then started to slowly approach me. I knew their names from previous friendly acquaintances; he was Lord Jesse Prime, a strong man who was in his early thirties and his mate Lady Mira, a pleasant looking slender woman with all smiles and was a few years older than him.

  “Lord Curtis, I don’t know if you remember me?” Lord Jesse greeted grinning.

  “I do remember you Lord Jesse,” I politely respond.

  He smiled then continued, “It’s good to see you, I hope life treats you well.”

  “As well as can be expected.”

  “That’s wonderful my Lord, and your mate?” Lord Jesse inquired glancing at Ellie, and by that I understood his hint that he wanted to be introduced. I didn’t see the harm in that so I motioned them closer to Ellie who was conversing with Nigel.

  “I’m sorry to interrupt. Lady Elaine may I present to you Lord Jesse and Lady Mira,” I introduced them to her.

  Ellie smiled then elegantly curtsied to them, and in return Lady Mira did the same while Lord Jesse bowed. I was impressed by how Ellie presented herself; her previous lessons must had been of great help. Lady Mira immediately became friendly with Ellie and soon Lord Jesse, and they talked about how they heard so much about her and wanted to meet her in person. I couldn’t help but smile as I stood there not far, observing while they started conversing among themselves and they enjoyed her company and were fascinated by her. Soon after, more joined their group, those who were curious and captivated by her and she continued to treat them with dignity and grace; yet some who were nearby continued to look on with disgust.

  The orchestra suddenly stopped playing and the sound of heavy marching could be heard approaching the hall. A footman who was at the entrance formally announced, “His royal highness, the Crowned Prince.” Everybody in the hall stopped what they were doing and shifted their gaze to the entrance. The royal guards in their black and red uniform continued to march in two lines then descended on each side of the stairs and they stopped as the first guard who entered reached the last bottom steps, and then stood at attention then faced in unison towards the center of the staircase as the Crowned Prince entered then walked down the middle. The Prince wore a magnificent dark green tailcoat and pants with elegant prints of a darker shade made from the most expensive fabric and with white undershirt underneath a gold vest, and a soft white scarf around his neck that glittered and was tucked under his undershirt, and his black long boots with gold laces on the sides. He had a long well-kept pale blonde hair and light blue eyes that were piercing on his slender face. He had a tall and lean built unlike his father the Emperor who was robust, and he moved in an elegant and gentle fashion and had a vain expression on his face. We all bowed and the Ladies all curtsied in silence.

  “Well don’t stop the party on my account,” he declared with his soft voice in an irritated yet delicate manner when he reached the bottom steps.

  The orchestra immediately resumed playing an up-tempo song. We were standing on the far side of the hall but I could see the members of the House of Craye greeted the Prince and other Elites nearby were anxiously waiting to a have a turn with the Prince, probably to introduce themselves and gain his favor. The little crowd around Ellie dispersed like startled ants after the arrival of the Prince and they made their way to his direction except for Lord Jesse and Lady Mira who remained nearby away from the commotion. The Prince continued to look bored and annoyed. I pity him though, being surrounded by the exquisite and excessive all the time that nothing impresses him anymore. We continued to be by ourselves, Ellie resumed her conversation with Nigel and I watched towards Ambrose’s direction thinking when I would have the time to speak to him. The Prince continued to walk forward and talk to some of the Elites while ignoring others or walked away if they did not interest him. Then all of a sudden, his expression changed as if he caught sight of something that intrigued him. I did
n’t have a clue what suddenly made him change his direction but I noticed that he was then coming our way.

  “Oh no,” I muttered disheartened.

  Ellie and Nigel heard me and were confused.

  “What is it?” Ellie asked.

  I nodded at the Prince’s direction, “Don’t look now but I think he is coming over here,” I declared.

  Ellie started to panic, “What am I going to do?” she whispered with a worried look.

  “Just calm down and be yourself Ellie. He is no different from anybody else here, you can do this,” I calmly said in a hushed voice.

  It calmed Ellie and she subtly nodded in agreement but I could still see in her eyes that she was terrified. The Elites who watched the Prince were baffled when they noticed that he was coming towards our direction. I instinctively stayed close beside Ellie then I bowed and she curtsied when he finally came upon us.

  “You’re a pretty little thing,” the Prince commented in his melodic voice and observing Ellie while completely ignoring me and the rest.

  She continued to stand nervously not knowing how to react to him.

  “What’s your name?” he asked sounding uninterested.

  “Lady Elaine your highness.”

  “Hmmm…. Lady Elaine….” he repeated slowly, “I haven’t seen you around before, why is that?” showing a dramatic curiosity while he asked.

  “Don’t tell me!” he commanded quickly interrupting her before she could speak.

  He paused and was thinking then he spoke, “You’re the Beta turned Elite are you?”

  “Yes your highness,” Ellie politely answered.

  “I must say….,” he said softly and slowly contented that he got it right, then sneered and came closer to Ellie, too close that it made me uncomfortable, “You’re a little flower sticking out from among these thorns, too delicate and beautiful, yet too out of place. It’s best you return to where you came from little flower,” he had a vain look and a mocking smile.

  I felt uneasy then I glanced at Ellie, she didn’t show any reaction but there was a sudden confidence in her eyes then she warmly smiled and said, “Thank you your highness, that’s the greatest compliment anybody has given me since I became an Elite.”