The Bloodletters

by Samantha Bell

  I read until lunchtime. There was a knock at the door, and I called them in, thinking it would be Judy with my lunch.

  Lady Carrol appeared instead. Her cheeks were rosy, and her dark hair had been piled on top of her head, giving her the appearance that she was taller than she was. She fanned her face and composed herself before speaking. She must have run up from a lower floor. "Good afternoon, Violet."

  I snapped the book shut and hid it behind me. "Good afternoon, ma'am." I bowed my head to her.

  "I'm happy to see you are doing well," Lady Carrol said. "I came to inform you that there will be a ball held this weekend. His Majesty will need a Bloodletter to accompany him, so please prepare yourself accordingly."

  "A ball?" I stammered. "What is the occasion?"

  "The Annual Valentine's Ball, my dear," she replied. She flung open my wardrobe and combed through the dressed. "I don't see anything in here that will be suitable," she muttered. "I'll send the dressmaker over this afternoon."

  I stood, slipping the book under a pillow. I didn't want her to know I had been sneaking off to the library. "I'm positive there's something, please don't go through the trouble," I protested. I hated being fitted for dresses. It was a long, boring ordeal and my feet ached by the end. To make matters worse, the dressmaker didn't talk much, so it was hours of unbearable silence and pin pricks.

  "Oh, I must!" Lady Carrol insisted. "His Majesty is about the age to be married and he has yet to find a suitable bride. Your appearance and performance are just as important as his."

  I clenched my teeth. "No pressure." I mumbled under my breath as she slammed the wardrobe shut.

  Lady Carrol looked me up and down. "I will call for the dressmaker immediately. Try not to eat too much at lunch, we want to make sure the measurements are accurate.”

  I bit back a sarcastic comment, and I bowed my head as she left. "Of course, my Lady."

  ∾

  As expected, the fitting took forever, and it was well into the evening before she finally released me. I finished the book and ate ravenously at dinner after skipping lunch for the sake of fashion.

  At midnight, I quietly slipped out of my room and made my way to the library. The hallways were empty as usual. When I entered the library, I found the Prince already there. He was sitting in a chair with a stack of books beside him.

  Prince Isaac looked up. "Ah, there you are, I was worried that you might not be coming."

  I felt my cheeks tingle with heat. "I wouldn't break a promise to you, Your Majesty." I bowed my head.

  The Prince stood and took the book from my hand. He tossed it onto a nearby chair and kissed my knuckles. "Please, you can drop the formalities."

  I blushed deeper, pulling my hands away and holding them behind my back. "I couldn't. It wouldn't be proper."

  Prince Isaac rolled his eyes and put his hands into his pockets. The top button of his shirt was undone, and I could see the notch of his throat. "My entire life has been nothing but formalities," He said. "And if you are comfortable about breaking Bloodletter curfew and taking books from my family's private library, I highly doubt that this should make a difference."

  I looked away from his piercing gaze. He stepped closer to me and I could feel the heat radiating from him.

  "Just try it," he said. "Say my name."

  My lips trembled. "Isaac." His name tasted sinful on my tongue. My body felt as if it were on fire.

  "See, that wasn't so bad," Isaac said. He touched my cheek and our eyes met. "And now, I believe you haven't even told me your name yet."

  I flinched. If I told him my name, he would know I was the Bloodletter from the Autumn Festival. What would he think? Would he ever remember?

  Isaac watched me, patiently waiting.

  The Prince was so close to me now. My entire body was trembling. I hadn't been this close to a man since my drunken escapades in the Manor in Wythtir. My old life, where I had teased suitors and broken hearts.

  "Violet." I let it out in a rush, speaking in a whisper as if it were a terrible secret.

  "Violet?" Isaac repeated. He took a step back and examined me carefully. He reached out and wrapped a tendril of my hair around his long fingers. “I knew it was you. I knew I recognized you from somewhere.” He said. Even though he was whispering, the silence of the library amplified his voice.

  I nodded. "Yes, we met at the Autumn Festival."

  Isaac's eyes blazed. "Yes, I remember now. The woman that I saved from the Baron. The woman with the delicious blood."

  I let myself be pulled into his arms. I longed for his touch, but I would not dare make a move. Instead, I relaxed and let his strength consume me. This wasn't right, I couldn't silence my mind. If someone were to walk in, I would be done for.

  "I never forgot that taste," Isaac said, his mouth next to my ear.

  I shivered. My heart was pounding with the thrill. This was wrong. I was a Bloodletter, and I wasn't even his Bloodletter. I summoned my resolve and gently pushed out of his grip. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty, but we shouldn't."

  "Isaac," He interrupted me.

  "Isaac," I conceded. "We shouldn't be acting like this."

  "I know," the Prince said. "You're my brother's Bloodletter, we shouldn't be seen together at all." He paused, chuckling to himself. "Not that my brother would know what to do with a beautiful woman anyway."

  It took all of myself control not to fling myself at him at that moment. I had no doubt that he could teach me a thing or two about how he could handle a woman. I shook my head. "Well, I should be going." I reached for the door handle. "And I think it would be better if we didn't see each other again," I added.

  Isaac put his hand on the door. The strength of a Royal was not one I could overcome, even if I pulled at the handle with all my might. "Please don't go,” he said earnestly.

  "I can't stay, Isaac." I said. I pulled at the door handle. My eyes flicked up to his face, and I leaned forward, kissing him with more passion than I had ever felt in my life. He kissed me back, releasing the door and holding onto my shoulders. I tightened my grip on the door handle and broke away from this kiss.

  I held our gaze for a moment longer. "Goodbye," I breathed and dashed out of the library before he could stop me.

  TWENTY-TWO

  I DID NOT RETURN TO THE LIBRARY FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK.

  I spent my time in my room, trying to pen a letter to Amelia and tearing up the paper halfway through every time. I wanted to tell her everything, but I knew if the letter was intercepted, I would have to answer to the Royals. Her romantic heart would have burst, as she said, it was like a fairy tale. But fairy tales weren't real. Even if Isaac and I were to fall madly in love, there would be no happy ending for us. It was better this way, I thought, even if I could never return to the library after dark.

  I spent the day of the ball preparing. I woke at dawn to be bathed, groomed, dressed and painted for the event. Lady Carrol briefed me as the maids worked silently.

  "Tonight is the biggest night of the Winter season. Many eligible ladies will make their debut and the Prince is expected to dance with as many of them as possible," Lady Carrol explained as she paced back and forth.

  I sucked in a breath as Judy tied my corset.

  "The King and Queen have felt pressure to get him married off before the next Autumn festival. Noble families are starting to talk, and that can put the ruling family in a perilous position," Lady Carrol continued.

  Of course, it would. The Royals were ruthless. If any ruling family showed weakness, the people would begin to doubt their power. It was not unlike the pressures that the Ministers' families felt. Another reason that my father would have never kept a female heir, not when he had two perfectly good sons going to waste. I wiggled into my dress with the help of Judy and a nameless maid who I hadn't seen before.

  The dress was bright red, the color of fresh blood. It was made of silk taffeta with a full bustle and train. It pooled at my feet and came up to my chest in an arched swee
theart neckline. My neck and shoulders were on full display, as was the style for Bloodletters. The maids started to work on my hair next.

  "Now for you, young lady, you must be a vision of elegance and poise. I'm sure this will be no trouble for you, considering your upbringing. Have you attended a Royal Ball before?"

  I nodded, ignoring the tuts of the maids. "Yes, ma'am. I attended the Autumn Festival Ball as a Bloodletter for Madam Desjardins."

  "Good," Lady Carrol marked something down on the papers she was holding. "Most of the same rules apply. Don't speak unless you are spoken to, stand straight and smile, but don't flirt. Your job is to make the Crown Prince look his best. If anyone else asks you for blood, you must politely decline. You are only for His Majesty."

  I nodded.

  "There will be other Bloodletters there for the esteemed guests," Lady Carrol added. "You are to stay by Prince Edmund's side unless he is dancing with a Lady. In which case you are to stand by the side and make yourself available once he is done. There are two hundred confirmed guests, so try to keep your eye on him."

  "Yes, ma'am."

  Lady Carrol sighed happily and looked me up and down. "You will be fantastic. I only hope that your beauty does not distract from the eligible ladies."

  I blushed. "I don't think that will be a problem, my Lady."

  "Hm," Lady Carrol walked around me once again, tapping her chin as she thought. "Judy, make sure her makeup is modest.”

  "Yes, ma'am," Judy said, tying my hair with more force than usual.

  I winced, watching them work in the mirror. I set my shoulders and let Lady Carrol drone on and on about every detail. I was already looking forward to the night being over.

  ∾

  There was a deep pocket in the side of my dress for me to keep my Bloodletting tools. As I was intended to only be used by Prince Edmund, the usual contraption of needle and tubing was not required. This also meant that I was permitted to wear shorter gloves. I looked at my inner arms. There was no sign of scars or bruising. It had been so long since I last gave blood. I was beginning to forget what it felt like.

  I could hear music echoing from the ballroom. Most of the guests had already arrived. I was waiting in the antechamber for Prince Edmund. I paced around, the rustling of my skirts and clicking of my heels on the marble floor became a rhythm.

  The King and Queen had already been announced. Prince Edmund should have been here by now. I wondered if Isaac would be announced. The memories of his touch and his kiss set my skin on fire.

  Someone opened the door and cleared their throat.

  I opened my eyes, more than slightly disappointed to see Prince Edmund and not Isaac. I bowed my head low. "Good evening, Your Majesty."

  Prince Edmund looked less than thrilled to be here. He was dressed in a black three-piece suit. His white pocket square was embroidered with the crest of the House of Strix. His dark hair was freshly trimmed. His round face and soft dark eyes made it hard to believe that he was the eldest of the two brothers. Isaac was commanding and confident while Edmund was quiet and unremarkable.

  I smiled my best smile, eager to get the night over with and return to my room.

  Edmund held out his arm for me. "Let's get this over with." He muttered.

  I nodded and slipped my arm around his. We stepped into the ballroom and my breath caught in my throat. As Lady Carrol promised, the room was filled with guests, the most influential Royals dressed in their finest winter jewel tones mixed with black and shades of gray. The ballroom was decorated with golden trim and large mirrors, the vaulted ceiling painted and illuminated by glittering chandeliers. The chamber orchestra quieted as the Prince was announced.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present his Royal Highness, Prince Edmund, Crown Prince of Inwaed.”

  The attendees turned in our direction. I remembered to stay half a step behind him as we descended the stairs. There was applause. I could feel the energy in the room shift. Mothers were whispering in their daughter’s ears.

  The musicians took up their instruments and began playing a waltz.

  I breathed a sigh of relief as the guests returned to their conversation. I followed Edmund to the dais where the King and Queen waited. King Luther stood stoic, watching the guests.

  Queen Leona pulled her son into a warm hug. “I’m glad you finally showed up. Lady Mauldin has been eyeing the door all night. Her daughter is first on your card, right?” Prince Edmund looked like his mother, the same dark hair and soft features.

  I tried not to listen as she gave advice to the Prince. They sounded so desperate to get him married off. I stared at the floor, waiting for Prince Edmund. It sounded like he would have a busy night of dances ahead of him. In a way, I felt sorry for him. I was no stranger to the pressures of being an heir. Before my mother died, every gala was a performance. There was no room for mistakes.

  Queen Leona finally released her son. She glanced at me and I lowered my eyes again. I hated their appraising looks; I could feel the Royals’ eyes on me as Edmund took me by the arm again and went out to mingle with the guests.

  After some small talk, the Prince was approached by a pretty girl that I safely assumed to be Lady Mauldin’s daughter. Her face was glowing with excitement as she curtsied. “Your Majesty.”

  I hid a grimace. Her desperation was obvious. I stood by a wall as Edmund danced with her. I clasped my hands behind my back and watched him twirl around the ballroom. He was a good dancer, but unenthusiastic. His boredom was obvious.

  The night dragged on and Edmund was kept busy with dance after dance. I shifted and leaned against the wall to ease the pain in my feet. I noticed that the crowd was beginning to thin. Some of the younger Royals had wandered off in pairs or groups. I sighed, remembering those days myself. Stuffy occasions were no place for teenagers, I guess it was true for the Royals as well.

  The orchestra stopped for a break and Edmund returned to my side. He looked exhausted.

  “Your Majesty, are you feeling ok?” I asked.

  Edmund waved away my concern. “Fine.” He picked a glass of champagne from a passing server.

  I glanced around the ballroom. There were about a dozen Bloodletters stationed around the room and they were all busy with customers. “Would you like some blood, sir?”

  Edmund’s eyes perked up for a moment before his indifferent mask fell into place. He looked at me, his eyes trailing down my arm. “No, thank you.” I didn’t miss the hint of disgust in his voice. “Why don’t you go back to your room? I don’t need you here.”

  I bristled, feeling heat rush to my face. I bit the inside of my cheek to keep my emotions under control. What was the point of being his Bloodletter if he refused to drink from me? I was insulted. I had given up my freedom for the Saxons, groomed to be a perfect Bloodletter, and he wouldn’t even give me a chance. I opened my mouth to argue, but the orchestra began to play again.

  “Excuse me,” Edmund said, glancing at his dance card. He left to entertain another young lady in a giant sparkling gown.

  I glared at the back of his head and crossed my arms. This was such a waste of my time; I could have been reading.

  “Now that’s no way for a beautiful woman to look. You’ll get wrinkles.”

  I bolted upward, letting my hands fall to my sides. Prince Isaac had snuck against the wall, his hand nearly touching mine. “Your Majesty,” I hissed. “What are you doing here?”

  Prince Isaac raised his eyebrows. “I thought we talked about this.”

  I set my jaw and faced forward. “Isaac,” I corrected myself. “And I thought I said that we couldn’t see each other anymore.”

  “Well, this is the Valentine’s Ball. Even the lowly spare has to make an appearance.”

  “I didn’t hear you being announced.”

  Isaac chuckled bitterly. “They wouldn’t, tonight is all about finding a girl for my beloved big brother.”

  I watched Prince Edmund dancing around the ballroom. “Yeah, I noticed. Poor gu
y hasn’t had a break all night.”

  Isaac didn’t sound sympathetic. “Well, he should just hurry up and pick one.” He leaned against the wall, edging closer to me. “As for you, why don’t we get out of here?”

  I blushed and turned my face away from him, focusing on the orchestra. “No, I don’t think so. I need to be here in case Edmund…”

  “Needs your blood?” Isaac whispered. “Believe me, he won’t.” He brushed his hand against mine. “I believe I could put it to much better use.”

  I nearly fainted. I turned to face him; he was so close. “What is it about you that is so intoxicating?”

  Isaac smirked. “You tell me.”

  I looked around the ballroom, but no one was paying attention to us. “We could get into a lot of trouble.”

  “I know.” Isaac said, taking my hand and lacing my fingers through his. “Come on, let’s go and have some real fun.”

  Before I could change my mind, I nodded, and the Prince led me to the doors, staying on the edge of the crowd. No one even bothered to glance at us. If Edmund went looking for me, he would assume I took his offer and went back to my room for the night.

  Holding tightly to Isaac’s hand, I followed him through the dark halls, down the stairs and to a wing of the palace I had never been to before. “Where are we going?” I whispered, clutching the hem of my skirt to stop myself from tripping.

  “You’ll see.” Isaac looked over his shoulder and smiled.

  A warmth spread through me. He was so handsome. He was supposed to be untouchable, and yet here we were together, running through the halls like lovesick characters from a romance novel. I really should write to Amelia.

  We stopped at a set of double doors. Isaac turned to me, his hands resting gently on my bare shoulders. “Ok, what you’re about to see, you can’t speak of to anyone. Even Edmund.”

  I nodded, glancing around nervously.

  Isaac opened the doors, and we slipped into a dimly lit room. It was a sitting room filled with the dozen or more younger Royals who had disappeared during the ball. They were lounging on chairs, sipping glasses of wine. Someone was playing the piano, a soft melodic tune. They were chattering and giggling amongst themselves. The women had loosened their corsets and kicked their shoes off in the corner. The men’s ties hung lose around their necks. They looked so normal. Like average teenagers, finally free from the critical eyes of their parents.