The Bloodletters

by Samantha Bell

  Isaac was silent, taking it all in.

  "My mother died in April." I said, and that was when it hit me. She hadn't even been gone for a year. I had been sent to the Blood House shortly after and it had overturned my entire world. If the girl I was a year ago could see me now, she would have wept for me. I stared at my hands. "I hadn't realized how little time has passed," I admitted.

  The ticking of the clock was maddening. I waited for Isaac to say something, anything, to get my mind off what had happened to me.

  "I'm sorry, Violet," he said finally. "Truly, I am." He rose from his chair and kneeled beside me, holding my hands tightly. "Now I see why you are the way you are."

  "And what way is that?"

  "Amazing." Isaac kissed my cheek. "You deserve more than this."

  I chuckled and blinked away a tear that had been lingering in my eye. "You're right and I believe this was the way I was supposed to realize my potential."

  "What do you mean?"

  "My mother raised me to be the perfect lady. She had big dreams for me. There was no doubt in her mind that I would succeed my father and become the Minister of Wythtir. However, now I think I was meant for something more." I met his gaze.

  Isaac smiled, making my heart squeeze tighter. "If it's any consolation for your pain, I'm glad that I met you," He paused. "I love you more that any girl I've ever known, even though it's forbidden. You're so much more to me than just a Bloodletter."

  I couldn't help but blush.

  "I was thinking about what you said last week," Isaac continued. He pulled up a chair and sat beside me. His fingers brushed my arm.

  I glanced down quickly to make sure the scabs had vanished. I knew they had, but I couldn't get the image from my mind. I swallowed and forced my attention back to him. "What about it?"

  "Well, you seemed quite pessimistic about the possible outcomes of our relationship," Isaac sighed. "And with good reason. I've tried not to think about it, but I cannot just keep putting it off. One day someone will discover us, no matter what we do and when that day comes, I want to be prepared."

  "There's only one way that this won't end badly."

  "How's that?" The Prince asked.

  I leaned over the table and found the book I had been reading from earlier. A Complete History of Bloodletting. "In here." I flipped to the folded page and pointed to the circled passage.

  "Oh, you've been reading this one too." Isaac's cheeks reddened slightly. "I don't know." He said softly and shook his head. "It's never been done."

  I tightened my grip on the book in my hands. "Just because it's never been done doesn't mean it's not possible," I insisted.

  "Become Royal, Violet? Do you have any idea how much risk there is? No one ever lived through those experiments."

  "I know. I read the chapter," I countered.

  "Then why would you suggest it? You'll die! I don't want to lose you," He added softly.

  I clenched my teeth. "One day I'll be lost if we do this or not. You said so yourself. We will be discovered. It's not a matter of if, but when." My stomach clenched at the thought of having to kill another person to guarantee our safety, but I would stop at nothing to be with him. "Becoming a Royal is the only way for us to be together."

  Isaac slumped back in the chair and rubbed his temples. "What you're suggesting, Violet, is madness."

  I stared at him in silence. I had made my decision, but I couldn't do it without his help. "Do you have any better ideas?"

  "No," The Prince sighed. He rubbed his hand over his face and looked at me. "Violet, I love you, and I would do anything for you, but I can't risk your life."

  "I see," My jaw tightened. "Well I guess then we won't be seeing each other anymore." I stood and closed the book.

  "What? Why?"

  "Just being here with you is risking my life," I said. "If we're discovered, you know that it will be the end of me. Best case scenario I'll be cast out. Worst case, well I need not imagine that."

  Isaac bolted to his feet and pulled me against him. "Please don't be like this. We'll figure something out."

  I stared at him steadily, not letting my doubts show. "Then make me a Royal, Isaac."

  Isaac flinched, but his arms did not loosen. "If I promise to look into it more, talk to some people and see what I can find out, will that be enough for now?"

  I considered his offer. "You'll look into what can be done for me?" I couldn't hide my hopeful tone.

  "Yes, I promise," He said. "But you must promise me something in return."

  "Of course."

  "Don't do anything rash. I will solve this problem the best I can. In the meantime, I want you to be safe."

  I nodded. "Alright, deal."

  Isaac breathed a sigh of relief. He stroked my cheek and kissed me softly. "I love you, Violet. No matter what happens, I'll be yours."

  I dropped the subject after that. There was no use. I would let him try to find an alternative, but I was determined to become a Royal. It was the only way for us to be together.

  It was the only way that I could redeem myself.

  TWENTY-SIX

  HALFWAY INTO MARCH, I WAS GROWING IMPATIENT.

  Spring was the time for parties, a ball or a dinner was held every night. The highest Royals had nothing better to spend their wealth on. As Edmund’s personal Bloodletter, they expected me to attend them all.

  The richest of the Royals could also employ their own Bloodletters and it was beginning to feel like a competition. Like some sort of obscene dog show, where the most beautiful, well-mannered, and best dressed Bloodletters would be out on display for all to see. Thankfully, because I belonged to the Prince, no one was permitted to taste my blood. But the others had to share with whoever took an interest in them.

  One evening, I stood a few paces away from Edmund, just within earshot in case the Prince called for me. He had not taken blood from me yet, and I doubted he would start anytime soon. When I wandered too far, his mother often shot me unfriendly glances, so I had learned to stay within an acceptable range. I stood in a lilac-colored dress with my hands folded in front of me and my eyes to the floor.

  The Saxons were being entertained by a family with three beautiful eligible daughters. They all had surrounded Edmund all evening and it was impossible to miss the boredom on his round face. My heart squeeze with pity for him. I had tried to console him occasionally, trying to sympathize with him over the pressures of an heir, but as he was ignorant of my past, always shrugged me off.

  The Crown Prince's lack of motivation was infuriating. Prince Edmund was destined to be the king of Inwaed, one of the most powerful countries of all time. He would be the most influential person in the country; even though the best rulers always considered the opinions of the government, he would retain absolute control. He should be studying, making allies, finding a suitable bride – even if it were only for breeding purposes. But he just sat idly while the wolves began to circle.

  Prince Isaac had been invited to this party as well. When the daughters grew tired of Edmund, they turned their attention to him. He was infinitely more charismatic than his older brother and reveled in the endless attention.

  I held my hands together tightly, feeling my cheeks burn as I had to watch the trio of ladies drool over him.

  Isaac played his part perfectly and tried to direct their attention back to his brother whenever possible. After dessert, the girls had abandoned Edmund all together.

  My stomach growled, and I placed a hand at my navel. I would have to wait until we returned to the palace for food and rest. I shifted in my shoes and wiggled my toes, sending pins and needles up my legs. Soon the party would be over, then I could relax.

  Isaac caught my eyes and sent me a small smile. With the nightly events, we could not spend as much time together. I missed him every night. I hung onto the hope that we would be able to find a way to be together soon. I quickly looked away in case someone was to notice.

  I wanted to go home. I had not missed
the way the man of the house kept eyeing me up and down like a piece of meat. I couldn't tell whether he was lusting after my body or my blood, but I was grateful when the night finally ended.

  I rode home in a carriage with two of the other Bloodletters that served the Saxons. They never spoke to me. I was an outsider to them, being a personal Bloodletter. They were only staff. The King and Queen used their services occasionally, but they attended the events as a show of wealth and nothing more. The Royal couple has personal Bloodletters back at the palace, but their identities were unknown to me, even after all this time.

  I supposed it had something to do with security, but I had never asked. I was the only personal Bloodletter who was paraded around at social events and I was sure it had something to do with squashing the rumors about the Crown Prince.

  I stared into the night, watching the scenery go by as we hurried along behind the Saxon's carriage. A pair of armed riders flanked either side of us for security.

  I pulled my shawl around my shoulders and shivered. There was a draft slipping through the door and it was not yet warm enough to be outdoors uncovered. I took a quick glance at the Bloodletters who shared my carriage.

  One woman and one man. They both looked tired, weak, and cold. I remembered those days of constant Bloodletting and I did not envy them in the slightest. I didn't know their names, nor did I care to learn them, taking Judy's advice not to get attached. After all, we Bloodletters were delicate and short lived.

  I would save myself. Even thought Isaac thought it was impossible. Even though the history books had barely any clues. I would find a way. I would not be like the rest.

  ∾

  Books surrounded me when Isaac joined me the next night. My red dress pooled around me and I had heavy history books in my lap. A Complete History of Bloodletting topped the pile. Many books hinted at the science of Bloodletting and the experiments that had been done, but none told the whole picture. I flipped through multiple texts at once, writing notes on a paper that I kept hidden in my hair during the day.

  “Good evening, darling,” Isaac said as he took his familiar place across from me. He had an old book in his hand. He must have noticed my eager eyes and held it up. “I think I’ve found something.”

  I took the book from him, carefully cradling it in my hands. It was worn and brittle. I cracked it open where a ribbon had marked a page. It was a journal, not a printed book, it was something much more private.

  “Where did you find this?” I whispered.

  “My father’s personal collection.” Isaac replied with a paranoid glance around the empty library. “But there’s something very important I need you to see.” He pointed at a specific paragraph.

  My chest grew tight as I read the passage.

  Yesterday, my grandfather met with Dr. Coleman in an attempt to save my father’s life. He said that a blood transfusion would necessary, but father was too weak. Dr. Coleman worked with my grandfather on many blood projects. My grandfather wants to go through with it anyway, but I’m not sure if I trust him. The doctor is rumored to have worked on experiments involving the blood of Commoners, which is how we got into this mess in the first place. I must hope for a miracle, or my father will be dead within a fortnight.

  “My father wrote this when he was about my age.” Isaac whispered. He reached over and turned the page. There was a copy of the official announcement of Isaac’s grandfather’s death, dated only a week later.

  I was silent for a moment. “Dr. Coleman?”

  Isaac nodded. “Yes, he’s the only lead we have. If we can find him. If he’s even still alive.”

  “Oh, he’s alive.” I met the Prince’s gaze. “And I know exactly where to find him.”

  We copied the important details, which there were few, and then Isaac went to return the book immediately. The last thing we needed now was to get caught.

  Dr. Coleman was involved in the Bloodletting experiments? It didn’t seem possible. He was old enough, and I knew nothing about him, but he was so kind to me when I was under the rule of Madam Desjardins. He didn’t seem like a scheming scientist type.

  It seemed like a lifetime ago now. The memories came back to me in a wave. I missed the smell of the polish that Roger used to clean the wood trim, the taste of Victor’s cooking, and the friendly faces of Miss Prescott and Mr. McCray. I even missed Heather’s stern lectures.

  I missed everyone, but especially Amelia. I hadn’t written to her about any of this, lest it get intercepted; that would be like signing my own death warrant.

  I waited, so consumed in my memories of the Blood House until Isaac returned to the dark library. He sat beside me, kissed my cheek, and set official royal letterhead before us. “Alright,” he said. “Let’s get in touch with Dr. Coleman.”

  TWENTY SEVEN

  THE NEXT WEEK WAS PAINSTAKINGLY SLOW. I met with Isaac nightly in the library, hoping that we had received a response.

  By the eighth night, I was losing hope. I sat curled up in my usual spot, looking out the window at the gardens that surrounded the palace.

  Isaac was late; I had lost count of how many times I glanced at the clock above the library door. I rubbed my arms and forced myself to concentrate on the book in my lap, but I had nearly memorized everything there was printed about experiments with Royal blood. The information was limited, and I had absorbed every last drop.

  Dr. Coleman was our only hope now.

  I shut my eyes and leaned my forehead against the window. The moon was nearly full, bathing the gardens in a soft milky light. The sound of the library door opening jerked me out of the trance.

  “Violet,” Isaac grinned. He held up an open envelope victoriously. “Dr. Coleman wrote back! He’s agreed to meet us.”

  I scrambled to hug Isaac. “Yes! I was beginning to lose hope.”

  Isaac held me tight and kissed the top of my head. “Never doubt me. I love you and I would burn this city of the ground if it meant getting a chance of being with you forever.”

  The letter was very vague due to the chance that it could be intercepted. The Royals had to be suspicious of everyone. There had been attempts at a coupe over the centuries, so almost everything was subject to search. Thankfully, the mail of the ruling family seemed to be an exception, but we wouldn’t take any chances.

  The next night we were to meet Dr. Coleman at the Saxon’s stables, as far away from the palace as possible. Sneaking out of my room at night had become second nature, so I didn’t even break a sweat.

  I dressed in black, a long cloak protected my body from the evening chill that bit at my skin. I met Isaac in the library. He was already waiting for me when I closed the door quietly. Our eyes met, and I felt my cheeks redden. He was striking in all black.

  I blinked and forced myself to focus. Now was not the time to get butterflies. This was our chance to get answers. If Dr. Coleman had even the smallest clue about how to get this to work, then Isaac and I wouldn’t have to hide anymore.

  “How are we going to sneak past the night guards?” I asked. There was always a guard posted at every exit day or night. The ruling family’s security was top-notch.

  Isaac grinned and my heart fluttered again. “Who said we were just going to walk out the door?”

  He took my hand and led me to the furthest corner of the library. The built-in bookshelves stretched all the way to the ceiling. Isaac paused for a moment before pulling a few heavy volumes from a low shelf full of dusty books. He fumbled for a second and then a loud snap of a switch being turned filled the silence of the library. There was a rumble and a small section of the shelves turned outward, revealing a path tall and wide enough for one person.

  I gasped.

  Isaac looked over his shoulder at me as he replaced the books to hide the switch. “Neat huh?” he whispered. “Thankfully, all of my military training has made me privy to the alternate features of this palace.” He stood and gestured to the narrow passageway. “After you, my lady.”

  I hesi
tated for only a moment before summoning my courage and entering the darkness. I could hear Isaac’s breath in my ear as we made our way down the long, straight tunnel. There were narrow stairs that twisted down. It felt as if the staircase would lead us down into the center of the world. I lost track of time. I followed the path, putting one step in front of the other, not knowing what would come next in the sheer blackness of it.

  Finally, we stopped at a door.

  “What next?” I whispered.

  “Open it,” Isaac urged. There was not enough room between our bodies and the wall for him to move around me.

  I pushed on the door and after a few shoves it opened. Light spilled in and musty air filled my lungs. We were in a cellar, the stable cellar to be exact. It smelled like straw. It was warm and comforting in a way that reminded me of the stable back home in Wythtir.

  “Perfect.” Isaac closed the secret door behind us. To the untrained eye it would look like nothing, but wood piled against the wall. He seemed giddy. “I’ve always wanted to use one of these,” he said with a laugh.

  I couldn’t help smiling, but I had to keep my mind on the task at hand. “Ok, let’s meet Dr. Coleman. It’s after midnight. He’ll be waiting.”

  Isaac’s expression sobered, and he nodded.

  Dr. Coleman was exactly where he promised he would be. He stood against the back of the stable near the watering troughs, dressed in a long black jacket. The doctor looked up. His eyes flitted back and forth between Isaac and me. He let out a low laugh and shook his head. “I should have known it was you, Miss Violet.”

  I didn’t miss the emotion in his voice. We had intentionally left my identity out of the letter. I couldn’t risk him refusing because of me. Isaac was the Prince and so his word was much better at making demands than a simple Bloodletter.

  “Yes.” I looked at him evenly. “It’s me. Good to see you again, doctor.”

  “Likewise,” he said while adjusting his glasses. He drew in a long breath. “Well then, let’s get to business.”