A Taste of Crimson

by E. M. Knight

  “It already is, for the weakest of us,” she says. “Before the screecher attack, I would have said a month. But the weakest were hit the hardest, obviously, and recovery took the most out of them. They are already starved for blood, my Queen.”

  “Yes, yes,” I say impatiently. “I still need a solid number. How much longer can they survive in their current state?”

  “A week,” she says confidently. “At most, maybe two. Maybe. You will not have very capable vampires by that point, however.”

  “Well, we are at war,” I mutter, thinking to the deal offered by Logan of The Crypts. I’d bet everything that at this very moment, his vampire army is moving toward us, probably moving undetected through The Paths, away from the prying eyes of humans.

  The only hope I have is that after the defection of Riyu, they lost their access to The Paths. But with so many vampires in their mix, all strengthened by The Ancient’s blood… odds are good Logan has another witch with him somewhere.

  “Did you say, war, my Queen?” Anneliese asks. She looks troubled.

  Do they not know? I wonder. I never meant to keep it a secret.

  “Our rival coven has declared war on us, yes,” I answer her. Concerned murmurs spread through the vampire assembly. “But we are protected by the wards. The Haven is safe. I have seen to that. As long as I am here, it will remain safe, shielded from outside threats.”

  “And what about inside ones,” a familiar male vampire voice asks.

  I turn my head and see Felix approaching.

  A curse falls from my lips.

  “Felix,” I say flatly.

  He smiles and walks through the crowd toward me. He stops at the edge of the nearest ring of vampires. “What about Morgan? What about Phillip? What about the albino dog?” He peers at me. “What about Rebecca and her vile creatures? What if there are more of them underground? Most of all…” he raises his voice, just a fraction, and turns back to face the other vampires.

  “What about the three ancient witches you brought inside? The ones who’ve been given the Vampire Gift, with no consideration for what they are capable of?”

  I feel the mood of the gathered body immediately shift into one of unease. I assume Felix is goading me.

  I won’t rise to the bait.

  “Phillip had made mistakes in the past, but he will be given a Royal Pardon, because of what he’s done since. The screechers are all gone. I was connected to every one of them, through Rebecca, when I destroyed them. And the three witches are our allies. They helped me in the fight against Morgan. Without them, you would have still had your former Queen, and the prophecy would be broken.” I stare Felix down. “It seems I have more respect for the intellect of our vampires than you do, Felix. I know them better than to be frightened by empty words.”

  The force of my voice gives additional credence to my conviction. I realize I didn’t even have to flare the influence—the other vampires are fine simply taking cue from their Queen.

  “The albino dog I know nothing about,” I admit. “But from what Raul has said, it is not hostile. As soon as I have men to spare, I will send out a search party for it. If it is still in The Haven, it will be found.”

  Felix sniffs, annoyed.

  “And as for Morgan,” I continue, “she will remain my prisoner for the current time. I will not let her undo anything I’ve done. The three great witches—Allura, Lorne, and Sute—also known as the Forsaken Sisters—will help with that task. Nobody knows magic as they do. They will be personally responsible for Morgan’s safekeeping. You may spread the word: all three of them will be introduced to The Haven at the meeting of the Royal Court. I will call the council together in a few days.”

  The vampires seem satisfied by that.

  I feel a pull on the Currents behind me. I look back to see a strange, reflective sort of metal globe as large as a car move out from the exit of the underground cavern. I frown at it for a moment—then realize the reflective part of it that I see is only because of my ability to use the Elemental Forces.

  To every other onlooker, the giant sphere would be invisible.

  Phillip meets my eyes again and gives a tiny nod that tells me everything I need to know: the Forsaken Sisters are inside the orb, leading Morgan to the apartments away from the prying eyes of the crowd.

  I smile in satisfaction and return my attention to the vampires around me.

  I address Anneliese.

  “You say the Incolam can survive without blood for another week? You will have your blood in half that. Phillip!” I beckon him over. “Come.”

  He pushes off and walks toward me, as confident as I’ve ever seen him. He struts through the middle of the guards, going so far as to even wink at one of the female ones.

  She tightens her grip on her weapon and glares at him with distaste. I cannot forget he murdered four of her comrades in cold blood.

  “Phillip,” I say when he reaches my side. “The vampires need to feed. I would like to put you in charge of procuring sufficient blood for them. Gather who you will and take your leave of The Haven. Go to the nearest city—someplace where a few dozen separate disappearances won’t cause too much of a stir. I would think that, for a start, somewhere around fifty humans will be enough to sustain our vampires, as long as they are not drained dry and allowed to recover between feedings.”

  Phillip gives a devilish grin. “It would give me no greater pleasure than to serve my Queen in this endeavor,” he says.

  “Do it fast,” I tell him. “And—” here is some of my humanity coming in, “—as long as you are discrete, I don’t want to know the details. Bring us humans who are strong, are beautiful, and young. They will not be treated as farm animals, not like before. Neither will they be villagers. Each of them will be given the choice, should they prove their worth, to be made into a vampire at the end of their tenure.”

  Phillip’s grin widens. “An exciting idea, my Queen.”

  “So that’s settled. Phillip, I want this done in the next three days.”

  “I’ll make it two,” he says, his arrogance knowing no bounds.

  “Don’t make promises you can’t keep,” I remind him.

  He laughs. “And you my Queen,” he says, somehow with sufficient respect, “must not confuse me with Raul. When I say I’ll do something, I do it.”

  True to his word, he starts right away. He rattles off a list of vampire names, calling them from the crowd. They break away from the group and trot after him. He does not even wait to see if they’ll follow—he knows they will.

  “Now that that’s settled,” I tell the others, “is there anything else you’d like to bring to my attention?”

  “No, my Queen,” Anneliese replies. “Thank you, my queen.” She backs away to blend with the others.

  “Have I addressed all your concerns, then?” I raise my voice so that it dares the others. “Is there any other matter you wish to bring to the attention of your Queen?”

  One of the Elite steps forth. “You said something about us being at war,” he says. “If that is true, let us make the necessary preparations. You do not have to go at it alone, my Queen.” Respectfully, he goes to one knee on the ground and sticks a fist into the dirt. “We are your loyal servants, ready and willing to be used as you see fit. If there are defenses we can make, let us not waste time! Take advantage of the vampires you have here with you—let us help.”

  “You may stand,” I tell him coolly. “What is your name?”

  “Alexander,” he replies.

  “Good, strong name,” I tell him. “How long have you been of the coven?”

  He thinks back. “It must be bordering on three hundred years, my Queen.”

  “So, about half of The Haven’s existence you were here.” Unconsciously I measure his strength.

  “You are quite strong,” I say. Stronger than some of the vampires I remember on the Royal Court. “How is it you have not been introduced to me before?”

  “The former Queen and I di
d not see eye-to-eye on a great many things,” he tells me. “It was safer for me to keep away from the spotlight, given what she was capable of—and all-too-willing to do to those who expressed a differing opinion.”

  “That’s interesting,” I say. “Alexander, I’d like to speak with you in private. Wait for me after I finish addressing the others.”

  He nods and murmurs, “Certainly.”

  From the corner of my eye, I think I see Felix stiffen.

  “Is there anything else?” I ask. “You may spread the word of everything that I said before you today. This is not a Royal Decree, but I am a Queen of my word, and I will not go back on my commitments. The face you see of me in public is the same face you get in private. Rest assured that the era of double-speak is over. I will do as I say, and I will say everything I intend to do. I want to be a ruler who is respected by her people, not because they are coerced into giving it, through intimidation or fear, but because they feel I deserve it. And let me also promise you, once and for all, that there will never again be a soul split from a vampire’s body. That punishment, as of this moment, is outlawed. Never again will The Haven vampires live under fear of that sentence.”

  I pause for a second to let my words sink in.

  Then, I continue.

  “Major announcements about the future of The Haven will be made at the forthcoming assembly. By then I will have a better sense of exactly where we stand in relation to the world. For now, go home, rest, and relax. The wards protect us from the very worst, and with the internal threat eliminated, we can finally enjoy some peace.”

  With that, I step from the dais. The gathered vampires take my cue and start to disperse. Felix waits for me. Beside him stand Alexander and the nearest few guards.

  “Very well done, Eleira,” Felix congratulates me. “You took control of the crowd and assuaged their fears. It is the mark of a great ruler to be able to read the mood of her people so well.”

  I almost roll my eyes. “Don’t try to flatter me,” I tell him. “I have news for you, although I am sure you’ve already heard. Riyu is dead. Killed by Rebecca when he and I went underground.”

  “It could have been you,” he mutters darkly. “I thank the gods that it wasn’t.”

  I raise an eyebrow. No word of commiseration for the fallen vampire.

  “The Forsaken Sisters,” Felix continues. “They are here? I would love to speak with them. I—”

  “I will call you to us when the time is right,” I inform him coldly. “I have a task for you, Felix. The excavation of the stronghold is almost complete. Since you seem to know all its secrets, I would like you to go down there and recover the paintings you showed me, as well as any magic artifacts remaining. Geordam—” I motion at the guard to come closer, “—will accompany you, together with however many of the Royal Guards he needs.”

  “If you’ll excuse me for saying so, my Queen,” Geordam says with the right amount of respect, “my first priority lies with you and your safety.”

  “The Haven is safe enough. I don’t need a personal bodyguard in my own home.”

  “Yes, but given the newcomers—”

  “I trust The Forsaken Sisters with my life,” I inform him. “I would not be here today were it not for them. Go with Felix, Geordam. I want you to make sure the job is done right.”

  He gives a curt bow. “As you say.”

  “Oh, and Felix?” I add. “I want all the torrials left down there brought to me. That includes both female and male ones. If I find that any have been left there, after? I will hold you responsible.”

  He gives a tight, forced smile. “I would not dream of deceiving you, my Queen,” he says, and marches off in the direction of the stronghold, Geordam jumping after him and calling some of his guards to catch up.

  I turn to the newly-introduced Alexander. “And now,” I say, “you and I can get properly acquainted.”

  Chapter Five

  Raul

  The Haven

  I make Rebecca take the lead, guiding the way down the treacherous climb into her deep underground caverns.

  I watch her carefully. After living so many years thinking her dead, it is disconcerting to see her here, alive and in the flesh, before me.

  She looks exactly as I remember. Her body is lithe and sumptuous, and she has that ethereal sort of careless grace about her that Mother was always jealous of.

  There is something a little bit off about her movements, however. An extra stiffness, a bit of hesitance, that she’s never had before.

  I wonder how much that has to do with the process she had undertaken to recover this body to herself.

  After a long climb we reach the bottom. Rebecca hops off the wall and dusts off her dress. I’m impressed by the condition she’s been able to keep it in during the descent.

  “So, this is where you lingered for all these years,” I note. I walk out in front of her and take a look around.

  “No,” she says. “My home was even deeper in the forgotten levels of the cavern. This—” she sweeps a hand in front of her, “—was The Convicteds’ home, and I made sure to never make myself known to them.”

  “Those creatures you made,” I say. “The white zombie-like things. How did they come about? Were they related to The Convicted?”

  “No, no.” She laughs. “Your precious Eleira knows the history. I told her it in full. You’ll have to ask her for an explanation. After she betrayed me, went back on her word, and destroyed them all…? Well, I think you can forgive me for harboring a little lingering ill will toward The Haven’s new child Queen.”

  “She is not a child,” I growl. I turn harshly on Rebecca. “You’d be wise to remember that.”

  Rebecca sniffs. “Please.” She throws her hair back. The move exposes the exquisite curve of her neck. “She was what, sixteen, seventeen, when she was made? Don’t tell me, you’d call that a woman.”

  “I’m warning you,” I say. “You’re on very thin ice.”

  “Come on, Raul. Lighten up.” She brushes a hand over my chest. My breath hitches. “You were always so needlessly formal. All the beautiful females of The Elite you shunned… why? You could have had your pick of any.” She gazes up at me, makes her voice sultry. “You could have had me.”

  I twist away in disgust. “You are my mother’s cousin,” I say. “What more needs to be said?”

  “My, my,” she mutters. “Was that the only hold up you had? I always thought you were gay.”

  “I’m not gay,” I tell her stiffly.

  “Then why reject the advances of all those women? Your brother James slept with whomever he liked. Hell, even Phillip made his bed with the villager women from time to time.”

  “I did not know that,” I say.

  “You are either extremely naive,” she says, “or you were extremely preoccupied. I’d like to think it the latter. Naivety is no good for a Prince.”

  “Think whatever you want,” I snarl. “As long as you take me to Cassandra, I don’t care.”

  Her eyes twinkle. “Oh, we’ll get there, Raul, don’t you worry.”

  “Good,” I say. “Let’s go.”

  She mocks a gasp. “Oh, my. You care about that little fledgling, don’t you?” She purses her lips. “Yes, I know you do. I could always tell these things. Weren’t you promised to the girl of prophecy, back in the day? Maybe that’s why you hesitated with anybody else.” She shakes her head. “But Eleira isn’t right for you. Anybody with eyes can see that. She looks at you with nothing but scorn and contempt, my Prince. And, if I may be so bold, you don’t regard her any better.”

  “Enough!” I snap. “I don’t need to discuss my relationships with you. Take me to Cassandra, let me see what you’ve done to her. That’s the only thing that will determine your fate.”

  Rebecca starts to walk deeper into the caves. “A shame,” she says over her shoulder. “You and I could be the perfect match, if only you weren’t so damn obstinate.”

  “Once again,” I growl.
“You are related to my mother. What you propose is disgusting.”

  She laughs and keeps walking. The sound is pure and crystalline.

  “What?” I growl. Her easy dismissal of my protest is getting on my nerves. And I can’t stop my eyes from roaming the backside of her body, drawn in by the curves and the shape…

  “You don’t think I’m truly her cousin, do you?” she asks. “I can’t believe you of all vampires, would still harbor that illusion.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, we’re not related by blood.” She glances back with a coquettish smile. “I was born into the same caravan of witches your mother belonged to. She found me, shortly after she was made vampire, and had me converted by one of her kind. Our upbringing was the only thing we have in common. I was there,” she says softly, voice going dark, “when Morgan lashed out with magic and killed her own mother. I remember that day as if it were yesterday. She and I were but children. Yet that event was catastrophic—and that was the day I learned of the pure hatred Morgan harbored inside.”

  “You’re lying,” I say. “My mother would not do that.”

  She makes a derisive sound in her throat. “Are you sure? You already know the punishment she saw fit for me, even though I did nothing—nothing--to actually earn it.”

  I grab her by the shoulder and spin her around.

  “Oooh,” she coos. “Exciting.”

  I glare at her, exerting my vampire influence, and feeling all the darkness coming to a boil inside.

  She breathes in deep and brings her chin up, fully exposing her neck. “What are you going to do, Raul?” she whispers. “Down here, it’s only me and you.” Her hands start to roam over my body. I stiffen with objection, at first, but then I find myself inexplicably softening to her touch.

  “You’re playing a dangerous game,” I warn, looking from one of her eyes to the other, then down at her lips. “If you think you can turn me away from my duties to Eleira…”

  “Oh, please.” She runs a hand down the side of my face, her touch as light as a feather. “I wouldn’t dream of pitting you against your Queen.”