I had taken to walking towards the tower every day. I walked around and around the base, foolishly wishing that an opening would suddenly appear as if by magic. I would lean against the cold stone, hoping to hear the sounds of my child and sometimes I could swear that I heard him, but, of course, I couldn't be sure, and in reality, I think I knew that I was imagining that which I wanted to hear.
It was on a day such as this, when as I returned from my daily walk from the areas surrounding the tower, I felt someone snatch me from behind and I was pulled into a small alcove that was nestled in the tower wall.
"Shh, mademoiselle, it is I, Louis. I wish to talk to you...please do not scream!"
I yanked myself out of his arms, and turned towards him, my voice a whispered hiss.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" I asked him the question, but did not wait for him to answer and continued.
"You fool, don't you know that Robert would kill you if he knew you laid hands on me?"
"Oui, I know of this..." His head dropped to his chest, reminding me of a disobedient child, he continued.
"I watch you...here every day...mademoiselle, it is sad and I wish to help you."
"How can you help me, Louis?" I said in exasperation, "You're putting us both in danger by waylaying me..."
I gazed at him as if he was mad for a moment, and then turned away, intending to walk away. He grabbed my arm, swinging me back around to face him.
"I will help you, mademoiselle. I will help you rescue your petite garcon, if you will allow this?"
"How do you intend to do that?" I said.
"I have...how you say?" he asked me, a frown on his face. He then smiled, and continued, "I have made friends with his nurse...she will help us, ma petite...if you wish it?"
I was young, but not so young that I did not know that Louis would want something in return.
"Why would you help me and place your life in danger?" I asked him, watching him carefully, noting a sly smile stirring behind his thin lips.
"I desire you, ma petite..." he reached his hand out to my face and ran his finger tentatively down my cheek. My instant reaction was to pull back from him in disgust, thus revealing that I felt sickened by his touch.
"Aw, ma petite, you do not feel the same way, oui?” I remained silent, neither, confirming or denying his suspicion. Louis continued, “No matter, you will!” He bowed towards me, and then abruptly turned and walked away.
I was so confused! I knew that I would need Louis’ help if I was going to see and escape with Henry, but the thought of him touching me, well, I just could not comprehend such a thing. I loved Robert, I was sure of that, but it seemed that Louis' help was the only way I was able, for the foreseeable future, to get my son back. I really did not know what to do, and I knew that if Robert found out, he would kill us both.
The decision I needed to make became an agonizing one, I wanted to see my son more than anything, but at what cost? The cost of my life was not my biggest fear, but the loss of my pride and prostituting my body, that was a different matter! I did not want my son to know that his mother sold herself like a common whore. I wanted his respect and love above anything else, not his disgust.
I saw Louis in the great hall many times, but he did not approach me, but then of course, I had known that he would not. Robert knowing that he had accosted me was something that Louis would wish to remain a secret. I had also stopped walking to the south tower, not wanting to see him until I had decided what to do.
Although I had deliberated other ways and means to free my son, my plans always seemed ridiculous and doomed to fail. It seemed that I could not deny the fact that I needed Louis's help to gain access to my son. This knowledge irritated me so much that it was often in my thoughts, and I became noticeably distracted, to the extent that Robert had started to notice, and he was confused and curious to the reason behind it. He asked me many times what I was thinking, his face studying my response of ‘Nothing!’ carefully. He was suspicious, and I felt uncomfortable from his scrutiny.
In the end my decision was made for me by Robert’s own actions. I had made my way down to the great hall on my way to the stables in anticipation of riding out. I would often ride for hours at a time. I had no chores to do, and unlike most of the vampire women in the manor, I had grown up working on a farm where there was always some chore to do. I had found that I could not get out of the habit of waking at dawn, and within a short while of waking, I would grow bored and restless.
I had explained my dilemma to Robert, and within days, he presented me with a beautiful dappled grey horse.
"He will take up your time, my love," Robert had said, an indulgent smile playing on his lips as he witnessed my hugging and petting of the prancing beast, and hearing my words of, "Thank you, oh thank you...His name will be Cesar, it suits him, does it not?"
"Yes...yes, I think it does. You can occupy your days by taking him out hunting, ride as long as you like, but remember you must always come back to me!"
Although I laughed at his comment, and swore, "Always, Robert, I could never leave you, my love!" I heard the possession and harshness behind his words, and I knew he was issuing me with a warning not to abuse his trust.
I spent hours, almost every day, riding Cesar along the byways, lanes, and woodlands, sometimes riding many miles from Vanike. Of course, there was no need for a companion, I was a vampire, and there was no fear of anyone harming me. If the need should arise, I could kill an attacker quickly and efficiently.
I was surprised to discover that one of my greatest pleasures was to bewitch travelers and feed from them. I tended to favor rich men, mostly because in their arrogance they would rein in beside Cesar and me, and try to exchange pleasantries and charm me. These were the very same men who would have looked down on me when I was a human, and would have probably even decided to try to rape and pillage my body. Ironically, now, because they believed that I was of noble birth, they instead tried to pay court.
It delighted me to feed from them, to place them in the position that previously would have been mine, and to see them powerless and afraid. I would take their blood, and relish the feeling of their strength and vitality flowing through my veins. I stole their wealth, and laughed like a mischievous child as I bewitched them into believing that they had misplaced their purse, and I was in fact simply a daydream. Later as I rode through the small villages on my route, I would openly laugh from throwing their farthings to the poor beings they previously misused. However, I admit with no shame that I gained the most satisfaction from placing their sovereigns in my own coffers.
The truth is that I had grown very rich from the purses of the powerful men I accosted. However, my growing wealth was my secret. I knew that Robert would insist on my handing it over to him if he knew of my wealth, stating that I had no need of money, when he could always give me everything I would ever want or need. I could imagine the frown on his face and his deep voice asking me, Why did I want my own wealth? Why did I want to flee his love? I would then, I knew, have no choice but to hand over the gold I had collected, and if I objected - I would alert him to the fact that I was indeed planning to flee from him.
Sometimes he would ask me casually if I ever robbed my victims. I would always look shocked. Stating, "You know I would never do that, Robert...I would feel so guilty...no… no, I really could not do that!"
His eyes would instantly soften, and often he would lean forward to kiss my nose, whispering, "My sweet; sweet, girl!"
I felt guilty for lying to him, but although I loved him, and the truth was that I did, very much, I knew that there were some things I could never tell him. So instead, I rode for miles, collecting my great wealth, and in doing so, I would be able to ensure my son’s future.
On the day that finally decided me on the action of following Louis’ plan, I had taken the servants’ stairs down to the great hall. Since I had realized that Robert would never budge in regards to my having contact with my son, I had ste
pped up my campaign in waylaying rich strangers and expanding my coffers. The difficulty was that if Robert noticed me preparing to go out riding, he might insist on joining me, and I would forgo my purse of sovereigns for the day; this was not an option, and so I avoided meeting Robert if I could. Robert never used the servants’ stairs, and so I had a far lesser chance of running into him.
I made my way stealthily down the stairs, excitement causing adrenaline to race inside me, because I found that I loved the daring of doing something I should not. The servants’ stairs exited next to the main entrance to the manor, a large velvet curtain hiding the stairway’s location. I always stopped at the curtain, as I did this day, and listened carefully to establish who was on the other side. If I heard voices, I would peek around the curtain, hoping it was no one of significance. If the was the case, I would simply slip out from behind the curtain and make my way to the stables. However, if I recognized the occupants in the hall, I would simply wait for them to leave, and then continue on my way.
On this day, I heard voices, several of them. I cursed under my breath, and pulled the curtain back just enough for me to peek at the occupants of the great hall without giving away my location.
I was shocked and mortified by what I saw! Robert sat in his usual chair by the fireside, and Matilda's head rested on his shoulder. Louis and some of Robert’s friends, alongside several of Matilda's women, lounged casually around the happy couple, and my son sat contentedly on Robert’s lap.
Henry was almost ten months old, and he was a strong and healthy baby. His little plump face looked up at the sound of Matilda's and Robert’s voices, and although he had turned his head and I had lost sight of his face, I heard him chuckle, and I saw his arms reach out to Matilda.
I felt sick. My first glimpse of my beautiful boy, and he was looking towards the woman I hated, looking at her, I was sure, with love and devotion in his eyes. I wanted to run over and grab him from them, wanted to breathe in his baby smell, to run my fingers through his golden curly hair, and to feel his little plump hands in mine.
I hung my head to my chest, trying to regain control of my emotions, but it seemed that the desire of wanting to watch them engulfed me and once again, I peeped into the life of my son. Matilda had picked up Henry, but she stood with her back towards me. My eyes scanned the others, and it was then that I realised that Louis knew I was there. He smiled in my direction, and then inclined his head, indicating to me that he had seen me.
I turned away from the curtain. I knew his smile meant that he too was certain that I would now take him up on his offer, which of course, now I had seen the scene in the great hall, I would. I walked back up the stairs, my ride forgotten for the day. I would wait a while and then make my way to the south tower, for I knew that Louis would be waiting for me. I also knew that the fate of Robert and me turning from lovers to enemies had been set in the stone of my frosted heart.
Chapter Seven
Just as I had anticipated, when I made way to the south tower Louis was waiting for me in the inner alcove in which he had accosted me the first time he waylaid me.
"I see you have made up your mind, mademoiselle," he said, a conceited smile playing around his lips. I felt my hackles immediately rise. Louis' sly demeanor seemed, always, to cause a feeling of revulsion to rise up within me.
I dropped my head, and averted my eyes, not wanting him to see the disgust I felt for him.
"Yes, as you know I witnessed the scene in the great hall, but I have no wish to discuss it further..." A sob escaped my throat and my voice died.
"I understand, ma petite," he said, but his voice showed no sign of empathy, in fact he sounded like he would burst into laughter at any moment.
Irritation swamped me, and not wanting Louis to witness my weakness I pulled myself up to my full height, and looked Louis square in the eye.
"What is your plan?" I asked him abruptly.
"Oh, ma petite...must we talk about such things...we should talk of love, our love."
I was unable to conquer anger flooding my body, my fangs grew in response, and my eyes, I knew, were opaque.
"Once I have my son...not before!" I snapped, making it obvious to him how abhorrent the idea of sharing my body with him was to me. A responding anger glowed in Louis' eyes, but he visibly quelled it, and a chilling smile graced his face.
"Of course, ma petite, the garçon is more important, but we will discuss this tomorrow, the day moves on and we will both be missed!" He then bowed, and abruptly turned and walked away.
My mind told me that I should flatter and encourage him, but my heart and body were unable to follow the command. Nevertheless, I decided that the next day that I would try to be more subtle, more persuading, and reassure him that I found him attractive – a task that was not going to be easy.
The following day I met with Louis as planned, but I found it harder than I had anticipated looking into his sly, mean little face and pretending that I found his demeanor pleasant, let alone convey to him that I had softer feelings towards him. However, Louis seemed to appreciate my softer approach, and his smile shone true with no hidden meanings.
"I believe, ma petite, that you have softened towards me?" he exclaimed. I could not agree with him vocally, but simply smiled and inclined my head in a nod of agreement. Nevertheless, my approach seemed to work, and he began to rapidly tell me of his plan for the abduction of my son.
"I have a grand chateau in Aquitaine. I have not told any here, so it will be a safe haven for you and your garçon. I will bewitch the nurse and she will take you up to the child whilst Matilda visits the great hall." Louis paused and grabbed my hand, his voice softening, he then continued, "I will take my leave tonight, but I have bewitched the nurse to take you to the child in three nights’ time. Hopefully, Robert will not link my farewell with the disappearance of you both."
"But...but how will I know where your chateau is located in Aquitaine?" I asked him anxiously.
"Ma petite!" he said, his hand rising to halt my flow of words.
"No, no, do you think I would leave you alone? Non, ma petite, I will wait at the inn at the crossroads, you know the one?"
I did know the inn he referred too; I had used it several times for refreshment when out on my rides.
"Yes, yes I know the inn," I confirmed.
"Good, mon amie, well I will wait for you there. We will then ride to Dover, cross the Channel, and make our way to my chateau. Do you agree with my plan, mademoiselle?"
What could I say? I had no alternative, I needed to agree to his plan if I was to get my son back.
"Yes of course I agree. Thank you, Louis." A genuine smile lit his face and he pulled me into his arms, his mouth assaulting mine. Inwardly I cringed, and I was sure that Louis felt me stiffen in his arms, because as he pulled away, I noticed that his eyes glittered with irritation.
After explaining that the nurse would meet me in the alcove at sunset in three days’ time, Louis took his leave. Before leaving, he once more pulled me into his arms, whispering his love for me. I accepted his declaration as graciously as I could and tried to muster a passion that I did not feel, and I knew I never would.
I do not know how I made it through the following days. I rode Cesar like a demon, not bothering to waylay strangers, and although the days passed by in a blur, the nights were a different matter.
The nights had a bittersweet quality for me. I knew that these were the last hours of love I would spend with Robert, and so I put my heart and soul into every action. I clung to him tighter, cherished his touch and kiss more than usual, and poured my soul into sharing my body with him. I loved him, and always would, and I was ensuring that I would remember our time together for all time.
Robert, I was sure, noticed my desperation, and sometimes he would look at me, a puzzled expression on his face. Nevertheless, he never said anything, and seemed to accept my sudden urgency to love him more intensely than usual.
The day of the abduction came quic
kly. I was nervous and afraid, and very unsure of our future, and so I made my way to the alcove where I was to meet the young nurse. Uncertainty flooded my mind, and several times I attempted to walk away and forget Louis' plan, but no sooner had I turned, than I would turn back to the alcove. I knew that I would not and could not leave my son to the destiny Matilda and Robert had planned for him.
"Hello, are you Gwen?" I swung around to face the small and nervous whisper.
Yes, yes I am," I replied, taking in the appearance of the owner of the voice. The girl in front of me was no little more than a child. She was tiny and frail, her skin the colour of a pan of milk. Even her hair looked like the colour was faded, and from her appearance, I knew that she was currently dinner for several vampires.
"Follow me, please," she said turning from me, her eyes glazed, giving the impression that her soul had already vacated her body.
I followed her, knowing that I was changing not just my son’s destiny, but mine also.
Chapter Eight
I followed the young girl around the narrow stairs that led to the south tower. I was nervous, and constantly looked behind me, afraid that I would suddenly see Matilda's form creeping up the stairs.
The girl never once looked back, Louis had bewitched her well, and she was intent on delivering me to the nursery quickly. When we reached Matilda's bedchamber the girl suddenly turned, she beckoned towards me, and then sped away from me through the room.
Vampire - Child of Destiny (Vampire Series Book 2) Page 3
