by Alisha Basso
“How can you say that?” her eyes were huge. “They are so beautiful, so graceful. They aren’t trolls. How can they be bad? I don’t see them drinking blood or strapping us to some bed in a dungeon. They gave us a bath, they’re healing our wounds and they’re going to feed us. If they’re not good people, I’ll eat Lucian’s loincloth.”
I swam to the ledge, pushing myself out of the pool I moved to the edge where Ann sat. My mind was racing, I couldn’t believe my ears. “Beauty?” I tried to keep my voice level, my hands shook. “That’s your best argument? Are you forgetting the beauty of the vampires? They rival all of these men!” I gestured wildly around the empty room. “You of all people should know that beauty can be a disguise for the cruelest creatures of all.”
“I know, Grace, I haven’t forgotten, but these people are different. I know it… I just know it.” She stood, the water sluicing off her legs to puddle on the pearl floor.
“Okay, Annie, you go ahead and believe, but don’t let fantasy get you in over your head. Be careful”
Just then, the door opened and in walked several of the village ladies, all laden with piles of clothing. Some carried small vials and bottles. One carried a wild looking headdress. Long silver strands hung like hair making it almost as tall as she was.
Andrea stood by her daughter, directing the women around the room as they arranged the items on a single long table.
Ann and I were rooted to the spot, our eyes taking in all of the preparations. We were led silently to two dainty silver chairs. Andrea stepped close, “We have been sent to prepare you for the feast. As we speak, our people are gathering in the Hall and are most anxious to begin the talks.” She smiled warmly, her attractive features made even lovelier by the gesture. “We are all so very honored by your presence.”
Anxiety constricted my chest, “So,” I stammered, wide-eyed, “you know who we are? Why Gavyn brought us here?”
Her brows rose, “Of course, we all do.” She seemed surprised, “You are our savior; you will rekindle life where there is none. You will bless the wombs of our women and save our young from falling into eternal sleep.”
I could feel a nervous laugh bubble up and I squashed it, “But, no pressure, I wouldn’t want to be overwhelmed.” I smiled with too much teeth as I watched her process my sarcasm. A small smile played at her lips.
“You do not realize your stature,” she said patiently. “Gavyn would never have allied his people to such as those you found him with. He is a great man, a noble man, but our need is greater, you must see that.”
“I’ll reserve my opinion until I see how honorable he really is. He took something of mine. I want it back, and right now that is all that matters to me.”
Her eyes went cool for an instant. Her loyalty to Gavyn was impressive and then, her expression fell. “You have every right to be angry with him, but the sad fact is that the women you see are all the women that are left of our people. We number a mere fifty and all but the youngest have wed. Our babies are dying at an alarming rate, when we are able to conceive them at all.”
I felt like an ass, but I couldn’t drop my guard. I glanced at Ann, whom the women were dressing. I hadn’t noticed at first, but my conversation with Andrea had prevented the women from attending to me. I sat bare-ass naked, but the conversation was shedding some much needed light. My nudity was the least of my worries.
“No, offense,” I met Andrea’s eyes. “I mean no disrespect, but if your people have infertility problems, and you’re facing extinction, wouldn’t it be wise to try and get pregnant with as many partners as possible? I mean, what if a woman’s husband were the infertile one? You could be wasting a perfectly good womb.”
My eyes searched hers to find the pain I was sure to have inflicted, but all I saw was a deep sadness.
“That is exactly what most of my people do. It would seem that all but a very few of our women are barren. And of those small few, only a smaller few have had the fortune to bear a living child. It is as if a curse has been placed on our race. We seem doomed to extinction. Our men are desperate. Some have tried to breed with those closest to our species, but human women exist in a different realm than ours and do not deal well with our reality. Still, we must do all that is possible.”
I peered at Ann, whose eyes were huge and I could see the wheels turning in her head. I think Andrea’s people just found themselves a willing human broodmare. Turning back, my eyes fell on the beautiful Misha.
“You’re not barren; you have a daughter. Can’t you have anymore? You’re definitely young enough.”
She smiled again. The look on her face as she gazed at her daughter was one of love and pride. “Yes, I have a daughter, but sadly she was the only one of several births to live beyond the womb. I dare not try again. My body and my soul cannot cope with another loss.”
I flinched at her pain. Then scrambled to change gears, I asked, “Misha, are you old enough to wed?”
The young woman’s eyes lit up at my words.
“Why, yes,” she beamed, “I am promised to Wren. We wed on the next full moon. We will then see if I can contribute to the recovery of my people.”
“Well,” Andrea heaved a small sigh, “you are far overdue for your care. We will speak no more of these woes for now. Let us tend to you so that you may be honored at our feast.”
I was pulled to my feet and turned around by several delicate hands, each assuming a different task. My hair was brushed and styled and my face made up by fabulous, aromatic items that came from tiny silver boxes. I was dressed in a gown; or what I presumed was a gown. I couldn’t really see as my head was held in a vise-like grip while they fitted me with the huge headdress. It was fastened to several pieces of my own hair with surprisingly little discomfort.
At long last, the curtain of waifs parted and I was free to examine myself.
I lowered my head slowly, testing the weight of the enormous decoration on my head. I was surprised to find it very light, considering the size.
My eyes found Ann and I was thunderstruck. She looked more beautiful than I had ever seen her before. A gown of flowing silken scarves danced around her in a rainbow of soft colors. Her legs and tummy were exposed and her hair was silky and straight with two small strands that were twisted away from her face. She looked as lovely as any of these stunning females.
“Annie, honey, I believe you got your wish. You look incredible.” I beamed.
She turned her smiling face from the full-length mirror and looked at me, her smile fell, “My God, Gracie, you are the Fairy Queen.” Her eyes met mine and she rose up on her toes and clapped cheerfully.
I laughed, feeling like I just stepped out of a show in Vegas. I walked to the mirror, amused as a slack-jawed look overwhelmed my best friend’s face. Then I understood. The long pale blue gown I wore was very revealing. The neck plunged in a V past my navel, exposing a little too much of my breasts. It gathered just below my navel and flowed down to open again revealing my legs. Long slits in the sleeves revealed my arms to the wrist.
My body was clean and free from any bruising. Only the smallest scars remained from Seth’s ardor. That small reminder of him would stay with me forever. A shudder ran up my spine, thank God he wasn’t able to change me into a vampire.
My reflection took my breath away and my wandering thoughts evaporated. The headdress was amazing. It was made of tiny silver strands, woven and interlaced throughout my thick hair, which was left down to flow in long curls against my bare back. The top of the decoration was fashioned like a crown with several needle-thin strands of silver twisted to decorate my forehead.
Vegas this was not. I almost agreed with Ann. I looked like a Fairy Queen.
“Perfect!” Misha exclaimed with a smile. “You are ready.”
Most of the ladies preceded us out of the bathing chamber. We were told to walk slowly behind the group so that we could meet with Lucian and enter the hall in unison.
THIRTY ONE
The walk wa
s short and soon we were approaching what must be the Great Hall. People were milling around the entrance and I scanned the crowd, trying to find Lucian in the vast sea of men. The throng appeared to disperse as word of our arrival spread. They all began to flood en masse through the doors, leaving only a small group outside.
Lucian was there. He looked magnificent in a pale blue tunic. The square neckline revealed a modest amount of muscular chest. His soft looking pants clung in all the right places, forcing me to school my gaze. His face, as ever, was incredibly handsome and his golden skin shone healthy and vibrant. His strong jaw was set in a firm, unhappy line. He seemed ready to brawl as he surveyed the area.
Our eyes met and his mouth spread into a rare and beautiful smile. He ran to us as we approached the door.
“Grace!” He bent and brushed his warm lips to mine. “You look amazing. I’m so happy you’re alright.” He stepped back and smiled at Ann. “Oh Ann, how beautiful you look.” He pulled her into a tight hug, which she returned warmly, clearly happy to see him.
We stood in front of the doors, not sure what to do next when Gavyn and another man approached.
“Lucian, if you will escort our fair Grace, and Tobias, please take the arm of the fair Ann, that we may enter the hall and begin the feast.”
I placed my hand in Lucian’s warm grip and Ann linked arms with her golden escort. Her face turned a lovely pink as she gazed at her handsome companion. We followed Gavyn, entering the room through rounded double doors. The long tables were already filled with men. I scanned the room, searching for Andrea and the other women, but they were nowhere to be found.
“Where are all of the ladies?” I whispered to Lucian. “Weren’t they invited to the feast?”
Lucian leaned a bit to my side and whispered back, “I heard some of the men say they would only join us if things went well, whatever that means.”
“I think I might have an idea what they mean,” I said quietly.
He stood straight again as we arrived at the main table, where we were led to our seats. Ann and I were offered our seats before any of the men would take theirs. The murmurs in the room died quickly as we sat.
I felt both energized and nervous. Gavyn hadn’t briefed me in the least about this meeting, but from what I learned so far, I knew they were incredibly desperate. I understood their pain and how much they believed that I was the only answer. Looking out at these beautiful people, I knew I couldn’t let them die out. I wanted to help them, I had to help.
Gavyn stood. His voice rang out across the room. “My brothers,” he began. “We have suffered many lifetimes with no hope for a solution to our dilemma. Then, out of the grim darkness came a call from the great vampire, Lord McPhee. His goal - to unite the leaders of all species under his rule - was a lofty one. He claimed to have a weapon, so powerful no being from any living realm would be able to oppose him. This was curious news indeed. For what could possibly be powerful enough to thwart the magic and command of all the great heads? Well, in his arrogance and pride, the foolish Lord McPhee revealed that his great weapon was not his at all, but belonged to the ancient Madea. Our race is an ancient people with a vast knowledge of the great Madea, so at long last we finally saw a shred of hope.”
My hands were sweating, I had no idea that Seth called on all the non-human leaders. What an asshole! But, I thought to myself, it was his arrogance that ruined everything for him in the end. He took his chance at omnipotence for granted and thereby lost some clout with his Council members.
My mind wandered back to the horrible look on his face right before I hit him with the marble bust. God, all that blood! The look of shock and betrayal just before the blow fell still made my stomach churn. The surge of adrenaline was so strong, that I hadn’t had time to really feel anything. But I felt it now, and stupidly, my heart wept. God, what a sap I was!
I shook myself as the sound of Gavyn’s voice interrupted my sentimental journey.
“And now we are honored to welcome her here. I would like all of you to stand up and greet our savior, the Great Madea, Grace.”
The men rose to their feet, cheering and clapping as Gavyn helped me stand. He took my hands in his and spoke softly, “Grace, I beg you to please help us. I know you are virtuous and your heart is kind. How can you look out upon my people and deny us our future?”
I gulped as I spotted the ring on his pinkie finger, I turned, trying to push any negative thoughts aside for the moment and examine the big picture. Closing my eyes, I faced the crowd. “Gentlemen.” I shouted above the mass and quickly the room fell quiet. “I have heard your request and I understand your desperation, which, I guess, is quite an understatement.” There’s a reason I never excelled as a public speaker. I cleared my throat at the unanimous hush and looked down at Lucian. He grabbed my hand and squeezed it lightly. His support was welcome. “Well,” I cleared my throat again. “I’m not quite sure how I can help you.” The murmurs began again, making me more nervous than ever. “That is,” I rushed on. “I mean, I know I can help you, I just need to know what exactly you want me to do. I don’t want to end up causing more harm than good.”
The murmurs turned into a loud roar. “What does she speak of?” A voice rang out above the crowd.
I let go of Lucian.
Raising my arms to try to quiet them, I yelled over the noise. “Balance,” I shouted, but the murmurs continued. “What I’m speaking of is balance. I mean, this is nature we’re talking about.” I continued as the room fell silent again. Clearly, I had said something intelligent. “Think about it. We cannot make the wombs of your women so fertile that you over-populate. We must have balance. This is a thing that must be handled wisely. You can’t ask me to do something that will inadvertently end up harming you later on.”
The men in the room looked thoughtful.
Feeling somewhat chagrined, I continued. “Well, for instance, let’s say I make it so that none of your children die. Well, there’s always the possibility they might live forever. Or if I simply will your women’s wombs to remain fertile, they could end up being pregnant for the rest of their poor lives. It could even kill some of them.”
Worried expressions fell across the faces of most of the men. I folded my arms across my chest. “You bring me here,” I said, glaring at Gavyn, whose proud stance slipped a little. “Yet you have no clue as to what you want me to do? I could wipe all of you out with a single thought!”
Gavyn balled his fists at his sides. His look was a silent warning. The men took me seriously though. I took a shot in the dark in assuming that not everyone was privy to the fact that I was not in possession of the ring. Glad he kept something back.
“How can you put your trust in a stranger?” I asked, seriously perplexed.
Gavyn relaxed a little, “Because we must,” he replied simply. He looked so deflated, tired and sad. The proud man he was only seconds before fell away. What I guessed must be his true form was breaking my heart.
My sigh silenced the room. I turned to look at my friends. Lucian’s face was so controlled I had no idea what was going through his mind. Ann’s, however, was an open book. Her eyes were pleading, I knew she wanted me to instantly fill the room with chubby, little elfin babies.
I smirked at the thought; yeah, if only.
I glanced at her new companion. His face told me nothing. Damn men. I cleared my throat again, “I will do what I can to help you. But first we must meet and discuss how.” I turned to Gavyn and his smiling face. “But, there’s one thing I insist upon,” I said, in a grave tone, “The women must be included in the discussion.” I waited for a heartbeat in case there were arguments. When none came, I placed my hand gently on Gavyn’s cheek, “Now, we can work out the details later. I’m a little starved here. Where’s the food?”
He laughed a warm, velvety sound that wrapped around me like a hug.
“Dear Grace, how can I ever repay you?” He rang a small bell. We sat as the women were quietly ushered in. “You will help,
won’t you? I knew you were good, and also very wise. We are thankful for that. You have proven yourself to be a true Madea.”
I moved my seat further under the table, as his last sentence was getting on my nerves. A true Madea indeed! Well, one day I was going to leave no doubts in anyone’s mind. I folded my hands under the table as several men came forward with huge trays of strange looking food that smelled like heaven. Leaning toward Gavyn, I said quietly, “About repaying me, well, you could start by giving me back my ring.” I smiled over a forkful of peppery smelling salad.
His face fell a little. “I will, after all the details have been worked out.”
“Well, then we better get moving. I think it’s better if we get this over with soon.”
Lucian spoke then, “It’s a good thing you’re trying to do for them, Gracie.
“It is?” I was shocked. “You mean you want me to help them? I thought you were totally against them. What happened?”
Just then, Andrea approached the table. Her long hair was twisted with the same silver threads I had in my headdress. She looked beautiful. Gavyn stood, offering her his hand. He placed a light kiss on her palm and turned to me.
“Grace, you have met my mate, Andrea. If you do not mind, she will sit at my side for the remainder of the feast.”
“Mate? You mean you’re married?” I asked, more than a little shocked.
“In the sense that we are bonded, yes. Andrea and I have been together for seventy-five years. Misha is our daughter.”
As if on cue, Misha approached with a dazzling looking man on her arm.
“Father, may we join the others at the far table?” Her head turned in the direction of a large table filled with boisterous young men. As far as “young,” I really had no idea if they actually were, they could be pushing fifty for all I knew.
