by L B Keen
He would go to Talon’s lodgings. It was possible his brother had changed his departure date as he’d noticed how his brother had looked at the Katari princess. Maybe he’d decided to stay and try his hand for hers in marriage. It wouldn’t surprise him if that were so. Talon was known to do anything he needed to gain what he wanted. He’d always been like that, even when they were children. He would do anything to win a game, and often, he won.
Jorin wouldn’t allow him to win this time, but it was too early to act, and as of this moment, he needed his brother if he was going to return home.
**
When Jorin arrived at his brother’s lodgings, it was to find guards and Dubh standing outside. Dubh seemed to be in the middle of explaining something frantically.
“Yes, like I told you, Prince Talon didn’t use the litter. He went off on his own, yet he hasn’t been seen since he entered a brothel.”
The two guards shared a look before one of them asked, “Could he not still be there?”
Affronted, Dubh scoffed. “Not likely. No vampire would easily drink with a common whore. They often ingest blood during intercourse. Sire wouldn’t feed from a foreign source.”
“Well, Talon isn’t known to be steady in his preference.”
Annoyed at the interloper, Dubh turned around, only for his jaw to drop in shock. “J-Jorin?!” Dubh took several steps back, shaking his head in shocked silence. “Prince Jorin, is that really you?”
Jorin gave a short nod, his golden-red eyes narrowed. “Is it true? Talon has yet to return?”
Dubh recovering, swallowing, straightened, his training returning. “Yes, sire. He left his litter at the palace and went into town for a drink, but we’ve lost track of him after that. We went to said brothel, and none had seen him.”
His expression turning thoughtful, Jorin walked past Dubh. “Get rid of the hounds,” he said, sending a glare to the guards, who stiffened at his name calling. Uncaring, Jorin turned his attention towards Dubh. “We will return to town after I place my bags inside. Someone saw something, and if it’s true, they’ve probably been paid a hefty sum to keep their mouth closed.”
Finishing what he said, he continued into the courtyard.
Dubh nodded, giving a short nod to the guards who quickly chased after him.
It didn’t take long for them to find out about Talon’s trail. Especially as his appearance was unique and noticeable compared to the residents of Katari. The trail led them straight to a brothel on the seedier side of town. Giving a look around the area, Jorin’s frown deepened. His brother had probably assumed his vampire status would prevent others from taking advantage of him. Jorin inwardly scoffed at that.
He’d thought the same. In his arrogance, he’d believed himself immune to being weak. That no one else in the world could possibly destroy him, or would even think to do so. Yet, his near-death experience and enslavement afterwards cured him completely of such a thought.
There were far more powerful and scarier beings in the world. Some who wore pleasant weak faces to the outside world, but who in the dark, changed into demonic creatures who could push a man towards death.
“Sire?”
Turning around, he faced Dubh and gave a short nod as the two of them entered the brothel. It was obvious business hadn’t been started yet.
The interior was dusty and dark and the only light came through windows that were coated with a thick layer of yellow sand dust, giving the inside light a slight yellowish glare. A few drunks lounged around, their heads flat against the tables they sat at.
Behind the bar stood a burly man with narrowed eyes and sunken cheeks. In his hands, he held a dirty rag, which he used to clean the thick glasses that were lined up on the counter. Dubh, seeing this, winced, lifting his handkerchief higher to cover his nose and his disgust.
Confidently walking over to the bar, he pressed his knuckles into the counter. Glancing around, he spoke casually. “It doesn’t seem to be a large crowd.”
The barman glanced up from his cleaning and frowned before grunting and setting the cup down. “Y’er not from around here.” His tone was gravelly and low. Reaching out, he picked up another cup. “If’n you were, you wouldn’t start with an easy question. What’s it you’re looking for?”
His mouth working, Jorin smirked, his eyes flashing. “I will ignore pleasantries.” His voice came out as a hiss. The bartender tensed as he felt the skin on his arm grow goosebumps. Jorin reached his hand out, his finger lightly caressing the edge of the cool glass. “I’ll instead ask three questions, and hopefully, you will answer them honestly.” The gold grew brighter in his red eyes. “When did he come? When did he leave?” He paused, picking up the heavy glass cup and inspecting it. “And who did he leave with?” He placed the cup down with a click, giving the tense barkeep a dark smile. “If you answer these honestly, I won’t be forced to drain you of every last drop of blood I can hear running through your veins.”
Fi, who’d brought up some snacks from the palace’s kitchen, set the heavy tray down on the mahogany table that rested at the end of the princess’ bed. Letting out a sigh of relief, she patted her back as she reached for a delicate silver goblet that sat at the edge. Picking it up, her eyes flashed purple for a moment. The goblet turned gold before settling back to silver as she set it back down.
Clearing her throat, she turned around and called out to the princess. “I’ve bought snacks, princess.”
Not hearing a response, she walked away from the bed and over towards the balcony. When she saw Bird balanced on the stone railing, she exclaimed, “Princess, you’ll fall!
Bird didn’t react to her exclamation. Instead, she continued to stare out over the palace, her eyes focused on the sea in the distance. The sun was sinking rapidly; it felt like this land fought night harder than anything else. The warmth still hung in the air around her, and the languid thick scent of the garden below caused her nose to twitch.
“Princess?” Fi called out to her once more.
This time, Bird glanced over her shoulder. She hadn’t noticed Fi’s entrance and now she stared at her with a blank expression. Before her lashes fluttered, she regained focus and smiled. “You’re here.” She turned her eyes back to the breathtaking view. “I thought I’d sent everyone away.”
“I cannot leave your side, mistress,” Fi said, her tone subservient. “I am your personal servant. It is my duty to stay by your side.”
Releasing a chuckle at that, Bird spoke, not really thinking of her audience. “It is odd, this sunset… I’ve seen hundreds, thousands. Day by day, I’ve watched it sink and sink and disappear, but why does it seem sadder today than any other day?” she asked rhetorically, a crease appearing in her brow. “I feel as though the sun is dying. Isn’t it odd, Fi?”
Fi, unsure of how to respond, decided to remain silent. Her mistress had remained in a maudlin mood all day. She’d gone so far as to ignore a summon from her father. Instead, she dismissed all the servants and cried a migraine.
Bird reached up and pressed the flat of her hand against her chest, squinting. “I feel like there is a heavy weight on my chest I can’t move.” She rubbed in slow circles over her chest before she lifted her legs and turned. Jumping down, she walked past Fi. “I think rest would help with my current state.”
Fi, who followed her, paused at the foot of the bed, picking up the goblet. “M-Mistress, first drink some of the grut. It will make your sleep much heavier.”
Glancing from Fi’s earnest eyes to the cup, she gave her a soft smile. “You’re always taking care of me, aren’t you?”
Reaching out, Bird took the cup and quickly drank, not noticing the dark cast that came over Fi’s expression before it swiftly disappeared.
“Here.” Bird handed her back the cup and quickly got into her bed. She was too tired to think of anything more. Tomorrow, she would deal with her choice. More so, she would begin her process of choosing a husband. She would also be forced to meet with her father. He probably
wished to influence her choice as the mines were involved. Shifting, she closed her eyes against the cold feeling she gained from thinking about it.
With that, Bird fell asleep, wandering the halls of her dreams.
Seeing that her mistress had fallen asleep, Fi picked up the tray, and as she shut the door behind her, she turned around to find a member of the Octin temple awaiting her. Picking up the goblet, her eyes slowly turned a dark purple as she held out the cup to the priestess.
“Tell Priestess Osis it has been done once more.” The priestess gave a silent nod. Taking the cup, she gave a short bow before quickly leaving the hallway.
Fi watched her go, a complicated look in her eyes.
Chapter Four
The next morning, Bird stood as servants moved back and forth around her. She’d been awoken by Fi with the news that she was to present during the morning reception. Her father would be personally greeting those who were interested in asking for her hand in marriage, a show of power on the king’s part. The entire royal family would be present and she was to be the prize touted before the masses.
The deep purple coloring of her robes brought to mind the shine that came too often from her own blood. She glanced over to Fi, who held a tray of pearls. There were necklaces, bracelets, and other bobbles. Feeling rebellious, Bird told her she wouldn’t wear any of it.
“But, Princess, your father had these personally made for you. You would spurn his gift?” Fi asked, her eyes wide, holding slight fear at the idea of angering the king.
“If one wishes to marry me, then he should marry me and not my father’s wealth,” Bird pronounced. Observing her appearance, she frowned, her eyes growing darker. “I will not be primped for sale. If they wish to know if this horse can perform, then they shall have to come closer.”
She stepped from the dais, causing the servants to stop in their fussing before she turned on her heel. “Enough! There is nothing more that can be done.” They quickly chased after her as she marched from the room. The guards standing at her door came sharply to attention. Barely glancing at them, she continued, Dua and her entourage naturally falling in behind her. Those who observed her passing grew nervous, as it was their first time observing the emotionless princess.
Her change of posture and expression was so shocking that many merely stopped in their task to observe her passing. Back straight, and stoned face, her severe bun accentuating her delicate boning highlighted her eyes as they flashed purple every once and a while.
They all could feel the weight of energy swirling around her and many felt nervous as they hadn’t felt such a pressure before.
The entourage moved without obstacle till they arrived at the door. Not looking at the soldiers who stood at the entrance, she stepped forward, only for them to move forward and raise a hand. Pausing, she looked at each one. Both wore blank expressions, not revealing their thoughts.
“Is there a reason you’ve blocked my path?” One brow rose, punctuating her question.
The one to her right spoke first, giving a short bow. “The king wishes for you, princess, to enter from the corner and remain behind the veil till the royals and nobles are done with the introduction.” He motioned to the right where there lay a door, which beyond it lied a path to the “females” area.
She followed with her eyes where he gestured.
She was to sit behind the curtain and watch as her destiny was chosen for her. Hadn’t she already given up everything? Now her father sought her to lose her pride, the only thing she held. A princess sold so that her father wouldn’t be pushed into choosing a country to sell his people’s life blood to.
“I am not my brother. I will not stand aside and allow what I wish to have to be taken from me. This world is far too cruel for those who wish for things. I will take, and I will take until I am dead.”
“Dua?”
Dua stiffened immediately after she’d spoken his name. The entourage behind her all stiffened at her calling of his name. Fi’s eyes slightly widened at the dark energy that slowly started to bleed from the princess. Eyes of pure amethyst turned towards Dua. “I wish to enter through this door,” she said softly before she turned those eyes back to the two soldiers. “I wish you to clear a path for me.”
Stepping forward, Dua bowed at the waist, placing a hand over his heart. “Dua hears and obeys.”
In one movement, his powerful body reacting with the swiftness of a panther, he pulled his curved sword from his saber. Splitting it, Dua ran forward, forcing the two soldiers to retreat back, the sharp edge of the blade pressed against their Adam’s apple.
Dua stilled, his swords held high and ready to move forward. Bird stepped forward as she coldly watched. In fact, she was surprised Dua hadn’t simply lopped their heads off. She wouldn’t have complained. Instead, she spoke, letting amusement leak into her voice. “I, Princess Kahlia, wish to enter through the main doors. And so I shall, Dua,” she called to him. He whipped his swords around, slamming the butt of his swords into both men’s neck, causing them to collapse to the ground.
Dropping her smile immediately, Bird moved forward. Pressing her hands against the two heavy doors, she pressed hard. The doors widened, giving view to the audience that filled the Great Hall. All heads turned towards her and her eyes were still glowing as she entered. She allowed her guards to continue widening the doors. As she made her way down the center, she lifted her chin at the look of chiding in her mother’s eyes.
She ignored it. Osis could think what she wanted. She did wish to be married, but she would be in control of how and who it happened with. She wondered why she had to hide behind a veil when her own mother sat on her throne.
She turned her eyes away from her mother, only to meet the glaring eyes of Fadi and the queen. She decided to smile and watched as the heat grew in their eyes. Uncaring, she continued past the royal family, her back straight and her chin raised.
Stopping before the steps, her eyes meeting her father’s, Bird performed the maidens bow. Lowering and rising with grace, she finished. Letting her hands come together before her, she stood waiting.
King Alma frowned down at her. He seemed larger than life as he wore his regal wear. His turban of dark blue held hints of golden leaves. He leaned back with his elbow raised. He observed her with his dark brown and purple eyes as if he was truly seeing her for the first time. His silence drew on long enough to cause those who were present to begin shifting nervously.
“I wished you to remain behind the veil, Princess.”
“I did not wish to be hidden behind the veil, sire,” was Bird’s immediate response.
Alma stiffened immediately at her words, his jaw becoming set.
“Insolence!” the queen sharply spoke, her eyes narrowed on Bird. “Your father is king. What he commands, you shall follow.” She jerked her narrow-eyed gaze towards Osis, who hadn’t spoken as of yet. “It seems you’ve grown assured by the presence of your mother, but,” she added acidly, focusing back on Bird, “she cannot protect you from your father’s anger.”
Bird widened her eyes, feigning innocence. “I did not mean to appear insolent,” she spoke earnestly. She turned her eyes back towards her father. “I merely wished to show myself before those who wish for my hand in marriage.” She glanced over her shoulder. “I didn’t wish for my possible groom to feel cheated.”
“Kahlia!”
Slowly, Bird brought her gaze back to her mother, who now glared at her. “Enough, take your place.”
Seeing she’d made her point, and unwilling to battle all those who sat above her, Bird conceded. And without further struggle, she climbed the steps, and moving over to where her mother sat, she took her stance behind her, meeting her half-brother’s gaze from where he stood behind their father. She could see the pity in his gaze as she jerked her gaze away from his. She didn’t want his pity; it was wasted on her. As she stared at the audience, their wealthy visages didn’t hide their greedy eyes or their pursed lips of distaste. They thought h
er a savage, and nothing more than a means to an end.
Her finger curled at her side, an unnamed emotion choking her throat. Her stomach rolled as they moved closer. Even as they stopped before the steps, she felt the stench of their want. It was revolting. She’d been willing to marry one of these men?
The more she thought about it, she grew incensed, her heart racing in her chest. She would not allow herself to be sold. If she must grab her fate with both hands, she would do so.
“Stay down, dead man!”
They hit her on her back again. She was sore all over. She’d fought them once she’d awoken, but they’d bled her while she’d slept, which had weakened her. The thick dirt of the cells scratched her skin, as they tossed her inside she couldn’t regain her strength due to the dry heat.
She grunted as another booted foot slammed into her side. Her mind raced, trying to think of who of her enemies could have done this to her. The three men who’d beaten her senseless now all knelt, digging their knees into her back. One of the bastards grabbed her wrist and jerked it high. Pulling a knife out, he didn’t hesitate at cutting a long line in her arm. She cursed, attempting to pull from them, but she could already feel the effect of having her blood being drawn.
Gritting her teeth, she tried to fight her darkening vision. She couldn’t think and her mind was growing blurry.
Suddenly, she wasn’t being held down. Bird was now staring down at a familiar male. She stepped back, horrified at the nearly mutilated body that struggled against the three men who held him down.
