She looked up at me then and said, “I know. I heard what happened to you last night when you and the Master went out and, after hearing that, I put two and two together and realized it must have been Rohan.” Pausing a moment she then blurted, “It was Rohan who attacked you at the gathering too, wasn’t it?” She looked embarrassed for me, adding, “Word gets around, Lizzy.”
I nodded, and felt like crawling into a hole.
“I guess that he thinks if he has you, it would be easier for him to acquire the position he has coveted for decades. I am sure he believes Master Emrys would be so devastated that he wouldn’t be able to win at battle for the position. It took me a while to figure it all out, but Rohan always used to speak of his desire back when we were...together.” She shook her head back and forth, her face took on a sad look, and she said very quietly, “I am so sorry. I should have seen it coming.”
“Kelsey, it certainly is not your fault! We can’t let this get in the way of our friendship, or our plans to work together. I still want you for my assistant, if you’re still interested.” I finally allowed myself to take the chance that she wouldn’t shrink away from me and I touched her shoulder gently. “What do you think?”
She wrinkled up her face and burst forth in a sudden gush of tears, taking me by surprise. Leaning forward, she put her head into her hands. She cried silent tears, but her shoulders shook up and down. Through the tears she managed to speak in spurts: “I didn’t think...I…thought you wouldn’t want to be my friend... I hoped I could still be your assistant...”
I slid closer to her and pulled her into my arms, hugging her tight. “Whatever Rohan has ever done, or plans to do in the future, has nothing to do with us. I told you from the beginning that I had a feeling we were going to be good friends and I meant it, Kelsey. I will never lie to you and I hope you can promise me the same.”
She looked into my eyes with tears still streaming down her cheeks, “Why, of course, Lizzy. I can do that.” And then she surprised me again as she hugged me back - the first time she had ever reached out to me in genuine affection.
Emrys walked in and cleared his throat to get our attention. “Well, ladies. I am off to the meeting. Will you be available to stay with Elizabeth for the next hour or so, Kelsey?”
“Certainly, sir.” She was quick to pull herself together; she wiped her face and adjusted herself, sitting up straight as a board, adding with a nod, “I can do that, sir.”
“Good.” He strolled over and pulled me to my feet saying, “Come, and lock the door behind me.”
I followed him to the door and he said quietly, “I will not be long, my lovely. He bent and kissed my forehead. “Remember, not a word.”
I gave him a silent nod and locked both locks after he left. I peeked out of the peephole and watched him as he walked down the long hall. His black hair glistened every few feet as he passed the dim lights on the wall. He turned, looked directly at the door, and winked at me with a wry smile, not losing a step along the way. I laughed to myself and went back into the living room.
Kelsey was leaning back into the couch, but when she saw me she bolted up straight and asked, “Lizzy? This is an odd night for the council to meet. Does it have anything to do with Rohan?”
Already I was being tested about my promises: the promise to Emrys to keep my mouth shut and the promise to Kelsey never to lie to her. This was going to be a long evening, to be sure.
“It is an emergency meeting,” I admitted, “but that is all I am allowed to say.” I hoped to quell any more questions from her immediately.
“I thought as much. And I thank you for telling me what you could.” A strange look came over her face as she started to fidget with her apron strings again.
“Is there something else?” I asked, fearful the questions would get too involved. “I’ll certainly try to keep you informed of those things I am allowed to. Not that there will be much. Being married to the Regent doesn’t allow me much information; I am kept in the dark on most issues, much like everyone else.”
“Oh no, I don’t have any more questions. I know how things work. But I may have a bit of information you could pass on to Master Emrys.”
“Yes?” My curiosity caused me to sit back down right next to her again. “What information is that, Kelsey?” I kept my voice calm and collected, not wanting to scare her off.
She cleared her throat nervously, and then licked her lips.
“It’s about Rohan…”
Now I was nervous and clasped my hands together trying to hide it.
“He was here yesterday,” she announced.
My heart lurched into full hammering immediately.
“He somehow got past the gate without being seen, and found me in my room when he knew me mum would be out shopping. I did not expect him,” she said shaking her head. “He just showed up like he always used to. He acted as if he wanted me, and told me he missed me. He asked me to go with him to Peru. He even showed me the tickets.”
She began to tremble then, most likely due to the horrified look on my face. I forced my mouth closed and tried to remain calm, but it was getting harder the longer she went on. I knew I had to keep my cool, or she would quit talking altogether. I gave her a slow controlled nod and she continued, “He told me he was no longer interested in being the Regent, and he wanted to start over somewhere new. He almost had me convinced, up until the time when he started asking about you.” She paused and took a breath. “He wanted to know if you and the Master were still in the same room and he wanted to know if I had a key.”
I must have gasped aloud then, because she stopped speaking.
“And what did you tell him, Kelsey?” I somehow maintained a steady voice, but inside I was screaming.
“I told him I worked for you now and that you were so kind and sweet to me. I told him there was no way in hell, pardon my expression, that I would ever give him a key to your rooms. Of course, his excuse was that he wanted to leave you two a wedding gift, but by then I already knew what he had done to you.”
She paused; wringing her hands, took a deep breath and then went on. He tried to persuade me. He promised me all sorts of wonderful things if I would just let him into your rooms.” She shook her head from side to side. “I knew he was lying when he started to threaten to hurt me.” A heavy sadness came over her entire being, and she scrunched up her face in apparent anguish. I thought she’d start weeping again. “I believe if mum hadn’t arrived just when she did, he would’ve done whatever he could to get the key from me. As soon as he heard her at the door, he escaped out the window. I never even told her he was there.”
She grasped my hand, which now shook violently, my fear and anxiety no longer hidden.
“I should have told Master Emrys. I’m sorry, Lizzy. I am so nervous around him, I can barely speak.”
“Why on earth are you nervous around Emrys? He’s the kindest, most gentle and civil vampire around here!” Seldom used or heard here in my new world, that word sounded unusually foreign coming out of my mouth. “He is the exact opposite of Rohan.”
It’s like good versus evil.
“Who do you think would win if they did battle?” I felt dizzy and light-headed, surprised that I had asked that question aloud.
Kelsey now looked as horrified as I felt. She struggled and tried to speak, but only shrugged, shaking her head at my unanswerable question. I thought that at any minute I would faint. “Why can’t he just leave us alone? I’m so sick of him being the number one topic around here!” I put my head in my hands and leaned forward. I felt Kelsey’s hand on my back, patting with a gentle touch.
“It will be okay, Miss Lizzy. If they haven’t already, the council will make the right decision, you’ll see. And besides, after Rohan fled into the night when his plan went awry, I bet he took those tickets and used at least one of them. If he had any sense at all, he would get as far away as he could. He knows how things work around here and he knows that he has done enough already to warrant
being cut off completely.”
I wondered if she knew more than she was letting on; if this had happened before, if any other rogue vampires were given the death penalty in the past. But I couldn’t ask her; it would open up a discussion I was not allowed to have. I glanced up into her eyes searching for some sort of affirmation, and even though her expression gave nothing away, what I saw instead, was that a new self-confidence had begun to rise up. She was certain Rohan was long gone, and her optimism was refreshing. I needed to be more positive too, and I forced myself to think like she did. Even if he hadn’t fled, the door was locked, Emrys was right downstairs, and I had company. Nothing could possibly happen tonight. I simply couldn’t sit around living in fear every single day.
I took a big breath, and sat up. “I’m really glad you’re here with me, Kelsey. You’re probably right. Rohan wouldn’t stick around and take the chance of being seen.” I let out a huge sigh, adding, “And just call me Lizzy!” I gave her a goofy grin and she laughed.
I jumped up and went to the fridge, calling over my shoulder, “I’ll be right back! We can both use a drink.” I poured two large tumblers of Ambrosia, warmed them in the microwave, and went back to where Kelsey sat staring off into the distance. Wishing I could tell her my secret, I held out the glass to her and said, “Here, you need this as much as I do. Cheers!”
Her eyes brightened up as she took the glass, and I heard the familiar clicking of her fangs. Here among fellow Ravens we did not have to hide what we really were. I ran my tongue over my sharp teeth quickly. Sometimes the scent in the glass caused them to appear, sometimes just the thirst. We tapped our glasses together and then swallowed down a fair amount before we came up for air.
“That ought to do us a world of good,” I said cheerfully. “Don’t you think?” I felt calmer already and smiled.
Kelsey licked her red lips and said, “Definitely.”
I went to the stereo and put on some uplifting music. Kelsey’s foot tapped in time to the song, and eventually I felt less like fainting and more like dancing. It was good to see her in a more positive mood for a change, and that made me wonder if there was some way I could give her hope for her future. It had to be difficult for her, living in that situation - believing there is nothing to look forward to, no future happiness, and no end in sight. I couldn’t imagine how horrible it would be – mated to someone as disgusting and uncaring as Rohan. And adding eternity to that equation had to make it completely unbearable.
I sat opposite her on one of the chairs, curled my feet up under myself and leaned back. “Relax, Kelsey. Sit back and make yourself comfortable.”
She sat back and crossed one leg over the other, took another drink and started moving her head to the beat of the drums. Smiling, she said, “Better?”
“Yes, much. Hey, can I ask you a personal question?” I thought that perhaps I could at least open her mind to some sort of future hope by putting a thought in her head; one that most likely had never entered her mind before – maybe giving her something to ponder, to hang onto.
“Sure.” She tilted her head to the side listening, waiting.
“What do you think of Royal, the gatekeeper?” I wiggled my eyebrows up and down in a broad hinting gesture. “He’s kind of cute, don’t you think?”
She nodded; a tiny smile curved her mouth, and she raised an eyebrow back at me. “I guess he’s a bit dishy. Why do you ask?”
I wasn’t sure how to word it without giving it all away. “No reason, I just remembered the rumor I heard about him. It’s nothing.” I shrugged as though I didn’t care much.
Kelsey tried to act as nonchalant as I was, but I heard in her voice a genuine interest. “Isn’t he driving for you now?”
“Yep,” I said, tapping my foot to the music.
I knew it was getting to her now when she asked, “What did you hear?”
“I guess he plans to ask someone to turn him after his twenty-first birthday. I heard it’s someone he has a giant crush on.” I peered above the rim of my glass to see her reaction as I took another sip. The Ambrosia gave me more strength and my anxiety finally abated.
Her face lit up then as though a light went on, and she seemed even more intrigued as she asked, “I cannot imagine who it could be. Did you happen to hear who it is?”
“No, but I do know he plans to ask Emrys for his approval pretty soon.” I took one more sip and then added, “Hey, have you ever turned anyone, Kelsey?”
With the final hint in place now, all she needed to do was think about it, as I knew she would, and then quite possibly, she would begin to think about a better future. I silently congratulated myself and hoped that my vision was on the right track. The only drawback to this scenario was Rohan. He needed to be out of the picture - completely out.
When she started answering my last question, I was lost in my own thoughts and had to ask her to repeat herself. I had been doing that a lot lately and needed to remind myself to be a better listener.
Kelsey grinned and repeated herself, saying, “I said: no, I have not had that opportunity yet. I can’t imagine anyone asking me. And really, they’d get nothing out of the quickening if I did it for them anyway. I’ve had a very boring life and the worst of luck. I’m afraid it would be downright depressing.”
“Kelsey, if I tell you something, can you promise me you’ll keep it our secret?”
“Quite!” She leaned forward, eyes wide, anxious for a shared secret.
“Apparently my gift is the ability to see into the future - visions of the future. I am so new at this; I really don’t know what to expect. But a few of them actually came true already, and there’s one or two I’m still waiting for. But… I had a vision of your future. And in my vision, you will turn someone. It feels like it will be very soon, but I’m not really sure when. I saw you signing your name in the book that Latimer keeps - the record book of the Ravens.” I didn’t want to give her more details yet, just the basics.
She became very animated then, jumped up and began pacing back and forth “Seriously? Who could it be? Really? I can’t believe it! I can’t imagine that! You don’t know when though?”
“No idea. It just feels like it won’t be too long from now.” I smiled. “Would you like that opportunity?”
“Why, of course, I would. I never imagined I’d be able to, especially since I do not attend the gatherings. Well, then there is all my baggage.” She shrugged, suddenly looking less excited.
“Well, we shall see soon enough, I guess. That is, if my vision is correct. But it sure looked like you, Kelsey.”
Something sparked in her eyes then, and she stopped pacing.
“What human would ask me, did you see a face? Or is it someone we have not met yet?”
“I’m not quite sure if I should say. I don’t want to sway your decision if this person does ask you. Maybe we ought to just wait and see.” I couldn’t lie to her; I had promised.
Her face fell, but only temporarily. “I understand. You think it should happen when it’s supposed to happen. You don’t want me to interfere or try to change my fate.”
“Something like that.” And here I was - interfering like crazy, putting thoughts into her head left and right. I only hoped that my vision was correct, and Royal would indeed finally get up the guts to ask her. They would make such a cute couple too. I had no idea where this matchmaker compulsion came from, but I had it bad. I was just as excited for Kelsey as I knew she’d be when she figured it all out.
“Oh, another thing,” I added, suddenly remembering. “You can move into the place upstairs from us! Emrys said he was fine with it and he’ll speak to your mother about your new duties. You do not have to work in the kitchen any more either.” I grinned at her and raised an eyebrow. “How cool is that?”
“Very cool indeed, Lizzy. That is downright jolly good. I’ll pack up my things tomorrow morning.”
And then another brilliant thought came to me: “Hey, I have an idea. I know we’re not going out tomo
rrow since Emrys insists we begin my fencing lessons. That means Royal will be free all day and maybe he can help you move your things.” I was really getting good at this and felt all giddy inside. The Matchmaker song from Fiddler on the Roof came to my mind, and I had to refrain from humming it aloud.
“So he won’t be one of the gatekeepers at all any longer?” This question made me think she was getting more interested, but I tried to remain indifferent, and I shrugged.
“I guess Emrys is planning to hire another for that position, since Royal will now be our driver. At least that’s what I got out of their conversation earlier today. He seems like a nice young man, very dedicated to the Ravens.” I thought I’d throw that in for added emphasis on his outstanding behavior.
Kelsey looked at me thoughtfully and then narrowed her eyes, saying, “If I didn’t know better, Lizzy, I would think you’re trying to push this guy onto me. I am sure he has never even given me any thought whatsoever. And besides, I’m damaged goods, remember?”
She was more perceptive than I had given her credit for, and I felt a little ashamed of my antics. “I’m sorry, Kelsey. I just want you to be happy, that’s all.”
“Well, even if I were not taken, I’d never have what it takes to make anyone notice me. Look at me, I’m a wreck.”
“No, you’re not. You’re a lovely-looking young woman. You have to stop thinking this way. You’re just as beautiful on the outside as you are within. You are kind and helpful to others. You are well spoken, sincere. You’ve been worn down by those in your life who are supposed to love you, and you think that it’s your fault. Well, I’m here to tell you that it’s not. They’re the ones who are mistaken, and missing out on a wonderful relationship with an amazing woman.” I took a breath and said, “The only thing I would change about you is...”
The Ravenswynd Series - Boxed Set Page 41
