by Bree De'leon
Sweating, Rena opened her eyes just enough to see her surroundings. Her vision blurred, the black smoke entering the medical bay, the figure floating across the room; its bone like fingers stretched out over her mouth, her heart sank further into herself. The fear rising her lungs tight, her breath short —scratching at her throat the healers reached towards her arms, binding them down at her side. The shadow figure was still above her, its eyes searching deep within her soul.
Accept me...accept this gift...Morena Darkstorm maiden of the night.
Rena clenched her teeth, tasting the blood and tears on her tongue before she nodded; praying that the pain would vanish. The figure plunged itself into her, the purple gas exploding from within her sending the healers and Victoria flying across the room, her screams echoed through the hall as her eyes changed hues, purple, black, red and finally settled into her ice blue eyes. Floating back into the bed, she fainted. Staring at each other, fear in both Victoria and Liliana’s eyes. Victoria gathered her skirts, her fangs glistening, watching with caution, she moved closer to her friend, she took Liliana by the arm.
“What in the heavens was that?” She trembled, her eyes not wavering from her step-daughter.
“I think... if I am correct, cousin. That was her powers awakening.” Liliana replied, stepping away from the unconscious princess.
“We must tell no one of this, until we are certain, do I make myself clear Liliana?” Victoria hissed, taking each healer and wiping their memories of the incident. Hesitant, she agreed with her, watching as she erased the minds of the servants.
__________
Sound asleep, Rena shifted beneath her covers, her fever had broken, and her heart rate normal, the moonlight giving light to her chambers, Lucille watched over her, his grey eyes sharp, on the lookout for any foul play that may be at hand. In the corner of his eye he spotted a figure in the distance as tall as the trees themselves. Its silver eyes staring back at him, analyzing him. Stiffing Lucille stood guard his left hand beginning to shift from a pale color to charcoal black, his fingers breaking and reforming into long black claws with silver tips. What could he want? Lucille thought, staring back at the creature; the ocean below changed, the winds blowing warnings into Casai.
3
THE NEXT MORNING, THE sun shined through the glass window the rays brightening the marble walls in Rena’s chambers. Lucille watched as she slept peacefully, her dreams filled with only happiness a slight smile crossed her lips, he could only imagine what she was dreaming of at this moment. But his eyes grew dark as he considered the forest beyond the city walls, questioning why he had been watching him that night. With a sigh, he turned his attention back to Rena tending to her each hour, ensuring that there was no trace of the plague that had been affecting her.
The chamber door opened with no warning, Amelia walked in with new towels and a bucket of hot water. Lucille stepped aside, analyzing her as she stepped closer to the princess. Changing out the cloths from her neck and forehead to assure the temperature had gone down. Amelia looked up at him, a small smile assuring him that she was recovering perfectly.
“She is recovering well Lucille, and she should be up and running around in the next few days.” Her voice was soft as her eyes searched Rena’s sleeping face. He stepped over placing his hand on her shoulder squeezing gently, his face serious.
“Our mistress gave me specific instructions to assure your safety if something were to happen to her.” He said coldly, his eyes darkened. “I don’t know why she risked her life for yours... but I will honor her wishes until she awakes.” Amelia shuddered for a moment, not knowing what to say as she felt a sickness come over herself.
“I don’t know why she risked her life for mine either, and I know there is nothing I can do to thank her enough for rescuing me from my imprisonment; but I assure you Lucille you do not need to protect me—” Lucille placed a slender finger to her lips silencing her as Sebastian stormed through the doors his black cape flowing behind him, each step he made with grace as he kneeled beside his daughter.
“How are her vitals?” He asked not looking up from Rena. Amelia straightened her back and moved a stray white hair from her forehead before she spoke.
“Her vitals are fine; she has steady breathing patterns and her fever is broken. She should be up within the next few days Majesty.” Sebastian nodded in approval, taking Rena’s brown hand in his before he pressed his lips to it.
“Leave us.” Was all he said before turning slightly to assure that both Lucille and Amelia had left the room. Once alone with Rena he stood above her bed memorizing each soft feature just like her mother before her. His ice blue eyes staring off into a distant memory, one he had forgotten until now. Rena stirred in her bed reaching out for anyone who was close, Sebastian quickly took her in his arms.
“I’m here sweetheart, I am here for you.” He soothed, smoothing her hair as she briefly opened her eyes. Searching the room for Lucille and Amelia, only to see her father.
“Papa, where is Lucille and Amelia?” she asked, holding Sebastian’s eyes. He only held her close, his eyes searching into hers for a moment before he answered.
“I sent them away, so I could assure your recovering.” He replied, holding her tighter and closer to his heart. “I did not want to excite you too much.”
Breathing into him, she closed her eyes, remembering her mother’s smile and laughter.
My little lullaby, my sweet Rena. Her mother’s voice echoed through her head, feeling a tear fall down her cheek, Sebastian lifted her chin up, wiping the tear from her cheek.
“I miss her.” Rena finally spoke, her voice breaking as another tear kissed her cheek. She could not stop herself from crying, she wanted to forget about her mother; she no longer wanted to live with the memories of a dead woman. Shifting she could feel her father stiffen, blinking back the tears as he remembered his Sonja—Eighteen years since he had seen her smile, he had nearly forgotten how she looked. Her brown eyes fading into mist as the years continued without her. His only likeness of Sonja was that of his daughter, who grew to look more like her each day.
“I know.” He replied, a sudden chill creeping up her spine, her eyes focused to her dresser. Moving off the bed, she moved slowly to her dresser, bending down and reaching for an old chest covered in dust.
Bringing it back to the bed, she opened it with caution, a faded likeness of her mother was the first thing that caught his eye; she sat in a simple room, decorated with books, her hair tied to the side, her doe eyes far away, the paint faded from its original color to a deep sepia. A flicker of happiness flashed in Sebastian’s eyes, but his daughter continued. Pulling out a deep blue velvet pouch with a gold tassel. Placing the small pouch in her father’s hand, she sat beside him. No words were exchanged as he gazed at his ring, gold and sapphire stone embedded as one. A single tear escaped his eye.
“She wanted you to have it papa, she loved you more than you know,” Rena assured, kissing her father’s hand. Laying down, feeling herself falling into a deep sleep. He wrapped his hand tightly around the heirloom, remembering his love.
__________
Dymitri walked out of his study, his coat covered in fresh blood, he had summoned Amelia to bring him fresh clothes, so he could change and present himself to the council. Hearing her delicate footsteps bounce off the wall, she turned the corner in a rush, going unnoticed, he watched her trip over her dress, the folded clothes tumbling down upon her, wrinkled. In a rage, he lifted the girl to her feet and silencing her with a single slap across the cheek.
“What good are you, if you cannot simply deliver clothes without being a klutz.” He barked, snapping his fangs at the maid.
“I am sorry sire, I will not do it again I promise.” Amelia pleaded, the sting of the slap beginning to bruise.
“Just leave, and go back to my worthless sister, I see not what she sees in you.” He growled, turning on his heel and slamming the door in her face. Amelia stood in silence, swallowing her
pride, and leaving back to the servants quarters.
__________
The afternoon progressed, Sebastian busied himself with documents and mistresses, each more beautiful than the next, his chamber door cracked open as Drake stepped in, rolled seals in hand, he had only today to advise the prince, before his journey to Kindred began.
“What is it Drake? Can’t you see I’m busy?” Sebastian snapped, sitting up and shifting away from his mistress—A pretty petite blue-skinned siren.
“I have news from the Zenopias in Aiuelle, the silvers have been plotting a rebellion of some sort. We don’t have much evidence except a few corpses that have been mummified and mangled.”
“Go on.” Sebastian motioned his hand for Drake to continue.
“There have also been sightings of lycans in the edges of the northern entrance of the forest in Casai, as well as the southern entrance of the forest in Aiuelle. Should we send Druids down to search and eliminate them before there are any victims?” The councilman finished, staring directly into his prince’s eyes, waiting for a response. Raising an eyebrow, Sebastian slowly moved to the edge of the bed.
“That is a dilemma, I will send Lucille to search the areas once he is finished attending my daughter. As for the silvers, I will have Dymitri handle them accordingly, after all I will be giving my son Aiuelle, and he needs to learn to rule and keep his subjects in line.” he sighed, standing up, naked, he reached for his britches. “You may leave now Drake; you still have much to gather before your journey tonight.” He demanded, tying the laces on his britches. Bowing, Drake took his leave.
Drake prepared his servants and apprentices for the departure to Kindred, with the sun still in the sky, he could not oversee his luggage with the fear of burning. The docks were filled with merchants also awaiting to depart to make trades and goods in Fleus, the men’s wives and children waved goodbye and kissed farewells.
__________
Rena opened her eyes, the sun setting as the orange light glistened into her room, sleeping beside her was Amelia, her braided hair a mess, as she held onto Rena’s hand. Smiling, she gently shook Amelia awake.
“Wake up before Lucille comes in and lectures me, silly.” Rena laughed, as Amelia pulled the covers over her head. Rolling her eyes, the princess stepped off the bed, her fingers tracing her dresser, and vanity mirror, stopping on top of a parchment addressed to her.
Princess Morena,
Please forgive my sudden absence; your father has called me to investigate an attack in the cursed lands. I should be no more than a week away. I have given specific instructions to Amelia on how to care for you.
Your servant,
Lucille
She lifted the parchment to her lips as she prayed to the Guardians to watch over her faithful servant. Sighing, she pulled the covers from Amelia chuckling as she watched her maid shiver and curl into a ball.
“Amelia, you need to dress me now. I am going to the council meeting in a few hours and papa has insisted I look my best.” Rena giggled, jumping onto her maid, waking her from her slumber.
“No, mistress you’re still sick—”
“Greuss, but not sick enough to tickle you senseless for disobeying your princess.” She laughed, tickling her maid for what felt like hours. Between her laughs and begging for her to stop, the door opened.
“I hope I am not interrupting anything, princess.” His voice sent chills down the girl’s spines, Amelia quickly jumped out of the bed and straightened her skirts and bowed, her eyes narrowed. Rena sat still, her head held high as she looked Drake in his snake-like eyes.
“You are not, counceelmain, what do I owe the pleasure this evening?” She continued, picking her words carefully, she felt him near her in a blink of an eye. His fingers gently wrapped around her slender neck.
“I just wanted to see you before I left, is that wrong of me Rena.” His lips pressed against her bare neck. Standing quickly away from him, her fist clenched and her fangs bared. Amelia felt her feet move on their own, pushing him away from her friend and princess.
“How dare you lay your filthy hands upon me,” he shrieked, raising his hand to the maid. Stopping the blow, Rena took his wrist in her hand, her eyes narrowed.
“You get too familiar Counceelmain, I am not to be spoken to with such vulgar disrespect. And you are not to lay a hand upon my servant. Do I make myself clear?” Her voice was stern, eyes glowing. Smiling, Drake brushed his hair back, his eyes flashing over to Amelia as she wiped her hand on her dress, like she just squashed a bug.
“Forgive me Pereeneuss, I meant no offense, to you least of all. I merely just get so entranced and seduced by your aura, and it’s soft inviting sensation.” He replied, searching the room, a glare passing over Amelia. “Seeing as I will not be joining you at the council meetings, I just wanted to inform you of some issues that might make you faint of heart.” The red in his eyes began to glow as his voice dropped in a sinister tone. “After all, the silver you hold dear will be no more.” Straightening himself, he bowed politely kissing her hand, stopping at the door. “Oh, and princess, I would be more cautious on whose company you keep; it would be unruly for such crimes to surface.” The room fell silent, Drake had disappeared from her sight, but she could not help herself, she was shaking, her entire body filled with anger.
The blood dripped down her palm, her nails digging deeper into her skin. Amelia quickly bandaged the wound.
“Princess, calm down. You know well what he is capable of.” Amelia advised her. Rena nodded, still burning with frustration.
“I understand all too well Amelia, he is a wicaeud man, that must be dealt with strategically.”
The evening passed, Amelia had dressed her in royal blue silk taffeta with metallic gold brocades, her hair was loose, with her tiara fitting perfectly on her head. The girls continued through the halls, watching as they began to fill with creatures of the night. Servants entering each room with trays of treats and fine wines and fresh blood for their vampyre masters.
The whispers grew with each step they made, making their way through the servant quarters with a few hours to spare before the meeting began. Stopping in the kitchen, the cooks quickly bowed at the sight of their princess. Smiling, Rena motioned for them to continue; except one.
“Jeremiah, please walk with us.” Rena requested, taking him by the arm. “I hear you have a good ear in the castle. Please inform us of what gossip there is.” She pleaded.
“There have been some rumors, that lycans have been roaming close to the castle walls, searching for weak points in the guards. But those are only rumors, Your Highness.” He replied, his pale face breaking with sweat. Giggling Rena wiped his brow, watching Amelia’s face flush.
“Well, those are some interesting rumors, now tell me sir, is there a sweetheart in your life, I so wish to know.”
“Princess, I do believe that is unnecessary.” Amelia quickly stepped in, her cheeks red from embarrassment. “I brought you here so that we could figure out what the councilman said about the Silver, remember?” She continued, her voice so low that only Rena could hear.
“Right.” She replied, gathering the information from Jeremiah. “Sir, forgive my rudeness, but I must ask, what do you mean lycans? I heard that there had been terrible rumors of silvers, but interesting that you should mention lycans.”
He was shaking, he was remembering when he was outside the castle walls. He had been coming back from the marketplace in the city for the supplies for the royal feasts.
“It had been going on for some time, I know not of the silvers but the lycans howls have been heard among the servants; especially the cooks being we tend to leave the castle more frequent than the rest to gather the ingredients of the meals.” He started. “I had been hearing footsteps and howls, ignoring them most of the way until, I saw these yellow eyes peering through the trees, had it not been for Juda being around the corner, that beast would have torn me in two.” The rasp in his voice told no lies, but the sinking
feeling in Rena’s heart was heavy, remembering the whispers among the vampyres; of a servant that had been attacked and that he is imprisoned for reasons unknown.
“You are sure it was Juda?” Rena asked, keeping her tone steady. He nodded. Amelia, wrapped her arms around him, keeping him calm.
“It’s alright Jeremiah, you do not have to tell us more.” Amelia soothed, her sweet voice calming him. Rena stood still, her heart sinking further into her stomach, with no intention of keeping their company, she began to walk towards the dungeons. Realizing that is where they would keep any suspects of lycan kin.
She heard Amelia calling to her in the distance, her footsteps quickly following behind her princess, clutching onto her arm, Amelia took a few breaths.
“Princess, you must calm yourself.” She warned before Rena could respond she felt a familiar hand latch upon her neck.
“Sweet sister, where do you think you are heading to?” Dymitri asked, appearing from the shadows of the halls, his fingers tightening around her neck. “Clearly not to the council meeting our father has demanded your presence at.” His serpent grip tightening.
“What do you want brother?” She hissed, taking his hand away from her. “I see you are not following Trinity like a lost dog.” She snapped. His smile dropping, he quickly reached out his pale hand taking her neck in a tight constricting grip once again.
“You should watch that pretty mouth of yours, insulting your betters—”
“As far as I am concerned brother, I am your better.” She interrupted, twisting out of his grasp once more, her eyes changing hues in the candlelight, blue-purple. It frightened him, he could sense a strong presence emanating from within her, stepping away and straightening his jacket.
