by L. N. MALONE
We exit the limo in front of a warehouse. Father said this is where the leaders of the four houses meet when they need to address issues. “The building is designed for a space for those of magic and non-magic to fuss out their issues without worrying about what could be destroyed. It is to be a practical place not a comfortable one Ash” father told me the night before. We enter the door and I immediately notice the only thing in the building is a huge table and chairs. To the right there is a restroom and three other doors probably the entrances for the other house leaders. Father leads us to our seats, and we wait for King Armand to come.
I heard them before I saw them when they arrived. My nerves are on fire with anxiety of what to come. I remember going over who I would possibly meet and see here with father. It has been five years since I have been amongst people other than family and we did not want me to come off rude when I could not remember who was who. So, we spent a good portion of the night going over pictures and background information on parts of the Vampire King’s personal circle.
Mirella comes in looking as unfriendly as I remember her to be. Her black shoulder length hair half shaved and skintight black leather fitting her curvaceous body perfect. She has a belt with gold daggers on each side which of course makes her look even more menacing. She struts past us as if she were bored and had no need to be bothered with the likes of us. However, as she passed, I sensed her emotions. Mirella was feeling deep sadness and grief. Her grief hit me so hard I had the urge to reach out and comfort her, however I knew she would not welcome it. I folded my hands in my lap trying to focus on something else other than her feelings.
Next to enter was Luke the famous shifter who protects Armand. He is what you would call your normal muscle however with a few added bonuses. The blonde hair and blue-eyed man who had a huge scar across looks menacing as always. I was told he hardly speaks however I am unsure why. I suppose in his line of work words are not required. As he passes us, he nods and smiles what seems to be a warm smile however his emotions tell a vastly different feeling. Anger is pulsing out of him as if he is ready to tear someone apart. He takes his seat next to Mirella and I immediately notice the difference in his emotions. He looks at Mirella and warmth and love seep through the anger. Well, that is a surprise I would never have expected.
The door opens again, and the room suddenly feels much smaller and warmer. The air around me feels as though it was sucked out of the room. A shiver runs down my spine as a man who I have not seen in almost five years enters first. Armand is just as handsome and scary as I remembered. (yes, I had a bit of a crush on the vampire king) His dark hair that is slightly curling on the top with a fade down suits his semi-pale face. He is dressed in a deep blue designer tailored suit with a pale pink tie that fits him very well. Our eyes meet briefly, and a tingle runs throughout my body and my breath catches. Whoa what was that? Then a rush of strong emotions came pilling in so strong I had to grip the arm rest of my chair to keep still. Love, pain, anger, grief, worry, and frustration swirled around my body and somehow seeped into my skin I had to hold back from crying out loud. My knuckles were turning white, and I had to focus on my breathing as I tried to reign in my power.
I was so preoccupied I missed most of the conversation. I looked up just as King Armand was explaining his requirements to keep my brother alive and a war from starting. He wants father to promise that Jayson will never lead and thankfully father had no intention of letting him lead anyhow. Raine would be a wonderful leader when she was old enough. She is patient, kind and extremely smart. The people already love and respect her due to the amazing work she does in the town. I released a breath glad that was over when King Armand spoke again.
“I want Akasha,” he said. My head immediately popped up and I held my breath wondering if I heard him correctly. Why on earth would he want me? What could I possible give him that he does not already have?
Father is trying to talk him out of it I can hear the worry in his voice and feel the anxious feeling he is putting out. He is worried about everything and everyone as always. I must do something for him and my people. We have all had a rough a few years with our land dying due to the spreading darkness. If I can somehow help to keep from war and help my people, it is a sacrifice I would gladly make.
“I would like to speak if I may.” I feel both my mother and my father flinch. I took a deep breath to gather my bearings. Look directly into the Vampire King’s eyes with a confidence that I had no idea I had and said “I accept, with one condition. I would ask you allow my father access to some of your resources. Our lands are being washed by the darkness so our crops are not doing as well as they should. Our people are starving because of this.” Still holding eye contact I suddenly felt that strange tingling start to spread all over my body It becomes so distracting I cannot focus on the conversation at hand. My father yells at me and brings me back to reality. I quickly explain my reasoning for accepting the Kings offer in a whisper praying the King cannot hear me. Looking toward my father I am hoping he understands I am doing this for the love of our people and my family. He quietly gives me words of love and my heart swells once again when I feel his pride for me shine through him. King Armand accepts my offer without blinking and I am surprised his newest emotion of respect that is directed at me. As they discuss strategy my mind wanders around how things are going to soon change for.
I heard King Armand say as he looks me in the eyes “It is time to depart.” I was startled and my voice was higher than I meant it to be when I slightly shouted, “No! I must be able to say goodbye and prepare. I am not ready Armand you cannot make me leave yet.” I narrowed my eyes trying to control my anxiety when I felt the ice start to pulse in my palms.
“You dare give our King demands when your coward brother is the reason, we are all here” Mirella raises her voice to me.
“You dare forget your place and lot in life.” I snap back barely containing my anger and power all at the same time.
King Armand stops the conversation from escalating with words of power and it was easy to be impressed. He gave me two days to get my affairs in order and say my goodbyes. I am to be ready the night of my birthday ball. Gratitude for him filled me and I hope he knew how grateful I was for the time to say goodbye. He then decides to follow up of course with a threat of war and death for my brother if I am not ready in time. The King stands letting us all know the meeting is over. I sigh and go back to focusing on staying in control as we stand to show respect as King Armand walks out the door. A gust of sadness and loneliness washes over me and I am unable to determine if it is his emotions or my own.
Three
Chapter Three
Akasha
The first day after the meeting passed in a blur filled with tears and laughter with family and friends. News traveled quickly that I was to be pledging allegiance to the Obscurite House. Everyone was curious why even though most had an idea. Anyone that lived in Court knew what Jayson had done and knew redemption was going to be required from us which made it easy to explain a political alliance. No one from each House wants war and most are grateful to have a way out of this mess. So, I spent the day saying goodbye to the people at court and making a few announcements. Then I made my way down to the orphanage to read to the children there. I did that every Saturday and I felt sad that I was going to have to stop. When I told the children, I was surprised to find out someone had already told them and a replacement for me had already been established. I could not help but wonder who did that, not many people know I do this. However, I brushed it off to think on it later. After the orphanage I went back home to finish packing and to prepare for a movie night with Raine.
The evening went by fast, and I was blessed with Raine being her normal upbeat self. She did not mention what was to come tomorrow at all, which I was extremely grateful for. We had a normal night and watched the Notebook for possibly the billionth time. After the movie she made her leave, and I was left alone with my thoughts. I watched the window a
nd saw the shadow man standing in his usual place. I wondered if he would follow me to the House of Obscurite, or if he would stay here and watch the house. Although, having a strange person watch you should be disconcerting, I have grown used to him and I could not help but whisper a goodbye to him in the wind before making my way to bed.
* * *
It is on the last day an hour before my birthday ball and nerves are screaming throughout my body. Questions running through my head a mile a minute. I cannot control my thoughts of what is to come. Will I be left alone? Will I be forced into some sort of job? Will the King keep his word about me not being a blood slave? Will I still find my mate? I am so wound up it is a wonder that the entire room is not frozen with my power. I must calm down, I tell myself. Only a few hours left till my life is completely different. I sit on my chair and focus on my breathing while chanting in my head to calm. Calm down Akasha. You must show no fear. You were made for hard choices. I say to myself as I finally stand up. I walk to the vanity and jingle the loud bell alerting the house maidens that I am ready to be dolled up for my birthday.
After what felt like the longest hour in existence, I was finally ready to make my debut. It had been five years since I had been to a ball and my parents thought it would be a perfect way to celebrate my twentieth birthday. I was originally thrilled when they thought of the idea, excited to be back in the world of high society and hoping to possibly find my mate. However, after everything with Jayson and Julianna, honestly, I am not sure I am interested in finding my mate after all. Besides, even if I do find my mate how would that work? Would he be willing to make the move to live amongst the vampires, since that is now going to be my home? Also, watching the pain and heartbreak that was caused recently had me cautious of any form of relationship. Julianna loved Jayson and he betrayed her severely a number of times then did the unspeakable against her. “I would never want to be in that situation” I thought to myself.
I looked in the mirror before I left and inspected my look for the night. My hair and makeup are very subtle with basic nude colors and an updo that shows off my neck. I gaze down and look at the long flowing emerald gown that fits perfectly over each curve of my body. The color matched my eyes and the sleeveless bodice definitely gave me more cleavage than I was used to. I have what the house maidens call an hourglass figure, however all I see normally is a lanky girl with a big butt and oversized boobs that are useless. Regardless, tonight I do feel beautiful and sexy. A knock on my door startles me. No one is supposed to be up here until it is time for my entrance.
I nervously make my way to the door and all the breath leaves my body as I see who is standing at my door. Armand with his deep dark green eyes is staring directly at me. I see him flinch a bit and his gaze linger on my eyes just a bit longer before his glare slowly lowers and moves up and down my body like he is memorizing every curve of my body and the air around me gets warmer by the second. When he looks back up and meets my eyes and I could have sworn I saw flicker of flames dancing. It must have been my imagination running wild or the strange effect he has on me. I thought to myself before a blast of lust hit me so hard, I unconsciously released a small moan. This is getting ridiculous.
Trying to focus on something other than my flaming insides craving him I say “King Armand, may I assist you with something or did you want to continue to stand there and stare at me a while longer” I know it is probably not a good idea to provoke him, but I need to let my frustration out somehow and since he the reason for my frustration it is only fair. His mouth twisted up into an amazing half smile “Hmm. Is that an offer Akasha? Should I prepare a romantic room for us?” He is teasing me and trying to get under my skin. Well two can play that game King, I think to myself.
“Sorry your highness. You are not my type. However, I have heard your circle member Blane is exceptionally good at what he does in the bedroom. Maybe once I am there, I can see for myself.” I say with more attitude than I ever have. What am I doing? What in the world am I saying? I have not even been kissed. Why am I allowing him to provoke me? He is so beautiful of course he is my type and honestly Blane? Yes, he is a little cute but nothing to make me get all serious and cranky.
Jealousy, strong and hot, seeped out of him as he looked straight at me. I notice his eye darken a bit just before he simply says “Never”. He turns and with a small breeze that somehow floats across my ear with a whisper. “You look beautiful Akasha.’’ Quickly I shut my door and let out a breath I did not realize I was holding. I knew without looking that I was blushing something fierce. What is it about this man that makes my body react like this?
Once my breathing and nerves were settled a bit after the visit from my soon to be King, I walked out and headed to the staircase ready to make my entrance. I see Jarvis standing here with his arm outstretched ready to escort me. Jarvis is royalty as well. “Duke Jarvis Rehannen,” however we all just call him Jarvis. He always stays close to my family even though there is no actual blood relation I have loved him like an uncle ever since I can remember. As I reach him, I cannot help but admire how well he looks in the tux he is wearing. I am sure he probably borrowed from my father. Jarvis hated dressing up and was usually in jeans and a tight-fitting solid t-shirt. He always says, “Just because I am a Duke doesn’t mean I am stiff” He flashes me one of his you owe me smiles and takes my arm. His shoulder length auburn hair is neatly tied back which allows me to see his deep brown eyes. “You should really fix your hair like this more often Jarvis. Your eyes are one of your best features and you should show them off.” I expressed this to him.
“Flattery will get you nowhere with me. You know that” he says with a narrow look, but I hear the laughter in his voice.
“You look ravishing Ash. Are you ready?”
“Thank you, Jarvis, and as ready as I’ll ever be.” I say taking his arm. We slowly walk down the stairs and all eyes immediately fall on me. Praying that I do not fall I feel like I am a moving statue in a museum. The clattering of the party comes to a halt and silence spreads throughout the room. Father came to the front step to great us. After a quick greeting, a compliment, and a kiss on the cheek he turns around to address the guests.
“Today our oldest reaches her twentieth birthday. It is a great day for our family as she is to be well taken care of in the Obscurite House. She has many great abilities and I look forward to seeing how she progresses. She is un-mated and open for dances. I hope you have a wonderful evening and Akasha…” he turns and faces me. “I know you will do great things my daughter. You have the will of the shifters, the beauty of the fae, the intelligence of a vampire and the soul of a human. I am proud to be the one you call Dad,” he tells me as I look into his eyes filled with unshed tears. “I love you daddy” I whisper and let a single tear fall.
The rest of the night was just as I expected with a lot of food and dances from every possible suitor in the world that wished to be mated it seems. I was getting tired as the night dragged on. I glance up at the clock and see it is finally eleven. I sigh with relief knowing that I can finally retire and put my feet up for a second. I feel an arm wrap around my waist and just as I am about to lash out, I was twisted and round and pulled close into a dance. The first thing I noticed was the warm smell that filled my senses. The smell reminded me of Christmas. My personal favorite time of the year with scents of baked apple pies and vanilla. Next was the tingling sensation that spread throughout my body. Everything fell around me as if I were in a fog. The tingles were getting warmer and warmer as it reached my middle and started burning with pleasure as it lowered. I look up to the man who had makes me breathless in a matter of seconds. “My King” I say in a whisper. Not trusting my words or my voice to say anything more than that. I stay quiet and let Armand lead the dance.
He was graceful and led with a pleasant kind of assertiveness that was extremely sexy. I felt my body relax into his as we danced. Giving into myself I lay my head on his shoulder and instantly feel like I am home. The anxiety I
once had about what was to come seemed to disappear with each sway of my hips. The song was coming to an end and I dreaded leaving his embrace. Oh, get a grip. I chided myself. When the song ended, he leaned down placing his lips next to my ear and whispered. “You are mine.” as his breath reached my ear I shivered. I was just about to ask what he meant when he turned and in a second, he was gone. I let out a ragged breath and tried to rein myself back in. Pulling myself together yet again and making my way to my room one last time.
Walking in the room I notice I am not alone. My mother, and Raine are both here waiting for me so they can help me change. I changed into some loose traveling pants and a wavy blouse since I am more concerned with comfortability than fashion at the moment. I am exhausted and my nerves are all over the place. Mother calls the housemaid to come and collect my bags. We follow him downstairs to meet my father and Jarvis who have waited up to say goodbye one last time. Jarvis is first with a strong hug and love in his eyes. “You will always be family and I will always be here if you need an ear or fist.” He said before releasing me to my mother.
Mother is already crying and pulls me into a hug so tight I did not think I was going to be able to breath. “Daughter, you have brought such joy to my heart. Stay honest, and kind. Do not overcome the darkness. I love you always. Write soon.”
I nod and gently kiss her cheek. “I will mother. I love you too” I say noticing my voice is getting harsher as I try to control the tears that want to be set loose.
“Well, I am not saying goodbye. You are not gone forever. You are my sister, and we are bound. You WILL call me soon and we WILL see each other soon as well.” my sister Raine says full of confidence and I know she is trying to stay strong and keep her wits.
