Vampire Kingdom 2: The Pact

by Leigh Walker

  The emperor stared, taking in every inch of my appearance, but I caught no sign of recognition in his gaze. He seemed coolly distant and superior and, after a moment, bored. Perhaps he didn’t care for my scent and thought me a fast-food meal when he was accustomed to gourmet.

  Nevertheless, Queen Danica beamed as she faced the court. “It’s my pleasure to announce Emperor Lucas, who hails from the east.”

  The king and the council clapped politely as the emperor bowed stiffly.

  The queen turned back to us and motioned toward me with a flourish. “Emperor Lucas, this is the Lady Victoria from Margate, the human girl who will marry Prince Dominic and unite the realms.”

  Though I heard rumblings from the council at her words, I couldn’t focus on anything but Emperor Lucas and, more importantly, who was behind him. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Emperor. Thank you for coming to the kingdom to celebrate this happy event with us.” My voice was surprisingly steady, but my knees knocked together as I lowered myself into a curtsy.

  In response, the emperor gave me a long nod, which could have been interpreted as a bowing of his head. I wasn’t sure, and I didn’t care, because I was ready to shove him out of the way so that I could see my family.

  But he stepped aside, and I reeled from shock. At first I wasn’t sure what I was looking at. Like in a nightmare, the familiar image in front of me was somehow strange, in a way that at first I could not put together. It was my mother, but she was not the same.

  Dominic gripped my hand almost painfully as Queen Danica announced the next visitor. “Emperor Lucas’s wife, the Empress Elizabeth.” The queen watched me as I faced our guest.

  My mother had always had honey-colored hair, but it had become ash white. Her skin was beyond pale, a sickly patina I’d never seen before. But her eyes were worse—they’d always been the same blue as mine, but now they were faded, the irises so pale that they were almost transparent. She stared in my direction, but I could not be sure that she saw me or anything else.

  My mother looked, in every sense, as though she’d been drained of her very spirit. I wouldn’t have believed her to be anything but a corpse, except she dropped into a curtsy. Then, in a voice I recognized and held dear, she said, “Very pleased to meet you.” But she stepped aside before I could react, say anything, or feel anything other than utter and complete terror.

  What have they done to you?

  My sister stepped forward before I could collapse.

  “And finally, here is the Lady Isabel, the emperor’s daughter, fair First Maiden of the east.” Queen Danica smiled at my sister appraisingly while I shakily curtsied.

  If I weren’t still gripping Dominic’s hand, I never would’ve risen back up. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” I barely got the words out. My tongue felt like sandpaper.

  Isabel curtsied in response, and I was grateful to see that she looked in full health, her thick hair, as blond as ever, spilling over her shoulders, her complexion healthy and sparkling above her black riding habit. “It’s lovely to meet you. Congratulations.” Her gaze, so familiar and dear to me, was only cool as it met mine.

  I shivered. “Thank you.”

  “Our guests must be tired from their long journey. They will join us for tea shortly, but first, they must be refreshed.” Queen Danica turned to the guards. “Show them to their suite.”

  The guards marched them off. My mother moved slowly, carefully, like an elderly woman. Neither she, nor my sister, nor the emperor gave us a backward glance. I trembled as I watched them go.

  The only thing holding me up was Dominic, who stayed dutifully by my side. “It will be all right,” he whispered.

  I nodded but only because I didn’t know what else to do.

  The truth was, nothing would ever be right again.

  28

  Still Going Bad

  With a satisfied smile on her face, Queen Danica also swept out of the room. She didn’t even look at the council as she sailed past them. Lady Dowd cursed then muttered something to the vampire next to her. Then she turned on her heel and was also gone.

  “The council’s a bit testy, it seems,” Anthony said. I’d forgotten he was nearby. He came forward and nodded at the group of vampires, who were clustered together, whispering. “Seems they’ve heard the news about the blood slaves and the guards. It’s a pity.”

  “What is?” Dominic asked. He’d never let go of my hand.

  “That their reign has so abruptly and unceremoniously come to an end. Although it may be good news for our lady friend here.”

  “How’s that?” Dominic asked. I could barely follow the conversation.

  “The guards’ allegiance is clear. They support the queen, and they support Lady Margate. If the council cannot fall in line, I suppose that’s their problem—they’re on their own.”

  Anthony’s words swam around me, but I couldn’t bring myself to care about them. “I have to go,” I mumbled.

  “Let me take you to your room.” Dominic’s voice was gentle.

  Anthony fell into step beside us. He looked around to make sure we were alone before he said, “Has your mother always looked like that? She’s a bit pale.”

  “Anthony, for the love of the gods, shut up,” Dominic said.

  “I didn’t mean any harm. I was just wondering—”

  “No, she hasn’t always looked like that. I don’t know what they did to her.” My head started pounding, along with my heart. I couldn’t wipe my mother’s horrible, ruined face from my mind’s eye.

  “It looks as though she’s been cursed,” Anthony said matter-of-factly. “Perhaps there’s an antidote.”

  Dominic gave him a murderous look then said, “Thank you for the input. I assume you have tasks to attend to—pressing ones?”

  “Ah, yes.” Ant took the hint and stepped back, raking a hand through his hair. “Take it easy, Tor. By the way, your sister’s quite fetching. You never mentioned that.”

  Suddenly, I had no words, and I was breathing too fast.

  I must’ve looked frightful, because Anthony pursed his lips. “Yeah. Well then. I’m off.” He made haste down the hallway before Dominic could pummel him.

  We made it to my room, neither of us saying a word. When he’d closed and locked the door behind us, Dominic took both of my hands in his. “We’ve much to talk about.”

  I nodded, but the room swam around me. My mother—what’s happened to my poor mother? And my sister had been like a stranger…

  When my breathing started to get difficult, I clutched Dominic, and as I began to wheeze then let go because my hands were filled with pins and needles. My mother’s face. Those eyes…

  My chest tightened, and my heart thudded. I knew what was wrong with me. No. Oh no… “Dominic.” My throat started closing up. “It’s happening.”

  His eyes went wide. “What’s wrong? What’s happening?”

  I fought to take a breath, tears streaming down my face, as I tried to get the words out. My throat felt as tiny as a pin. I wrapped my hands around it, trying to fight the panic, trying to fight my body. But black spots danced in front of my eyes, and I knew that struggling was only making it worse.

  “I’ll be okay,” I wheezed right before I passed out.

  “Get away from her.” It was my sister, speaking to someone through clenched teeth. “You’re probably the one responsible for this.”

  I felt discombobulated, in a dream. A blanket was on me, and it seemed so heavy that I could barely move.

  “I assure you, I did nothing to harm her. I never would.” Dominic sounded hurt.

  “Stop being a baby—just make sure no one knows I’m here. If I’m found out, it’s off with my head. And yours, I expect. Hmph, maybe it wouldn’t be the worst thing.” She put her hand on my forehead, and I forced my eyes open. Her face swam into focus then swam out again.

  “Don’t be mean to him,” I croaked.

  “Ah, there you are. And here I thought you might be tough or something si
nce you’re hiding out here with the vamps. But instead, you’re an idiot—and a passed-out one at that.”

  I sat up a little and forced my eyes to focus. Izzie frowned at me. Her cheeks were flushed, and her hair was a still a bit wild from her ride. She hadn’t changed out of her riding clothes.

  “What’s your problem?” I asked, then I laughed. I sounded so annoyed with her, so normal.

  Iz arched an eyebrow. “Did you hit your head? What on earth are you laughing about?”

  “You’re alive!” I laughed so hard I started sobbing.

  “Oh boy.” My sister brushed the hair back from my forehead. “There now, calm down.”

  “I c-can’t believe you’re here and that you’re alive…” I broke out in a fresh round of sobs.

  “Well, I am alive but only for now, and only if you do exactly as I say. So please calm down. Otherwise, it’s curtains.”

  I quickly wiped the tears from my face—we had no time for an emotional reunion.

  Dominic stepped forward. “What do you need?” he asked. “Please tell us everything you can. We haven’t much time.”

  Iz turned on him, an incredulous look on her face. “D’you think I’m going to trust you? The vampire who’s captured my sister? You’re as crazy as you are tall, dark, and dead.” She snorted as Dominic pressed his lips together, biting back whatever retort was fighting to spring forth.

  “Izzie.” I sat up. “Don’t talk to him like that. Dominic’s my family now.”

  Her blue eyes almost popped out of her head. “You can’t be serious.”

  “Of course I’m serious. We’re getting married.”

  She jerked her thumb at the prince. “You are not marrying that.”

  I winced. “Please don’t talk like that. He’s not any different from you and me.”

  “Oh, he must’ve done a number on you. Him and that blood-sucking queen.” My sister laughed, but it sounded borderline hysterical. She got up and started pacing, muttering to herself. “I can’t believe this… Marrying a vampire… Just as cursed as the rest of us…”

  “Isabel Elise Edwards.” Realizing I felt better, only tired, I sat up straight and squared my shoulders. “Stop your nonsense right now and get over here. You said we needed to be quick—pacing and insulting us under our breath isn’t going to help anything. Now tell me about Mom and what’s wrong with her.”

  “You saw her.” Iz stopped pacing and put her hands on her hips. “She’s been cursed, of course.”

  I nodded. “By the emperor?”

  My sister raised her chin. “No, you fool. By me.”

  29

  Which Witch Is Which

  My sister had cursed my mother?

  “What?” I cried. “What did you do to her?”

  Iz tossed her hair over her shoulder. “I protected her. Don’t go accusing me of things. It’s not like you’ve been around to help out.”

  “I thought you were both dead. Don’t you dare act like I abandoned you. It’s quite the opposite!”

  “Oh, here we go. You’re so lucky you got to stay behind. You don’t know the half of it.”

  “I’m all ears, Iz.”

  “We don’t have time for that. All you need to know that if the emperor figures out you’re you, you’re dead. So if you’re seriously planning to go through with this wedding, you’d better plan an extended honeymoon, most likely back to New Jersey for the rest of your lives.” She tossed her hair over her shoulder and narrowed her eyes at Dominic. “Or should I say the rest of your damnation-filled existence.”

  To his credit, Dominic didn’t say a word. Although his hands were clenched into fists, he kept his lips sealed tightly.

  I shook my head, confused beyond all comprehension. “Iz, please. Stop insulting vampires and explain yourself, and make some sense.”

  “Fine.” She took a deep breath. “I wasn’t sure what would happen here, and I didn’t know for sure you were the bride-to-be. But when I heard that Prince Dominic was marrying a human—and an eighteen-year-old named Victoria with blond hair, at that—I had my suspicions. The rumors were that he was bewitched by this stranger, utterly transfixed by her. He’d chosen at the Trade, and preparations for the wedding had begun in earnest.”

  “And you thought it was me? Didn’t you think you’d left me back at home, a thousand years ago?”

  Isabel raised her chin. “That’s too much to get into right now—but suffice it to say, I am very familiar with the kingdom. Mother and I also use the lake as a portal. I figured if you ever came through, you would land here.”

  “Y-You… P-Portal…” I couldn’t get my tongue to form enough words to ask a question.

  “Yes, yes, don’t go getting so upset your adrenaline malfunctions again. Anyway, I heard about the bride, and I just had this feeling. I’ve learned that that comes with my power, and that I shouldn’t ignore it, not ever, or really bad things happen.” She shivered. “So I sent a spy to the kingdom, and he blended in with the commoners. He had them talk about the bride’s appearance, and he started sketching from their descriptions. Then he caught a glimpse of the Lady Victoria one night when she was out among the peasants. And he brought me this.” She took a piece of heavy paper out of her trouser pocket and unfolded it. It was a pencil sketch of me, smiling, in the strapless dress I’d worn on my dinner date in the village with the prince. “So when the invitation arrived, I was prepared. I’d already begun formulating a plan.”

  “You knew it was me.” My mind raced. “What about Mom?”

  Isabel busied herself by smoothing first her hair then her tunic, then by inspecting her nails. She wouldn’t look at me.

  “Tell me what happened!”

  She sighed and stopped fidgeting, raising her gaze to meet mine. In that moment, I realized that she looked much, much older than sixteen. Physically, she was still the same, but not her eyes. Back home, my sister had been innocent and carefree, but now I could tell, just by looking at her, that she’d seen far more than any child ever should.

  Pointing at me then at Dominic, she said, “Mom wouldn’t be able to handle this.”

  I raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to continue.

  “Actually, she hasn’t been able to handle things for a long time—not ever since we left you. That’s why I put a spell on her.” Iz started fidgeting again. “It was to protect her, of course. I didn’t want the emperor…bothering…her anymore, so I bleached her out with an aging curse. She’s a bit creepy now, isn’t she? He hasn’t visited her chambers once since.”

  “Is she okay?” I asked.

  My sister harrumphed. “She’s quite a bit better off, thank you very much. Don’t look at me like that. You don’t know what I’ve been dealing with! Anyway, when I thought we might encounter you here, I vanished Mom a bit.”

  Her talents are like mine. I looked quickly at Dominic then back at my sister. “She doesn’t remember me?”

  Isabel shook her head. “Not at all.”

  “Is that reversible?” I asked.

  My sister frowned. “You know, I’m not sure about that. I don’t usually tend to try to reverse them. I just knew that she wouldn’t be able to tolerate seeing you here. Not like this.” She nudged her chin in Dom’s direction.

  I winced. I’d never expected to be reunited with my mother and was still angry with her for hiding things from me, but of course I wanted her to remember me. Since I’d seen her in such rough shape, I only wanted to comfort her.

  “So you’re an intercross too.” I nodded, warming up to the idea. “You have powers like I have.”

  “Huh.” Not sounding the slightest bit interested, Isabel’s gaze flicked coolly to Dominic then back to me. “We don’t have time for that now. I came here to rescue you, Tor.”

  “I appreciate that, but I’m not sure I need to be rescued.” In fact, with the queen nipping at my heels, that might be exactly what I needed, but I wasn’t prepared to flee and leave Dominic. And from the way she’d been treating him, I hardly
expected my sister to include him in her mission.

  “Do you really intend to go through with this wedding?” she asked.

  “Yes.”

  She turned to Dominic. “Please leave us. I need to speak to my sister alone.”

  When he looked at me, I nodded my assent. He bent to kiss me on his way out. “I’ll be right outside the door, and I’ll handle anyone who comes around.”

  “We’ll only be another minute. I’ve stayed too long as it is,” Isabel said. She focused on me as soon as he closed the door. “Now tell me the truth, and make it fast: are you his prisoner?”

  “No.” I shook my head. “I love him, and with my whole heart.”

  Isabel said a curse word I hadn’t thought she knew, then she squared her shoulders. “Fine, so be it. But you must understand that Queen Danica is mad, and that there’s great trouble coming.”

  “I’m aware of all that—she plans to start a war.”

  Iz nodded. “And she wants the emperor by her side. She wants to use our kind to do the vamps’ dirty work, and I’ll never let that happen. I’ll kill them all first.”

  “Isabel Elise, don’t you say such things!”

  “What ‘such things?’” she cried. “That I won’t take the necessary steps to protect our kind?”

  “That you’ll kill everyone. That’s hardly an answer to war!”

  “You don’t know what we’ve been through. You don’t know what they’ve done to us.” Her voice shook.

  “Us.” I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. “What are we?”

  “We are something more than human, something more than vampire.” She crossed her arms.

  “Is the emperor our father? Are we intercrosses? Why doesn’t he recognize me?”