Tohji laughed lightly at that. “Your dedication to your work is admirable, Emperor. Yours also, young Prince. But he’s right, you should sneak some work off his desk whilst he’s not looking and help him out that way, Empress.” he added in.
Viktor brought his glass of wine up to his lips and held it there for a moment. “I have no issue with any of you taking over my work. In fact, please, by all means. I could do with a day of laying in bed doing nothing.” he laughed in response.
Dominika placed a hand over his and squeezed it gently. “But please, I do mean it. I’m not yet far into my pregnancy and I believe I can still be of some use to you, whilst the sickness of being with child has not yet fully consumed me.” she said.
The Emperor smiled at her. “We can discuss it after lunch. For now, let’s enjoy this wonderful meal which you had been so kind as to organise and the cooks so determined to create.”
A young serving girl was finishing up serving the roasted vegetables, thick stemmed broccoli and carrots swimming in butter, when she took hold of the edge of the table without warning. Her body swayed and she would have met the ground had she not grabbed onto a neighbouring chair as well.
“Oh, what’s the matter?” Dominika called out to her worryingly.
Saff scrunched his brows together and held his chalice out to the girl. “You’re looking faint. Here, have a drink.” he offered.
Dominika shook her head and beckoned for the girl to approach. “Begging your pardon, Saff, but I believe wine might make it worse. Here, have something more gentle. Some milk might be better.” she took up her glass of milk and gave it to the serving girl, who really was looking a little pale.
“Thank you, Empress. I’m so sorry about this.” the girl began, only to be hushed by Dominika with a small shake of her hand and words of encouragement to take a sip.
“Perhaps you should take a moment to rest?” the Empress suggested.
Viktor looked the young girl over, taking in her paling skin and tired eyes. He cut a piece of meat from his plate and held it to his mouth as he said, “I hope there isn’t some kind of sickness infecting Aarengoth. That’s the last thing anyone needs right now. You would do well to get some rest, girl, after a trip to the infirmary.” whilst Viktor did feel an ounce of concern for the young servant, it was more the threat of Dominika catching anything whilst she was with child that worried him the most.
The girl took a few sips, which turned to gulps after some further encouragement from the Empress. Once she had emptied the glass down to the very bottom, she placed it down onto the table and pressed a hand against her head. “My apologies,” she began again.
Dominika placed a comforting hand on the girl’s back and steadied her as she began to shake all of a sudden. She noted how the skin around her mouth quickly began to turn purple, as though she had been struck across the face, and her pupils dilated.
“What’s the matter?” she asked, feeling frightened.
The girl began to foam at the mouth, coughing it up, and her body began to convulse as she dropped to the floor in a helpless heap.
Dominika let out a horrified gasp, leaping from her chair and turning away at the sight with both hands covering her mouth. The men followed shortly afterwards, leaping away from the serving girl but, still watching in disgust as she continued to spasm on the floor. Viktor’s arms were around his wife and he was already pulling her further away from the scene; her tears soaking his tunic as she grasped him tightly.
Saff dropped to one knee before the serving girl and rolled her over onto her back. He hissed and pulled away again at the smell which emanated from her mouth. Her skin was purple, her eyes wide and lifeless. He didn’t have to make any move to investigate whether any life remained in her or not. The young Prince did not touch the girls body, even to close her eyes, for fear of getting any poison likely staining her mouth on his own skin. He found his feet and looked to his brother.
“Poison?” Tohji asked. “Who would dare to try to poison the Empress like this? Or perhaps it was intended for any one of us?”
Saff noticed Viktor’s jaw clench, and they both spoke in unison.
“Marcus.”
A pair of guards came rushing in a moment too late, having heard the commotion earlier on. When they found the serving girl dead on the floor, they sent a swift prayer for her up to the gods and then carried her body away without question. They did not doubt their Emperor would call for a meeting with the fort Guards swiftly, to discuss ways of strengthening the defences of the fort and imposing some sort of security barriers better than the ones they had now. The city was still repairing itself after having fallen apart as an aftermath of Hathor’s death. It was all a slow and painful process.
“It can’t be?” Viktor sounded terribly distraught as he continued to hold his wife in his arms.
“What?” Tohji asked. He did not like the tone of the Emperor’s voice.
Viktor was not too sure whether he wanted to feel angry or afraid for the safety of his young wife and unborn child. Perhaps it would have been appropriate to feel both at an equal level, as he asked, “How does Marcus know already? How does he possibly know that Dominika is pregnant?”
Serendipity
The young Princess of Iradas laughed as Thommo finished telling his story. She and her friends had snuck off to a training ground hardly used by the guards, as it was now too small for them but, just right for the Princess and her companions.
“So what did you do?” Serendipity asked him eagerly when he paused for dramatic effect.
Thommo gave her a crooked smile. “I had no choice but to finish working in the stables early. I couldn’t possibly tend to Lord Marcus’ horse that day when it was as sick at it was. Although, mind you I had warned the stable master not to feed it those oats. People never listen to us children. The poor horse had the shits for days after and it didn’t allow anyone but the stable master himself to go near it. Lets just say Lord Marcus was not too pleased to hear about that.” he sighed with sarcastic sadness.
Alena shook her head. “Oh dear, what a shame. You could have helped me serve drinks to the men in the bar. They would have loved to look at your pretty face for the rest of the day.” she replied and laughed afterwards as Thommo reached out to pinch her in the ribs. She swatted his hands away with a quick laugh.
Arann smiled and turned to look at the young Princess. Leaning back on the sofa which he had claimed a place on, he sighed. “And what about you Serendipity, we haven't seen much of you? Has Valerius been keeping you busy?” he asked flatly.
Serendipity looked at him, feeling confused as to why he had asked her the question like that. Was he jealous or simply annoyed? She shrugged in the end. “Not exactly.” Serendipity began, only to be cut off by the sound of the door to the training ground opening.
Everyone turned to find Reynald entering, he had donned his usual confident walk; the one he used when he knew what he had to say was going to piss someone off but entertain him. He smiled to himself and as he looked down at Serendipity; it only broadened. “Ah, I've found you at last. I've come to tell you that you're to dine with Marcus tonight.”
Serendipity sat up at this. “And why only Marcus?” she asked with a frown.
Reynald shrugged. “He said he has business to discuss with you and you only. Marcus wants to hear no complaints from you, you're to wear the dress you will be given, you're to dine with him and you are not; most definitely not, to walk out on him during it.” he replied, feeling rather satisfied that he had managed to pull at least a groan of disbelief from the Princess.
Serendipity rose from her seat with arms folded over her chest. “I’d rather chew off my own fingers. You can tell Marcus that he will be eating alone, I’ll not spend my evening with that creature.” she hissed and shoved past him.
Reynald grabbed hold of her by the wrist and pulled her back. “Were you not listening? No complaining.” he growled.
“Were you not listening? The answer is n
o.” Serendipity snapped back and attempted to loosen his grip on her.
Reynald smiled again. He placed his free hand on the hilt of his sword. “If you keep him happy during dinner, you might not end up in his bed tonight. Consider yourself mighty lucky if you don't.”
Serendipity managed to pull away from him. “Valerius will never agree to this.” she began.
“And what does Lord Valerius have to do with any of this - you're Marcus' property.”
“Watch it! I'm no man's property.” Serendipity said, her tone a low and threatening growl. She beckoned for her friends to follow as she headed for the door.
Reynald wasn't quite finished with her yet. “I was also ordered to dress you myself and drag you to the dining room if you refused. By all means, please do refuse, I would love to strip you. It won't be pleasant for you and if you still say no, I'll just kill your friends.” he called out and looked at the others sitting behind him.
Arann frowned at the Captain. “Why should she dine with Marcus if she doesn't want to?” he challenged.
“Shut up. The four of you should be working, it confuses me as to why you think you can all get away with just sitting on your arses all day doing nothing.” Reynald simply replied and shifted his gaze to Serendipity again. “But if Serendipity does as she’s told, I can forgive this little slip up just this once and we can all go our separate ways.” He ordered and apparently it was decided, as he left the room without giving Serendipity another chance to protest.
*****
Serendipity did not meet Marcus’ gaze as he watched her enter from the head of the table. She approached with slow, hesitant steps and she made her way towards the far end of the table, as far away from him as possible. Serendipity did not like the dress she had been given to wear for dinner, she felt exposed, like some cheap whore dressed in expensive velvet. The only beautiful thing about her low-cut gown was the colour; a rich purple, her favourite.
The corner of Marcus’ mouth tipped up as his eyes lingered a little too long on Serendipity’s chest, her breasts pushed up unnaturally high by her gods damned corset. Whilst he enjoyed such dresses on his wife, the young Princess looked even better in them. She was glad they weren’t entirely out on display. “So far away, are you sure about that?” he asked casually.
Serendipity still refused to meet his gaze as she focused on trying to pull her dress higher up over her chest. At least her shoulders and back were covered. “How long do I have to stay here for?” she asked him in turn, feeling bored.
Marcus rose from his seat and held out his hand. Patiently, he waited for her to take it. “As long as I want you to.”
Serendipity risked a glance in his direction and then looked away again, having decided half a second was too much for her to bear. She did not move.
“I heard Valerius tried to stop you from coming, he shouldn't have done that. We have much to discuss, Serendipity. Business that is strictly between us.” he explained and his hand remained outstretched towards her.
Serendipity still didn't take it, yet this time she was curious. She turned to face him and her eyes finally met his. “What business? We have nothing to say to each other. I don't intend to stay and dine with you so if talking about 'business' is all you wanted to do then I'll just leave right now.” she replied meanly and went for the door.
Marcus stopped the Princess as she rushed towards her freedom and he led her towards an empty seat beside his, forcing her down onto it. The Grand Lord found his own seat and pointed to a plate of fresh food that had already been laid out for them each. “Eat, Serendipity. I don't see you eating much and I'm getting worried.” he ordered.
Serendipity laughed and looked at him. “I don't need any of your concern, I'm doing just fine without them. What are you discussing with Karideen? You both seem to be closer than ever and I don't like it.” she immediately began.
Marcus picked up his knife and fork and cut a piece of lamb straight from the bone. The Princess still left her food untouched. Marcus swallowed the meat and sighed. “Why do you ask? So you are interested in my business? I simply want to talk to you.” he said and took another bite of his meat.
Serendipity watched him in silence for a moment, before replying, “Why aren't you answering, is there something you're hiding from me; from Valerius too?”
Marcus put his cutlery down and wiped his mouth with a napkin. “I don't think you should be worrying yourself with what I'm doing, my beauty. I will handle what is my own and together,” he paused and underneath the table he placed his hand on Serendipity’s leg and began running it up her thigh. “We can handle the things that actually involve the both of us.”
Serendipity’s gaze shifted to the platter of lamb that had been placed before them, her legs trembling at Marcus’ touch. She stared at the carving knife that rested beside it and then back at Marcus before throwing herself towards the knife.
Marcus leapt up after her, having realised her intention. Serendipity grabbed the knife and stepped away from him, holding the blade up in her defence.
Marcus raised his hands to his side, shushing her all the while. “Serendipity, put the knife down. I mean you no harm.” he began and stepped back as she only pointed the weapon closer to his chest.
“Liar.” the Princess cried and turned for the door.
Marcus pulled her back by her gown and she fell down flat against the table. The knife flew from her hands and Marcus watched as it clattered on the floor far from both their reach. He pinned Serendipity down onto the table and watched as she burst into tears. “Serendipity.” he began gently and pushed a curl from her face. “I have a plan, Serendipity, to get rid of the Redbanes once and for all. I need you to help me, I need you on my side.”
Serendipity was still crying and now writhing in his grasp, trying to fight him off as he held her by the wrists. “Let me go. I just want to go home.” she begged.
Marcus laughed at that. “You are home. Do you not understand? You will never return to Anderaith, you will stay here in Valkenn and you will help me whether you want to or not. The Redbanes are nothing to you, you're a Valenti.” he explained and pulled the Princess to her feet.
“What plan? You’d abducted me from my own home, after killing my parents, and now you expect me to be on your side?” she screamed at him behind her tears.
Marcus hung his head low for a moment, when he looked up at her he spoke again. “I'm in desperate need of your blood.”
Serendipity screamed as loudly as she could. “Valerius!” she made a bold attempt to push past Marcus, but he remained determined to keep her in her place. “Valerius! Valerius, help!” Serendipity continued to scream.
Marcus looked behind him at the door, it remained shut and Serendipity only began to cry and scream out again; her voice finally growing loud enough to draw someone’s attention. “He won't come for you.” Marcus laughed as he looked back at her.
Serendipity let out a groan as she slammed her palms against Marcus’ chest. “I won't have to drain you, Serendipity. Just a few, small incisions a day will do.” the Lord continued on.
“Valerius!” Serendipity cried.
The door to the dining room flew open and Valerius, having finally heard his wife crying for help, ran in. He had dropped a series of books he had been carrying along the way, with the intention of returning them to the library. But as soon as he heard Serendipity, he had forgotten them entirely.
“It's rather rude to interrupt a meal, Valerius.” Marcus snapped, and he turned around to look at his son.
Valerius growled at him. “What are you doing to her?” he hissed and opened his arms out for his wife as she ran to him.
Serendipity fell into his arms, wrapping hers around his waist and embracing him. Already she felt safer, knowing she was at least not alone with the Grand Lord.
“I'm dining with her.” Marcus replied, feeling far too calm and collected. “I'll have her back now.” he even dared to add in.
Serendipity shook her
head and only clutched her husband tighter. “He wants my blood. He wants to drain me, Valerius.” she sobbed and looked back at Marcus.
He hadn't moved from his place.
Valerius hid his wife behind him and replied, “He won't because I won't let him. She’s mine, Father, don’t ever touch her again.” he dragged Serendipity gently towards the door and together, they both left the room dining room without a care for Marcus’ rage.
Marcus stood calmly in the dining hall, his arms held behind his back - and his suspicions confirmed.
Vestus
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Seb asked his dear friend and King, as they stood in the large training ground of the castle. It was terribly windy outside, thanks to an expected storm heading towards Skull Island yet again, so the young men had had to change their plans to go riding for a session in sword play instead.
Vestus had just finished stretching himself out and he seemed eager to throw himself into his training again. He had spent far too long in bed, resting and reading through papers and resting some more. The young King had felt bored and useless the entire time. “If you ask me that one more time, I going to shove my sword up your arse.” Vestus retorted, earning a light punch from his Captain.
Seb raised his sword to meet the young King, and he shrugged. He shifted his weight back and forth from the balls of his feet, eager to start fighting already. “Alright, I won’t keep you waiting any longer.”
Vestus allowed the Captain to make the first move, and he stepped back, raising his sword higher above his head to block Seb’s blow. It had been a while since he had had the strength to pick up a sword; even his cane which he did not use often had started to grow heavy in his hand. Vestus had become nothing more than skin and bones, whilst Seb had only gotten thicker with muscle. He wanted the same, to be strong like his friend and not weak and ill all the time.
Princess of Darkness Page 24
