Savor (17 page)

“It was hard to miss, but you handled it pretty well. I wonder how they even got into the palace. I mean they are almost always protesting outside, but no one ever made it in before or even tried.”

We both pondered on the thought for a moment before something popped into my head, “You don’t think that… Ana?” I couldn’t imagine that Ana would put the entire royal family and every vampire dignitary in our whole region at risk by allowing a mass of protesting humans to penetrate the palace walls and crash such an important event, or did she really hate me that much?

“Don’t even say it. I mean Ana is a bitch, but I don’t know if she is really that stupid.”

Robin and I locked eyes and shrugged, both of us silently agreeing that perhaps Ana really was that stupid, but who would believe us if we told anyone? I imagined if I did voice my suspicions to anyone, it would only make me look bad and I really didn’t need the negative publicity at the moment.

“So, what is going on?” I asked Robin, referring to the crowd that was gathering around the base of the grand staircase. “Do you think Nicolae is going to make an announcement about what happened?”  Nervousness twisted my heart as I worried that I might have handled the situation wrong, but as we approached the crowd, I focused on Nicolae’s expression and couldn’t sense any hint of disappointment or disapproval.

As he whispered to Evilyn, who stood nearby, they both looked particularly excited about something and the smallest of smiles crept onto their faces. They must have felt my eyes on them because they both looked toward me, finding me immediately in the crowd and beckoned me to them.

I realized I had grabbed Robin’s hand in my stress and hesitantly let go as I made my way toward the landing of the grand staircase. The crowd quickly separated, giving me a clear path. As I reached Evilyn, she wrapped her arm around my shoulder and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek before turning me toward the crowd.

We stood together a few steps behind Nicolae as he raised his hands to silence the crowd. They quickly obeyed and turned their dark eyes on us. Even in a sea of sparkling jewels and grand gowns with rich fabrics that exposed large amounts of flesh, their eyes were what hypnotized me. It was their dark, limitless orbs that held my attention.

“I must admit that I have another motive for inviting you all here tonight and after the recent intrusion on our celebration I am only further determined to announce my decision. It was our belief that when we brought our new daughter into this family, we would adhere to the traditions of our kind. It is with this devotion to tradition that we have chosen with unwavering certainty, that Princess Claire be joined with a Blood Mate.”

The throng roared with cheers at the king’s announcement, but I didn’t share their enthusiasm. I was in complete shock and confusion. I didn’t know what a Blood Mate was, but it didn’t sound like something I wanted to be joined to. Robin mentioned something about it briefly, but the way Nicolae announced it… it was a much bigger deal than I ever would have thought.

My knees began to buckle and I was certain I would have fainted if Evilyn hadn’t been firmly latched onto my arm. I wasn’t sure if she was there to hold me still and keep me from running away, or because she knew this announcement would rock me to my core.

I knew it would have been more appropriate if I had kept my mouth shut, but I couldn’t help blurting out my question. “What is a Blood Mate?”

To my dismay, Nicolae completely ignored my question and continued with his statement. “The ceremony will be performed immediately to ensure the safety of the princess. A Blood Mate has already been chosen, one which is a perfect match for my child,” Nicolae waved his hand toward me, completely oblivious to my dismay. He beckoned me to him; and suppressing my anger, I complied, letting him wrap me under his arm like an obedient child.

“I want it known that your new princess has a dedication to our family I have not seen in a very long time. Her adoption of this old tradition is just another sign of her love for her vampire family and her respect for our way of life. I hope that you all see, as I do, that after tonight, we are all bonded in a new way. We are all part of a new future and a stronger foundation for our region.”

The crowd cheered again as their black eyes sparkled and their faces lit up with fangy smiles. I was baffled by their reaction, making it hard for me to partake of their jubilation when I felt such anguish. I respectfully bowed to the king and backed away as he marched proudly into the assembly of vampires and they congratulated him as though he had accomplished an amazing feat.  All I could think was that he wanted me to do something I knew nothing about, and was fully unprepared for. He made it seem like he had my full endorsement on the decision, which further infuriated me.

As the crowd’s attention moved to congratulating the king and queen, I slowly walked out of the ballroom, unnoticed. The halls of the palace were nearly empty with the exception of an occasional vampire couple sitting on a lounge chair or whispering in a corner, their ribbons of attraction and passion eminent.

I wanted to go to the palace gardens, but as I made it to the stairway that led outside, I could immediately sense at least a dozen vampires walking the grounds. I needed to be alone and I knew I wouldn’t find a moment of peace if I sat out there, so I reluctantly retreated back into the palace and headed for my room.

By the time I reached my bedroom door, tears were threatening to fall with burning ferocity, but I kept them at bay until the very instant the door shut behind me. I stood in the center of my room, sobbing as I stared at the beautifully decorated, yet imposing walls. I could feel them closing in on me and I felt like I was suffocating. All the power and control that I thought I had was swiftly disappearing, and for the first time, I regretted my decision.

I knew I didn’t have a choice, but there was no going back now from what I had done. Pangs of nausea wrought my stomach and the room began to spin. I snatched a throw pillow from the sofa and made my way to the balcony, hoping for a breath of fresh air.

The cool night breeze seemed soothing and made the tracks of my tears feel icy against my skin. As I looked out into the night, I saw figures walking around the property. I didn’t want anyone to see me, so I sat in the corner of the balcony, not caring anymore if I ruined my dress or not. I hugged my pillow and cried as I looked out between the beams of the balcony, silently watching the vampires below and I wept.

I grew envious of their freedom as I realized I would never have such a thing myself. I was being forced into some kind of union or joining with a Blood Mate, whatever the hell that was.

A curious meow startled me as Louie approached and began to rub his head on my leg. I scratched his head lovingly and smiled at how his fur felt so much softer now than it did when I was human. Everything felt softer, like my skin was silk.

Needing comfort, I pulled Louie into my lap, and surprisingly, he didn’t protest. His rhythmic purrs vibrated loudly and could have almost put me to sleep, if I hadn’t been so emotional.

“It’s not fair, Louie. This isn’t how tonight was supposed to turn out,” I looked down at him as if he were going to answer me. It was actually rather nice to talk and not have someone replying. “They want to join me in some kind of union.  It sounds like an arranged marriage.”

The word marriage made me want to throw up, and when my stomach growled loudly, it sent Louie grumpily running back into my chambers. As I felt the tears returning, there was a soft knock at my door. I thought for a moment about ignoring it, but it continued as if the knocker knew I was inside. I didn’t want to talk to anyone, but I got the feeling that they wouldn’t go away until I answered.

I made my way to the door, taking my time. As I threw the pillow back onto the couch, I kicked off my heels dramatically, letting them fly across the room to hit whatever they could.

I opened the door to find Dmitry standing there, looking much like what I imagined I did. His hair was in complete disarray and not in his usual attractive way, his dress shirt was thoroughly wrinkled and pulled from his pants and his tie hung loosely from around his neck.

“Can I come in?” he asked. His voice was hoarse and cracked, containing no hint of his previous amused inflection.

“Of course,” I said. I hated to admit it, but seeing that he was as upset about the night’s events as I made me feel quite a bit better. That definitely made me selfish, but misery loved company.

“Sorry it took me so long,” Dmitry said while offering me a small goblet. I took it greedily as the hunger inside me took control. I knew I would have to take more responsibility for seeing that I ate regularly, but there seemed to be so much more going on. But obviously, I put eating too far down on my priority list.

We took a seat on a couch together and as I licked my lips, I placed the goblet on the table and did my best to avoid looking into his eyes. I knew once I did, I would lose control of my emotions again. I didn’t know what this new announcement meant for Dmitry and me, but from his current state, I guessed it couldn’t be very good.

“What’s going to happen?” I asked him as I fiddled with the locket around my neck as if it were terribly interesting.

“You’re going to be joined with a Blood Mate,” he sighed. “It’s an incredibly old tradition that hasn’t been practiced in our region in… in a very long time.”

“So, why are they doing it now?” I asked as I turned to look at him. He pulled me close to him and my body trembled with sadness and happiness at his touch.

“I suppose they fear for your protection. Especially after tonight. Humans have never gained access to the palace without our admittance, so they have either strengthened their forces or someone helped them.”

I wanted to ask whom he suspected helped them, but I didn’t want to distract him from the real issue. I needed to know what this union really meant for me. “Protection from what? Humans? That doesn’t make any sense.”

“Claire…” Dmitry said my name so softly as he ran his fingers through my hair, holding my head to his chest. “Humans pose a greater threat than you think. It is not their actions, but the actions they can inspire in others. The humans in our region are beginning to show signs of unrest. If other regions hear of this, they may attempt to overthrow Nicolae’s reign.”

“So he is doing this because he is scared of other regions?” I pushed away from Dmitry in my anger and fought the urge to curse Nicolae at the top of my lungs. “If he is so scared of those regions, why did he invite them tonight? There were dignitaries from all over the world here tonight, weren’t there?”

“Yes, there were. He wanted them to see firsthand as he announced your coronation as well as your union. Having a Blood Mate, especially for a vampire such as yourself can make our region very powerful.”

“They really are using me,” I said almost as a whisper as thoughts started to overflow my mind.

“What?” Dmitry shot up from his seat and held my shoulders firmly. I bit at my nails as I stared into his intent gaze.

“They are doing exactly what they swore to me they weren’t doing. Don’t you get it, Dmitry? I’m a pawn. I’m just a pawn to them.”

“Don’t say that, Claire. You are important to this family, you are important to me. They wouldn’t do that to you. I’ve known Nicolae for a very long time and I know he’s not like that.”

I pushed his hands off my shoulders and turned away from him. He didn’t understand how I was feeling and I didn’t know how to make him comprehend. I wasn’t just losing my freedom, but him as well.

“What does a Blood Mate do? Do I have to marry him?”

“Not exactly. Although many vampires do take their mates as…” he swallowed hard, “lovers.” When I remained quiet, he continued, “They are like protectors, bodyguards.”

“Like Fox?” I turned to Dmitry quickly as my interest piqued at the possibilities. I had always sensed there was something different about him.

“Yes, Fox is one of the last Blood Mates in our region.” Dmitry nodded and sat back down. I watched him as he rested his elbows on his knees, his fingers laced together into a tight first. It had to be difficult for him to have this conversation with me, but I needed to know and I wouldn’t stop asking questions until I got all the answers I wanted.

“Whose Blood Mate is he?”

“The queen’s.”

My mouth fell open and I rushed to sit beside Dmitry, “She can have a Blood Mate and be married to Nicolae?”

He refused to look at me as I placed my hand on his arm. I was hopeful again that we might still be able to be together, but Dmitry didn’t seem to feel the same. “A vampire with a Blood Mate is not required to be loyal to them alone. They can have as many lovers as they choose.”

Dmitry sped out of my hold and toward a nearby armchair. He grasped the back of the chair so hard that the sound of the wood splitting echoed throughout the room. The heat of Dmitry’s rage was building, causing the chamber to grow uncomfortable and I longed to be back on the balcony with the night air blowing against my skin, but I wouldn’t leave him like this. I hated seeing Dmitry hurt, so despite my better judgment, I rose to stand by his side.

I felt invisible as I walked toward him. His eyes didn’t follow me, and when I touched him, he flinched in surprise. I cupped his handsome face in my hands, feeling the clenching muscles of his jaw and looked him deep in the eyes. 

“Dmitry, I don’t want anyone else.” My words sounded seductive and velvety as they were fueled by the animal inside me. I kissed him deeply as our arms wrapped around each other. The kiss wasn’t as passionate as I thought it would be, but more filled with longing for one another, as if we already missed each other intensely. It felt like we had already been separated by the Blood Mate I had not yet met.

Robin burst into the room as we held each other and let out a gasp at her surprise. As she backed out of the room to leave, Dmitry stopped her. “No Robin it’s fine. Stay.” He didn’t look at her as he said it, but held my gaze. Then he raised his strong hands to my face and placed a soft kiss on my forehead. In his usual way, he seemed to disappear with speed, leaving me hanging in the air with the sensation of his kiss still moist on my skin.

I expected Robin to start an energetic, unending tangent about what she had just caught Dmitry and me doing, but instead, she looked at me solemnly and followed me into my closet. We didn’t say anything as I pulled off my dress and wrapped myself in a plush robe. Doing that much seemed to deplete the remaining reservoir of energy inside me and I sank into the chaise heavily.

I looked at Robin, trying to convey an invitation to comfort me that she instinctively understood. She rushed to my side and gave me one of her bear-like hugs. Even though it seemed to crush the life out of me, I didn’t complain.  “It’s going to be okay, Claire. Getting a Blood Mate isn’t a death sentence. It might turn out to be a good thing.”

“You are a lot more optimistic than I could ever be. Robin you’re a history buff, what does this mean for me? Can Dmitry and I ever be together? What exactly is a Blood Mate? Do I have to… mate with him?” I slammed her with questions, and as usual, she answered with a laugh as she put her hand up to stop me.

“Oh Claire, you’re so funny. I actually don’t know very much about them. I only overheard a conversation between my parents that you may get one. I didn’t know it would really happen. Since the tradition hasn’t been practiced in so long, I didn’t read very much on it, but you could always ask my parents.  They know a lot, I’m sure, or you could ask Fox. He’s the queen’s Blood Mate.”

“I’d rather not ask him,” I said, sounding much like a pouty child. “I’ll go talk to your parents; where are they?”

Robin shrugged her shoulders while she flicked through clothes hanging in the closet, “It’s almost dawn, Claire. They are, no doubt, getting ready to sleep.”

“So, what? They can’t stay up a little later and talk to me?” I hadn’t meant for my tone to rise as it did, but my reservoir of patience was completely depleted.

“No…” Robin sighed as she hung up a sheer blouse she had been eyeing and sat by my side. “Even if they wanted to, Claire, they wouldn’t be able to. I would have thought you noticed by now, but as the sun rises, our bodies go into a sort of sleep coma.” She did her best to lighten the mood by trying to make her body freeze without the slightest hint of movement. “You’ll see the more time that goes by, the harder it will be for you to stay awake. It’s probably why they want you to have a Blood Mate.”

“To watch over me during the day?”

“Yeah. It’s actually kind of an honor, if you think about it. You are going to get your own personal bodyguard.” Robin smiled at me and left the closet, but turned back to smile again before she was completely out of sight.  “Everything is going to work out, you’ll see. Just have a little faith. We’re not all out to ruin your life or use you in some diabolical scheme.”

I stared at her blankly with a look of shock on my face. I knew she was right. I nodded my head and before I could apologize, she was gone.

A shower would have been nice, but I could feel the exhaustion bearing down on me and I dragged myself into bed. Before sleep took over, I wondered if I was really this tired or if it was my new body shutting down like Robin had explained. The thought of falling into a sleep-like coma was a bit frightening and I attempted to fight it as long as I could before losing the battle.

My mind swirled with peaceful, yet strange, dreams as I wandered in the palace gardens at twilight. Fog lingered in the pathways as I hesitantly searched in the cold darkness for Dmitry. He always remained just out of my reach. When I finally found him, I rushed into his arms. He held me close and I relished his embrace until I looked up at him, only to find it wasn’t Dmitry.

I was intertwined in the arms of my mystery man, and although I was terrified, I had no desire to leave him. We stared into each other’s eyes, neither of us speaking. Our quiet embrace was short-lived as I became aware of Ana’s cackling. As I turned to look for her, the man disappeared and I was left alone in the garden while it slowly began to grow darker and close in on me.

Fear took hold of me and I felt afraid that it would swallow me up with the rest of the world until I bolted awake. Hot sweat covered my body and plastered my hair to my face. I tried to catch my breath as I let go of the fear that had such a strong grip over me in my dream. The emotions still lingered, even though I knew none of it had happened; none of it was real.

I didn’t care what time it was or even if I hadn’t slept through the day. I refused to go back to bed with the chance that I might continue that dream or something worse. After a moment of steadying my nerves, I walked into my bathroom. I flipped the light switch and immediately flicked it back. The fleeting seconds of having the lights on seemed to instantly trigger a migraine and my head began to pound.

I remembered there were large decorative candles and quickly located some matches to light them. The soft orange glow of the flames was almost relaxing and I smiled at such a simple pleasure. The shower turned hot just in time for me to undress and get in. I tried not to think of anything and just focused on the sound of the water as it flowed against me.