by Ciara Lake
“No, not this time. This is Mother Earth’s doing.” He escorted Arianna into the townhouse.
A line of twelve servants waited inside the great hall. Clayne introduced each one to Arianna. None of them looked like servant class. They were all exceptionally attractive and well-spoken. Each greeted her respectfully.
A redheaded female stepped forward as a spokesperson. “We would like to welcome you.” She curtsied.
“Thank you.” Arianna curtsied in return.
After introductions, the servants were dismissed. They scurried away to tend to their business.
Clayne’s townhouse was large, gorgeous, and comfortable. Beautiful furniture and art adorned the downstairs rooms. The sun dimmed as the rain poured down. They’d just missed the downpour as they stepped across the threshold. Servants rushed around setting candles out to brighten the rooms. Vases, art, and glass figurines were displayed all about.
“Everything’s very beautiful,” Arianna openly admired.
“What’s mine is yours,” Clayne responded. “Make yourself at home, be comfortable. I have some things to take care of. I’ll show you to our suite so you can rest.” Arianna followed him up the stairs. “Your trunks are in our suite. I’ll be back to take our evening meal together. I’ll have them bring you some lunch. Rest, you’re tired.”
When he left, Arianna opened her trunks, attempting to organize her things. After she’d done all she could she lay down on the bed. The bedding was soft, inviting, and it smelled clean. As she was about to doze off someone knocked on the door.
“Princess Arianna, may I come in?” a female voice called from the hallway.
“Yes.” Arianna sat up on the edge of the bed. “Come in.”
The door opened, and the red-haired female who had welcomed her entered. She carried a tray of food. As with all the female employees, she wore a neatly fitting black dress. It was a staff uniform, yet it was expensively tailored with matching black slippers.
“Good day, princess. I’m Timka. I’m here to assist you. I’ve brought you some food and refreshment.”
“Why do you call me princess?” Arianna walked to the girl’s side.
“You are a Princess of Ejdeha Dragoni. Your mate is Prince Clayne MacDagon. He’s also one of our greatest warriors. Some call him commander. He’s a commander of our warriors. I work in the palace for Princess Krilata, Clayne’s mother. She assigned me to assist you.”
“Are you a dragon too?” Arianna took the glass of water off the tray. “What are you assigned to do?” Arianna circled the girl to close the door behind her. “Thank you for the water and food. I was thirsty.”
“Yes, I’m a dragon, but I’m not of royal blood. I’m a member of the Jarvinian clan. I’m in service to the royal family. My role is to help you acclimate to us and our ways.”
“Are you a slave?”
“Oh, no.” Timka giggled. “This is my employment. I really enjoy living at Ejdeha Dragoni. I love serving the royal family. I’ve been an assistant to Princess Krilata for decades.”
“Decades? You’re hardly old enough.”
“Yes, I am.” Timka smiled. “Ejdeha Dragoni is one of the nicest realms in the immortal world, it’s an honor to have this employment. I volunteered to assist you. Dragons don’t have slaves, at least not anymore. They’ve never enslaved other dragons.”
“That’s good.” Arianna exhaled. “Do dragons eat people?”
“No.” Timka giggled again. “Not unless we’re at war with humans. No worries, we’ve not been at war with humans for a very long time. I can help you put your things away,” Timka said, changing the subject. She walked over to the nearest trunk. “I understand we’ll be staying here for a while. I’m to help you and keep you company while Clayne’s busy. I can answer some general questions you may have.”
“What is Clayne busy doing?”
“He’s back at Ejdeha Dragoni. He has responsibilities with his warriors. They’re always training. It must be hard to learn of all of this so quickly. But you have immortal blood. It should ease this for you.” Timka rushed around the room, picking up and putting away things. “You’ve put away a lot already. You’ve worked hard. Clayne told me to show you the music room. I understand you’re musically gifted.”
“Immortal blood? Me?” Arianna said. “Does this have to do with the Forsaken thing he keeps mentioning?”
Timka nodded. “Yes, you have dragon blood in you too.”
“Clayne has said that. But it isn’t true.” Arianna shook her head.
“Yes. It’s true. You’re kin to us, even before you joined with Prince Clayne. Your unusually bright green eyes show your heritage. Any dragon looking at you can see our blood runs in your veins. More than your eyes tell us that. Plus, I understand you carry Prince Clayne’s mark? The fates destined you to be together. Not all mates find each other.” Timka smiled brightly. “You’ve been blessed.”
“Let’s sit down. I need to talk to you.” Arianna took Timka’s arm and guided her over to the bed where they both sat down. “What’s a Forsaken? It sounds dreadful. I keep hearing the word.”
“I’m to let the prince explain it to you.” Timka looked nervous. “Come, let’s go to the music room. I love music too. All dragons do. Music is the language of magic. Did you know that?”
“Are you trying to change the subject?”
“Is this Maudhnait’s tiara and ring?” Timka jumped up and walked over to the dresser. She reverently examined the jewels. “I’ve always wanted to see these close up. I once saw Maudhnait wear them. She was lovely.”
“It’s my tiara and ring. Who’s Maudhnait?”
“She was a great queen, King Hema’s bride. She had dragon blood like you, of mixed ancestry.” Timka regarded Arianna in an appraising manner. “She had emerald eyes like yours. You look a lot like her.” Timka ran her fingers over the jewels. “She was raised in Ejdeha Dragoni. She married the vampire king, King Hema.”
“Vampires?” Arianna spat out. “Vampires are a myth, a myth about devils who drink humans dry. There are no such things.”
“No, they’re not a myth.” Timka shook her head. “And only some vampires drink humans dry. They’re vicious vampires.” Timka touched the tiara. “May I try it on?”
“Yes,” Arianna agreed, nodding.
Timka carefully placed it on her head. She regarded herself in the mirror.
“It looks nice on you,” Arianna complimented.
“Thank you, princesses. It’s lovely. You’ve guarded the jewels well.”
“Vampires are myth,” Arianna repeated as if to convince herself.
“No, they’re not. Dragons aren’t a myth either.” Timka gently placed the tiara back on the dresser. “Many things humans believe myth are alive and well.” Timka looked around at Arianna, meeting her gaze. “The vampires are driven with blood lust and lust for power. Over centuries, they’ve been reduced to myth among humans, but they are very real. They are enemies to all mortals and immortals.” Timka’s red curls bounced around her head as she moved about the room.
“Tell me about Maudhnait.”
“Queen Maudhnait was a beautiful dracvipen.”
“Clayne has called me a dracvipen before. Explain that to me.”
“Oh, has he?” Timka busied herself digging in Arianna’s trunk. “Maudhnait was beloved by Amuliana Synvera, the goddess of immortality. Maudhnait was beloved by all. Her mother was a vampire. During those times, our men openly dallied with vampire women. Often, they begot children. Dragons are very fertile.” Timka smiled, looking down at Arianna’s abdomen. “Soon you’ll carry Prince Clayne’s babe.”
Arianna placed her hand over her stomach. “I’m not ready for that.”
“Well, it’s the result of mating. It’s a natural occurrence of the sex you share.” Timka grinned. She returned to gathering items from the trunks to put them away.
“You’ve changed our subject again. Dragons must be experts at that. So what about this Maudhnait?”
“Maudhnait’s father was Justice Atavist. He raised her among dragons. King Hema saw her and desired her. Hema’s not filled with blood lust. He’s a good king. When they were married, Hema gave Maudhnait those jewels as a wedding gift.” Timka pointed toward the dresser.
“Those jewels?”
“Yes, the tiara was her crown. The ring was her wedding ring. A talented troll crafted them and entwined them with a spell. Inside the jewels is the essence of both races.”
“How would my mother come to have them?” Arianna asked. “She told me her mother gave them to her, and that they’ve been passed down for generations from mother to daughter in our family.”
Timka watched her, saying nothing.
“So how could my mother’s family have these?”
“What else do you enjoy besides music?” Timka interjected.
Arianna felt the blood drain from her face as she suddenly remembered Clayne’s earlier words: you possess dragon blood, mixed with vampire blood. At the time, she’d been in shock due to seeing his wings for the first time, and his words hadn’t fully registered, but now…
“Oh dear God, I think I know.” Arianna jumped up from the bed. She walked around in a circle, her hand to her mouth. “Dear Lord, I know. Timka, tell me the truth. Don’t change the damn subject. I’m a Forsaken? That’s another name for vampire, isn’t it? It explains so much. I’m a bloodthirsty vampire. I’m related to some mythological monster, yet they’re not a myth. Is that what a dracvipen is?” Arianna nearly sobbed.
Timka turned, busying herself.
“But how can I be a vampire? I don’t desire blood. I’m not vicious. I thought vampires didn’t die. My mother died. I saw her die. I watched her wither away to nothing. How in the hell could we be vampires?”
“I’ve said too much.” Timka blushed. “All vampires aren’t vicious. Immortals can perish at times,” Timka said under her breath.
“You’ve not said too much. You’ve not said enough. I’m smarter than you expected. I’ve guessed it. Now you have to tell me everything. How else would I come to have these jewels? Forsaken must be vampires. Are they the vicious ones? They are, aren’t they?” Arianna approached her. Timka backed away. “It makes sense. Why are they called Forsaken?”
“I’m sorry, princess. I’m so sorry. I’ve said too much. Prince Clayne should explain the Forsaken to you. It isn’t my place.” Timka turned and headed for the door.
Arianna intersected her, blocking her path.
“Please, princess, he’ll be angry.”
“Stop calling me princess.”
“But you are a princess.”
“Timka, answer my questions. If I’m a princess… I’m ordering you to answer me. That goes with being a princess, doesn’t it?”
“I need to leave.”
“You can’t leave until you answer my questions. I thought you were supposed to assist me. Am I a vampire? Am I a Forsaken? What the hell does this all mean? What’s a dracvipen?”
“You carry their blood as you carry the dragon’s blood.” Timka was pale.
“Their blood? The blood of a Forsaken? You mean the vicious vampires? Whose blood do I carry?” Arianna demanded, her voice shrill.
“You must ask your mate these things. Really, I’ve said too much. The prince will be displeased with me. Please understand.” Timka tried to step around Arianna, but she blocked her way again. “I could flash out of here. You can’t keep me.”
“Understand?” Arianna’s voice was still shrill. “Understand exactly what? You can’t leave. I’m still talking to you. If you flash away I’ll be angry.”
“Yes, princess.” Timka bowed her head.
“Answer me, Timka. Whose blood do I carry? Be specific. I deserve to know.”
“You carry the blood of the Forsaken and the dragon.” Timka dodged past Arianna and she was out the door.
“But what the hell does it mean?” Arianna screamed after her. She followed her out the door. The hallway was empty. Timka was gone. In a flash, she’d disappeared.
Damn, Clayne! Damn dragons! You say things then flash away. I need to talk to you now. Clayne, please come here now!
Clayne flashed in front of her. “Arianna, what’s wrong? I’m in the middle of something.” He was sweaty and shirtless. Perspiration sparkled on his tan skin.
“We are in the middle of something.” Arianna stomped her foot.
“My apologies.” He bowed. “I had no clue we were still in the middle of something. Forgive my ignorance.”
“What am I?”
“My bride, my mate, my lover.” He reached for her.
Arianna backed away. “Clayne, you know what I mean.” She stepped toward him again and stood toe-to-toe with him.
“All right, come sit down.” Clayne ran his hand through his hair.
Arianna disregarded his order to sit. “What’s a Forsaken? Am I a Forsaken? What’s a dracvipen?”
“A Forsaken is a vampire, a vampire who has been forsaken by our goddess. You’re descended from a Forsaken. You’re also descended from a dragon. Sit down. I’ll tell you the rest.”
As if in a daze, Arianna took a seat on the end of the bed. “I feel like I might faint.” She put her head in her hands, moaning.
He sat down next to her. “Don’t faint, my mate.” He took her left hand in his, kissing it. “Be at ease.” He rubbed the back of her hand. “I’m with you. You’re safe with me and dragonkind.”
Arianna smiled, it was hard to see his handsome face due to tears filling her eyes. His features were strong and chiseled. He was nearly too perfect as if he were carved of stone by a master artist both in body and face. But of course, he wasn’t human, so her gauge of physical perfection was off. All the dragons she’d met so far were perfect, beautiful, and flawless, with extraordinary eyes. In fact, the dragon’s eyes were similar to hers, bright, colorful, and beautifully clear.
“Are you better?” He looked at her with concern.
“Yes, please tell me everything. I need to know.”
Squeezing her hand, he placed it in his lap. For a moment, the feel of him against her hand distracted her attention. Surely, her attraction for him had to be supernatural. How could she think of sex now? Or was it simply his dragon sexual magnetism? Somehow, it was magical, special. Absorbed in her thoughts, she almost missed the beginning of his explanation.
“Centuries ago, a clan of evil vampires rebelled against our law. Their leader is Saltar. They needlessly killed humans, draining them dry of their life’s blood. These vampires were cruel and power hungry. Drinking the blood of humans as they did gorged them with power, mentally and physically.”
“Oh, my heavens, they’re monsters.” Arianna’s chest tightened. Her anxiety built. She willed herself to be quiet and listen. Dread settled like a cart upon her chest, and she wondered if she was doomed to be killed for the crimes against the dragons when next she ventured beyond the bedroom door.
“I assure you heaven had nothing to do with it. You look pale.” He patted her knee. “Shall I continue?”
Arianna nodded. “Yes.” She focused on his naked torso. Looking at the glistening muscles of his chest and arms seemed to ground her to reality and sanity. “Please, I’m fine,” Arianna answered in a weak voice.
“Perhaps you should rest?”
“No, tell me now.”
“All right. Saltar’s vampires exposed all immortals unnecessarily to humankind in violation of Amuliana Synvera’s law. Amuliana is the goddess of immortals. From this disobedience of the law, a war broke out between the vampire clans, mainly between King Hema and his General Saltar. The General wanted Hema’s throne. Also, Saltar wanted to be freed of Amuliana Synvera’s influence over him. He wanted to rule the immortal world, to be god unto himself. Though there were rumors they were lovers at one point.”
“How does one escape a goddess’s influence? Isn’t a goddess very powerful?”
“It’s nearly impossible. But Saltar is one to try. You, my mate,
are exceptionally clever. Something Saltar and his followers are not. Saltar murdered King Hema’s wife, Queen Maudhnait. She was beloved by the dragons, as she was kin to us. In Saltar’s war many innocents died, including my twin sister Clarisa.”
“You had a twin?” Tears escaped from Arianna’s eyes at the thought of so many needlessly dying, and worse yet, Clayne’s sister.
“Yes, I loved her very much. We were very close.” Clayne looked down at his hands as if he studied them. “Amuliana Synvera intervened, punishing Saltar and his close followers for their crimes. Amuliana condemned Saltar to a prison of her creation, made special for him.”
“I’m sorry about your sister.” Arianna didn’t know what to say to comfort him. “How did she die?”
He looked into her eyes. “Thank you for shedding tears for Clarisa. You would have loved her and she you.” Clayne brushed away a tear from her cheek. His gentle touch engendered more tears to fall. “Saltar took her head from her body. It’s the most efficient way to kill an immortal.” His voice hardened, it nearly did not sound like his voice at all.
He shook his head. For a second, Arianna thought he might cry too. But he did not.
“It was done as a message to us, the dragons. Her death was pointless. She was an innocent. He killed her right within our palace walls. She was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
The bitterness in his voice turned Arianna’s stomach. He looked at her, his eyes glossy, his pupils elongated, reptilian in appearance. Instead of fearing them, she admired them. They too were beautiful in a most unusual way.
“You’ve no need to feel accountable. You’ve suffered the consequences of your ancestors’ choices. I’ve no harsh feelings toward you. I realize you’re an innocent.”
Arianna put her arm around his back. She hugged him to her. She felt small next to him. Pulling the giant male close to her made her feel powerful. He was extremely warm to the touch, but it didn’t bother her.
“Then what happened?” She rubbed his arm. Her stroking him soothed her as much as she hoped it soothed him.
“The rest of Saltar’s clan was punished. No one associated with Saltar was spared. Amuliana condemned them to walk the earth as mortals. Their memories wiped, their powers gone. They live and die as mortals, never knowing who or what they truly are or could have been. You’re a descendant of a Forsaken. Thus, you’re here among the mortals. Your mother died as one.”