Vampire's Crucible

by Yvette Bostic

  “That’s me,” I muttered. “Full of surprises.”

  “Do you always take him out to satisfy his need to kill?”

  “No,” I replied, hurrying along the musty corridor. “He’s just grumpy because I denied him a perfectly good vampire. He’ll feel better when I give him another.”

  Braden’s intake of breath made me stop and spin around. His surprised expression was laced with concern.

  “Truly?” he asked.

  I giggled. “No, but seeing your expression was so worth the lie.”

  “And you call me demented.”

  “You are demented.”

  I quickened my pace down the hall and away from the death behind me. Being out of the immediate area forced me to think about what happened. The prince was dead. It didn’t matter that someone else killed him. I still carried the guilt. How was I going to tell the king what Thomas had done? Would he believe me? I wouldn’t if I were in his shoes. I shivered, not just from the dampness surrounding me, but from having to tell a father that his son was a traitor.

  Without realizing it, my pace slowed to a stop before I even reached the wooden door leading to the stairwell.

  “We need to discuss the story we present to the king,” Braden said, draping his jacket over my shoulders. “I know you want to leave, but this is probably the best place to do that.”

  I almost tossed his coat on the floor, but its warmth felt good. It’d be stupid to suffer just because I despised this man. I’d already made enough stupid decisions for one day.

  “How do I tell the king that I killed his son?” I asked.

  “You didn’t kill him,” Braden replied. “The fire elemental did in defense of Kellen.”

  “And your stab wounds?” I glanced at his blood-stained outfit. “We aren’t hiding that.”

  “Obtained while defending you, of course. I should’ve known I didn’t stand a chance against a mage, being a mere human myself. You healed me before we left the dungeon,” he responded. “The only lie we tell is my involvement. I’d like to keep my business association intact. It’s quite lucrative.”

  I pulled his coat tighter around my shoulders. I wasn’t good at this part. Kellen was supposed to be the political guru, not me. And I hated depending on a vampire I didn’t trust. I’d already made too many bad decisions where he was concerned. The violence I inflicted on him tied my stomach in knots. I shouldn’t be capable of that.

  “Shit,” I mumbled, leaning against the slimy wall behind me, unconcerned with the mold rubbing off onto my clothes. Braden’s blood covered my dress, and clumps of stinking mud clung to my no-longer-white shoes. “You and I still have stuff to talk about. I’m just not sure I have the energy to do it today. This discussion with William won’t go well.”

  “It’ll go better than you expect,” he assured me. “I believe he already suspected his son’s traitorous nature, but there are two things that worry me. First, is the king’s early departure from the meeting. Did Thomas already kill his father?” He waved two long fingers in the air. “The second is his decision to reveal his son’s actions or cover them up.”

  “Oh, God. So how is that smoother than I expect?”

  “I don’t think he’ll immediately strike out against us.” He held his hand out to me, the same one we’d made our bargain with. I stared at the smooth skin that showed no signs of our blood oath. “Let’s take care of the king, then we’ll talk.”

  I pushed away from the wall and ignored his hand. His fake kindness worried me. I’d seen how vile he could be. I didn’t want to fall into a sense of ease with him. He chuckled, that irritating laugh that meant nothing.

  “Back to cold acquaintances again, are we?” he asked, following me the short distance to the door. “After all the passion we just experienced together.”

  I spun on him, my anger surging to the surface again. “I have no passion for you,” I hissed, “only loathing.”

  He licked his bottom lip, deliberately showing his fangs. “Your body said something different.”

  “Whatever!” I snatched the door open and raced up the steps. I’d felt nothing but disgust and anger when we fought. Maybe a tiny of bit satisfaction being able to stab someone I despised without him trying to kill me for it. Definitely not pleasure of any kind, though. The thought of finding pleasure in doing something so morbid made me sick. It was not who I wanted to be.

  I didn’t slow when I reached the main hall still lined with guards. It would be a good opportunity to find out if they saw me. I sped by them, not stopping until I reached the door to the party room, flinging it open and stopping just inside the door. Yet again, another bad decision. The guards next to me startled, then wrinkled their noses at the lovely smell I knew wafted from my filthy clothes. I should’ve just kept running. Braden flew past me into the room.

  “Princess, are you okay?” the nearest guard asked, his eyes roaming up and down my body.

  I looked down at Braden’s bloody coat hanging almost to my knees. “No and yes,” I replied. “Where is King William?”

  “He went to his chambers earlier.”

  “I need to see him immediately,” I said. “I prefer to keep our conversation private for obvious reasons.” Braden appeared at my side, emerging from the party room. Gasps and loud voices followed him. I rolled my eyes. “As soon as possible.”

  The guard’s expression turned fearful at the vampire’s blood-stained shirt. “Is he okay?”

  “Yes,” I snapped. “Take me to King William, now.” Braden let me push him into the hall and close the door, sealing out the curious onlookers. He held out my purse, and I couldn’t stop the gratitude in my brief smile. He didn’t have to do that, damn vampire.

  “Yes, princess,” the guard stammered. “Follow me.”

  Chapter 28

  I paced across the large anteroom the guard left us in. Braden leaned against a darkened windowsill. The entire space felt like a museum. Anything I touched would’ve been ruined, and I couldn’t even think about putting my filthy butt on the antique furniture.

  “Calm down, little mage,” Braden murmured. “It’s only been five minutes.”

  “Whatever. I just want to get this over with,” I grumbled. “I need a shower and clean clothes and a soft bed to sink into and forget any of this ever happened.”

  I rolled my phone over in my hand looking at the blank screen, like I’d done a hundred times already. I’d texted Logan as soon as we got in this room, but he hadn’t replied. My anxiety ratcheted another notch. He always replied right away. Had the prince’s goons already taken him? I doubted it. A couple mages wouldn’t catch Logan.

  “No word?”

  “Obviously.”

  “Logan is too smart to get caught,” he continued.

  How did he know I texted Logan? I hadn’t said anything. I glowered at my companion and started pacing again. I really needed to get past my bad mood before the king showed up. I couldn’t have this conversation as scatterbrained as I was right now.

  I plopped down on the floor and folded my legs beneath me, not caring if my dress covered anything or not. Okay, I did care. I smoothed out my rumpled skirt, then closed my eyes. The air in the room had a faint floral scent mixed with wood polish and sandalwood. My own musty dirt and blood tainted the pleasant smells making my nose wrinkle. I pushed away the distasteful thought, completely closing my mind to the unpleasantness.

  The guards mumbled outside the door of our room, but I couldn’t make out their words. Heavy footsteps and slamming drawers came from the king’s chambers along with muffled complaints. The sound of shifting fabric and soft leather against the carpet gave away Braden’s movement.

  I think the king may know more than he lets on, Niyol’s voice whispered in my mind.

  Really?

  Yes, he and his guard are discussing his son’s disappearance into the dungeons. He doesn’t know his son’s fate but expects bad news from you.

  Lovely. Thanks, Niyol.

  I op
ened my eyes, not surprised to find Braden standing in front of me.

  “The king is suspicious,” I whispered as quietly as I could.

  “I assumed he would be,” the vampire said. “We should not be sitting when he finally joins us.”

  “You can stand if you like, but I need to clear my mind,” I disagreed. “I’m stressing out and I don’t’ care if he knows it. I’ve had a really shitty day.”

  “It’s all about perception, Alisandra. He is still king, and you are a queen. Don’t allow him to see you weak.”

  I looked up at him and frowned, hating that he might be right. Stupid vampire. I pushed myself to my feet and shrugged his coat off my shoulders. “Here.” I held it out to him and leaned into his space. “And my name is AJ, especially to someone I have to torture mercilessly.”

  He took his jacket and smiled, that genuine smile that only showed up when he thought he was winning. I wasn’t sure how I figured it out, but that’s exactly what it was. When he made that stupid comment about my mysterious father, that smile showed up, then again when he knew I’d finally given in to his blood oath.

  The opening door made both of us turn. King William finally graced us with his presence, dressed in khaki pants and a light blue shirt buttoned all the way to the top. A spotted bowtie would’ve completed the look, but I guess the king didn’t think so. I found it odd that he wasn’t wearing the beautiful suit from the party. We hadn’t been gone that long.

  His eyes widened at our less than stellar appearance. “Are you hurt?”

  “Not anymore, but my partner wasn’t as lucky,” I replied. “He’s returned to the palace for further care.”

  William’s eyes drifted to Braden, then back to me. “And my business partner? Why is he part of this?”

  “Do you know what this is?” I asked, not answering his question.

  His white eyebrows drew together and the wrinkles on his face sagged, making him look very old. “Let’s sit.”

  He didn’t wait for me to acknowledge him as he moved to a seating arrangement facing an enormous stone fireplace. He dropped into a wing-backed chair, leaving a small settee available for me and Braden.

  “Are you sure?” I asked, standing next to the beautifully upholstered sofa. “I’ll likely ruin your furniture.”

  He waved a hand at me as if the furniture were irrelevant. “Is my son dead?”

  His question startled me, making me sort of hover over the cushion. Braden poked my leg, and I sat.

  “Yes,” I replied. I should’ve added condolences, but I couldn’t bring myself to utter the words. I wasn’t sorry that the stupid shit was gone.

  “He did this to you?” William asked, staring at the empty fireplace.

  “Yes.” I considered what to say next. The man kept his emotions tightly controlled. The permanent smile I’d grown used to seeing was nowhere in sight. “Do you want to know what happened?”

  “No, but I have no choice,” he replied. “I know he’s betrayed his people and his family.”

  I gave him an abbreviated version of our discovery in the basement and the ensuing fight. William’s head fell back against his chair when I finally got to his son’s death at the fire elemental’s hand. Silence blanketed the room, and I glanced at Braden. For once, his smug expression was gone, and he at least pretended to grieve for the king.

  “I’m sorry, Your Highness,” I said quietly. “This was supposed to be a happy day for our people.”

  “This is not your fault, Alisandra.” He turned his head towards me and tears swelled in my eyes. “These events have been brewing for decades. You just happened to be the catalyst for all of it to unravel.” He leaned forward, dropping his head into his palms. “I think today was happy for our mages. I’ve heard of so many finding their potential partner, Kellen’s sister included. She and my niece are spending tonight in the castle. Like many others, they hope to do their bonding ceremony tomorrow.”

  “Wow, that soon?” I didn’t hide the surprise in my voice.

  “Did you not know immediately that Kellen was your partner?” he asked, pulling his face from his hands and looking at me.

  “That’s debatable,” I replied. “In hindsight, yes. At the time, I was too stubborn to admit it.”

  His genuine smile only lasted a moment. “Humility is so rare nowadays, yet you put yours on full display.”

  I blushed, pretty certain it wasn’t a compliment. “Is there anything I can do for you before I leave?”

  “No, but please give my apologies to your betrothed,” he replied. “I hope we are able to get past the treachery my son has wrought.”

  “Do you wish for me to stay, Your Highness?” Braden asked, surprising me with the amount of sympathy in his voice.

  “Branden, my apologies extend to you as well,” William said, his despair deepening. “I truly hope this doesn’t threaten our professional relationship.”

  “You’ve always been more than generous with my representatives, Your Highness,” Braden replied. “Had one of them been here, the outcome may have been different. In which case, I might not have been so understanding. Most of my associates are not aware of your special abilities.” He dared to put a hand on my knee, and I forced myself not to react. “But, had it not been for the princess, I would have died tonight. I owe her a great deal.”

  I wasn’t sure what to make of his little speech. I didn’t miss the implied threat, nor did I miss the importance he put on my well-being. Men were so confusing.

  Braden rose, and I stood with him.

  “Can I have your guards send someone in?” the vampire asked.

  “No, but thank you.”

  Braden bowed slightly and took my elbow, pulling me towards the door. The king didn’t stand or see us out, not that I expected him to. I wasn’t sure how I would handle the news he just received. Life was so unfair. I let my escort pull me through the long hall, then down the sweeping steps leading to the next floor.

  My phone buzzed in my purse and I fumbled to get it out. Logan’s name greeted me, relieving some of my anxiety.

  Logan: Where are you?

  AJ: Still at the castle.

  Logan: How are you getting home?

  “Well shit,” I mumbled.

  AJ: I’m working on it. Where are you?

  Logan: Not at the palace.

  “Can you walk and text?” Braden asked, grabbing my elbow. “We still have a lot to do tonight.”

  I glared at him.

  AJ: Give me ten minutes. Be safe. Bad shit happened tonight and you’re part of the threat.

  Logan: I know.

  The impatient vampire at my side jerked my arm, pulling me farther down the hall.

  “You could be nice about it,” I hissed.

  “We need to leave, before William decides this is your fault,” he hissed back.

  My eyes widened. I wanted to deny his claim, but anger was part of grieving. William would want to blame someone eventually. We hurried down another flight of stairs opening into a beautiful foyer. Shiny hardwood floors blanketed the space, and tall portraits covered the walls. My escort pulled me away from them and nodded at the guards posted on each side of two large doors. One of them nodded back and let us out.

  A cold, wet wind smacked me in the face, and a burst of lightning lit the night sky. A peal of thunder quickly followed. How did we not hear this storm inside the castle? Was the whole thing soundproof, or was that some kind of magic? Probably magic.

  “You better have a car here,” I muttered. Freezing raindrops pelted my skin, instantly making my teeth chatter. When Braden’s warm coat covered my shoulders, I didn’t protest.

  “Keep up, or I’ll carry you,” Braden said, walking along a wide circular drive.

  A hundred yards away, two headlights broke through the darkness closing the space between us quickly. Braden opened the back door when it stopped beside him and all but threw me in.

  “Take us to the penthouse,” he ordered. “I need to get out of these c
lothes.”

  I huffed and pulled my phone back out of my purse, then scooted to the far side of his fancy sedan.

  AJ: Are you okay?

  Logan: Yes, I’m home.

  Relief flooded through me. He should be safe at his house. There was little chance Thomas knew where it was. The house may have been small and remote and may have needed a damn TV, but at least it would keep my vampire safe.

  AJ: Good. I’ll get there as soon as I can

  Logan: Be careful. There are too many people looking for you right now. I don’t think you should go back to the palace.

  What was he saying? How was the palace not safe for me? Duh, because Thomas’ men had free access to the portals. Shit! Kellen wasn’t safe either.

  AJ: Is Kellen okay?

  Logan: Yes, he’s under guard in our medical facility.

  AJ: Ok, good. Don’t trust anyone coming from the castle.

  Logan: Don’t text me where you’re going, princess.

  I stared at his text. What was he trying to tell me? Was someone monitoring his phone? Or was he not really at home? Wait, he would never call the palace his. Whose medical facility were they at?

  AJ: Be careful. I love you.

  Saying I loved him through a text felt cheap and impersonal, but I needed Logan to know how I felt. I had a feeling our situation had grown even more dangerous after the party’s end.

  Logan: I love you.

  I tucked my phone back in my purse and glanced up at Braden. He stared at me with that stupid smug grin.

  “How do you manage it?” he asked, folding his arms over his chest.

  “What?”

  “To get so many people to do whatever you want?”

  I snorted, a very unladylike noise that I didn’t apologize for. “Where are we going?” I asked in return. His question didn’t warrant an answer. I had no control over my life or anyone else. Tonight’s events should’ve made that obvious.