“She’s warning us. Where is everyone?” Amor-el listened to the house.
“They went into town for Dra’s party. No one here but Cooke, Franklin, you and me.”
“Destin?”
Rhea nodded.
“Then we wait.”
When morning broke, Amor-el forced himself to remain awake. He waited in the library for everyone’s return. Cady did go to the club late but returned with the girls in Victoria’s car. They tiptoed inside, giggling over something said to Keta (they changed her name to Thursday), and they carried their shoes because their feet ached. Rhea surprised them at the stairs.
“Oh Miss Rhea,” Sondra whispered, “it was fabulous. There were five DJs, and magic, and the Voodoo King and a tombstone race and Dra gave us free drinks, and—”
“And we never stopped dancing,” giggled Victoria who swayed a little.
“Miss Rhea, Dra said I should stay here for a while longer. Isthatok?” Keta exhaled the question as one word.
“Rhea nodded and hugged each young woman in turn. “ Of course, Keta. This is your home now. You stay as long as you wish,” she said softly. “So you had a good time, and I am pleased to see you all safe and sound.”
Cady gave Rhea a strange look and wandered into the kitchen.
“Did you see your friends?”
“Oh yes. Everybody who was anyone was there. It was freakin’ awesome, Rhea. Till Destin came with that weird guy. Creepazoid.” They climbed the stairs en masse, hushing each other as they went. Rhea watched them disappear into their wing before she followed Cady.
Cooke was already up and making coffee.
“Tell me everything please,” Rhea said.
“Every detail,” Am said from the back stairs.
Cady recounted events as best as she could. The women had discussed it on the way home. Cady shared what she remembered.
“I’m going to wait up for Destin,” Am said and disappeared upstairs.
Rhea filled in the gaps and explained what she knew of the past, of Am’s sire, and of Destin’s recent abnormal behavior.
“There is nothing to be done, Rhea, until Destin or this Duke shows his hand. You worry about you and the baby. Leave the rest to all of us.”
“Wise woman,” offered Cooke.
“Besides, we have a secret weapon,” winked Cady.
Around seven in the morning, the phone rang again. Rhea answered in the kitchen.
“Seth? I am very glad you called back. What? Yes, everyone is home safely.” Rhea listened to an agitated Seth whose voice was loud enough for everyone to hear. “Yes, thank you for calling.”
“Trouble,” Cooke said and poured coffee for the three of them.
“Dra and Reaper stayed at the club. Seth wanted me to know that Destin was with a weird man who upset Dra but the crowd in the club loved him. Destin left with this man, and Dra followed them. He apologized for his short message earlier. Now I suppose the rest of the story will have to wait for my son’s return.”
Cady went to bed, but not before she admonished Rhea for her lack of rest. Cooke agreed to watch out for anything unusual and nagged until Rhea napped in the downstairs drawing room. The house felt on edge as if they waited for some shoe to drop. Sadly, the shoe dropped, worse than expected.
Destin did not come home.
The girls woke shortly after noon and stumbled downstairs, hungry, a little hung over and woozy from the party but happy. Cooke fed and caffeinated them, except for Sondra who drank a gallon of water and Cady who drank milk. A very pale and sluggish Rhea joined them.
When the late lunch was over, Cooke detailed the girls to clean jobs, with lists for dusting, polishing, vacuuming and porch scrubbing. With only five full days left before the gala, there were floors to mop and polish, plenty of baking to do, and last minute decorations including fresh flowers for the rooms.
Franklin directed traffic and kept the flow going.
Meanwhile, Am and Rhea worried. When Destin didn’t return home, Amor-el wandered between the old house and his room, but neither place showed any signs of occupation.
Drahomira showed the night after the party. Reaper was beside himself to be with Keta and the girls again. He only stopped his play long enough to nuzzle Rhea before the romp resumed. Dra waited until they the girls busied themselves with chores before she talked about her encounter.
“Am, your sire is a bastard. He threatened Destin’s life if I didn’t behave. He threatened me and everyone I know. Little birdy, he knows you’re pregnant which means Destin is confiding in him. Selwyn seemed surprised to find me, though, which I found curious. I guess Alexander was supposed to bring me to heel,” she snorted. “That’ll never happen.”
Rhea put her hand over Dra’s. The touch was rare and symbolic. “Your message, was that a reminder or were you passing on a warning?”
“Both,” Dra hissed. “Whatever is going on, Destin is in the thick of it.”
Amor-el, who kept silent during most of the conversation, stepped in. “Destin is trying to be his own man and his rebellion is nothing short of ill-timed. He’s malleable and insecure. A perfect foil for my sire who is a bastard, by the way.”
Dra snickered. “I didn’t realize he connected to your family. I met him about almost three centuries years ago. I think you were still human.” She winked at Am.
Rhea fingered her Aglyre. “I am older than both of you by several thousand years, but when listening to you two, I feel very naïve. It is a little like learning about the dark side of the moon. You know it is there but never get to see it.”
Am’s face softened, and he slid closer to her. “Little mother, we never forget that you are the memory of our world. Hard to believe you lived through so many civilizations. But the lives of vampires continues as an alternate world, one nearly as old as you. I hope you don’t discover it for a thousand more years. At least not until I am older and wiser.”
“Well, older anyway,” Dra grinned. “So what now?”
“We prepare. We cannot stop what is coming. We tell the girls. We try to talk to Destin if he ever comes home. I think Alexander was supposed to keep you away for Selwyn. Any chance he will return for you, Dra?” Rhea wondered.
“Nope,” Dra leaned on the table and put her chin in her hand. Her red hair fell forward around her arm.
“Did he go home?” Amor-el asked straight out.
Dra shrugged. “I don’t know where he ended up.”
Rhea studied her friend carefully, suspicious of her silence. With Drahomira, some things should remain unspoken.
“Then whatever my sire is up to, we will deal with him. At least we know he’s here and that he seems intent on using Destin. As I see it, everything may connect to him.”
“What about the fae blade, Tobias, the building and the murder? Those do not seem your sire’s style,” Rhea said.
Dra interrupted. “Tobias worked for Raikas and also for your sire, Am. Raikas is in this up to his fangs. Tobias wants me dead and probably burned Vicky’s store down because of me. Janice died because she worked at the club. Alexander was Raikas’ friend, therefore, probably Selwyn’s too. Seems there might be an unholy trio at work, more against me than anything else.”
“That reminds me. Cooke deciphered one of the runes for Victoria. She thought it might be a warning.”
“About?” Dra prompted.
“The Goblin King,” Rhea said.
“And who the hell is that?” Am snapped.
“He’s a mythical creature from the Shadow Realms. I hear the kids at the club who play those board games talk about him,” Dra said.
“We are going to have to wait to see how this plays out. Until then, we have a gala to prepare for, and we’ll need to be on guard,” said Rhea.
“I meant to tell you that I followed the Duke after he left my club. He and Des split up, but I kept after your sire. He went down Rampart and then I lost him on Canal. Destin went in the direction of Oldenburg Park. I think Selwyn is staying
down there,” Dra stood.
“And that must be where Destin is.”
“Selwyn wants something from you. He has to bring Destin here to get it. Then, we have him.” Dra grinned very slowly. She loved a good fight.
Three days before the gala, Destin came home. Immediately the girls had a thousand questions, which he evaded, along with his parents. Drahomira was another story. Wherever he was on the property, the crimson mists appeared or Reaper trailed him. When he complained and tried to escape to the old house, his father found him or waited for him.
The night before the gala, Destin met up with his parents early in the evening. Franklin closed the downstairs library doors and stood guard. One way or another they must settle their problems, and he would not allow any interruptions.
Destin began with a dramatic sigh and a deep breath that he didn’t need.
“I know I’ve been acting out and I am sorry. Truly. I feel like the eighth wheel around here unless I’m with Pops. All the women.” He looked down. “Sorry, Mother.”
“I’m Pops now,” Am muttered to Rhea. “What have we done to make you so angry, son?”
“You won’t let me see the big book or learn what’s in it. You hide the truth from me. You won’t tell me about my legacy.”
“What legacy?” Rhea frowned at him.
“You know. The one in the book.”
“You mean the prophecy. You think you are entitled to something tangible?”
“Well, yeah.”
Rhea and Am exchanged looks before Rhea shook her head.
“My darling boy, the prophecy is only a thought. A dream by an old dragon who believed that two phoenix were destined to deliver a new phoenix with divine powers. He believed this child would elevate the supernatural condition and usher a new age for all mankind. There is no magic wand, no necklace, and no sash to give you. No will. No Magna Carta. What did you think we owed you?”
Destin bowed his head, crestfallen. “I dunno. I just thought…well, never mind. I guess I got it in my head all wrong. Maybe I didn’t understand what I heard.” He shrugged. “Does that mean I will never get to see the book?”
“You mean a personal look at it? I would gladly show you everything. How about when the gala is over, we sit down together and examine it, just the three of us?” Rhea proposed.
For the first time in weeks, Destin smiled at his parents, and it completely transformed his face. “I would really like that.”
“Good, done and done. Now, what is this about you and your father’s sire?”
“I happened to surprise him at the old house, we started talking, and that was that. I like spending time with him because he doesn’t treat me like a kid. Oh hell, sorry, Mother.”
But Rhea nodded. “I do understand, Destin. You must remember that you are only five months old in real time, but you look as though you are almost sixteen. Most of us find it hard to believe, and if we treat you as though you are still a child, this is why. We mean you no offense, my son.”
Destin nodded. “I think I understand that now.”
“Do we have an understanding? You won’t run off again. And we will try to help you and treat you more maturely.” Amor-el compromised.
“Yes, sir. I am sorry I behaved like a brat.”
“And if you hear from the Duke, you will tell us?”
Destin considered and then finally nodded.
Rhea and Am stood, and she hugged her son. “Forgiven. We love you, darling. Let us look at the gala as a time to show off the new house and our family, yes?”
Destin shook his head and left in search of the others.
“Well?” Rhea reached for Am’s hand.
“I didn’t believe a word of it, did you?” Am sighed and squeezed her hand.
“No. But even if he reports the conversation, it will seem that all is well.”
“Surprise is the only thing we have left, Rhea.”
“And it is something we know well how to deliver, my beloved.”
AFTER WEEKS OF planning, the Gala finally arrived. A flurry of activities highlighted the excitement of anxious house members as costumes found their way to ironing boards or hung in bathrooms waiting for a good steaming. Cady and Cooke fussed over Rhea’s outfit.
“It fit when I tried it on five weeks ago,” mourned Rhea.
“But you are nearly 25 weeks, lass and you do like my popovers. It won’t take us any time to let out these seams. You will still be beautiful. Just a little fuller around the middle.”
Truthfully, Rhea’s empire gossamer gown was several flowing layers, and no one would even notice the growing baby bump under all that silk and tulle. “Now I know what women mean when they say they feel fat,” Rhea complained, which brought on a fit of laughter from the others.
Since Malachite already had its party, and because much of the other clubs and homes had private gatherings, Dra decided to close the club for the official Halloween. Mace came by and thanked her, telling her he’d have one less place to worry about since he planned on being at the Bower’s gala.
The club staff, freed of their duties, rolled into the bower early.
Seth, Steel, and Tyler stepped up and helped Franklin serve drinks, promising to keep an eye out for trouble. The best part of their coming early meant Destin wasn’t drowning in girls. Steel tried to tell Destin that there was no such thing as too many women, but Destin made a face at him. Hilarity followed.
Just before dark, and against her better judgment, Victoria removed the wards. The chimes would ring off and on and advise of supernatural guests, but with the dampener on, the ringing would sound normal to humans. Dra and Amor-el planned to keep an ear out.
The moment finally arrived when everyone went to dress. Franklin turned on the twinkling lights, and real candles filled the home with scents of apple and vanilla. The Bower transformed from a gracious and elegant plantation into a breathtaking, summer woodland portal into Fairyland.
Car caravans arrived a little before the grandfather clock chimed nine and Franklin opened the mansion doors. Inside, he and Cooke welcomed and directed guests, explaining that a receiving line would begin when the hosts arrived. After about thirty minutes, trumpeters positioned along the inside hallway and around the porch heralded the arrival of the King and Queen of the Fairies. Guests gathered in the ballroom, eager for their introduction.
The musicians in the ballroom began a lilting symphony as Amor-el, dressed as King Oberon, complete with a teal blue and silver cape, escorted Rhea, his Queen Titania into the ballroom and up to the dais. Rhea wore a strapless teal blue gown with black over tulle. The effect was magical and a little spooky. After all, no one said the fairies were always good, right?
The accessories accentuated their looks. Am wore a crown made of leaves and emeralds. Rhea’s crown was leaves and sapphires. Their masks were elegant decorations of silverwork and teal silk, edged with black lace. The royal pair glittered and elicited appreciative clapping.
Young Puck arrived next, sporting pointy ears and garbed in a forest green pair of trousers and a green shirt. He carried a bag of fairy dust that he tossed by the handfuls. Strapped to his back was an eight-foot-long staff with a glowing green stone. His owl mask added an air of mystery to the mischievous imp. He joined the Royals up on the dais where he met his parents’ welcoming arms.
“Mother, this is my offering for luck,” Destin said and passed her the lovely dragons blood necklace.”
Overjoyed at his thoughtfulness, Rhea quickly slipped the stone over her neck where it rested beside her amulet and her Aglyre. Destin relaxed, grateful for his grandsire’s advice.
Following closely behind Puck walked Queen Mab. Franklin announced her as the Winter Queen and Titania’s most favored midwife. The reveal was the moment the guests learned Queen Titania was pregnant. Joy and well wishes came amid cheers and more applause.
After the Royals received a line of guests, the ballroom music changed, and the lighting dimmed. The light in the blue fountain
turned red as Morrigan, the Queen of Demons, entered dressed in a billowing black gown and black full-length hooded cape. Her mask was black feathers on a pointed beak, representing a crow. At her side, a red-eyed hellhound barked and chuffed. People drew back frightened until Reaper decided to lick a few hands. Relief begat applause for the Morrigan though most were nervous.
Closely behind Morrigan danced a sprite, dressed in pale green and yellow. This blue haired fairy spun around and displayed the biggest pair of blue wings ever imagined. The oohs and aahs made the fairy giggle. Rhea winked her approval and Keta danced harder.
One by one each guest presented to Oberon and Titania, and every person received a basket of fruit with a treasure trove of party favors. Guests left gifts on the dais or passed them to Queen Mab and a waiting sprite.
Mace Bayone bowed low to the royals and tried to look fierce, but they saw his grin behind his mask. He was the Huntsman from Snow White, complete with bow and a quiver of arrows. He presented Rhea with a carved chest.
“Have you brought me the heart of my competition?” Rhea asked of him.
Before he could answer, Dra opened the chest. Everyone around them held their breath, but Dra laughed when she found it filled with chocolate hearts.
“There can be none fairer than you,” Mace said in his hunter’s voice and then bowed.
“Atta boy,” Dra chuckled. “We should work together,” she added and slipped an arm through his as they moved away.
Robin Hood and the Merry People won the biggest round of applause. Lord Robin Tyler escorted Maid Sondra Marian. Will Steel Scarlet, carrying Steel’s guitar, and Little Seth John, who made merry with his special canteen, brought up the rear.
When it was her turn, Victoria ran into the ballroom, wailing, and moaning, dressed in gray and purple rags with a white wig. One lady saw her and cried out, “it’s the banshee,” to which another replied, “quick, get her a drink!” Victoria bowed and floated away, sipping on several flutes of champagne as she left. She thanked them for their bribes.
Once most of the guests met the royals, Oberon and Titania officially opened the gala. They danced to Saint Saen’s Aquarium from Carnival of the Animals, swirling about the floor to the haunting melody of the strings and piano hidden in the ballroom. Debussy’s elegant Arabesque No. 1 followed. Soon the music changed and became a mixture of other eras and other styles including blues and jazz, soft rock, and even country. Am and Rhea mingled with their guests, danced with a few who wore fairy costumes, and finally passed out more gift baskets from the dais.
Love and Blood (Evening Bower Book 2) Page 25