by Aneesa Price
“I’ve already set up task teams to investigate their origins but not all are from Ireland, so it’ll take some time,” Conall responded. “They’ll have to scour the earth – literally. My sisters are coming to fetch those whose parents we have found. They’ll be here tomorrow morning.”
“And Faith?” Anais asked.
Conall shook his head, “I’m afraid that her parents are dead. She and a handful of the other Irish witches were of those whose families Akeldonna and Ayden slaughtered when they kidnapped them.”
“Poor darling,” Anais exclaimed sympathetically.
“They are all welcome at my home,” he stated.
“And mine,” echoed Anais, Raulf and Sylvain simultaneously.
“A generous gesture, for which I thank you,” responded Conall. “But they’re witches. They need to be with their own kind to learn and nurture their craft. It will give them a sense of belonging.”
“Anais is a witch too,” said a voice coming from the doorway. They all looked up bewildered as Faith entered the room. She shrugged apologetically, “I’m sorry for eavesdropping but I thought that you might be speaking of us and I needed to know what you were planning.”
“She’s trying to take back control of her life,” Anais sent a mental broadcast to Conall.
“Aye,” Conall sent back, “that’s a good thing – it shows healing.”
“And Conall,” Anais responded, “it is her way of ensuring that she’s never ‘captured’ again – she wants to make her own decisions.”
“That she does,” Conall acknowledged wearily, “but she’s just a child.”
“She’s no younger than I was when I came to New Orleans from France and got married!” Anais argued.
“You two do know that we can all hear you, don’t you?” enquired Sophie with a raised brow. “The magickal communication system you two set up has not been disconnected.”
Anais and Conall stared at them all with mouths agape.
V snickered, “Funny how they resembled parents fighting over what to do about their kids.”
“Shut it, V,” came Anais’ waspishly defensive response, earning nothing more than a knowing look from V.
Fighting her irritation at being ‘caught’, Anais faced Faith. “What we didn’t do is ask you what you want. Now’s your chance to inform us.”
Faith grinned like a plotting teenager and then quickly wiped the smirk off her face, replacing it with a solemn, rather adult-like look. “I’ve spoken to the others and we’ve all agreed that if our families aren’t found that we’d like to stay here.”
“You’re welcome, of course,” answered Sylvain smugly. He’d never doubted the power of the fae to lure.
“No,” said Faith, shaking her head. “Sorry, Sylvain, the hollow is beautiful but we’d like to stay with the Coffin Girls. We want to be Coffin Girls.”
“You’re welcome to stay with us,” responded Anais, squelching Conall’s argument with a matriarchal glare. “But I’m not sure about you being Coffin Girls yet. A Coffin Girl is a witch vampire and you’re young witches that need to finish schooling, go to college and find your place in the world. We’d be there for you, raise you as best we can but I’m not comfortable with the idea of you fighting whatever task or test we still have coming.”
“I agree,” responded Faith, throwing them off once again. “Some of us are young but we deserve the opportunity and the choice.” Faith looked pointedly at Anais, “If we stay with you and learn human education, you can also teach us supernatural education – not alone,” added Faith looking at Conall, Sylvain and Raulf, “all of you can teach us.”
Anais opened her mouth to argue but was surprisingly cut off by Conall. “She has a point,” stated Conall. “As much as I’d like you all to go home with me and integrate into the witch community there, you are right in saying that Anais and the Coffin Girls are not only witches but with their hearts, will be more than capable foster mothers. You’re also right that Sylvain, Raulf, Niul and I, amongst other possible teachers, have the can give you supernatural lessons.” Conall turned to Anais and said, “One step at a time. Let’s get the orphaned witches settled, give them what we can and when they’re finished their ‘human education’, as Faith puts it, we can give them a choice – after a test of course.” Conall grinned at the scowl that drew from Faith.
“A test…mmm…” Anais contemplated, loving the man even more, “we could certainly do that. After all, nothing we can simulate will be half as dangerous or taxing as the real thing – as we all experienced first-hand yesterday. Unless,” Anais threw Faith a challenging look, “you don’t think y’all will be up to it?”
“Bring it on,” Faith replied, raising her chin determinately.
“Fine,” responded Anais, “then that’s settled. To the human world we’ll continue to be Papillion Plantation, venue extraordinaire and hospitality school. To the supernatural world, you’ll be orphaned students learning a human skill and how to blend into society. To us, you’ll be part of the Coffin Girls Academy, school for potential warriors of good.”
The rest of the room’s occupants bemusedly voiced their agreement.
“I’ll get hold of Miss Suzette’s old flame to restore the rest of the slave cottages,” stated Rose, drawing a blush from their Cajun mama. “We’ve ample land where the old sugar cane fields were – we could build school rooms, lodging and whatever buildings we need.”
“I’ll offer some of the pack, on a rotationary basis, to help with security and fight teaching,” Raulf offered.
“You also have Eva whose a teacher,” Miss Suzette added. “Maybe she’d like a transfer – if y’all offer her a better deal.”
Raulf nodded his ascent, “That’s a good idea.”
“We have teachers here too,” offered Sylvain, “of magick. It’s time my fae give back. And you’ll need financing too, which I’ll gladly donate.”
“As will I,” said Conall, cutting off Anais’ objections, “they’re my responsibility too and will remain so. I am their prince. So, we’ll be joint-guardians.”
Anais didn’t need the money – as vampires they’d amassed a sizeable fortune over time but knew when to give in and nodded.
“Good,” responded Conall, “we also have fine teachers of both human and supernatural education. We can work out a rotation schedule with Raulf and Sylvain’s subjects. The Goddess said to unite, so I recommend that we do so with this. Who knows,” he shrugged, “we might be pioneering the way supernaturals should live.”
“In the meantime,” stated Sylvain, “they can continue to recuperate here until the plantation is ready for their occupation.”
Anais started to thank him and then decided against it – no thanks were needed – they were all in this together.
“Okay,” stated Sophie, “now that that’s settled, I’m taking Faith back to her bed.”
“And I’m making us more drinks,” said Rose. “It’s going to be a long night. We still need to figure out what to do about Yves.”
The penny she dropped echoed around the room.
“God, I hate saying this,” said Anais, “but there’s the other issue of Akhilleus too.”
“Wipe that frown off your face, love,” Conall said gallantly. “I have a plan.”
Chapter 23
The women of Papillion, sans their pending young occupants, sat in the big kitchen like old times. Miss Suzette was putting the finishing touches on a jambalaya – determined to best the one she’d had at the hollow, Marie was experimenting with a new dessert that smelled enticingly sweet and Rose was pouring them all a passion-fruit-infused mint julep. While Anais had great respect for the good original and was wary of the concoction, the return of Rose’s habitual tinkering and blending, was good to see. Anais and V had set the table and were discussing forthcoming events at the plantation.
This was how the gentlemen found them; beautiful women, a picture of harmonious domesticity.
Anais looked up with surprise
d delight, “Yves, what an unexpected and welcome surprise.”
“The pleasure is all mine, my child,” Yves responded, “to find you part of such a pleasant scene.” Yves took in the activity and atmosphere. “I see that you have your charges in hand. Good. Good,” he repeated, glancing at the other vampire women who nodded in greeting.
“Are you by yourself?” Anais asked. “Where’s Claude?”
“I’m here, Madame,” Claude came in and kissed her extended hand.
“Please, come in,” Anais invited. “Join us for dinner.”
“We’d love to, Anais,” responded Yves, “but we have some grave business to discuss. I’m afraid that it might affect the witch vampire alliance.”
“Oh?” responded Anais, baffled.
“Good evening, ladies,” Conall greeted, followed by Niul and Sylvain. Conall handed Yves a bottle. “I kept one to show you,” he stated.
Yves took the bottle, sombrely regarding it as he turned it around in his hands. “This is atrocious, friend,” Yves commented. “No apology from me or the rest of the vampire council can suffice. I only hope it won’t negatively affect future relations between us.”
“What is that?” asked Anais peering over Yves shoulder.
“Nothing you need concern yourself with, child,” Yves turned towards her, handing Conall the bottle, then patted her head like a doting parent.
“Anais,” Yves stated, “Conall and I will be in the library. We have some business to discuss.”
“Of course, Yves,” responded Anais docilely. “If there’s anything you need, please let me know. We’ll wait for you to have dinner.”
“No, no,” Yves repeated again. He must be very troubled to not be his usual articulate self. “You go ahead. Claude will join you and so will Conall’s guards. I’m leaving when I finish discussing business with Conall.”
“That’s fine,” responded Anais, “we’d love to have you another evening when you’re free.”
“That won’t be possible for a while, my dear,” Yves said, “I’m afraid that Claude and I are leaving for Greece tonight.”
“Greece?” asked Anais. “Are Akeldonna and Akhilleus going too?”
Yves looked at her, studying her closely. He must’ve been satisfied by what he saw as he replied, “No, my dear. I’m afraid that Akeldonna has passed away.”
Anais gasped in shock, “I’m so sorry, Yves. I know what a loss this must be for the council. If there’s anything I can do, for you, the council or Akhilleus please let me know.”
“We’ve got it in hand, thanks to our witch friend,” Yves inclined his head towards Conall. “So, don’t fret. You’re helping the council by hosting Conall and by going to further relations with your visit to his home in Ireland. I’d planned to join you there but the Greek vampire community needs me right now.”
“I understand, Yves,” Anais stated empathetically. “I’ll do my best to make you proud as the council’s ambassador in Ireland.”
Yves patted Anais’ head again. “I know you will, child,” Yves stated and then followed Conall into the library. Anais heard the door close, the click of the lock.
She caught Marie’s glance. Her trustworthy sister had ghosts planted throughout the house. They’d get a blow by blow recount of the conversation later.
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After Yves and Claude departed, they all sat around the kitchen table while Conall ate and repeated the conversation he’d had with Yves. The telling of the tale was stranger than the tale itself as Conall had to battle three noisy ghosts who persisted in interrupting him with their version of what they’d heard eavesdropping, despite Conall’s rising ire.
Anais admired his patience. She would’ve threatened to exorcise them by now. “So, he bought it all?” she asked Conall.
“I don’t know if he truly bought it all,” responded Conall. “But he played his part as predictably and as well as we did. But at least it frees us to carry on with our mission.”
“Whatever that is,” quipped Marie.
“Yes,” replied Conall, “housing and teaching the young witches, searching for their families and forging our own, real alliance and whatever else our mission for the Goddess is.”
“That sounds like a lot to me,” offered Miss Suzette, placing a plate of piping hot beignets and milky coffee on the table.
“Niul and I are going back to Ireland tomorrow,” Conall informed them. “Sylvain has agreed to stay in his New Orleans hollow until you are all settled. I don’t know yet when I’m coming back - maybe in a few weeks. I have to check on the search for the young girls’ families and I have to see that all is well at home. Yves is also of the opinion that Akhilleus is in Ireland where we’re trying to unbind the spell Ayden placed on him. I have to go before you, Anais, to act as though I’m checking on that progress too. We agreed that I’d get to keep Akhilleus as a prisoner as long as I continued to try and break the spell. But,” he said, reaching for Anais, “I’ll see you in a week in Ireland, as stipulated by Yves – well after I’ve ‘checked’ on Akhilleus and the family search so that you remain in ignorance as Yves requested too. He is as you said - a chauvinist that grossly underestimates you. We have to maintain the pretence of the alliance he seeks.”
Anais felt her heart ache and knew that Conall was feeling it to. They’d been constantly together since his arrival at the plantation and it felt like losing part of her – even if it was only for a week.
Uncomfortable with the pain in her chest, Anais stiffened, “It is better that you go”. She said it before thinking and inwardly winced at the hurt reflected on his face. The rest at the table were silent, focused intently on their beignets. “We have much to do to prepare for our future coffin girls.”
Conall nodded and silently left the room. Anais’ appetite for the food and company left with him and she excused herself. She barely made it to her room before she broke down, her heart shattering at the loss.
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Anais made her way towards the porthole, smiling poignantly at the memory of her first visit to the hollow with Conall at her side. Her heart smiled at the memory and broke at the loss. She had not heard a word from him since he’d left. Initially she’d explained it away, telling herself that he was miffed at the cold shoulder she’d given him. But, damn it, they had a blood bond and he should’ve known she was being defensive. She then told herself that he busy looking for the girls’ families and catching up on running the monarchy. After a few days and a few more unreturned calls, she’d come to accept that things were over between them.
Ignoring the stabbing pain, she squared her shoulders and stepped through the porthole into the hollow. The signs of battle had been cleaned away and it was as it was the first time she’d seen it. Only this time around, young witches mingled with the fae, learning of their magick and ways. Sylvain had made monumental strides in forging inter-species relations. Lips curved in appreciation, she moved towards the hospital, something the fae had had no need of before the arrival of the rescued girls. That the fae had conjured the hospital and everything else needed for the girls’ recuperation spoke of Sylvain’s leadership and the loyalty he commanded.
The object of her thoughts came towards her and she greeted her new friend warmly. They toured the hospital, the training grounds and the temporary school house. Anais was suitably impressed and commended Sylvain. Testament to his regal blood, he shrugged it away as though it was nothing.
“Are you ready for your trip to Ireland?” Sylvain asked.
“Yes, all’s been arranged,” responded Anais.
“And to see Conall again?” Sylvain continued probing.
Anais shrugged nonchalantly, “I haven’t heard from him since he left. Things are over between us. But I’m here now, not there. If anything, the past few weeks have taught me to live for the moment.”
Anais could see why so many women, human and supernatural, threw themselves at him. Feeling sore from Conall’s ignorance of her and emotionally risky, sh
e smiled seductively at Sylvain. “I’ve been wondering about what V said about you.”
Sylvain frowned, confused by the siren that suddenly sprung up. “What would that be, Anais?”
“You remember well enough, Sylvain,” she answered coyly.
“Ah,” he responded, “and you want to experience it too?”
She threw him a smile that went straight to his crotch. Sylvain could see what had captivated Conall. He cleared his throat and smiled at her, “You deserve that experience in private, my dear.”
Taking her hand, he led her to his bedroom, the most private, yet well-warded, well-guarded space in the hollow. Anais pushed away the guilt and trepidation that gnawed at her and pasted a seductive smile on her face. She’d be darned if she’d feel nothing for this handsome man in front of her.
She went towards Sylvain and gasped when he abruptly pulled her hands away from his face, glaring at her. “I’m not a fool, Anais and I won’t be used as re-bound material.”
It was the emotional slap she needed, he knew, as she broke down, surprising herself and not him. Sylvain did what millennia of living had taught him, he waited patiently and let her to cry it out.
“Now,” said Sylvain, when the tears had subsided, “tell me what really brings you here.”
“I wanted to be close to you because you’re close to him,” Anais stated, tired of lying to herself.
Sylvain nodded, “As convoluted as that sounds, it makes perfect sense to me.”
Anais’ relief was obvious. “I can’t feel him anymore. He’s learnt to shield his emotions, even from the blood bond.”
“That sounds like our Conall when he gets an idea into his head,” Sylvain stated. At her confusion, he continued, explaining, “He’s as stubborn as I’ve seen you be at times and as irritatingly self-righteous too.” He stopped the defensive words Anais was about to utter with a finger on her lips. “Don’t get me wrong,” he said, “he’s like a brother to me and my closest friend. And you have become a dear friend to me too. The two of you are honorable, loyal and fierce when required. But that doesn’t mean that I’m blind to his faults – or yours.”