The Beast Inside

by David Horrocks

  He bowed from the waist, one hand resting upon his chest as he did so.

  Alice was confused. Which queen was he referring to? It couldn't have been the queen of England, who also happened to be the queen of Canada as well. So maybe he meant the queen of all vampires, as odd as that sounded.

  Speaking with a cautious curiosity, Alice voiced her question in a way as to not offend him.

  “It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir Chevalier. I'm unfamiliar with how things are run around here, so I hope you don't mind me asking; What would a queen want with someone like me?”

  She curtsied with respect, hoping that she hadn't said anything too out of order. Philippe’s smile remained unfazed as he answered.

  “The queen of our fair city of Calgary requests and demands that all new arrivals seek an audience with her in order to introduce themselves formally. There are no exceptions to this rule.”

  Alice eyed up the car behind him as the engine started running and its headlights lit up the dank alley.

  “I guess you mean that we have to go right now, don't you.”

  Sir Chevalier nodded once, stepping to one side to gesture towards the awaiting vehicle.

  “Indeed. I insist.”

  Sighing quietly, Alice knew that he wasn't going to take no for an answer.

  “Okay, I just need to tell my boss.”

  She turned to open the door, but found the man's arm blocking the entrance. His smile had been replaced with something more akin to a scowl.

  “I'm afraid that we need to leave post haste. The queen does not like to be kept waiting.”

  **********

  Alice had never been inside a vehicle as luxurious as a stretch limousine before. There was so much room in the back of the car that she could have put her feet up and relaxed. However, any feeling of comfort within the spacious interior was counteracted by the steely gaze of Sir Chevalier. He had sat himself across from her on the expensive leather seating, his stare unwavering and without falter. As soon as they were in the car, the doors had locked and he had ceased all manner of conversation, the awkward silence becoming almost intolerable at times.

  Without a word, they made their way from the bar towards the queen's court that was located within the pinnacle of the odd shaped tower at the centre of town. The Calgary Tower. It was once the tallest building in the city, but had since been dwarfed by modern marvels that surrounded it on all sides. Despite that, it was still a wondrous sight to behold and was a symbol that was easily recognisable as the cornerstone of the local tourist industry.

  The throne room itself was on a hidden floor, just above the revolving restaurant and observation deck that were open to the public. A private elevator that required a specific brass key took its passengers on an express ride straight to the very top. It was through its brightly polished doors that Sir Chevalier lead Alice to meet the queen of vampires, at least within the city limits.

  The mostly black and white room was outlined by red velvet drapes that hid the fact that there were no windows present. No portals to the outside world, which meant all daylight could be blocked from those hallowed halls. A similarly coloured carpet led across the chessboard tiled floor, right up to a trio of steps that climbed up towards the gold plated throne, padded with intricately embroidered leather. It was a sight fit for royalty and was inhabited by such.

  Lording it over her loyal subjects, the queen sat high above them all, resting upon her golden pedestal. She was adorned in only the finest of silk gowns with lace frills, taken straight from the French Renaissance. Her face was completely covered by a white and gold masquerade mask made from porcelain, with black, hollow eyes and painted red lips. Her dark brown curls fell in rolls, stopping just shy of her elegant shoulders, completing her doll like appearance. Her royal highness paid no heed to the pair who entered, ignoring them as she passed judgement on a quivering mass of bodies that knelt by her slippered feet.

  The group kneeling there were comprised of all types of people. Men and women of varying ages, dressed in anything from suits to dresses and even stained t-shirts. They seemingly had nothing in common other than their apparent subservience to their queen.

  Just behind them and standing close to the left of the throne were three women, dressed in similar, if less impressive, versions of their regent’s gown. They wore Grecian styled masks of their own, each with different, over the top, expressions as if they were actresses in some satire within an ancient amphitheatre.

  One had a face twisted in anger, with fiery red hair that displayed her rage and passion. The next one depicted happiness, with an upturned mouth and bright golden locks bursting outwards like the sun. The final one of three had hair darker than a cloudy night, with a face that gave the impression of sadness and disappointment.

  The women whispered between themselves, passing their own private judgements on those who were gathered before them with accentuated movements and mocking poses.

  Philippe raised an arm in front of Alice to stop her just shy of the entrance, not wanting to disturb the current proceedings. Two guards, shrouded by masks of their own, stood completely still like statues on each side of the entry way, both armed with thin, needle like swords that hung from their belts. Their finely crafted suits closely matched the rooms decor, allowing them to blend into their surroundings despite their imposing presence. They didn't move a muscle, knowing full well that the enforcer had his guest under his complete control.

  Alice could do nothing but watch in silence as the queen gave her final decree for the poor souls that she held under her sway.

  “By our laws, you are hereby commanded to take up arms against the wolves that threaten our borders. One night from this sentencing, you shall march deep into their ancestral lands in order to partake in the crusade against the claw.”

  The people kneeling in front of her looked at each other with concern as they muttered between themselves. The queen was not amused by their interruptions, standing up from her seat as Sir Chevalier quickly stopped all conversation.

  “Silence! You have not been given permission to talk in the queen’s presence.”

  He stepped forward, leaving Alice by the door as he made his way to position himself between his queen and the peasants before her. She nodded her approval before continuing.

  “Now be gone from my sight, unless you wish for a harsher punishment for your crimes.”

  The queen sat herself elegantly on her throne once more as Philippe took over barking orders.

  “Guards! Remove these pitiful excuses of our kind from the royal court at once! They are not fit to be in the presence of our beloved queen.”

  The statuesque guards sprang to life, hurrying over to the gathering of people, who now looked mortified as they were dragged to their feet and hauled out from the room. They were shuttled towards the elevator and crammed in together with little space to move.

  Alice now found herself alone, facing the vampire queen and the most loyal of her subjects as they began to turn their attention on her. Sir Chevalier beckoned her forwards as he began his introductions, which seemed to amuse the three cackling women standing in the queen's shadow.

  “May I present to you, her royal highness, Queen Renita Marquette, sovereign of the throne of Calgary and heiress to the province of Alberta.”

  His immediate glare forced Alice into a curtsey. She decided that it was best to not resist his authority, submitting herself to the court. The whole affair was overly theatrical, but after witnessing the judgement that had just been passed on those before her, she really didn't want to end up in anyone's bad books.

  Sir Chevalier continued with his introductions, moving to gesture towards the other three women present.

  “The ever present and all knowing Furies. As wise as they are beautiful.”

  The last sentence didn't seem to be said with as much gusto as the previous one, but Alice didn't have time to think too much about it before it was her turn to be announced.

  “As
requested, my queen. Mademoiselle Allison Green. A recent addition to our city who has, up until now, failed to formally introduce herself as the law demands.”

  The queen's expressionless mask appeared to give Alice the once over before she spoke with her thick French accent, that was more pronounced than even Sir Chevalier’s.

  “You have been found guilty of trespassing in our fair city. The punishment of which is exile to the wolf lands. How do you plead?”

  Alice was flabbergasted by the charges that had been brought against her as if from nowhere. She had no idea that she had been breaking any laws at all and had no intention of doing so in the first place. Her voice wavered as she tried to defend herself.

  “I'm sorry, your majesty. I… I wasn't aware that I broke any rules.”

  The three masked women gasped playfully before laughing amongst themselves. The queen herself wasn't phased at all by this as she continued to pass her judgement.

  “Foolish girl. Do the lands you hail from not follow the traditional commandments of our civilisation?”

  Alice shrugged her shoulders, trying her best not to appear rude.

  “I had never met any other vampires until I arrived here. If I knew, I would have introduced myself as soon as possible.”

  There was a brief silence as Queen Marquette deliberated on the new information that she had been presented.

  “What about your maker?”

  Never having had an actual conversation with the woman who turned her, outside of her head at least, Alice wasn't sure of how to respond.

  “We never really spoke. The circumstances weren't exactly… ideal.”

  Sir Chevalier was beckoned to approach the throne, exchanging a few quiet words with his liege as they worked out how to deal with the situation. He then returned to his former position, adopting the stance of a soldier standing at attention. It was then that the sovereign of the court began the sentencing.

  “Allison Green. As you have no mentor to guide you in our ways and there is no one to claim responsibility for your actions, I hereby sentence you to join your peers as a member of the claw crusade.”

  Before Alice could speak, Sir Chevalier called to his men who were waiting in the wings.

  “Guards! Take this girl outside to join the others. Tomorrow night they will march against our foes.”

  As another pair of faceless guards came to drag Alice helplessly away, a voice originating from behind a nearby curtain objected to the ruling.

  “That's enough of this charade! I'll take responsibility for this young one’s guardianship.”

  A mysterious woman who had been silently observing the proceedings from behind the drapery, stepped out from her hiding place and made sure that her presence was now well known. The other three masked women ceased all chattering at once, presumably in fear.

  The fact that neither the enforcer, nor his queen, moved to stop her meant that they had a profound respect for the woman who wore the business pantsuit of a real career professional.

  “The girl is now under my protection.”

  Philippe’s face resumed its usual frown as Queen Renita Marquette stood to address the room.

  “Very well. You can have it your way, Katherine. Allison Green will be released into your custody at my behest. Do not make me regret this decision.”

  The woman bowed her head. Not so much a real bow than a quick nod of acknowledgement. She removed Alice from the firm grasp of the guardsmen before pulling the girl alongside her as they made their was towards the elevator door at a hurried pace. She lowered her voice, leaning her head close to Alice's as they kept on walking.

  “Whatever you do, don't turn around. I've already overstepped my authority here.”

  She didn't know who the woman was, but anyone who would put themselves selflessly in harm's way for the well being of another couldn't be all that bad. She owed her a debt that she wasn't even sure she could pay.

  **********

  Katherine, who had later introduced herself by her full name of Katherine Louviere, welcomed Alice into her home. A lavish and expensive haven from the outside world. It was a penthouse apartment in a skyscraper with a view of downtown, that had been decorated in a much more contemporary and modern way than the royal court. Blackout shades lowered automatically when the sun began to rise, providing shelter to those who were sensitive to the light. It was a practical living space where everything except the abstract art had a purpose.

  A room was set for Alice by servants who were definitely mortal, yet somehow ignorant and unaware of those who weren't. The place was a little more upscale that she had been accustomed to, but she found herself unable to turn down such generosity.

  A practical kind of person herself, Katherine had seemingly no use for fashions from periods long past, wearing only modern clothing of expensive taste. She looked to be in her mid thirties, but had a timeless beauty that was only accentuated by her curves. Like Alice, she was pale skinned, with hazel eyes that were closely matched by the colour of her shoulder length hair. Katherine had the type of confidence and self assuredness that others admired, and a poker face that could keep anyone guessing her true intentions. She probably wasn't a woman that you would ever want to cross.

  They hadn't discussed the situation, but Alice was curious to know what it meant now Katherine was her guardian. Maybe that meant she would be mentored and actually taught about her condition without having to experiment and end up getting herself in even deeper trouble. It would be useful to learn about vampire society from someone who actually knew a little about it. Jolee's limited knowledge on the subject that was based on hearsay and second hand information could only take her so far.

  "Do you believe that I was born yesterday? I assure you that isn't the case."

  Katherine had sat Alice down on the wraparound couch that dominated the main living space in the apartment. She was reclining in the corner section, gaze unfaltering as she studied the girl's reaction. Alice was perched at the far end, sat completely upright as she mulled things over. With no appropriate response, she remained silent as her host proceeded to question her further.

  "How old do you think I am?"

  Alice gulped, knowing that it could likely be a trap.

  “I'm not sure. You're in your late twenties, maybe?”

  Katherine smirked.

  "I'm a little older than that, young one. Old enough to know when I'm being lied to.”

  There was no sign of annoyance on Katherine's face at all, but Alice was still a little worried all the same.

  “You're not Canadian, and your name isn't Allison Green. I can tell from your accent that you're from somewhere a little further south. Also, you don't seem comfortable with answering to your name when you’re addressed, as if it belongs to someone else entirely.”

  The woman had worked out the flaws in Alice's identity so easily. Her fake documentation wasn't worth a thing if she could be so easily called out on it.

  “Are… Are you going to turn me in?”

  Alice said it with such concern that her very voice trembled, but Katherine just smiled with a warmth that she hadn't seen since her adopted mother died.

  “Don't worry, my child. Your secret is safe with me. In fact, I wish to free you from your self made prison.”

  Quirking an eyebrow, Alice questioned the woman's words.

  “It's meant to keep me hidden and safe.”

  Katherine pushed away from the back of the couch, sliding across its white leather surface to sit next to her guest.

  “You're more than welcome to stay here as long as you need. As for your other troubles, I'm sure that we can deal with them when the time comes. No one under my protection should be afraid of themselves or their true identity.”

  Feeling a little more at ease, Alice relaxed her shoulders and smiled thankfully.

  “I appreciate your help, but what do you want from me in return?”

  Katherine simply grinned, flashing her pearly whites.

&nbs
p; “You don't owe me anything, I just hate to see someone with so much potential go to waste. You'll quickly learn that I have adapted with the times and don't expect you to pay me a debt just because I helped you out of a sticky situation. I’m not quite as stubborn as some of my peers who are still trapped in the past and believe that a life saved is a life owed."

  Looking around the room, Alice noticed a few old photographs in ornate frames that seemed a little out of place. They displayed black and white images of people who had likely long passed. One of particular interest that rested on a side table nearby showed someone who looked exactly like Katherine, standing next to a dark skinned, exotically dressed woman on the bow of a large, wooden sailing ship. The question begged to be asked.

  “How old are you really? That's if you don't mind me asking…”

  The woman's smile grew ever wider as she winked at Alice, running a hand through her hair.

  “Oh, my sweet child. That would be telling.”

  **********

  It took a few weeks of shadowing Katherine and learning from her through mimicry before Alice learned even the smallest details of her mentors past. The pictures strewn around the apartment displayed images of friends and partners who had been dead for over a hundred years. The original photographs were so delicate and old that they were sealed away somewhere and the ones that could be viewed were actually copies.

  The photographs were all images of pilgrims and settlers from around the time when cameras were still considered to be advanced pieces of technology. A time when people posed in formal dress with straight faces and weren't making fools of themselves by making duck faces and taking selfies. No clue was given as to the identities of each person, but Alice could tell that they had all meant a great deal to Katherine at some time or other. Perhaps she wasn't so immune to the passage of time as she had claimed.

  The few details that Katherine would share were that she was born in Paris, but moved to the New World for reasons unknown. She lived within the Acadian colonies before falling terminally ill and her eventual rebirth at the hands of someone who she referred to only as the Gentleman. Some time after that she became a close companion of Renita Marquette and Philippe Chevalier, long before the founding of Calgary. They parted ways after spending the best of a decade or two together before eventually meeting up within the city just a few years prior to Alice’s arrival.