by Strider, Jez
She was walking around the room now, picking up shredded articles of clothing. My clothing…. I wouldn’t be wearing that dress again. “I’m not allowed to talk to you about anything other than giving you Master Sanuto’s directions.” Her voice was neutral. “Though since I am the Queen’s servant, I will do as she wishes.” I could detect something in her voice. It was like everything she said had a double meaning and I wondered if I had an ally on the inside. “I’m going to get your breakfast. Oh, my name is Taya.”
I worried that I was reading too much into her words, but I had to find out for sure. She seemed different than the other servants I had encountered. Perhaps she was desperate to escape life within these halls. Maybe she wanted to go home.
While I waited for her return, I walked around the room. There was a desk near the window. I saw a newspaper on the desk. It was from over four months ago and I recognized it. There was a small photo of me surrounded by children and their pets. I’d done a pet safety education course which the paper included an article about. I guess he wanted me to know that he’d been watching me for a while. Disgusting. I moved on and found personalized stationary with my name. Well, sort of, Evelina Sanuto is what it read. That’s when I realized this wasn’t Dante’s room, but mine.
“No way, absolutely not.” I threw the paper back onto the desk.
When the servant girl, Taya, returned I was sitting at the desk with my face buried in my hands. She sat the tray in front of me and went about her business, changing the sheets and making the bed. I moved my hands and looked down at the food. I was starving. The platter had fancy strawberry crepes and orange juice, but what caught my eyes was the small glass of red liquid. I could smell it without even lifting the glass to my nose. It was blood.
I slowly fixed my gaze on Taya and asked, “Was this in Master Sanuto’s directions?”
“No, mistress. You looked weak.” She replied. This girl always seemed so expressionless with her responses.
Didn’t she know Dante would kill her for the slightest error? I took the glass and drank every drop of blood. It would be foolish to look a gift horse in the mouth. The blood immediately made my strength start to return.
“It was a gift from one of the donors. No one will find out.”
“Alright, enough is enough. Give me the truth about why you’re so helpful.” My voice was commanding. “People don’t just cross Dante without reason, even for the simplest things.”
Taya took a seat in the chair opposite me at the desk. Her hands rested calmly in her lap. “I was a gift to Antonio from his father. Dante spotted me in Manila with my friend. We were celebrating our graduation with the trip. Until recently, I was the Prince’s favorite girl. I loathe Dante, but I fell for Antonio. I was his lovely Pinay. He’s as kind as the Master is evil.” The girl looked saddened. “When Tonio disappeared, Dante made me a servant. Antonio is the only man allowed to have me.”
“I see.” No wonder Dante had chosen her as my servant. She was in love with Antonio. The food was a welcome distraction from looking up at her, so I focused on eating. “So you have a death wish now by disobeying?”
“Of course not.” She let out a musical laugh and I looked up. “Amongst the people, there is a legend. Anyone heard speaking of it severely punished, usually by death.” The excitement building in her voice made me nervous. “It is said that the Queen will arrive and save the people from the reign of the evil King.”
Dumbfounded, I stared at the girl. “And you believe that?” My first reaction was to ask if she was crazy or just stupid, but I figured it would be wise to use this newfound knowledge to my advantage.
She nodded and gave a shrug. “I didn’t believe it before, but here you are. Even if it’s just a silly predication or legend, you can make it true.”
“How do you know I don’t want to rule with Dante? Or that I love him?” I eyed her seriously as I questioned the girl. “If I do love him, then you will be dead by the end of the day.”
“You’re strong. I heard that you even attacked and drank from the Master. No one like that would want to be his prisoner and slave. Besides, you’re the only hope of the people he keeps against their will. It’s not just me!” She raised her voice and I could hear the desperation.
I held up my hand to calm her down. “Hush! What about Antonio? Do you think he wants to be the next “King.”
She shook her head. “I don’t think he wants to, but the society has to have a leader to keep the vampires from getting out of control. I just assumed you would both rule together.”
“Wouldn’t that make you jealous?”
“Yes, but Antonio never falls in love with anyone. He takes many women to his chambers. Last night, I noticed him take the two women you saw near the throne. Afterwards, he came looking for me and we spent the rest of the night together. I think he cares for me, but something holds him back.” She shrugged.
That part of the conversation I could have done without. “Can you get me any weapons?” I directed the topic to the matter at hand.
A sly little smirk spread across her face. “I slipped a Balisong into your purse. The kitchen workers would have been suspicious if I put anything sharp on your tray for breakfast. I may be able to get something at dinner.” She checked the time on her gold watch and I wondered if it had been a gift from Dante or Antonio. “Speaking of which, I better get out of here. You’re expected to be cleaned up and ready for your official introduction this evening.” The tray was in her hand and she was headed for the door in a hurry.
“Taya,” I called out and she turned to face me with a reverent smile. “Thanks. And…Next time you see Antonio….” It was hard to decide what to tell the girl. “Tell him you’re on our side.”
Her expression looked confused, but she nodded and said, “Sure.”
The food and blood helped physically, but my mind was still all screwed up. I looked in the mirror and hated myself. I was used and abused. I’d had one of the shortest engagements ever. There was no way Marcus would take me back after getting myself into a situation where another vampire had sex with me. Also, Antonio depended on women to drown his sorrows and he was so broken he couldn’t fall in love with someone else. I blamed myself for that, too.
My purse was sitting on the large sink counter. I opened it and found the butterfly knife Taya mentioned inside. The secret compartment appeared to still be intact. With a flip, I dumped everything out of the purse and onto the counter. The knife was perfect for cutting open the stitching. I wish I could say I fanned the knife open like a professional, but I was actually careful as I opened it. Syringe, needle, and blood thinner were all still there. I didn’t know how much time I had until Dante returned, so I prepared my secret weapon immediately. The injection and the knife needed an easily accessible hiding place. I looked around the bathroom and groaned in frustration. There was nothing that seemed suitable so I went back into the bedroom. The bed. It had to be the bed. He would only let his guard down there. I pulled back the bedspread. The pillows were massive. I concealed both items underneath.
Time was escaping me. There was no clock that I could find in my room and I couldn’t see outside. The shutters were locked. Of course they were. Just more of Dante’s mind games to torment me. I had to get ready to be presented to the followers. Besides, I wanted to scrub myself clean of the vampire.
The bathroom tub was closer to the size of a hot tub. I smelled a few scented bath salts before choosing one that seemed most relaxing. The fragrance of honeysuckle sweetly assaulted my nostrils as the hot water filled the bath. When I lowered myself into the tub, I instantly dunked my entire body under the water, including my head. In my down state, I wondered if I could just drown myself. Or perhaps just use the knife to make a couple of slits. It wasn’t like me, but I’d be lying to myself if I didn’t admit the thoughts crossed my mind. There was no way I would have actually killed myself, but at the time, the idea was comforting to my struggling mind.
My bedroom door
creaked open sometime later and I opened my eyes. Taya poked her head into the bathroom to tell me she had my lunch. Hadn’t I just had breakfast? More time must have passed than I had known. With a sigh, I climbed out of the bath and wrapped the towel around me. I stopped when I passed the mirror and noticed the bite mark on my breast had finally faded. “The wonders of drinking blood….” I mumbled with bemusement.
“More blood.” Taya said and gestured to the serving plate.
She was risking too much because of this crazy legend, but I understood all too well the desire for freedom. “Thanks.” I forced a smile as I sat down, cutting a small piece off the chicken breast. Wait. I stared at the knife in my hand. “How did you get this to me?” One more weapon to hide in the room gave me more chance at victory.
Taya smiled as she spoke. “The kitchen was empty because it’s somewhat early for lunch. The guards trust me so they didn’t even search the tray.” She lowered her voice. “They expect I’ll be up for grabs soon when Antonio bores of me. I think they’re angry he’s back.”
“You’re a good ally to have.” I finished cutting up my meat and wiped off the blade, placing it on the desk for later. Another serving of blood was helping my mood. My increased appetite for the crimson life giver was extremely irritating. I’d lived on such small amounts before, but now I couldn’t imagine being so weak again.
“May I fix your hair for you? If you’re perfect, the Master will be pleased.” She said as she was already making her way to prepare the beauty tools on the vanity. I opened my mouth to protest, but the better Dante’s mood, the more likely he would be to let his guard down. All I did was give a faint nod.
Everything that surrounded me was expensive and beautiful. I hated it. I longed for Marcus’ home. The mess, the dog, his embrace…. Taya must have sensed my unease so she kept silent while I finished my lunch.
She pulled out the chair to the vanity and I went to sit down in it. “Do you know how he likes my hair?” I asked.
“Have you looked around this mansion? It’s filled with paintings of you. Trust me. It will make him feel like he’s stepped back in time.” Her hands were fast and precise with each strand of hair. I could see her reflection as she worked. Bobby pins were held securely between her dark lips.
“Is this what you wanted to do before Dante picked you for a gift?” If it wasn’t, she definitely missed her calling.
Her eyes softened. “Yes. My mother taught me everything. She has a successful business and I was going to start working for her after I returned from my trip.”
Dante had hurt too many people. This had been about freedom for me, Marcus, and Antonio, but now it was for so many more people. “I’m sorry.” My voice was sympathetic.
“It’s fine. I’ll go home again one day.” She instructed me to turn in my chair and looked me over, then went to get my make-up. “My twenty-first birthday is coming up. Dante says if Antonio doesn’t claim me and change me, he’s going to do it himself. Youthful beauty preserved or something.”
“Yeah. He probably would have changed me even if I wasn’t on death’s bed. It was just a matter of time.” I told her. Dante saved my life, but he deserved to die. There was no reasoning or chance of redemption for him. Whenever I wavered, I had to remind myself of how cruel he could be.
I would have preferred to do my own make-up, but Taya seemed to want to help and she did know what she was doing. “Venice must have been romantic. Master Sanuto must have fooled you on his true personality. I’ve never seen anyone manipulate people so easily.” She said.
“It was incredibly romantic and beautiful.” A small sigh escaped me as I spoke. “I thought Dante was just a rich gentleman and I enjoyed entertaining him. When he saved me, I loved him for it. I wasn’t in love with him, though, and being kept in captivity turned my feelings dark over time.”
Taya listened intently. I figured she’d heard some version of the tale before. “Captivity?” She asked and I explained how he kept me locked away. “That sure isn’t the story we were told.”
We were finished getting me ready except for my dress. “Tell me.” It hadn’t dawned on me before. All these people expected my return, but Antonio had said he thought I died in Venice.
“Well, the tale goes that your hunger was overwhelming when he turned you into a vampire. You couldn’t control your hunger around humans and lost your memory of the past after the change. For your own safety, he hid your existence from everyone, even his own son. Dante tells that you lived lavishly in hiding.” I nodded. He did spare no expense for my comfort, but that was the only truth I’d heard so far in her tale.
“Go on.”
She paused to check the time before continuing. “When Versaille was stormed, he says that you went missing after killing a servant, a poor woman, and countless others. He followed the carnage, but eventually lost the trail after your blood thirst had been sated and you left no more bodies. The master returned to Venice with his son to mourn the heartbreak of losing his love. Antonio didn’t know for a long time what had happened. Some say he never believed the tale to begin with and that he was the one you actually loved.”
Awkwardly, I laughed. “I was young and I was a courtesan. I loved many men.” My heart was thundering inside, but my voice came out convincing. “There is little truth to his version of what happened, but perhaps, it is better that way.”
“The people fear you almost as much as they do him. Some fear you even more.” Her lips curled into a grin. “That is why when you kill him you won’t have anyone challenge you outright. Also, I’ve been spreading a few rumors myself to scare them. We will be very powerful.” The smirk disappeared as she let the “we” part slip.
“You enjoy all this, don’t you?” I eyed the girl suspiciously. “The intrigue, danger, and vampires make your pulse race. You want to be a real part of this, not just a serving girl.” Taya was more than she appeared.
Her face flushed and she cursed under her breath. “I want to be a part of something amazing so Antonio sees me through different eyes.” She paused and looked at me, speaking more softly. “I want him to look at me like he does when he stares at the paintings of you.”
So she did know. She was so young and foolish, but I had been the same. Heck, I was still the same when it came to love. With age comes wisdom…. Not quite.
“What if I declare you the leader of this vampire society after Dante’s dead?” I asked and I was serious. “You can be the princess or whatever the rank would be.” The fact of the matter was that I didn’t want anything to do with it and if she did, I was fine with that.
“I’m…I’m not a vampire. How could that work?” The way she sounded when she spoke gave me hope that she was interested.
It didn’t all quite make sense in my head, but the idea was forming more cohesively moment by moment. “If we even get that far…I’ll tell everyone I’m leaving you in charge while I’m away and that you’re under my protection. Whether or not you want to become a vampire will be your own choice.”
Taya stood up, pacing back and forth for a moment. “Everyone knows I’m Antonio’s favorite, as well. The people do love him. He’s broods and is moody, but he’s far more likable than Dante.” She took another glimpse at her watch and frowned. Before I realized what was happening, her arms had wrapped around me and she embraced me. “He’s going to return soon. Good luck and thank you. I would love to lead for you.” The hug was delicate so she wouldn’t mess up my hair or make-up. Then she was gone and I was alone again.
I’d slipped into the royal purple evening gown that was left for me and sat lost in thought at the desk. My jewelry had gone missing, but I looked decent despite the lack of accessories. As I sat there, every possible scenario I could think of raced through my mind. The smuggled cutlery was in the top center desk drawer under some paper. I thought it might be wise to spread out my weaponry. Oddly enough, I found myself longing for the vampire king’s return. Much more time locked up in the room and I’d lose
my composure. Of course, time seemed to slow down and pass at an unbearable creep as I waited.
This needed to end soon.
Upon Dante’s return, I could tell he was up to something. When was he not up to something? He entered my room and I rose to my feet out of respect, smiling. The dress moved delicately against my body as I walked forward giving a small curtsey and extending my hand for him to kiss. He looked pleasantly surprised at my behavior. The undershirt of his perfectly tailor suit matched the color of my gown exactly. His hand gently took mine and he pressed his lips softly to the top.
“Master Sanuto, what are you hiding?” I kept my tone as light and playful as possible. He was keeping something hidden behind his back with his other hand. It was risky, but I tried to reach for it.
“Do you think you deserve presents after abandoning me for all these years?” He grabbed my hand and squeezed forcibly, just enough to hurt but not do any real damage.
I puffed out my bottom lip and lowered my eyes for a moment before looking up at him. “No…but I want it, sir.” Finally, after a few long moments of showing his power and force he loosened the grip and brought around the box. I grinned mischievously before leaning up and engaging him in a long, deep kiss. There was no holding back. This evening’s performance had to be the best.
As I tried to usher him to the bed, he pulled back from my advances. “After we introduce you to everyone,” he said affirmatively. “You’re smearing your lipstick.” He gave me a small shove into seating on the bed after the scolding remark. I tried not to glance toward the pillows hiding my weapons. Was I close enough and quick enough? No…I had to wait until I was sure. I kept having visions of him tossing aside the pillow and revealing what I’d been planning. What if he’d had a camera in the room? I should have thought of that. Why didn’t I think of that before!?
For the moment, my worries were unfounded and the train of thought was derailed when he opened the box with my present. Dumbfounded, I stared at the most elaborate and intricate slave collar that I’d ever seen. On the front were Dante’s intials in elegant script. The black leather glistened and was studded with diamonds. The D-rings, usually cheaper metal, looked to be made of white gold. I’d seen some BDSM stuff through the years, but this was the most expensive symbol of owner ship I’d ever beheld. It had never really been my scene, but I’d played around with some of my lovers. This total power exchange terrified me. It was already happening, but the collar seemed to make it all more real.