The man who’d looked after her, fed her, but never been anything more to her…she’d never looked on him as a father figure. He’d been too cold and distant for that in the beginning…she was a child and he didn’t know what to do with her, other than tend to her basic needs, then one day he ordered her outside and started to train her.
“If you’re going to survive in this damn world, then you need to learn how to fight and protect yourself. Since your father’s disappeared, I guess I’ll have to show you…now, the first thing we need to do is get you toughened up.”
She’d hated him then. Hated him for months until she’d done just what he’d set out to do…toughened up. Then she’d learned, and learned fast. She had learned so much from him over the next year, and when her father had made a fleeting visit, he’d been surprised to see her flying around like a whirlwind and building up her strength.
On his next visit several months later, she’d progressed to throwing knives…and a year after that to short swords. As time between his visits grew even more sporadic, she no longer cried for him in her bed at night, and Seth took her out on his foraging hunts…sometimes. It was then she realized how bad things were, and she applied herself even more, worked harder, trained more…and learned everything he could teach her.
But not once did she ever look on him as anything other than a provider and a harsh teacher…a person to be nervous of for his sharp tongue and grueling training sessions, who she had to stay with until her father finally found her mother, and they could all be together again.
Until she was sixteen and realized the folly of that fantasy. Her mother was probably dead. She knew it. Deep down inside her, she knew it, but she would never say it aloud. Never voice it to her father…never shatter his dream of finding her one day.
So she stayed with Seth and became the best she could be in the circumstances…the Black Rose…an assassin who was feared by any who heard her name, and a broken woman in the arms of the only man she could trust.
Basilius stared hard at the lower Demon in front of him. “It’s a female? Our go to assassin is a woman?”
“Yes, Master,” the man said, bowing low, his eyes never meeting his.
“Look at me when I’m talking to you!” Basilius ordered. “I won’t eat you. Well, not if you do your job right.”
“Sorry.”
Basilius looked at the typed sheet of paper in front of him, which held very little information. “So, who is this person? Name, age, where does she live?”
“They call her The Black Rose. She’s young, but we don’t have her exact age, as she appears to be like a ghost. She gets into places and takes care of business as if nobody’s been there. All her victims end up dead, a lot of them with their lips and tongue blackened.”
“Any idea of where she lives? I’d like to visit and introduce myself.” Basilius ran a hand over his beard, intrigued by this assassin. “I’ve taken over as Head of the Council, so I think I should meet with her.”
“I’m sorry, but no, none of them will admit to knowing where she lives. They do it all via satellite phones, so she must be somewhere she can receive a signal. That’s about all I could gather.”
“I suggest you go and try to find some more information.” Basilius growled. “Or, better still, find me something of hers, or that she’s handled, and I’ll find her myself.”
“Of course.” His assistant bowed, backing out of his office.
“A young female assassin.” Basilius ran it through his head, wondering what this Black Rose person was like. He needed to get in touch with her because he wanted someone dead and he couldn’t do it himself. Well, not that he couldn’t, just that if he did, it could pose problems for him in the future. No, better to have it done by an assassin and keep his hands clean. For this one anyway.
He now led the very powerful Council, made up of the most influential people in just about every species, including humans. A Demon in charge came as a bit of a surprise to some, but not to him, he’d orchestrated the whole damn thing. In a world where his kind now roamed free, it was the first step to Demons gaining the upper hand.
The next step was taking out the Vampire who may just throw a wrench in the works. The Black Rose would help him in that department. He just needed to find her and convince her to take on the job. A job that several of his Demons had already failed at. Dangerous? Yes. Could it be done? He fucking hoped so or all his hard work would go to waste, and that’s not something he’d ever allow to happen.
Rising, he strolled over to the window, looking out over the ravaged landscape. Still amazed at how quickly things had gone to hell when the different species went to war. He had to rebuild everything, make things far better than they were now. After all, why rule over such a damaged place? No, he wanted to rule over a world that was better than it’d ever been, bend it to his will and take what, and who, he wanted.
With that thought in mind, he strode over to his office door, opening it to find his assistant at his desk, furiously typing on a keyboard. Off to the right sat a row of young women, all different, all beautiful, all his. Basilius wandered along the line, seeing fear and apprehension in each beautiful face. A small redhead at the end caught his attention and he gave her a smile as he held his hand out.
“You,” was all he said as she timidly held out her hand. Grabbing it, he hauled her to her feet, almost dragging her back inside his office. Kicking the door closed behind them, he pointed to the curtains at the side of the large fireplace. “Through there. Undress and wait for me.”
She shook as she walked away, his eyes taking in her ripe ass as she disappeared through the thick velvet. “Hmm, nice,” he murmured, wondering how she’d taste when he sank his teeth into her sweet, soft skin.
He may, or may not, let her live, he was undecided.
Just as he was about to join her, there was a soft knock at his door. “Orthon, this better be good,” he snapped as his assistant snuck in.
“I’ve got a hold of some paperwork that she touched, Master. I’ll have it in my possession within the hour.”
Basilius grinned. “Good work. An hour? That gives me just enough time to have some fun. Go.”
Orthon rushed out, closing the door behind him as Basilius swept one of the velvet curtains out of his way. “I hope you’re ready to please your Master,” he said coldly as he gazed at the naked girl on his massive bed.
“Yes,” she mumbled, her body shaking in obvious fear.
“I’m glad.” Starting to strip as he stalked towards her. “You may just leave this room alive.”
As her eyes widened in terror, Basilius threw his head backwards, laughing with glee. Today might not be such a bad day after all.
* * *
Cassius straightened his bow tie, checking his tux was hanging just right in the mirror, running a hand through his hair. “Everything set, Val?” he asked his right hand man.
“Sure thing, boss.” Valentine sat lounging on a chair, glass of whisky in hand.
“We’ve got all of the leaders of the Vampire nests waiting for you in the ballroom.”
Cassius looked his friend over. “Straighten your tie, Val, you look as if you’re going for a casual dinner, not a high-end party in the Ballroom of the Plaza.”
“You know I hate all this dressing up you make me do. I prefer nothing around my neck, especially not a fucking tie.”
“You look good in a suit, though I wish you’d worn a tux.” Cassius shook his head. “Although you’d probably still look scruffy. I’ve no idea what you do to clothes when you put them on, Val, but you’re an expert in that scruffy look so many of the women like.”
“Hey,” Val said, and held up his glass. “It’s an art form, boss.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Cassius smirked. “So, how are things looking downstairs? Do we have enough support?”
“Sure you do.” Val stood up, his blond hair sticking out at odd angles as his blue eyes twinkled. “You’re the poster boy for Vamps, Cass. I think
there’s only one or two who aren’t in our camp, and that’s because they have visions of being in your shoes. So not happening, though. You’re the man, or should I say Vampire, for the job.”
“I may be one of the oldest left alive, but in this strange new world, I may not have everyone’s support. My ideas are rather alarming to some.”
Val stood, slapping Cassius on the shoulder. “You’re a visionary, boss. I know you’re the one who can make this world better for all of us. So, deep breath, and go wow those lazy fucks downstairs. I’ve got your back.”
“I know that, Valentine.” Cassius grabbed Val’s free hand, holding it firmly. “I understand this is a game-changer for us all. If I’m to be crowned the Lamia Summus Dominum, then we shall no longer be at war with the humans, or any other race that wants to live in peace. Are we ready for that? As a species, are we ready?”
“I fucking hope so, boss, ‘cause all this killing, hunting, and slaughter does nobody any good.” Val shrugged, his large shoulders stretching the material on his jacket to almost its breaking point. “If anyone can do this, it’s you, Cass.”
Cassius nodded grimly, his face set in stone as they walked together to the elevator. “Cass, why are all the titles in Latin? Why can’t folks just say the Vampire High Duke? I fucking hate Latin.”
“I’m not overly fond of it either. Brings back some very unhappy memories for me.”
Val pressed the button to summon their ride down to the ballroom. “Hell, I forgot, you were alive then. Damn, that’s a long time to live.”
“Yes,” Cassius said with a tinge of sadness. “It is. I’ve seen the world change in ways that were unimaginable but are now common. Like the elevator, for instance. It would never have been thought such a thing could exist, but here we are using one. We’re lucky we still have power, too, far too many other places do not.”
“I’ve been to those towns and cities, it ain’t pretty. Seems like when the power goes, then so does any lingering humanity.” Val shuddered. “Jeez, listen to me, a Vampire who’s upset at the loss of humanity.”
Cassius clapped his hand on Valentine’s shoulder. “That’s why you’re my best friend, Val, and my second-in-command. Hope you’re up to the job ahead, my friend, because I’m certain it’s going to be a bumpy ride.”
“Hey, I’ve never done simple, so I’m right beside you.”
“Good.” Cassius smiled as the elevator doors pinged open, stepping inside, he carried on, “If things go our way and I’m proclaimed the Dominum, then I’ll be swearing you in as the Domini Equis.”
“Come again?” Val frowned, obviously not understanding.
“You’ll be the Lord’s Knight, aka my right hand man and protector.”
“Shit.” Val’s chest puffed out, straining the shirt beneath his jacket. “You think I’m up to that? I’ve always been the brawn, Cass, and you’re the brains.”
“Stop that,” Cassius chastised. “You are so much more than brawn. I value your opinion and you have a unique way of looking at things that I am certain will help me. You are the only man I want guarding my back, Valentine.”
“Thanks.” Val blushed, looking down at the floor to hide it. “I guess I’ll be the, what did you call it? The Domini somat or other?”
“Domini Equis,” Cassius said, straightening his face into a mask of nonchalance as they reached their destination. “You ready?”
Val straightened, moved his head from side to side, cracking his neck, as his face became stern and harsh. “Sure am, boss. But can I ask you something first?”
“Sure.”
“How the fuck do you get that designer stubble look just right? Every time I try it, I look a mess.”
Val’s face was serious, his eyes looking over at Cassius’ face intently.
“Valentine, you always know how to lighten my mood at times of stress. If that’s a serious question, I’ll tell you later. For now, we have some business to attend to.”
Cassius strode purposefully towards the entrance to the Ballroom, nodding to two of his guards at the door as they entered. As soon as he was inside, a roar erupted, hands clapping, and feet stomping on the marble floor. As he looked around, he saw many faces he knew, and many he did not. This had taken months to organize, getting the heads of the myriad of nests of Vampires together under one roof. Now, here they were before him, and if not all, then the majority seemed happy.
His long legs ate up the distance to the front of the room, where several of the most influential Vampires stood. In front of them lay the votes that had been cast, counted, and stacked in neat piles on an ornate table. Cassius took his place beside them, and Valeria, one of the most powerful Vampires in the world, stepped towards him.
“Good evening, Valeria, so nice to see you again, and looking ravishing as ever.”
Cocking her head to the side, she gave him a cheeky smile. “Nice to see you again, too, Cassius. I see you haven’t lost your knack for flattery.”
“I’m only speaking the truth.” He smiled, his hand motioning to take in her magnificent gown.
“I try my best.” She all but purred before lowering her voice. “The votes have been cast, except yours, of course. Do you wish to do that now?”
Cassius shook his head. “I think not. If I need my one vote, then my place is not assured, so I’ll refrain. If that’s all right?”
“Certainly.” Valeria winked at him wickedly. “I don’t think you need it anyway.”
She turned away as Cassius tried to hide his growing excitement. Valeria stepped forward towards the crowd, her hands rising to gain silence. “Vampires of the world, I’m not going to bore you with a long speech about why we’re here. We all know why we’re here. So, shall I just cut to the chase?”
Valeria paused, cupping a hand behind an ear and leaning forward as applause broke out once again, accompanied by a resounding, “Yes!”
“Alrighty then.” She smirked as she pointed to the piles of paper on the table. “We’ve voted. We’ve counted. After far too long without a ruling leader, I am extremely pleased to announce we now have our Lamia Summus Dominum, or for those of you who can’t be bothered with Latin, our Vampire High Duke.”
There were a few shouted comments, some of which were downright nasty about using Latin. Valeria just shook her head, chastising, “Boys, boys, please behave,” before she continued in a far more serious voice. “It will not come as any surprise as to who this is. After all, the old rogue has more than ninety percent of the votes, but in the interest of decorum, I will announce the winner.”
Valeria turned again, winking at Cassius. “Let us welcome our new Vampire High Duke, Cassius Allarde!”
Valentine slapped his back hard. “Go, Cass.”
Cassius looked over his shoulder. “A little more decorum, Val.” He smirked before stepping up to stand beside Valeria.
“Let me be the first to congratulate you, Cassius. I know you’re going to do great things for us.”
Valeria stood on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek, whispering in his ear, “And if you want some female company later, you know I’d be more than happy to oblige.”
Cassius kissed her quickly on her lips. “Thank you,” he said before turning to the crowd, having to wait a few moments before it was quiet enough for him to speak.
Taking a deep breath, he looked out over the almost two hundred Vampires, nodding as he met the gaze of some he knew well.
“Fellow Vampires! It’s an honor to be elected, and I know some of you are aware of the direction I would like our species to go in. Peace, plain and simple, is the only way to ensure not only our survival, but our progress in this shell of a world we now live in.”
Cassius had to pause as another round of clapping filled the room. “I want to start my reign with something simple but very important to our future success as a race. I am going to place responsibility for the actions of any and all Vampires where it belongs. On their Sire. We can all sense our progeny. We know when they do wrong.
So, as my very first action as Duke, I want the word to be spread that from now on, if a Vampire does wrong, then their Sire will have one chance to fix that problem. If they refuse, then both the Sire and the wrongdoer will be held accountable.”
He thought he’d overplayed his hand as silence met him, some frowns and shocked looks, so he carried on to try and get his point across.
“Centuries ago, this was the norm. We were responsible for any human we turned and it worked well. We all acted for the good of the species as a whole. Those old ways should return. Not for the benefit of anyone but us. If we police our own for wrongdoing, then the other species cannot hold all of us liable for those few who act this way. We have got to become strong from the inside out. When we are above reproach, then, and only then, shall we flourish as a species. Please, take a moment to think and then tell me, do you agree?”
Valeria stepped up beside him. “As usual, Cassius, you don’t do anything by halves.”
“But do you agree?” he asked as he watched the crowd ponder his words.
“Hell yeah.” She grinned. “It’s kinda like being a parent in the human world. You’ve got to keep tabs on your kids and make sure they do no wrong. Only difference is when ours go bad, it usually means at least one human is ripped to shreds.”
“Exactly.” Cassius nodded, his head whipping up when shouts started to come from the crowd.
“I agree.” “So do I.” “And me.” More and more shouts echoed around him and he let out the breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding.
“Good luck.” Valeria smiled as she stepped back.
“Thank you.” Cassius held his hands up again. “We will return here one month from now for the official ceremony. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for placing your confidence in me, and I will strive to do what is best for us, the Vampires, at all times. I’d also like to name my Domini Equis. I’m sure it won’t come as a surprise to any of you who know me, it is, of course, Valentine, my friend, my conscience, and my right hand man.”
The Black Rose Chronicles: Deceit and Lies Page 3