The path wound across the room where a miniature lake had been created in a large container whose outside was painted to look like dirt and grass. Lily pads and candles floated in the blue tinted water. Three stepping stones led across to a center island where the miniature orchestra sat, wearing court costumes. A large area of the floor, littered with glitter and flower petals, was open for dancing.
In the center of the back wall, where the stage had been, was a fairytale castle that put Katelina’s junior prom to shame. Four white towers rose with peaked roofs. Windows were lined in colored plastic that looked like stained glass. Lights inside threw colorful patches of rainbow on the floor around it. In the front, a large pair of golden gates stood at the head of a path that led to the ballroom’s double doors. Katelina wondered if they were going to open the gates, and if so what was inside.
The guests were as elaborately dressed as the room. Katelina recognized Hannah’s peacock costume, complete with a feathered cap. A masked tiger chatted to a big game hunter with a gun. A pair of Arabian princes wore gold masks and feathered turbans. Between them was a vampiress dressed as a belly dancer, including the jewel in her bellybutton. Their curled slippers looked like something from an old movie, and Katelina imagined they were hard to walk in.
Jorick stood near the musicians like a black shadow against the bright wall. He met her gaze with a nod, but no smile.
“He’s mad,” she murmured.
Verchiel followed her eyes and waved at the Executioner. “He hates these kinds of things.” His violet eyes glittered with mischief. “Unless you mean he’s mad you’re here with the best looking guy in the room, because I could understand that.”
She was ready to suggest they should talk to Jorick, when a knight in armor approached and flipped up a visor. It was Kolli. “Let me guess, you’re a princess, and you’re…” he struggled. “Peter Pan?”
Katelina suppressed a giggle and Verchiel struck a fencing pose. “I am the jaunty Robin Hood. On Guard! Be prepared to be relieved of your gold, sir!”
Kolli laughed. “Fooled you, noble sir. I have no gold. It has all gone to King John’s taxes, and to pay for my armor. Pity it’s only plastic.” He rapped the breast plate with his knuckles. “Aren’t you working like the rest of them?”
“No. I was sent to investigate the child murderer, and I’ve finished that.” He laid his finger next to his nose and winked.
Kolli looked serious. “Really? Have you made an arrest?”
“Not yet, but we will.”
When no more came, the blond vampire nodded. “Have fun. I’ll see you later.”
Katelina watched him move to the next group. “You shouldn’t have told him that.”
“It’ll be fine. Trust me.”
They made their way to Jorick and his musical outpost. Katelina saw the muscle in his jaw twitch, but he only nodded, then turned his attention to the guests.
“You look nice too,” Katelina said sarcastically.
He rolled his eyes. “You look nice.”
“Don’t strain yourself.”
Verchiel elbowed her. “Cut him some slack. He has a lot on his plate, like keeping his eyes peeled for Kali and making sure no one murders anyone.”
“And not punching you,” Jorick muttered.
Verchiel cupped his ear. “I don’t think I heard you.”
“I’m busy. Bother someone else.”
Verchiel swept his hat off and gave a bow. “In that case, good sir, we shall away.” He straightened and offered his arm. “Come, Milady.”
With a final look to Jorick, she let the redhead lead her toward the mushrooms. He grabbed a glass from one of the trays and poured a drink, his face alight. “It’s killing him.”
She sighed. “Surely he’s not jealous? He’s the one who didn’t want to dress up.”
“That too. But I meant being nice to me. Haven’t you noticed?”
“He seems as cranky as usual.”
“Nah. Normally he’d threaten to rip out my windpipe.”
He had a point. “I suppose Jamie’s making him?”
Verchiel laughed. “Jamie? I doubt anyone could make Jorick do anything. He’s under the impression you want him to be nicer.”
“Me? I mean, yeah, I do. I know the only reason he’s suspicious of you is because he can’t read your mind, but that’s no reason to be an ass when you’ve been…” she couldn’t bring herself to say nice, considering some of the things he’d pulled in the past “…helpful.”
“Right. Anyway, he’s making an effort, so you should probably mention you’ve noticed. Men like that.”
“How do I do that? ‘Gee, I noticed you aren’t as mean to Verchiel as usual. Good job.’?”
“Whatever works.”
The clock struck midnight. As the last of the chimes died away, the orchestra took up a light, slow song.
Verchiel waved his hand in time to the melody, then nodded to the door. “Look who it is.”
Katelina followed his nod to see Kali step inside, dressed in pale shimmering teal. Sparkling jewels dotted her crown and clustered at her throat. Behind her walked the twins, who’d forsaken their usual white for teal and black guard uniforms, complete with furry hats, and spears. Their black masks covered only their eyes and made a stark contrast against their white skin.
Last in the procession was Sarah. She wore the white crop top and leather pants, with a black mask that matched the twins. A lumpy scabbard hung from a low slung belt. Katelina recognized the handle that peeked out.
Verchiel squinted. “What’s she using for a dagger?”
“It’s the blade of Nu-Gua. She got it from Andrei as part of a settlement.”
Verchiel coughed. “Why does he owe her a settlement?”
“Some crap about it being Claudius’ interest in their joint company. Since Troy made her, they say she technically belonged to Claudius’ coven.”
“Did he offer Hectia money?”
Katelina started to ask who, then remembered the vampiress they’d run into months ago. “That’s right. She was a member of Claudius’ coven. Andrei made it sound like Sarah was the only survivor.”
“She’s not. There’s Hectia, and Lennon, and several others who are still alive. It seems more likely he used that as an excuse to dump something he didn’t want. It’s cursed, you know.”
“That’s what Sorino said. Something about it being made by the gods for a war among themselves.”
A familiar voice purred from behind her, “What did Sorino say?”
Katelina turned to find the vampire in question. He was dressed in a velvet vest and high collared cape, with his hair slicked back. Despite his long nosed mask, the effect called to mind Dracula.
“Very good,” he said. “And this is my hellhound.”
He motioned to Kai, who wore a tight pair of furry pants and a set of pointed ears. An exaggerated collar was clasped around his neck, and the usual slender chain was replaced with a thick plastic one. His naked chest sported a thousand scars, like a topographical map of past pain.
Verchiel nodded to them. “We were discussing the blade of Nu-Gua.”
“You might be interested to know I asked Andrei about it.”
Katelina refused to beg the vampire for information, but Verchiel had no problem. At his prompting, Sorino continued, “He said he felt it was better to return it to Claudius’ coven. Of course we all know that’s ridiculous, and I told him so. He finally admitted he hasn’t felt at ease since he found out what it was. That’s why he was willing to insult so many of his usual guests by slighting them and inviting younger vampires instead. Like Anya and her brother. He hoped to pass it off to them. However, when the price was too low, the ignorant were suspicious, and those who knew what it was weren’t interested. He tried the staff next, but when the guests refused to take it, they knew something was amiss. I imagine he’s delighted to pass it off to her, considering who’s looking for it.”
“Who’s that?” Katelina aske
d.
Sorino’s eyes twinkled. “You should really brush up on your mythology, child.”
“Humor us,” Verchiel said. “Who wants it?”
“The mighty Samael, of course. So says the legend that he shall wield the blade of Creation and strike his foe from the earth. What better candidate for the sword of Creation than the blade of Nu-Gua, also known in Chinese mythology as Nuwa, the Goddess of creation?”
Nuwa. The name rang like a bell in Katelina’s head. “Samael mentioned her…she’s the one who refused to turn him…she’s also the one who destroyed their kingdom. When he and his friend took over a civilization, Nuwa and her army eventually destroyed them in a great war. Holy shit. The gods. Samael always calls them gods. That was the war of the gods, the war the sword was forged for!”
Sorino nearly glowed with interest. “And if Samael is seeking the weapon, no doubt his counterpart wants it too. What better blade for Lilith to use than the one prophesized for her enemy?”
Katelina shook her head. “I don’t think Samael is looking for it. He hasn’t mentioned it.”
“You’re still in communication with him, even after the change?”
As if to save her from a reply, Verchiel announced, “I love this song,” and dragged her toward the dance floor with a wave to their acquaintances.
He stopped in a likely place and put his hand on her waist.
“You know how to dance?” she asked doubtfully.
“Sort of.”
Katelina looked to the swirling dancers. Skirts flared and feathers swished. “I don’t. Not like that.”
“I guess we’ll fake it.” He caught her other hand in his. “At least for a couple of twirls, or Sorino will know we ran away from him.” He gave her a spin. “You know, if Andrei thinks Samael’s after that dagger, it’s no wonder he demanded extra security.”
Katelina stumbled over Verchiel’s feet. “You mean it wasn’t really a bunch of political crap?” She thought about what their host said when they first arrived, that though they should protect the guests his coven came first. “Now that you mention it, he said he’d requested us because of the Children of Shadows and the rumors of a ‘maniacal vampire’s resurrection’. I knew he meant Samael, but I didn’t bother to wonder why he’d worry about him.”
“I’d bet that sword is the reason.”
They swung around and knocked into a pair of dancers. Verchiel apologized. When it happened twice more, a dark irritated shape tapped Verchiel on the shoulder.
They stopped and looked to Jorick’s hard face. “I’m cutting in before you trip her and break her legs.”
“You’re on duty,” the redhead said cheerfully. At Jorick’s furious expression he stopped. “I suppose one dance would be okay. Next time find your own date.” He disappeared before Jorick could club him, and reappeared near the door.
Jorick swept Katelina up and twirled effortlessly. Though she didn’t know the steps, she did her best not to step on his toes.
“I didn’t know you could dance,” she murmured after a perfectly executed move.
“Of course I can. I used to attend Oren’s soirees, or whatever Jesslynn called them. Before that Malick insisted Kateesha and I learn. He enjoyed watching us.”
Katelina battled a mixture of hatred and misplaced jealousy.
“At least you realize it’s misplaced,” he commented to her thoughts. “I’d rather dance with you than her.”
“Even though I keep stepping on your feet?”
He laughed and lifted her in the air so her feet dangled as he moved through the steps of the dance. “Easily fixed.”
She wriggled and he put her back down as the song ended. Katelina applauded politely with the others. A new song began, slower than the last.
Jorick pulled her close and moved through the flowing steps. She felt his eyes on her and looked up to meet his gaze. Longing melted through her like warm butter. Though it wasn’t hers, the intensity of it made her cheeks tint.
“You’re beautiful,” he murmured and crushed her tighter to him. “I’m sorry I failed to tell you earlier.”
“It’s okay. Verchiel’s right. You have a lot on your mind tonight.” She paused, then added, “Plus there’s the strain of being nice to him.”
She felt Jorick’s surprise. “I didn’t think you’d noticed. But, yes, I’ve been trying. Because it upsets you.” His voice took on a gruff note. “Not that I understand why you care.”
“Because I’m tired of all the fighting. It’s soul draining.”
“As if we have souls.” When she stiffened he sighed. “I’m sorry. You may be from a new generation that adores the sympathetic villain, but society never put piety with blood drinking and darkness before.”
“You don’t need to be pious to have a soul. You’re born with one whether you’re good or evil. Even Malick had one, as twisted and black as it was.”
“That’s an interesting description. If his was twisted and black, what’s mine?”
“Dark and sad,” she answered without thinking. “With a core of pure golden light you’re always trying to hide.”
He chuckled. “And yours would be pink with rainbows, I suppose?” Before she could reply, he crushed a kiss to her lips that left her body tingling.
It ended too soon. “I should get back to work. Jamie’s staring at us.”
She followed Jorick’s eyes to see the Executioner in question, arms crossed and expression hard.
“If you insist,” she murmured.
She felt his reluctance as he pulled away. “Later,” he promised with a wink and a final kiss.
As he walked away, she tried to calm her pounding heart and locate her so-called date. She looked over the guests; she recognized William dressed as a black masked pirate, talking to Yuki, the Asian vampire from Saskatchewan. She was dressed in black from head to toe, with copious amounts of feathers that made Katelina think of a swan. Brandle, in a green and purple jester costume, spoke to the goth-girl twins, who were dressed as angels, complete with shimmering white wings and halos. Borne appeared, costumed as the devil. Katelina thought that a demon suited all three.
She caught a glimpse of Anya, dressed as a Greek archeress, before she located Verchiel. He was near the fairy forest, talking to Trivila. Her handmaiden gown matched Annabelle’s, and the circlet shone with ruby gems against her blonde hair. Though she nodded to whatever he said, her body language said she wanted to escape.
When Katelina interrupted, Trivila shot her a grateful look and hurried away.
“Hey! I was working my magic,” Verchiel objected.
“That’s why she ran at the first chance?” Katelina teased.
He nodded to the dance floor. “It doesn’t look like your friend is having trouble with the opposite sex.”
Katelina looked to see Sarah in Des’ arms, swaying to the slow music. “Good for them. I’m sure joining our enemies suits her.”
The giant clock chimed twelve-thirty. The music stopped and the costumed servants hurried to open the gates of the castle and fold back the sides. Katelina moved to see past them. The stage was still there, though now it held a pair of ornate thrones with a coat of arms above them. A red carpet rolled down to the gates, ending shy of the brown paper path. Heavy red draperies hung around the thrones, and glittering potted plants gave a touch of fairytale greenery.
Andrei made a show of taking Annabelle’s hand. Holding it high, he led her from their spot by the door to the thrones. Trivila and Marna trailed after them, carrying the trains of their cloaks. The guests parted for them and, like something from a pageant, they took their seats.
Andrei gave a gloved wave. The vampires who were gathered near the castle moved to leave a large open space. A chime sounded and the theater troupe jogged through the door on their toes, dressed in their togas and their masks. They circled the room, then came to a final stop before the host and hostess. The front row bowed deeply, then danced backwards while the next row moved up and did the same thin
g. When they’d all bowed, they broke apart and moved to the sides. A single vampire stepped forward and explained in rhyme that in honor of the hosts they had a new presentation that had never been seen before. Andrei gave a nod and waved them to continue.
Sorino walked up behind Verchiel. “This should be interesting. I had a little chat with them after their last performance, and they promised to correct a few things.”
Before Katelina could ask what he meant, the narrator set the scene and promised this version was the truth behind the myth. The vampires who represented Samael and Lilith danced into the center, only this time Samael wore the red heart on his chest. They danced and sang a song about their love, accompanied by the orchestra. The joy turned to anger, and soon they threw bitter words instead of kisses. Lilith danced away and Samael turned to the vampires on the side. Three came forward. One after another, he danced with each, as he had in the last performance. Instead of watching jealously, Lilith was busy dancing with her own vampires. They did a round of beautiful choreography that broke to leave Lilith and Samael in the center, circling one another. They danced closer, then back again, pantomiming their fight. At last, as Samael leered in her face, a vampire from her side leapt forward, spun him around, and ripped the heart from his chest.
Samael stumbled backwards and fell artfully to the floor. Katelina readied to clap politely, but the play didn’t end. Instead Lilith carefully arranged her fallen lover, and sang a song of triumph. Samael’s three wives wept. Lilith moved to each and motioned across them, as though slitting their throats. They crumpled to the floor, and she took up a dance with the one who’d helped murder her husband.
The other vampires joined. While they reveled and sang, one of the wives rose and swapped her mask for a new one. With her new face she approached the prone Samael and danced around him. On the third circle he lifted his hand. She took it and helped him to his feet.
Masque of the Vampire (Amaranthine Book 8) Page 36