by Leigh Walker
Eve frowned at him. “Filthy bloodsucker lover.” She said it under her breath, but I still heard her.
“What was that, young lady?” The general stared her down, his face a smooth, deadly mask.
Fear thrummed through me.
The row of girls in front of us parted, leaving a clear path to Eve. She squared her shoulders. “I said—”
I reached out and snatched her arm, squeezing. “She was just telling me what time it was, sir.”
“Is that so?” General Isaacs crossed his arms against his powerful chest, waiting for Eve to respond.
“No, it is not so.” Eve’s breathing was loud, her nostrils flared. “I said you’re a filthy—”
I stepped on her foot. Hard.
“Ow!”
The general strode toward us. The other girls backed up, frightened. “You two will be riding with me.”
I forced myself to nod, conciliatory. “Yes, sir.”
To her credit, Eve said absolutely nothing. But her jaw was tight, as if she were fighting hard to bite back words that were dying to spew forth.
I put my hand back on her arm, gently this time. Easy, I tried to say with my touch.
General Isaacs stayed nearby. Up close, I could see the moisture from his nostrils splayed across the top of his mustache. Disgusting.
He stared at me, his eyes a cold, brilliant blue. I shivered, and it had nothing to do with the cold. And dangerous.
We heard horses approaching, and a line of carriages pulled up to the curb. I looked at them with wonder as the other girls quietly murmured amongst themselves. Horses. Real horses! The government had confiscated them all when they took over. I used to ride every day, but these were the first horses I’d seen in years.
The general motioned for us to follow him to the first carriage, and our guards trailed behind. Even Eve looked impressed by the stately black coach and the team of beautiful white mares attached to the front. A young, handsome officer, dressed finely in the colors of the Black Court, opened the door to the coach for us. The driver tipped his shiny hat in our direction.
I made a mental note to discuss the sheer volume of human guards they had with Eve later. I was shocked. I’d thought only the Northerners worked for the royal family and the Black Guard. Apparently, I’d been wrong. At this one gathering, there were close to forty civilian guards.
I filed the information away for safekeeping as I climbed aboard the carriage.
The door closed behind us, and Eve and I sat silently as the general settled himself on the opposite bench. Our guards sat on either side of him, their faces grim.
The coachman flicked the reins, and the horses cantered off. Fields of green grass stretched out before us. It had already snowed lightly back home, but it was warmer here.
“Ladies.” The general’s low voice startled me. “We didn’t get off to a good start. I’m sorry I singled you out, but it’s my job to maintain order. I had to set an example.”
I nodded once in acknowledgment, relieved. Eve said nothing, her silence stony.
The general’s face softened. “Come now. I meant the apology. I can only imagine what you were saying back there, and trust me, I’ve heard it all.” He smiled at Eve, the corners of his eyes crinkling. Had I just thought him disgusting? His smile transformed his face, making him look like a kindly, good-natured grandfather.
“You must be nervous, with the invitations coming just last night, and now, all this.” He gestured out toward the fields just as soaring gates made of pristine gray stone came into view.
“Is this the palace?” I asked breathlessly.
He smiled in encouragement. “Yes, yes. Just wait until you see it up close. It’s even more beautiful than it looks in the propaganda shorts.”
My breath hitched. He’d said “propaganda.” Was that an invitation to speak freely?
Eve leaned forward. I’d only met her hours before, but the smile on her face looked false. “Is the prince here? Will we meet him now?”
“Oh, yes,” the General said. “He’s thrilled the contest is finally getting started. It was his idea, you know.”
Eve’s aqua eyes were wide. “It was his idea to marry a civilian?”
“Absolutely. He’s very forward-minded.” The general nodded and smiled. “Are you excited to have been included, dear?”
The fake smile slid off Eve’s face as she sat back, considering him. “Oh, I’m thrilled, dear.”
My heart thudded in my ears. I willed her to shut up.
Eve continued. “I was thrilled with the sandwiches, so you might understand that I’m practically near tears to be so close to such forward-minded greatness.”
The general sat back. “I think you’ll be surprised by the prince.”
Eve cocked her head at him. “I’m sure he’s something, all right.”
The smile slid from his face.
She elbowed me. “Did you hear that, Gwyn? The prince thinks mixing with us is cutting edge. I bet I get extra points for being a twofer—human and poor.”
“Oh. Yes,” I said stupidly. I blinked as I watched the hard stare on the General’s face.
He glowered at Eve. “If you can’t play along, you’re going to find yourself in a tight spot. And like I said, you will obey me. You don’t have a choice.”
“But don’t I? My mother always said—before she was killed by the Black Guard, that is—she said you always have a choice. And unlike you, I don’t mind a bit of trouble, so long as it’s honest.” She cocked her head at him. “Do you want to know what I said back there, at the station?”
“I’m all ears.”
I reached for her. “Eve, no.”
“I said you were a filthy bloodsucker lover. And you’ve just confirmed it, General. Turning your back on your own kind, blathering on about the finer points of our benevolent prince, trying to trick us into feeling at ease enough to talk to you.” She smiled at him, but her face glowed with hate. “But I don’t need to be tricked into telling the truth, so here it is. I hope you get what’s coming to you. I hope they drain you dry when they’re done with you.”
“Ah, I see.” The general leaned back, all pretenses of friendliness vanished. “A rebel. In cheap shoes, from a bad neighborhood, no less.”
“I’m not afraid of you.” Eve’s eyes blazed. “Some of us don’t have anything left to lose.”
The general smiled, but the friendly grandfather was nowhere to be found. Instead, his smile was ice, making my blood run cold. “In the end, there’s one thing we all have to lose. You’d best remember that.”
“What’s that?” Eve scoffed.
He leaned forward, the late-afternoon sun glinting off the thin film of snot collected on his mustache.
“Your soul.”
Chapter 5
Gulp
I gripped Eve’s arm the rest of the ride, praying she’d keep silent. I tried not to think about what the general had said. He ignored us, watching the palace as it came into view.
It was grand, and as he’d said, even more beautiful than in the propaganda videos. Expansive grounds led up to the castle. An enormous fountain bubbled in front of the curved flagstone drive.
It was the largest and most beautiful building I’d ever seen.
The manor was pale-gray stone, its peaks rising high into the sky. The setting sun cast a pinkish hue over the edifice, making it look as though it glowed magically from within. The roof was etched with copper that had long since oxidized, its aqua patina luminescent in the dying light. I counted twelve chimneys. Twelve.
Even Eve gaped as the carriage brought us closer. The general gave her a quick glance. “I’m sure the castle won’t impress the likes of you.”
“I’m speechless, for once,” Eve admitted.
The carriage rolled to a stop, and a butler opened the door, helping us down the steps. My knees wobbled as I looked up at the grand palace. A dozen servants came through the front doors. They lined up, prim and proper in their pressed black-
and-white uniforms. I moved closer to Eve as we waited for the other carriages to arrive. The general started talking to one of the staff, and I tugged Eve’s hand urgently.
“You need to tone it down. What you said wasn’t safe, and it wasn’t smart.”
Her chin jutted out. “I’m not trying to play it safe, and I certainly wasn’t trying to impress anyone. I told him what I thought. What I think.”
“Keep your voice down and your opinions to yourself.” I eyed the servants. “We’re sort of surrounded.”
“I’m not afraid.”
I sighed. “Well, that makes one of us. Please keep your mouth shut for me, or at least, so you live long enough to eat another sandwich.”
Eve rolled her eyes, but at least she smiled a little. She motioned to the palace. “I heard this place was built back in the old America.”
“Who lived here?” My family had been wealthy, but the idea of someone living in this uber-mansion was baffling.
She stared at the building. “Some rich guy. But he died, and then his wife married someone else. I think they turned it into a hotel or something before the war.”
“How do you know all of this?” One thing we didn’t study at the academy was history. It was considered too controversial.
She shrugged. “One good thing about the slum school was that it was in an old, crumbling building that used to be the city library. I stole every book I found.”
“History books?” I was shocked. I’d thought they’d all gone the way of the cell phone.
“You don’t get out much, do you?”
I furrowed my brow. Raised in a bubble, indeed.
The other carriages arrived, and activity bustled around us. Butlers opened carriage doors, and the other contestants filed out. The staff watched as the girls gaped at the building. The general went to the top step and cleared his throat. “Ladies, please form a line. The royal family will receive you inside.”
I sucked in a deep breath and got into line behind Eve. We climbed the stairs, the servants nodding politely as we passed.
Eve turned and took one last look at the grounds. “It’s been nice knowing you,” she joked.
I couldn’t respond. My nerves thrummed, and my palms sweated as we crossed the threshold into the lobby. In spite of our orders to keep our mouths shut, all the girls murmured in wonder as we entered the palace.
The enormous foyer was a pale marble, with a soaring ceiling and a winding, grand staircase in the center of the room. A chandelier lit with hundreds of candles glowed from above. Enormous windows lined the sweeping stairs. The room glowed as the sun finalized its transit and dipped below the horizon, fiery pinks and oranges lighting its descent and reflecting off the marble.
The general motioned to the stairs, and we all fell silent. Just as the sun disappeared completely, we heard footsteps echoing down the staircase.
My mouth went dry as I waited. Three armed sentinels descended first. They wore the purples, reds, and deep blues that marked them as members of the royal family guard. The guards’ skin was pale, the whitest ivory. I shivered as they took their places next to the general. They were so pale compared to him that they looked positively ghoulish.
The general spoke to the guards in low tones, his gaze flicking intermittently to Eve. I had the urge to hide her behind me, but she stood firm, shoulders squared, jaw taut.
More footsteps thundered on the grand staircase.
I saw his boots first—tall, black, polished to a reflective brilliance. His powerfully muscled legs came next, then his broad chest adorned in a black ceremonial uniform replete with a deep-purple sash. Then the prince’s handsome face came into view. He had a square jaw, patrician nose, and broad cheekbones. His thick, dark-brown hair was tousled, and his deep-brown eyes radiated intelligence and…was it kindness? He was tall and handsome, all right. He was also pale, with a white patina to his skin that made him look unearthly.
One of the guards cleared his throat. “His Royal Highness, Prince Dallas Black, Crown Prince of The United Settlements.”
He made it to the landing, nodded at us, and smiled, flashing a deep dimple on his left cheek.
I thought I heard some of the girls sigh.
He looked pleased, as if he expected the response. “Good evening.” His voice was deep and rich. “Thank you so much for accepting our invitation to the Pageant. We’re so pleased to welcome you to the palace.” Another winning smile.
Eve shot me a brief look, as if to say, “Like we had a choice.” But even she couldn’t keep from staring at the handsome, strange prince.
More footsteps sounded, and the king and queen descended the stairs next.
The same guard announced them. “His Royal Majesty, King Reginald Black, Crown King of the United Royal Settlements. Her Royal Majesty, Queen Serena Black, Crown Queen of the United Royal Settlements.”
King Black was tall and muscular, handsome like his son. He had gray hair and a trim, white beard. But it was the queen who drew my gaze and held it. The propaganda films hadn’t done her justice. Her beauty was striking. She was tall and lean, with sapphire-blue eyes, a high forehead, and a long, elegant neck. Her platinum hair was surprisingly loose, waving down past the shoulders of her cerulean-blue brocade dress. I couldn’t tell how old she was. Her smooth, alabaster skin showed no lines.
Both she and the king inclined their heads to one of the guards as he whispered to them. It was the same guard who’d spoken to the general. Icicles jabbed down my spine. Would he tell them about Eve’s brazen words?
The king cleared his throat and nodded at us. Unlike the prince, who exuded easy, casual charm, his movements were stiff and uncomfortable. “Thank you for joining us in our home. In a few moments, the general will take you to one of our conference rooms, where you’ll be briefed by the royal emissary. I’m sure you’re tired from a long day of travel. You’ll be taken to your chambers shortly and served dinner there. The rest of the contestants will be joining us later this evening. Preparation for the Pageant will begin tomorrow morning promptly after breakfast.”
The queen cleared her throat and took a step forward. “I’d like to say a few words.” She smiled at us without warmth, and the prince’s brow furrowed as he watched her. “You are very welcome in our home. But I might remind you that this is our home, and you will respect us while you remain here.”
The girls looked at each other nervously, and Eve’s throat worked as she swallowed.
“Now, do any of you feel as though you won’t be able to maintain a modicum of decorum while a guest in the palace? If so, it would be best to address it now before you get settled.”
The prince tensed and looked at his father, his eyebrows raised in a silent question. The king only shook his head.
No one said a word, but Eve took a step forward. “Me.” Her voice was hoarse.
My heart sank.
“Is that so? And what, may I ask, is your name?” The queen also stepped forward, her pale skin glowing in the darkening room.
“Eve. Eve Whitely, Settlement Four.” She straightened her spine.
“The general mentioned you had some concerns.” The queen came closer, her heels clicking against the marble tiles. “What do you have to say about it?”
Eve stood her ground. “I was chosen for this competition, but I’m not the sort of girl you’re looking for.”
The queen arched an eyebrow. “And what sort of girl is that?”
Eve crossed her arms over her chest. “The kind that will tolerate a proposal from a filthy bloodsucker like the prince. The kind that will stay here and jump through your hoops.”
A collective gasp filled the room. My eyes filled with tears. Eve, no.
“Ah.” Now the queen’s smile met her eyes. “So you think me and my family filthy.”
The muscle in Eve’s jaw jumped. “That’s what I said.”
In a flash of cerulean, the queen appeared next to Eve. She grabbed her by the hair and dragged her into the middle of the
room.
Eve screamed, then the other girls joined in. The prince shot to his feet, but his father held his hand out, ordering him to stop.
“Eve!” But her name died on my lips as the queen wrenched Eve’s head to the side, exposing her neck.
“Silence!” the queen ordered.
The guards surrounded us on both sides, protecting the queen in the center of the room and closing off the exits.
Eve’s wild gaze found mine. “No. No!” She struggled, but the queen held her firm, her grip unnaturally strong. “Let me go!”
“I don’t think so. We’ll see what you have to say after this.” The queen leaned back and opened her mouth. Two long, sharp fangs glittered in the candlelight.
Oh my God, it’s true.
Oh my God, No!
She plunged her fangs into Eve’s neck.
Eve fought in vain, her shrieks echoing across the marble as the queen drank deeply. I heard the girl next to me sobbing.
Frozen, I watched in horror as the queen finished feeding and dropped Eve to the ground. My new friend’s aqua eyes were wide with shock. A trickle of blood dripped down her neck.
I couldn’t tell if she was alive or dead.
The queen straightened herself. She wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth, then cleaned her hand off on her dress, bright crimson against azure.
The royal guard came and dragged Eve away.
“Now,” said the queen, turning to face us, “does anyone else have an objection?”
No one said a word.
The prince stormed from the room, following the sentinels who had Eve.
And I just stood there, shaking.
Chapter 6
Still Shaking
None of us dared to speak as we followed the general out of the foyer. You will obey me. I’d wildly underestimated the weight of that threat.
I wanted to cry—and scream—but I was too afraid. Shocked by what had happened, I had no idea what to expect or what to do next. Where is Eve? Had the queen killed her so quickly? No life had glittered in Eve’s aqua eyes, but had she been in shock?