Leisha kept her face impassive. “It has been a while since you last saw me.”
“Touché.” Annette brushed back dark curls behind her ear and changed the subject. “Be sure you are properly dressed for dinner. Ptah desires you to sit on his left side.”
Leisha rolled her eyes, but said nothing.
Annette seemed amused. “You would not think of going back on your promise to our dear leader, would you?”
She bristled at the insult. “I’m much more honorable than you are, lowborn.”
Squaring her shoulders, Annette spoke softly. “You would be wise to show the proper respect to me, as well,” Her tone was frigid. “You are not revered as the ‘magnificent warrior’ that you once were.” With that, she turned away and sauntered to a doorway directly to their right.
Leisha sighed and turned to the adjacent doorway. “Come on,” she said.
Samantha didn’t need the prompting to follow her. She’d been keeping up while trying to observe her surroundings. “Do you know where we’re going to be staying?”
“Yes. The layout of this building is exactly like that of others we’ve had in the past.”
They turned and wound their way through a few corridors in silence. Samantha had plenty of questions, but she thought it would be safer to ask them when they were in the privacy of their room.
Leisha stopped in front of a door at the end of the hall. It was more like an apartment than a room when she walked through. There was a front room that looked like an ordinary living room with a couch, love seat, and a coffee table dividing the furniture and a television. There was a door on the left of the front room leading to the bedroom. The bedroom was spacious with a queen-size, four-post bed in the middle. It was draped with fake ivy and lace.
“I’ll take the couch and you can sleep in the bed,” Leisha said. “I don’t sleep for more than a few hours, anyway.” She walked into the closet and flipped on the light. The closet was a walk-in furnished with a full wardrobe ready for any occasion. “I’m a few inches shorter than you, but I believe you should be able to fit in my clothes.”
“Your clothes? I thought you hadn’t been with the vampires in a hundred years. This stuff is definitely modern.”
“Ptah was prepared for my arrival. He’d already sent along most of my belongings before I was taken.”
Leisha turned and pulled a rosy pink dress from its hanger. “This should look good with your complexion, and the bodice is adjustable.”
Samantha held it up to the light. It was a silk dress overlaid with some kind of sheer material. “I don’t think I’ve ever worn anything as nice as this.”
Leisha was already pulling out a dress for herself. “Well, as they say, there’s a first time for everything. Put it on and we can make sure it fits.”
It was pretty loose in the chest, but Leisha made the proper adjustments. It felt like prom all over again. The thought brought an aching longing Samantha hadn’t even realized she had felt until that moment. What would her life be like now? Would she go back to school and dating boys and dancing ballet? Or would she be stuck in this new world of vampires?
Her face must have shown some of her anxiety, because Leisha spoke up then. “Don’t worry,” she said. “No one here will touch you while you are under my protection. I’ll try to get you home as soon as I can.”
“What home? Where exactly should I go? I’m pretty sure staying with my dad isn’t the safest option for me anymore.”
Leisha seemed at a loss for words. Finally, she pulled Samantha in for a hug. “I don’t know what the future holds for you, but I have taken you under my wing now. So, why don’t we just take it one step at a time together, all right?”
The words flowed over Samantha like a warm blanket. Together. She wasn’t alone anymore. She would always miss her mother, but she realized that her life would go on now that she had her vampire for comfort and support. The irony of her situation made her smile. She had not felt this hopeful since her mother was alive.
Leisha pulled away and started changing into her dress. “Now, I need to talk to you about Annette.”
“Yeah, what’s up with you guys, anyway?”
“We just have conflicting personalities.” The zipper squeaked as she pulled it up. “She sees me as a threat since Ptah still holds an attraction to me, and I dislike the ruthless methods she uses to get her own way.”
“So, she’s Ptah’s mate now?”
“Yes.” Leisha straightened her dress along her thighs so it flowed in one elegant line. Then, she turned to hold Samantha’s gaze. The dark green color of her dress set off the emerald in her eyes, adding depth to her expression. “She is a lot more dangerous than she seems. Stay away from her.”
“But she didn’t seem so bad.”
Leisha scoffed. “Wolf in sheep’s clothing, and don’t you forget it. Remember that about all vampires. You may be under my protection, but if you are naïvely lured into someone’s apartment, I may not be able to help you. Do you understand?”
Swallowing, Samantha tried to calm the tempest that was suddenly raging in her stomach. “Yes.”
“Do you remember everything I told you on the plane?”
Samantha closed her eyes as she tried to remember every detail. “I’m to stay on your right side at all times, except when you sit down to dine. That’s when I stand behind you and wait until you are finished eating.”
“Correct. Once I am done eating, you will be excused to the kitchens where all the humans eat. Don’t worry, though, we vampires only eat a bite or two of each dish, so, you will not have to stand for too long.” Leisha led the way into the bathroom on the other end of the bedroom. She picked up a brush and gestured for Samantha to kneel in front of her.
She brushed out her light brown hair, and continued, “Be sure to be courteous to everyone around you, but don’t be too friendly. Especially with the other human servants. They are extensions of their masters, and will relay anything you say or do back to their masters.”
Samantha shivered at the thought. This place was not as amazing as it had first appeared. How could she live in a place where she must be on her guard at all times, and never to trust a soul?
“I forgot to tell you what you’ll need to do when we first enter and greet Ptah.” Leisha was pulling Samantha’s hair up into a French twist. “We will walk directly to Ptah and Annette when we enter the dining room. I will curtsy and bow my head, but you must kneel and touch your forehead to the floor. Don’t stay down, though. As soon as your forehead touches the floor you can rise.”
When Leisha was done, Samantha stood to face her own reflection in the mirror. Her hair now twisted up on the back of her head with a few strands hanging around her face—she looked like she was really getting dressed for prom, only she doubted this evening would be as fun for either Leisha or herself.
CHAPTER 11
Leisha took a deep breath before they entered the formal dining room. It was just off from the ballroom where everyone waited in a line to enter and show their courtesies to Ptah. When their turn came, Leisha could feel butterflies fluttering around in the pit of her stomach. She squared her shoulders and straightened her back as she walked gracefully toward Ptah and Annette.
Ptah had rid himself of the modern clothing she’d seen him wearing in Las Vegas for decorous Egyptian attire. He wore it only in the presence of vampires—it definitely drew attention—appearing regal with his black, gold-lined robe opened to bare his toned chest. Abounding amount of jewelry adorned his neck—they were of pure gold studded with diamonds, rubies, amethyst, and other gems, emitting a spectrum of colors and sparkle. The black skirt wrapping his lower region was made of the finest silk, almost transparent, yet it didn’t lessen his masculinity in any way. Instead of the typical pharaoh’s headdress, Ptah’s wore a gold and black viper coiled around his crown with moonstones for eyes; its head poised, ready to strike.
Annette was now in a deep scarlet gown with black and gold trimmings. T
he sleeves were long and flared out at the forearms, capturing a bit of a medieval style. Her V-shape neckline plunged down past her breasts, revealing her cleavage. The dress hugged her delicate curves to her knees, flaring out in the same manner as her sleeves.
Leisha gave a formal curtsy and bowed her head while she watched Samantha from the corner of her eye. Samantha’s bow was supposed to express the greatest of humility to Ptah, and when the girl executed the custom flawlessly, as if she’d mastered the ways of the vampires, Leisha wondered if Ptah would be offended. But he seemed quite amused.
His thin lips were quirked in the slightest smile, appearing genuine. Leisha prayed he wasn’t smiling about a secret he had yet to reveal. It was not like he’d never pulled a nasty surprise from up his sleeve before.
“You are welcome,” Ptah said pleasantly in his deep voice. He was now smiling at Samantha, who was staring into his eyes.
Leisha had tried her best to warn Samantha about the cold depth Ptah’s black eyes held, but she knew no one could truly understand what she meant unless they witnessed them themselves. Leisha nonchalantly stepped closer to Samantha and grabbed the girl’s arm. Samantha turned her head sharply and looked at Leisha. Blinking her eyes, the girl looked a bit unsettled, but forced a thankful smile.
Leisha turned to Ptah. “We are most grateful that you’ve allowed us the privilege of standing in your presence.”
Ptah inclined his head ever so slightly. “It is truly my pleasure, Leisha. It has been some time since you were with us.” His gaze fell on Samantha. “And I must say that you have brought me a pleasant surprise. Surely, she will prove to amuse me.”
Leisha pulled Samantha with her into another curtsy before retreating toward the long table. At the head of the table was another that met it perpendicularly, forming a T shape. This was where Leisha would be sitting next to Ptah.
“You did well, Samantha,” Leisha whispered. “Now, pull my chair out for me to sit, and then stay directly behind me. Try not to move too much. You are allowed to rest your hands on the back of my chair. It is symbolic of possession and therefore permitted.”
Samantha looked slightly pale, but nodded and pulled out Leisha’s chair for her. Leisha gave the girl an encouraging smile and took her seat.
Leisha felt a little more relaxed, but she knew things could still turn sour. She needed to think of a way to get Samantha away from here, but she would have to think on it later. Now was time for vampire politics, and she needed her wits about her.
Nikita sat just a few feet in front of her. He looked over her shoulder and nodded to Samantha, and then to Leisha. It was technically against protocol to acknowledge a human servant before their master, but Leisha didn’t care. Ptah and Annette were taking their seats. Dinner was commencing.
The meal was delicious, even better than Leisha remembered it. She found out between courses that Ptah had turned a gourmet chef from Italy about fifty years ago just because his cooking was that amazing.
When everyone had eaten their dessert, it was time for Ptah to attend to business. He nodded to his right hand, Victor, and Victor, in turn, gestured toward two vampires standing by the door. They disappeared for a moment and returned dragging another vampire between them.
“Darshan is ready to hear your will, Great One,” Victor intoned as the vampires forced the weakling to kneel before Ptah.
Leisha didn’t know Darshan well; he had been newly turned when she left. She remembered him as a young man bursting with energy, excited to be in his new world. Now the handsome Indian could barely hold his head up. His lips were cracked and oozing pus, while the rest of his body was decomposing. Leisha knew all too well the symptoms of starvation. Ptah had probably allowed him to drink only vampire’s blood. It was a way to keep one sustained, but barely. The worst part was that drinking the blood of a fellow vampire would actually exacerbate the gnawing thirst.
Ptah barely glanced at Darshan as he finished his last bite of dessert, focusing on his crystal goblet of fresh, warm blood. He took a sip and savored it before finally speaking, “Do you agree with me yet?” His tone showed boredom.
Darshan tried to wet his lips with his dry tongue, which stuck to his lips; he pried it away with his fingers, a layer of skin mixed with infected puss spurted onto his tongue. He nodded and croaked, “I yield to you, my master.”
Ptah looked on him as one would on a dog. “As well you should. I believe that in the future you will remember to always obey me in all things. I do not care if you have a unique opportunity. I never gave you permission to stay in Thailand for an extended amount of time, and I do not care that you stayed to kill an immortal. You are not the one to strategize unless I give you permission. Do you understand this, pest?”
The broken vampire nodded slowly.
Ptah finished off his drink. “Good. Now you must pay the price. I have decided that your punishment shall be one filled with humiliation,” he announced, smirking. “For fifty days and nights, you will crawl. You are not allowed to stand, sit, or lie down. You will be allowed to feed on human blood, but you are not allowed to hunt for yourself. You will have to rely on the kindness of your brothers and sisters to bring you a human to feed from. If they wish, they may give you their leftovers. Do you have anything to say to me, Darshan?”
Darshan bowed his head. “You are wise, and most merciful, my master. I worship you and your cunning.”
Ptah nodded and waved for the guards to drag him away.
Of course, it was far from merciful—vampires delighted in the misery of others, and would taunt Darshan to make him do ridiculous things in exchange for his much needed food. It would be a long and miserable fifty days for him.
The human servants were being excused. Leisha caught Samantha’s eye on her way out. The girl forced a smile. She seemed to be holding up all right, but Leisha would feel much better when they were back in her little apartment that night. Or rather, morning, since it was now past twilight.
Once all the humans had exited, the vampires turned to Ptah expectantly. Leisha realized something else was planned after dinner.
Ptah stood. He did not raise his voice very much, although it seemed to resonate clearly throughout the room. “As you all know, the signs of the prophecy child have come. We know the immortals are scouring the world right now in hopes of finding the baby. We have discussed at length what our course of action will be, but to no avail.
“I have had many conversations with Victor in private, and I agree with him that we must take action now.”
Leisha remained stoically quiet as murmur of agreement and appreciation sounded around the room.
Ptah gestured for everyone to quiet down. “It will take some time before we declare war with the immortals. I have conceived a strategy that will give us the advantage to win.
“Not many of you were present when we were at war with them five hundred years ago, but it was costly. Many of us died, as well as a good portion of our enemy. It seemed we were too evenly matched. We walked away in a stalemate, with no victors or losers. Looking back, I ascertained a key contributor to their success was one of their leaders. He instills a strong sense of duty and morale among his people, even though he is not on the immortal council, and I believe if we capture him, we will have a very good chance of wiping the entire population of immortals from this earth. If we succeed, then there will not even be any need for some prophecy child. I will be the one who will save us from those fools who think they are better than us!” He raised his arms with the last sentence, prompting the cheers and applause that followed.
Sitting perfectly still, Leisha stared up at Ptah. She fought to keep the trembling in her lips from showing, knowing very well he had to be referring to Tafari, who was one of the few leaders who’d survived the war.
“I need the war council to stay. Everyone else is excused to celebrate my declaration.” As everyone stood to depart, Ptah turned to Leisha. “You will stay, as well.” The men who stayed moved closer and took the
ir seats at Ptah’s table.
Leisha suddenly wished she were anywhere but here. She did not want to be a part of this scheme to get rid of Tafari. She’d rather be back in that nasty compound with Samantha’s father, being viciously tortured.
Her thoughts were interrupted as a vampire she did not recognize stood and waited for Ptah to acknowledge him. He looked like he’d been in his early thirties when he became a vampire. He had sandy-colored hair and brown eyes. His shoulders were broad, giving his five-foot-ten height more presence.
“Pardon my ignorance, Great Master,” the man started. “I was wondering the possibility of us capturing one of their leaders. They are well protected, and we have a hard time as it is just spying on their activities from afar.”
Ptah smiled. “Superb question, Colum. The answer lies at the feet of our prodigal daughter, who has finally returned home.” He gestured to Leisha, and her blood turned to ice. “Our beautiful Leisha here is going to use her wiles to make an assignation with the immortal, Tafari.”
Colum’s face shadowed with doubt as he promptly sat down. The room stirred, though no one was willing to voice their thoughts at the announcement.
“Not many of you are aware of the history between Leisha and Tafari,” Ptah continued, “and I expect that would be why I see doubt written on your faces.” Ptah glared at each man, and all vampires cast their eyes down at the table. “It matters not. I am your master, and this is the strategy I have adjudicated.” His tone left no room for argument, and the discussion quickly turned to other topics of preparation for war.
As the night progressed, the vampires gradually gained confidence in Leisha’s abilities to act as spy. Victor studied her with an intense scrutiny throughout the planning; Leisha made an effort to meet his gaze, sending him a clear message—she was not affected by him.
He had been a military man—a Roman soldier—when Ptah turned him into a vampire, and she knew he would respect someone who could hold her own. She also knew it would be best to avoid him as much as possible. Victor was just as ruthless as Annette, and could make things more complicated if he decided to antagonize her. From her past experiences with him, he could be completely unpredictable.
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