He kissed her goodbye and watched apprehensively as she left the house to give her account of her captivity. Eddy hoped the others did not pick up on the subtle indications from her retelling, as he had. It was possible they’d misconstrue the meanings and cause an unnecessary panic, or potentially blame Juliska herself. Although, she was telling them a watered down version of the story; he hoped it was enough and feared it was a mistake to let her go alone.
And maybe there was cause for panic… he wished there was some way to know.
And was it right to keep all this from the proper authorities?
He chastised himself.
This was Juliska… his bride. He’d rather live in hell than do anything that might endanger her. But waiting for her to come home was proving impossible, so he left and walked down to the shore for an afternoon stroll to pass the time and clear his mind.
His bride would outlive him.
This led to so many questions… the biggest, if they had children, how long would they outlive him? It was natural for kids to outlive their parents, but to live forever was something entirely different. It was hard to wrap his brain around the idea. He made it to the beach and pulled his coat around him tightly. It was a cold day. The ocean waves spitting bites of sea spray at him. It always helped clear his mind though. He hoped it would do the same today.
Juliska left the Banon’s office feeling deflated.
It was brutal.
Just as she’d expected.
But at least this time they’d been patient and given her time to answer them, and had not been so incessantly barraging. In the end, she gave them little they didn’t already know. And explained that when she first got home, she was so excited and exhausted and shocked, that she did not have the strength to fully explain her escape.
She told them the story she and Eddy made up together.
That Fazendiin had told her she was free to go. He’d wanted something she could not give him, and he refused to keep her any longer saying it was a bother. She acted surprised as she explained, that he hadn’t just killed her, but instead he had freed her and given her a way home.
They questioned her on this story, but she stuck to it and played dumb.
Other than insisting that she felt certain there was no imminent attack coming at them. She was given no impression of this whatsoever during her captivity she claimed.
They all wanted to believe it. But what other purpose could it serve? To let Juliska go free… it wasn’t their style to free prisoners.
Tanzea stepped in at that moment, with the suggestion that perhaps he had let her go because he still needed her alive and didn’t want to deal with her, for now. She made a bad joke about the laziness of the Grosvenor…
The Banon had laughed and said, “They do like to let others do their dirty work for them.” It was one of those facts that Juliska had learned at a young age. But one she did not think true, at least of Fazendiin.
The entire thing sickened her a little. Made her feel like she was betraying the man who’d given her a past, a history, and more freedom than she’d ever gotten here.
But it was done.
And now everyone was under the impression that the Grosvenor might want to take her again in the future. She’d found out that the Banon had stationed Balaton around her house, for protection. It didn’t upset her, he was just doing his job and it was a nice gesture really.
But he wanted to leave them a bit longer, just in case.
She’d agreed, begrudgingly so. But just for a couple weeks until all this had calmed down.
The meeting had gone on for hours and when she left, it was dark. And cold. The bite of winter in the wind. There was a carriage waiting for her. Before she’d made it outside, PanSofia caught her at the door.
“When will you return to finish your apprenticeship?”
Juliska shrugged. “Soon…” she answered hesitantly. “Just a few more days.”
For some reason the woman appeared impatient for this to happen.
“I’m sorry,” Juliska said. “I’m just not ready.”
“I get the sense you might never be ready,” her mentor surprised her by saying.
“That’s not true. I just need a little time.”
Juliska didn’t understand why her mentor was being so prickly. She was not known as an overly kind woman, but they’d always gotten along well enough. Perhaps it’s just that PanSofia had to put off her own retirement waiting for her to return. Regardless, it would all need to wait just a little longer.
Her mentor backed down.
“Very well. Just remember if you expect to be First Seer, the job comes above all else. Even husbands…” She spun around and returned to the Banon’s office.
Juliska shook her head and left the building, only to stop abruptly.
“Vian Chase. I’m sorry. I almost ran right into you.”
“I would too if I’d just left that nightmare.” She winked at Juliska.
“It was a little… overwhelming. But I expected nothing less.”
“Of course you didn’t. You’re a smart girl.”
“Oh, well, thank you. Um, have a good night.” Juliska started to walk away.
“I can help you with that nausea,” stated Tanzea out of the blue.
“What?” she spun around.
“You’re clutching your stomach. Nerves shot?” the older woman guessed.
Juliska let her hand fall. “Yeah. A little I guess. I forgot you are a master potion maker. You taught my sister, Amelia, didn’t you?”
“Yes.” Her tone indicated perhaps now, that had been a mistake.
“I heard she’s been causing a lot of trouble.”
“It’ll sort itself out. Now, you go home and rest. When you wake in the morning, you’ll find a package on your doorstep. It’ll calm the nerves so you don’t feel so sick.”
“Thank you. That’s very kind of you.”
“Think nothing of it.” Tanzea turned and walked away.
Tanzea reached her home. She lived alone. She liked and needed complete privacy. She stepped into a room in her basement and shut the door. She spoke an incantation to hide all traces of magic and shuffled over to an oblong shape, covered with a cloth. She pulled it down revealing a mirror. Almost instantly, a misty shape began to form.
“Master,” nodded Tanzea.
“What news?” he asked straight away.
“Juliska has successfully integrated back into life on the island.”
“Perfect. And the pregnancy?”
“She’s not aware yet. I am delivering the tonic in the morning.”
“Brilliant.”
“It will be, Master. A little paranoia goes a long way.”
He laughed. “I love the way you think.”
“I’ll be in touch with a progress report. I’m guessing she’ll find out she’s pregnant in another four to six weeks. These things do take time.”
“I’ll be waiting.” He said nothing more and dematerialized, leaving the mirror just glass once more. Tanzea draped the cloth over it and left the room to make a very special potion.
CHAPTER 18
Juliska had already been home for two months. Things were finally getting back to some kind of normal. Although for some reason, each day she felt more and more restless. And everywhere she went, she had a constant feeling of something following her. Watching her. Her biggest fear… someone did not trust her story and was spying on her.
The Banon had insisted the Balaton had stopped their watch over her, and her home. She did not think he would lie about this. But it nagged at her that maybe someone did not trust her.
It was a warm day, not quite spring but you could feel the bite of winter giving way to the warmth of spring. She was thrilled that the snow had melted at last.
She walked around a corner only to come to a stop near a gathering crowd outside of the Jackal Lantern. Just what were those crazy ladies up to now? Kalida and Kalila Jackal liked to stir up the latest gossip. P
eople were snatching up copies of a special edition… Juliska got curious and crept closer. Someone saw her and greeted her warmly. They offered her their copy, saying they’d get another.
She took it, said thanks and scurried away, deciding to wait until she got home with Eddy to see what the fuss was all about. It didn’t take long, and she was standing outside her gate. She just smiled and stared for a minute. Any week now, new life would spring up. Flowers would bloom. Trees would bud. It would be beautiful. And belonged to her and Eddy.
She went inside and shouted for Eddy.
He came from downstairs and wrapped his arms around her in greeting.
“How was your day?”
She moaned.
“That good? I thought you were happy about being back at work?”
“I am. It’s just… all this preparing to be First Seer. It’s really just… boring,” she admitted with a groan.
Eddy laughed.
“It’s not funny,” she chastised, poorly holding back a laugh of her own.
“Sorry. It might be boring, but have I told you today how proud I am of you?”
“This morning. Twice.”
“And I love you…”
“I’ve lost count.”
“I love you,” he whispered. “And I’ve got dinner ready. I was just catching up on some work of my own. A little research for Balloch. More boring type stuff… I will gladly not discuss it at all.”
“Good, because I’m famished and…” she handed him the Lantern, “I brought this home. Must be something exciting because everyone was trying to get their…” she stopped and clutched her stomach.
“Don’t tell me it’s back again. I thought you were feeling better?” He helped her sit down.
“I was better. That tonic Vian Chase gave me helped a lot. I guess maybe it wore off.” She’d have to get more if this was going to persist.
“Maybe you should see a doctor?” he spoke cautiously.
“You know I can’t, Eddy. We’ve already talked about this. What if they examine me and find out what I am?”
“Well we have to do something. This should not be happening. Still.”
“I’ll ask Tanzea for some more tonic. I have to see her tomorrow anyway. A work thing,” she explained half-heartedly. “Read the paper, tell me what’s got everyone so worked up,” she changed the subject.
He did. Begrudgingly. His bride was stubborn and that would never change. He sat across from her at the table and opened the paper, only to let out a groan.
“Let me guess,” droned Juliska. “Amelia?”
“Bingo.” He read and paraphrased the article to her. “Probably nothing you don’t already know, being that you’re basically the Banon’s right-hand woman,” he spoke, tossing her a wink. “But it looks like she’s publicly explaining her side of things, trying to win people over to her cause.” He set down the paper and dished them out some dinner.
It was hot and delicious. And best of all, she hadn’t lifted a finger to make it.
“A girl could get used to this you know. Getting spoiled every day.”
“It’s what I live for. Now eat up. You’re looking a bit thin the last couple of weeks.”
“You know, it’s so odd you say that as I feel like I’ve been eating constantly.”
He got that worried look on his face again.
“I’m fine, Eddy. Really. It’s nothing. I’ll get some more tonic tomorrow, promise.”
He hoped it was enough.
The next afternoon Juliska was taking a carriage across the island to Tanzea Chase’s house. The Viancourt member had invited her to come after she explained that her nausea had returned and she needed more tonic. They’d had a meeting, along with other Court members, with the Banon about Amelia that morning. And like usual, they’d come to no conclusion as to what to do about her. Or her demands to be let off the island.
Tanzea’s house was exactly like Juliska expected. Cold. Not very welcoming. Functional.
She told Juliska to follow her down into the basement. As soon as she saw the space, she realized this is where Tanzea really lived. She had no use for the rest of the house. It was a potion master’s dream. It looked a bit like a laboratory, a bit like a kitchen, and a bit like an exam room.
Tanzea motioned for her to have a seat while she rummaged through a few things. Every few seconds or so, the woman would cast an investigative side-glance in Juliska’s direction.
“I’m examining you,” she explained.
“Um, just by looking at me?”
“I’m good at what I do,” she boasted lightly.
It made Juliska a little nervous though, what if she was as good as she claimed? And found out her secret…
Tanzea shuffled over and took a seat in front of her. Juliska waited, while the mothball woman looked her up and down. She grasped her arm and held it in her hand for a minute before letting it drop gently into Juliska’s lap.
The woman leaned back and smiled. “There is no tonic to cure what ails you my dear.”
Juliska swallowed hard. “Wh-what do you mean?”
“You’re pregnant, Juliska.”
“I’m what?”
“You’re going to have a baby. This sickness isn’t the same as what you had before.”
So many thoughts swirled around Juliska’s mind.
None of them happiness about being pregnant.
She wanted to be. But fear hit first.
Tanzea reached out and tapped her knee. “Breathe, Juliska. It’s all going to be okay.”
Juliska did not know that to be true.
Her child would be immortal, like her. Wouldn’t it?
If people found out what she was, her child would be in danger. She jumped up, ready to run and hide. She’d get Eddy and they’d run and hide. She’d get Fazendiin’s help.
Tanzea spoke again but she didn’t hear her. Then somehow, the woman was standing in front of her, blocking her way.
“Juliska, I can tell you’re afraid. Let me help you.”
“You… you can’t. Please… please don’t tell anyone.”
“I won’t. And you shouldn’t either.”
This caught Juliska’s attention.
“I’m not sure how to say this, without causing alarm,” Tanzea started. “But you see, I know what you are.”
Juliska fell backwards, bracing herself against the edge of a desk.
“Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me.”
Many emotions flooded through Juliska. Doubt. Disbelief. Distrust. Mixed with relief and the desire to believe her. It didn’t make sense though. Why would Tanzea stick up for her?
The woman answered her silent question. “Because I’m like you too.”
Juliska let out a gasp and almost ran for the exit.
“Just hear me out, please… I only want to help you. And frankly, I’m the only who can. So please, just sit, and listen.”
She sank into a chair, uncertain, but willing to listen.
Tanzea took a seat as well.
“My parents were vampyres,” Tanzea stated. “So am I. But I have never fed. And am therefore, aging naturally. Not gracefully.” Her mouth turned up into a smirk. She shifted in her chair. “My parents died when I was a child and the Svoda found me. I had no other home or place to go, so I came willingly. And this has been my home ever since. They have never discovered what I am.”
“But you’ve never fed, and…” Juliska stopped, unable to vocalize her feelings.
“No. I haven’t, but that’s okay. You won’t be found out. I’m living proof you can live among them, without a problem.”
“Wait,” Juliska shook her head confused. “You know I’ve fed?”
“I can tell.”
“Oh.”
“But that’s not the only reason why.”
Juliska’s gaze narrowed.
“Jurekai Fazendiin explained to me what happened. He was very concerned for you.”
“You… you know him?”
“Yes. He reached out to me when you first came here to live as a little girl. He didn’t tell me your entire story, only that you were like me, and he hoped I would keep an eye on you until you were old enough to understand what you are. He explained that per your parents’ request he’d stripped your memories so they could not be used against you.”
“So he knew you were here?”
“I guess so. I’d never had any contact with anyone else like my kind until you were brought here. And to be honest, when he first reached out to me, I was scared, nearly to death. It took a long time for me to trust him, having been taught everything you were also taught about the Grosvenor. But I do trust him, as I think you do now as well.”
Juliska let out an uneasy breath and nodded.
This was just too weird.
Why had her parents removed her memories? Maybe they didn’t realize it didn’t actually matter. If Tanzea survived in that way, she could have too. It made everything she went through with Fazendiin seem useless… but it wasn’t. She’d learned so much. And perhaps not all was lost.
But this was so much to take in and accept. There was so much she didn’t know. So many things going on here on the island… a small little world she thought she had all figured out. She guessed no place was just what it seemed on the surface.
“So, you have contact with Fazendiin?” she asked Tanzea.
“Not often. But if he were here, I think he would find it prudent to pass along a warning, Juliska… and I do not say this to frighten you. But you should be careful. I’m going to ask you a question, you can choose to answer or not. I don’t really care one way or the other.”
Juliska nodded.
“Did he make you immortal?”
Her eyes widened but she did not respond right away. It appeared Fazendiin did not tell Tanzea everything.
“He asked me, over thirty years ago now,” the woman explained. “I turned him down. He offered again a few years after, just in case I changed my mind. I did not. It’s all about preserving the bloodlines with him…”
Juliska opened her mouth to answer, but nothing came out. She couldn’t wrap her head around the fact that this woman was a vampyre, like her, and had an in with the Grosvenor, like her. And had been living with the Svoda, in peace, as an esteemed member of the Viancourt all this time.
The Ghost, The Dragon, and The Lost King (Fated Chronicles Book 4) Page 22