by Jodie Pierce
“Exactly,” said the Countess. “Let’s make a pact that above and beyond your duties to protect me, we will forever be friends,” she suggested.
“That would be excellent,” Kendra said excitedly.
“We should seal our pact in blood,” the Countess said. This was her way of finding out—without asking—if Kendra was also a pure-blood vampire.
“Ok,” said Kendra. She bit her middle fingertip until it bled, and the Countess did the same. Then, they licked—not sucked—the other’s finger, until the bleeding stopped.
“There. It is done the old-fashioned way,” the Countess said, somehow knowing she was right.
“Yes. It is forever binding and unbreakable,” Kendra agreed.
“I have some special wine if you’d like some,” the Countess offered.
“Sure,” said Kendra. The two of them sipped their wine and sat in the back of the carriage, enjoying their state of euphoria and new companionship. It was not what the Countess had planned for Kendra, but when she saw the way Kendra looked at her earlier that day, everything changed. The two of them together just seemed natural.
As the carriage wheels hit the cobblestone street, she knew they were close to their destination. Finally, the carriage came to a halt, right in front of the dress shop. Kendra stepped out first and looked up and down the street. She then helped the Countess down out of the carriage.
“Everything seems to be closed,” Kendra observed.
“Not the best shop in town,” she replied. “Follow me.”
The Countess took Kendra by the hand and marched into the dress shop she had been in only a few days before.
“Stay by the door for a moment,” she instructed and strode away. The Countess found the shopkeeper and spoke quietly.
“Do you remember me?” she asked.
“Of course, Countess.” The shopkeeper bowed and smiled.
“Well, I need more items, but the Count is not with me, and he does not allow me to carry money. Can we work around that?” she asked.
“The Count has instructed us that you have an open line of credit with us to use whenever you see fit,” she informed the Countess. “I’m surprised he did not tell you.”
“Oh. Well...we never discuss finances. I guess he just didn’t want me to spend too much,” the Countess giggled. “In that case, I will be doing some shopping tonight for myself and my friend. Please, treat her the same way you would treat me. Thank you,” and with that, she walked over to join Kendra, a huge smile on her face.
“What is it?” Kendra asked.
“Well…you, my friend, are going shopping on me, tonight. We are going to make a lady out of you, yet,” the Countess explained.
“No way!” exclaimed Kendra. “I cannot defend you and chase the ‘Others’ in a formal gown and high heels,” Kendra insisted.
“I know, so here’s the compromise. When you are just hanging out, you may dress however you wish. When I am attending an event or we are out in public together, you will dress up. That’s the deal. No negotiating, and I’m paying for it, so start looking for dresses, and we can do a little fashion show. The shopkeeper will accessorize for you, so don’t worry about that. In the meantime, I’m going to pick up a couple more dresses, too,” the Countess explained. Kendra had a look of horror on her face.
“Come on. This will be fun. This is what girls do,” the Countess explained and was off. Kendra was immediately swarmed by sales associates. Good! That would distract them, so she could do what she really came here to do.
The Countess went into the dressing room, pulled back the curtain, and there sat the same, Jamaican woman smiling at her.
“Back so soon, child?” she asked.
“You knew I was a vampire?” she accused her.
“Yes, child,” the old woman agreed.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” the Countess demanded.
“‘Twas not me fate to tell ye,” she responded.
“Am I the evil one I’ve been dreaming about?” she cringed as she asked the question.
“Maybe in a past time. It don’t mean dah who ye need be now,” she replied. “Also, beware there be many tricky people out deh dah want ye. See dem for who deh really be, not who deh say deh be,” she warned.
“Do I have to be evil, because I’m a vampire?” she asked.
“No, silly child. Duh evil ones deh try to manipulate and convert ye. Stay true to ye self. Keep duh stones close, and deh will help,” she said. With that, she got up and walked away, and the session was over.
The Countess walked out of the dressing room to find a frazzled-looking Kendra. She shooed away all the sales people and spoke. “Okay. Hand me the dresses you personally like the best,” the Countess suggested. Kendra handed her seven dresses, mostly green and black.
“The others you don’t like?” the Countess asked.
“Not as much as those,” Kendra pointed to the pile in the Countess’s arms. The Countess snapped her fingers, and an associate appeared.
“We will not be taking these,” she said. The associate disappeared with the dresses draped across the chair. “Now, take these and go in the first dressing room, and try them on. I want to see each one after you have it on, ok?” the Countess instructed. One by one, Kendra tried on the dresses, and they all looked stunning on her. The Countess advised the staff to collect the shoes, jewelry, and accessories for each of the dresses Kendra tried on. After the last dress, Kendra came out and flopped into the chair next to the Countess.
“Who knew shopping could be so exhausting,” she confessed.
“I found one dress I’d like to try on before we leave, if you don’t mind sitting there a little longer,” the Countess replied.
“As long as I don’t have to try on anything else, I’m good,” Kendra smiled.
The Countess grabbed the purple dress she had been eyeing last time and took it into the dressing room. She knew the Count would never approve, but that’s what made it all the more enticing. The store was busy, but when she came out, everyone stopped and you could hear a pin drop as all eyes were on her. The dress was a floor length, royal purple velvet that split up both sides to the hip. The front was split down the center to the navel, allowing a large amount of cleavage and a flat tummy to be exposed. As the Countess turned in the dress, the back was also split down the middle, almost all the way to the top of the buttocks. The rest of the dress was form-fitting and very slinky. The Countess definitely had the body for this dress, but the Count would not be pleased with the amount of skin that it revealed. Oh, well. I’m getting it, she thought to herself.
Kendra came up to her. “Wow. That’s all I can say. Wow.” The Countess changed back and informed the staff she’d take the dress and everything to go with it. She also bought a couple pairs of pajamas for Kendra without her knowing.
Their ride home was amazing. They drank more wine and talked about all the fun they’d had. The Countess kept her side visit to herself. Kendra kept rambling about never having anyone do anything like that for her before, and she felt very special to have such a true companion. When they arrived home, the Count was waiting at the gate for them.
“Did you ladies have a nice time?” he asked, but he seemed rather perturbed.
“Wonderful!” the Countess shouted over her shoulder as her and Kendra continued into the castle, carrying the bags to her bed chamber. They sorted out the clothes, and the Countess gave Kendra the pajamas she had secretly purchased for her.
“Here. They are green, just like your eyes,” the Countess said as she handed the pajamas to Kendra.
“You are amazing. Thank you for everything,” Kendra said as she hugged her.
“Kendra?” the Countess asked.
“Yes, Countess?” she replied.
“I had such a wonderful time today with you, and I don’t want it to end.” she explained.
“Me, neither,” replied Kendra.
“I was wondering if you would stay the night with me. No hanky-pan
ky, and I’ll give you your own covers, but please say you’ll stay,” the Countess begged.
“I don’t know, Sweetie,” Kendra said.
“We’ll both be fully clothed,” the Countess insisted.
“Won’t the Count be mad?” Kendra asked.
“I’ll handle the Count. Please?” the Countess smiled.
“Ok,” whispered Kendra.
Chapter Fourteen
The next evening, the girls were awoken by the Count’s bellows.
“Kendra! Where the hell is that girl?” he asked Coletta.
“I...I...I don’t know.” She squeaked in her mouse voice when Master was upset, and she was nervous.
“Down here,” the Countess said in a singsong voice. “Quick, hide under the covers,” she whispered to Kendra.
“No. I couldn’t,” Kendra said, looking frightened.
“Come on. It will be fun,” she encouraged. Kendra finally gave in, just as the Count made his way down the steps.
“Well? Where is that woman?” he said, his eyes scanning the room frantically. The girls tried hard not to giggle.
“I paid her good money to keep a close eye on you. First, you two go off last night and don’t tell me where you are going, and now she’s missing!” He ended in a huff. With this, the Countess became enraged and stood up on the bed, her hands upon her hips.
“I’m not your prisoner. I am the Queen, and I have someone with me to protect me. Why do you have to know my every move? You are not my father, and I do not feel I need to answer to you!” she stated matter-of-factly. The look of shock on his face also held hurt behind his eyes, but she didn’t care. “Oh, and as far as Kendra goes,” she pulled back the covers to expose her laying there in her new green pajamas, “this is as close an eye as you will get. We were having so much fun last night, we decided to have a pajama party.”
“A pajama party?” the Count interrupted.
“Yes. See, we have become friends, which I know you don’t want, because you took Lizzy away. So, I’m warning you ahead of time. If something happens to Kendra or she disappears, I will go against coven and kill you, myself. In the meantime, she will be under my orders, not yours so get over it! You are dismissed, Count,” she said dryly. The Count turned and was gone with a flap of his cape.
“Wow,” said Kendra. “I thought I was going to be in trouble. I’ve always followed the rules and never did anything fun. Thank you for sticking up for me and calling me your friend,” Kendra said shyly. “I’ve never had a friend, before.”
“I do consider you my friend, and we have a pact, but there will also be times when I expect you to work for me, as well,” the Countess said. “Do you think you can handle the separation?” she asked.
“Yes, and I would be honored,” Kendra replied.
Over the next month, Kendra taught the Countess how to use various weapons. The art of sword fighting and dagger use were the two that most intrigued the Countess, so they spent many hours a day practicing, until their arms were too tired to continue. Kendra believed dagger-throwing could be useful, even against other vampires. It could kill or even temporarily trap an enemy and buy more time. Kendra really believed in them and thought it would be wise for the Countess to always keep a few hidden on her at all times, while she was out of the castle. Especially since she had learned to use them with such precision. Kendra also taught the Countess self-defense, and the Countess was flipping the male slaves by the evening—though the Countess doubted they put up much of a fight.
Throughout all of this, the Count watched in silence, unbeknownst to the participants. What good are any of these tactics up against another vampire, he brooded to himself. He shook his head, disgusted. He would have to bring in someone else to teach her about the true vampire ways. It was clear to him that the Countess had lost all respect for him, now that Kendra had come along. The Count had to bring in someone who could distract her from her precious Kendra and her thoughts of Lizzy. Kendra had been great, and he had felt safer with the Countess being in her company, but it was now time for the next level of training. This personal guard had to keep the interest of the Countess but not fall for her, which was not an easy task for most men. The Count could trust only one man for this job. It was time to bring in Alexos.
Chapter Fifteen
The next evening, the Count summoned both women, by way of Coletta, into his study. When they arrived, he was sitting behind his desk, reading something he quickly and mysteriously stuffed inside a nearby book, when he noticed them standing in the doorway.
“Please, come in and have a seat in front of me,” he invited. Kendra held back in the doorway at her usual post. “Kendra. You too, please. This involves us all,” he said. She reluctantly took a seat next to the Countess. She had never been in this room and was worried the news was not going to be good. Besides, all the books she didn’t know how to read, staring at her, were giving her the creeps.
The Count sat with his elbows on the arms of his chair, and his fingertips pressed together in front of him. He ran his index fingers back and forth over his lips, thinking as he agonized his guests with the wait. His stare seemed far away. Kendra caught the eye of the Countess, and she just shrugged her shoulders. When the Countess realized he wasn’t going to speak soon, she remembered her conversation with Lizzy. This was the room that held the marvelous book on flying, but which one could it be? There were probably thousands of books in this room. There were ladders to get to upper levels, where there were even more books. Books were piled on and all around his desk. There were even books piled around and in the fireplace. Why were there books stacked in the fireplace? Why didn’t he use the fireplace? That seems odd, the Countess thought to herself. Fire. That’s right. Now, I remember. Fire is a great enemy of the vampires. What better way to block off a fireplace than with books that would go up in flames easily. It still didn’t make sense to the Countess.
“Well,” the Count said loudly and stood up suddenly, scraping his chair backward and startling both women. This brought the Countess out of her thoughts and back to reality. He came around the desk and sat on the front of it, between the two women. “It seems we three have been invited to a ball held by the Honorable Señor Alexos,” he said impressively.
“Ooh,” said Kendra. “I’ve heard of him. He’s supposed to have looks and brains.” The Count gave her a sharp look. “Sorry, sir,” she apologized.
“Anyway,” he said, daring Kendra to say another word with his dark eyes, “we will have to fly there, or it would be a three-day journey by carriage and ferry, and I’m sure none of us would enjoy that,” he said sarcastically.
“Great!” the Countess excitedly replied. “When do we leave?”
“I’m already aware that you can fly, Countess, but keep in mind you have not flown over great distances. Please, promise me you will not be too proud to ask for my or Kendra’s assistance while flying, should you get too tired. It will make you weak otherwise, and I want you to have enough energy to enjoy the party, instead of being drained. Promise?” he asked.
“Promise,” the Countess reluctantly mumbled. She did see his point but was not about to admit it out loud.
“Also, depending on all of our strengths, by the end of the evening, Señor Alexos has agreed to lend us his most sacred and secure bed chamber, which no other vampire has seen, if we wish to stay the day to rest. He is known for his security, so you will be safe there, Countess,” he added.
“Sounds like this Señor Alexos is very generous and too good to be true. What does he want from me in return?” the Countess asked, skeptical.
“Nothing. Just the pleasure of your company at his party,” the Count explained.
“Count, please be honest with me. Have I had dealings with him in the past of any kind?” she asked uneasily.
“Personally, no,” he replied. “Many wanted the two of you together at one time, but you wouldn’t even hear of it. You never even met him before rejecting him. Believe me, that is not what
this is about this time around, either. He is a happy bachelor and enjoys entertaining many women. He wouldn’t want to be tied down, if his life depended on it. It’s just a party and nothing more. Promise,” he finished.
“I’ll believe that when I see it,” the Countess said. “All men are incapable of resisting me once they’ve met me. Why should he be any different? Let’s go, Kendra. We have outfits to plan,” the Countess said as she left the room.
This was the exact reaction he knew he would get from the Countess. He wanted her skeptical at first, but for them to make him a challenge was brilliant on his part. He knew exactly how to hook her to make his plan work to his benefit. He had already laid out the plan to Alexos and briefed him—okay, spelled out his plan for the Countess to him in detail—in a letter. He was reading Alexos’s response when the women came into his study. Alexos was willing to go along with the plan in its entirety. The Count had slowly allowed the Countess to see just enough of his study to question things on her own. He knew how her mind worked after all these years. It was also just enough to remind her of Lizzy and give her the confidence she would need to fly, so she would make it to this party alive, given there were no intruders during their flight. He had thought about leaving the book about flying—that Lizzy spoke of—open on his desk, but he knew the Countess would be too distracted and wouldn’t hear a word he said. He needed her focused as well as the exact reaction he got. She was predictable. Besides, the book would have been too obvious, even for her.
Chapter Sixteen
It was finally the night of the party. The Countess had on the dress she most recently bought. It was so exquisitely revealing, she made Coletta and the other slave promise not to tell “Master” about it. She planned to wear her purple, velvet cloak up to the parlor, so he would not see it until they were at the party. By then, it would be too late to do anything about it. Kendra had on a rhinestone-covered, emerald green, spaghetti–strap dress with a high waist and a flowy bottom that came just below the knee. She begged the Countess to carry a couple of daggers with her, but the Countess protested that there was no place to hide them in her dress. Kendra finally conceded defeat and gave up, adding a few extra in her own dress. As they went upstairs, the Count was waiting for them, and presented Kendra with a box similar to the one he had given the Countess not that long ago. In it was her own green, velvet cloak. She thanked him profusely, and they were ready to get on their way. The Countess hugged the Count and secretly slipped two daggers into his inside lapel pocket, unbeknownst to him, then smoothed out his tuxedo after “rumpling him” as she put it.