Kingdom of the Damned: Provocation (KIngdom Journals)

by Tricia Copeland

  “I believed my sister would still be in London, but it seems she has moved on.” Elizabeth finishes the tale.

  “Poor souls, at least you have each other.” Faye runs her hand down my hair.

  I realize her scent is different from the others and note it to Elizabeth when we retire for the night. “Is Faye a faerie? She smells different from the men. And why isn’t Master Henry’s scent as good as the boys.”

  “You noticed that?” She holds the covers up for me to climb onto the mattress.

  I snuggle into the feather cushion. It reminds me of home, and I focus on Elizabeth so I won’t think of Mother, Father, Beatrice, Sebastian, and Mina. Elizabeth tells me of the faerie beings that lived near her childhood home in Ireland. How, with red hair and light skin, they tend to be smaller than humans. They are gifted with the ability to know a person’s feelings, even thoughts. I am to be careful of touching Faye too much.

  “I know the rules.” Mad at myself for letting my guard down, I cross my arms over my chest and jut out my lower lip. Even thinking of this hard-and-fast mandate, that a human must never learn of our kind, makes me remember Mother. I want to think about something happy and ask Elizabeth to tell me of Ireland again.

  “You never tire of that story.” Sliding in the bed beside me, she indulges me, as she always does, relaying her childhood tales of life by the sea, trek across Europe, and how she met my parents and Finn.

  “Rest dear.” She kisses my head as she finishes the tale.

  Trying to relax, I listen to the sounds of the house. Hot air hisses as it rises through the pipes, and the wood creeks. I get hot and move a blanket to the floor and lie atop it. For the first time in weeks, I feel safe and rest as if I were home.

  As light starts to grow outside the window, I get up and cross the room. Inching the door open, I find clothes stacked in front of me. With the dress a little wide, I tighten the sash around my waist and make my way downstairs. Seeing Faye in the kitchen, I point to her washroom.

  “Of course, child, go ahead.”

  When I join her in the kitchen, she is rolling out dough. I flip a bucket upside down and slide it to her side. Reaching out for the flour, I keep her rolling pin dusted.

  “You sure are smart for a little one. How old are you?”

  “I’ll be three the seventeenth of November.”

  “You are tall. That’s not far off. What kind of cake do you like?”

  “I’m sorry. Cake?”

  I catch Elizabeth’s scent and hear her footsteps before she enters the room. “She has never had cake.”

  Faye startles, dropping the rolling pin. “Oh, my stars. You are a quiet one.”

  After breakfast, Master Henry takes us in his carriage to meet the German baker and Italian grocery woman. With an enclosed compartment, complete with doors and windows, his carriage is much nicer than Adam’s wooden open cart. I rub my fingers across the crushed velvet seat. I catch Master Henry’s gaze as it lands on me, and fold my hands on my lap.

  “It’s my favorite fabric too.” He winks at me.

  I’m not familiar with German or Italian, and it’s boring for me to wait as Elizabeth and Master Henry speak with the baker and then the grocer. Faye entertains me by pointing out the different breads, cakes, and pies made by the German man. In the grocery, she leads me around, showing me the huge barrels of flour, sugar, and salt. As I point to items I’m unfamiliar with, she tells me their names.

  Elizabeth and Master Henry walk towards us as we admire ribbons in the front window. “I am very impressed,” I hear Master Henry comment to Elizabeth. “I will be honored if you should join my staff. I can give you and Anne room and board in exchange for five days of training and helping Faye. Do you agree to these terms?”

  Elizabeth stops and turns towards Master Henry. She holds out her gloved hand to him. “Thank you, I will be most willing to accept the position.”

  “We are agreed then. Perhaps you and Anne can accompany Faye to the dress shop, on my bill, of course.” He motions for her to proceed to the front of the store.

  Elizabeth’s smile tells me all I need to know. This is a good thing. We’ve found a home.

  I help Faye during the day, and Elizabeth teaches me lessons in the evenings. In a year, Master Henry allows me to sit in class with the level-one eight-year-old boys. I must pretend to be playing not to insult them, but I don’t care. On my tenth birthday, Master Henry gives us his room on the main floor to give me space from the boys. Two years later, he and Elizabeth wed, and Master Henry signs papers that make him my legal father. Elizabeth and I still share our room as the purpose of the marriage is to ensure I’m seen as a proper lady.

  Master Henry enrolls me in etiquette and dancing classes, and for the first time since my family died, I’m with girls of similar age. These peers, for as imperfect friends as they are, help me to feel included, and a tentative sense of belonging beyond my family of Elizabeth, Faye, and Henry emerges.

  My teen years prove to be most challenging as I navigate growth spurts without a vampire’s natural diet. More times than I care to admit, I fake being ill to avoid feeding on a human. It is only when I begin hunting at night that the cravings become manageable.

  With my schooling complete at sixteen, Elizabeth and Master Henry decide I should enter society. Faye, Elizabeth, and Master Henry plan my debutante party for the beginning of the summer social season. Master Henry is well respected in the area and earns the first event date of the year. My girlfriends are so green with envy and excited, I can hardly stand to be around them.

  As for me, I hate formal parties, introductions, pretense, and posturing. The rules of society feel suffocating. I’d much rather sit in a classroom with the boys learning history, economics, finance, law, anything but sewing, cooking, manners, and rules of courtship.

  “Sir Thomas has asked to bring their new caretaker,” Faye notes at dinner the night before the party.

  Henry’s eyes cut between Faye and Elizabeth. “I met him briefly. Large man, quiet, but Sir Thomas speaks highly of him.”

  Elizabeth places her hand atop Henry’s. “Do we know anything about his family?”

  “I don’t want to offend Sir Thomas.” Henry lifts his fork to take a bite.

  “We need to be sure.” Elizabeth squeezes Henry’s hand.

  I roll my eyes, thinking Elizabeth to be too nervous about every newcomer. She still protects me like I’m one of her young halflings, making sure I don’t slip up and get too close to someone or am discovered slipping out of the house to hunt at night.

  Lowering his fork to the table, Henry wraps his other hand around Elizabeth’s. “Sir Thomas says he’s from the north. He’s not in society, but Sir Thomas has taken a liking to him and plans to support him.”

  On the night of the party, it’s chilly by human terms, but Elizabeth takes every precaution so that I’m not overwhelmed by the number of humans in our home. We are to receive guests in the front hall at the main entrance. This assures there will be fresh air flow. Since our room is on the main floor, she leaves that window open to get a cross breeze.

  “You don’t seem excited,” Elizabeth notes as she helps me dress.

  “What part of me did you think would like this? I’d rather be single for my whole life.”

  “You never know. You might meet someone wonderful.”

  “In London? I’m not meant for this society. Henry is already starting to notice you don’t look any older. Why don’t we leave? Isn’t that how it’s done?”

  She grips my shoulders. “You have ten, maybe fifteen years before you have to move on, enjoy being young and cared for. The world is not such a hospitable place for women.”

  “But I’m not a woman, and I don’t need to be cared for.”

  Elizabeth exhales a deep breath. “In this society, yes you do. Just give me until you’re twenty-five. Much will change. If you’re still unhappy, then we will go.”

  I peer into her eyes. “Promise?”

&n
bsp; “That is my oath to you.” She kisses my forehead.

  “Thank you.” I hug her to me.

  “Come on, child.” She slides from my embrace. “You’re going to mush your dress.”

  Sage green taffeta fits tight around my torso to my waist. The sleeves hang three-quarters of the way down my arms, and ruffles, matching those of my billowing skirt, extend to my wrists. Elizabeth hangs a green stone, given to me by Henry, around my neck.

  “He loves you as if you are his own daughter. Please don’t hurt him.” Elizabeth touches the stone and looks into my eyes.

  “I know. I will try,” I promise her.

  Guests stream in for an hour. I shake each hand, diverting my gaze and curtseying to the young men. Many I have seen before, in church or along the street. Some are Master Henry’s former students, which is uncomfortable as they feel like brothers to me.

  A cool gust of wind catches the door, swinging it wide open. My nerves revel in a much-needed break from the smell of humans. As the door closes, a hush seems to fall over the crowd. My gaze darts to my friends, who are huddled together, eyes fixed on the entrance.

  Their whispers float to my ears. “Who is with Sir Thomas? Why haven’t we seen him before? Where is he from? Does he have status?”

  I look to the doorway to find the source of their excitement. A boy, half a head taller than Sir Thomas, stands just inside. I realize I should say man, but his light hair and skin, brilliant blue eyes, and smooth skin exude youth. With squared shoulders and a straight back, confidence flows from his form, making it hard to guess his age.

  Intrigued, I watch as Lady Thomas then Sir Thomas greet Henry. Sir Thomas introduces the tall stranger to Henry. Henry’s body freezes for a split second as their hands lock, and I strain to make out their words. The noise from the hall rises in volume, and I’m unable to hear the exchange.

  Beside me, the new gentleman takes Elizabeth’s hand and dips his chin.

  “You have a beautiful home. Thank you for the invitation.” His words seem to flow from his mouth as if a song. I don’t recognize the accent, and my eyes lock on his as he steps in front of me.

  For as large as he is, no aroma wafts from his form. I look to Elizabeth whose eyes tighten just a tinge, then refocus on his face.

  “I’m Alec of Alexander.” He offers his hand, palm up.

  I place my fingers on his. His skin matches the temperature of mine, and my eyes cut to his. Holding his gaze, I curtsey. “Anne, Anne Scott.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He squeezes my hand and bows his head. Leaning towards me, he kisses my cheek. His lips feel warm on my skin, and my pulse races. To my right, I hear Faye suck in a breath. Still, Alec grips my hand, his breath warm on my neck. “I believe I’ve seen you in the woods hunting.”

  My face flames as a hush settles in the room. Alec steps back, and his lips rise on one side to form a half-smile. His face emanates an emotion I classify somewhere between coy, seductive, and pure bliss. I pull my blood into my core to cool my cheeks. My mind races with fear. How didn’t I detect him in the woods? My eyes dart to his. He blinks, and a full relaxed smile graces his face.

  “Mister Alexander.” Faye reaches out and slides her hand between ours. Alec’s gaze shifts to her face, but I can’t seem to redirect my attention. Faye’s eyes dart to me and back to Alec. “We haven’t met formally. I’m Faye.”

  He slides his hand from her grip. “I’m sorry. My name is a bit confusing. I am Alec of Alexander.” His eyes dart to me and back to her. “In the north, we’ve only given names and use our father’s name to denote our lineage.”

  “How interesting.” Faye forces a smile and steps closer to him. Placing a hand one of his shoulders, she peers into his eyes. Her lips form a smile that spreads across her face. “So nice to make your acquaintance.”

  I look between the two of them, trying to figure out what exchange took place. Perhaps Faye is indeed part faerie as we suspect. Maybe she needs multiple touch points to read someone. My mind flips through my interactions with her, knowing she’s hugged me more times than I could count.

  “The feeling is mutual.” Alec dips his head to her. Looking at me, he smiles and then spins on one heel to follow Lady and Sir Thomas.

  “What a nice gentleman.” One of Faye’s hands moves to my elbow, and the other clutches my hand. Thinking to protect the swirling thoughts in my head, I snatch my arm from her grip.

  “Yes.” I force a quick smile, as my mind fights to process everything. Faye couldn’t have heard what he’d said to me about the woods. With the volume in the room, I doubt Elizabeth did. I glance at her as she introduces yet another eligible man to me. I shake his hand and nod mechanically. I wonder if Faye sensed something about Alec. What of Henry’s reaction? The absence of human scent? The temperature of his skin? Is Alec a Vampire? I already know the answer. Why hadn’t I been more careful while out hunting?

  I think of my hours in the woods. My trips are as much about escape as they are sustenance. How many times has he seen me? I love following the stream, dipping my feet in the cool water, letting the tinkling of the brook over the rocks ease my senses. I shudder at the thought that I was being watched.

  “I believe we have greeted all of our guests.” Henry brings me out of my spiraling emotions. He leans towards Elizabeth and whispers in her ear. “That kiss was improper. Keep Alec away from Anne.”

  With Elizabeth numbering three hundred years, I imagine she knows Alec is a vampire. He exposed himself to me, so he must not be afraid of us. I realize he could be hundreds and hundreds of years old, and goosebumps rise on my skin. How many women has he kissed?

  “Are you cold, dear?” Faye rubs my arms with her hands. “I wonder if a window is open. I feel a cross breeze.”

  I jerk away from her touch. “That must be it. I’ll check our room.”

  Looping through Henry’s study and the kitchen, I enter our quarters through the washroom. Despite what I’ve told Faye, I swing the window open wide and stick my head out, breathing in the clean night air. It resets my senses, and I take another large gulp. I can’t afford to be away from the party for long. Speeding back to the front hall, I smooth my dress and force a smile.

  Hearing a flurry of chatter from my friends, I move in their direction. One grabs my arm and pulls me into the group as I approach. Their comments fly at me. “I can’t believe that man kissed you. Are you swooning? I would need a cold dip after that. Who is he? Have you met him before? My father would have thrown a gentleman out of our house for being so forward.”

  “He’s new here. I don’t think he understands our etiquette,” I answer.

  “You would think Lady and Sir Thomas would have taught him some manners,” another huffs. “How dare he?”

  The bravest of our group leans into the circle, and the other girls huddle around her. “That man is the most handsome male I have ever seen in my life. He could kiss me on the cheek or anywhere else he pleases.”

  My face flames, as I guess he may be able to hear our conversation. Several expressions in front of me freeze, and I sense a form behind me. How is this being able to sneak up on me? I feel a warm fingertip on my bare shoulder and rotate to face him.

  “Alec.” I force a smile and scan the room for Henry and Elizabeth.

  “I’m afraid I have committed an error in etiquette. I wish to apologize.” His deep-blue eyes lock onto mine. Extending his hand he dips his chin. “Our customs are different in the north. I’m sorry if I caused you distress. Would you do me the honor of a dance?”

  I keep my hands firm at my side, knowing Henry thought Alec improper. I search the room for Elizabeth and Henry and find them standing with Lady and Sir Thomas.

  “Sir Thomas has spoken with every couple, explaining my error,” Alec continues. “Shall we?”

  My eyes cut to Henry and back to Alec. “You should ask my father’s permission.”

  “If you wish.” He motions for me to lead the way.

  As we ap
proach, Alec bows to Henry. “Your daughter suggests that I should ask your permission to dance with her.”

  Henry swallows, and his eyes cut to Sir Thomas and back. “Of course, a dance in our home would be appropriate, if she desires.”

  Alec bows again and offers his hand to me. I slide my fingers over the calluses lining his warm palm. He leads me to the dance floor, and we wait in the circle for the music to begin.

  He lowers his head to speak into my ear. “I don’t know your dances.”

  “I’m guessing you learn quickly. Just follow the person in front of you.”

  Music starts, and the dance begins with an intricate jig. Alec bounces to the tempo, and within minutes learns the pattern. I focus on inhaling deep breaths, memorizing his scent. It is like Elizabeth’s, but I note a hint of salt.

  “How am I doing?” He brings me out of my thoughts.

  “I told you it wouldn’t be a problem,” I whisper to him.

  “I just pray there’s not a solo number.”

  “Just wait.” I smile at him, and his eyes seem to sparkle.

  His attention cuts between me and those to his sides as the men perform their part. When it’s my turn, I can’t seem to pull my eyes from his stare. The lines of his face and his square chin draw me in, and I’m captivated. When he takes my hand again, his gaze holds mine as we dance around the room. As the music ends, he bows low in front of me, his eyes fixed on me.

  I flush as I realize the rest of the dancers have moved off the floor. He offers me his hand, and I take it.

  “You dance well,” I say as he leads me towards Elizabeth and Henry.

  He winks at me. “It was a bit tricky there at the beginning, but I think I got it.”

  “Alec.” Henry greets us. “You did well for your first trial.”

  “Thank you and thank you.” He turns and bows to me.

  “Thank you.” I dip my knees in a curtsey.

  “Anne.” Henry offers his arm to me. “You should speak with the rest of our guests.”

  Henry leads me to all those gathered, and I smile and trade pleasantries. As we move through the room, I practice finding Alec, and within an hour, I hit the mark each time. A grin forms on his face when he catches me looking, and my lips form an automatic smile in return.