The Blood Alchemist Chronicles

by Alexia C. Praks

  Before Ren closed the door, he said to his brother, “Your pale face and foul mood gives me the impression you’re going to your own execution.”

  Shin turned his eyes to his brother and said sourly, “You try wearing this kimono and see if you like it. I’m a man, and why in God’s name I have to wear this is beyond me. Why can’t Dan be the one to play this role?”

  Tristan chuckled with amusement and then said, “You look perfect in it, Shin. Absolutely beautiful. You will certainly catch the young Lord Hasting’s eye, which is our goal tonight.”

  Tristan wasn’t lying… because Shin certainly looked stunning, very much like a dancing girl back in the Kingdom of Japan, in the imperial court.

  Shin pulled his face in disgust at the thought. Once again, he felt more than a little sick that he had to be the one to pin down the second Lord Hasting and wrest as much information from the man as possible. Shin knew he couldn’t afford to fail. Saving both Maiko-dono and John depended on him accomplishing this ordeal after all.

  Ren said, “Dan cannot be the one to play such a dangerous role. You know that.”

  Jude nodded in agreement. “That’s right. Have you any idea how dangerous it is to play the role of a courtesan?” He leaned close to Shin and said, his voice radiating horror, “Think what would happen if Lord Connor Hasting were to lay his hands on Dan.”

  Shin shuddered and snapped, “I will never let that happen. If that man even dares to touch Dan, I will kill him.”

  Jude was secretly smiling, knowing he had Shin where he wanted the boy to be. “That’s right. And of course, we all know how notorious Lord Connor Hasting is, a rake to boot, and we cannot allow his filthy hands to touch our dear Dan, now can we?”

  Michael said, “Do your best, Shin. After all, Dan and everyone here depends on you to get this job done.”

  Shin looked determined all of a sudden and nodded. He shouted to Daniella, who was outside on the driver’s seat. “Do you hear that, Dan? I’m doing this for you. You had better appreciate it.”

  Daniella, who had heard the whole conversation, chuckled and said, “I hear you, Shin. My thanks.”

  After Shin finally settled down, Ren closed the door. He then climbed into the high seat next to Daniella and took over the reins. A moment later, they were off.

  In the midst of the dark night, the carriage drove along another block of mansions, then around a corner. It wasn’t long until they reached the front gate of Hasting House along Park Lane, a prominent piece of real estate for the rich and famous of the English elite.

  It appeared a young footman had been waiting for them, because he eagerly rushed over as Daniella jumped down from the high seat of the carriage. She tipped her cap in greeting and said, her voice deep, “Sir, I’ve got here Madam Rose’s women. We have an appointment with his lordship, Connor Hasting.”

  “And you?” the footman asked, looking at her with narrowed eyes.

  Daniella raised her brows and pointed a finger at herself. She smiled cheekily and said, “Their escort, sir. These beautiful ladies, after all, need protection. Don’t you agree?”

  The footman nodded uncertainly at her rhetorical question. It was then the four utterly unique courtesans came out of the carriage, which drew the footman’s attention away from Daniella. The moment his gaze came to rest on them, he couldn’t stop himself from gasping in awe and staring, especially at Shin.

  The young footman was indeed impressed by the sight of the four courtesans and blushed profusely as he grinned widely. “Wow! I can certainly see why his lordship enjoys the company of these women very much.”

  Daniella chuckled and said, “Of course. They’re beautiful, aren’t they? Especially the youngest one. Only seventeen years of age.” She winked at Shin, who in turn gave her an annoyed frown.

  The footman nodded, eyeing Shin with appreciation as the group came forward. “Seventeen? Only a year younger than me,” he said in wonderment.

  Leading the team was Tristan, who said, “Hello there, my good sir. We’re here to entertain Lord Connor Hasting.”

  The footman nodded and said, “Of course, ladies. This way. Follow me, please.” As he turned to lead them toward the house, he gave Shin another appreciative gaze, which irritated Shin and amused both Jude and Michael.

  Jude said, “Looks like the footman is very taken by you, my dear Shin.”

  Shin grumbled and whispered, “Stop making things up. I’m pretty sure he knows I’m a man underneath all this fancy makeup and kimono.”

  Michael cocked his head to one side and said lowly, “I’m not so sure about that. That footman looks rather young.”

  Jude chuckled and added, “And rather inexperienced. He’s probably new to the post and has no clue who or what Madam Rose’s women are.”

  Michael shrugged. “Which makes it easier for us, I guess.”

  Jude concurred. Then just to tease Shin, he said as he nodded in confirmation, “He definitely thinks you’re a girl.”

  Shin muttered something unpleasant under his breath while both Jude and Michael laughed, which drew the footman’s attention to them.

  When the footman noted that Shin was frowning, he promptly asked, “Is everything all right?”

  Before the footman had the chance to prod further, Shin sighed and then managed to compose himself. “Everything is fine, thank you.”

  Tristan, who had overheard their whispery conversation, chuckled lowly.

  As the team followed the footman toward the house, Daniella turned her attention to Ren and gave him the signal that everything was going according to plan. Ren responded with a nod of his head and then drove the carriage away to return it before rejoining the team.

  Noting that Ren had left, Daniella turned and followed the others toward the house.

  * * *

  At Hasting Mansion, the footman did not take them toward the front, where the main entrance was, but rather, he led them toward the back, another access into the house that was more inconspicuous.

  Once inside, he apologized profusely. “I’m very sorry, ladies, that I have to take you all through the back door, but I have to follow his lordship’s instruction.”

  Tristan said, “We understand, my good sir. After all, we’re nothing more than paid courtesans.”

  The footman blushed and stammered, “That… Yes, but…”

  Michael chuckled. “We’re used to this sort of thing. Don’t worry about it.”

  The footman reluctantly nodded. He turned around and led them through a maze of corridors and stairs, which undoubtedly confused those who weren’t residents of this particular mansion. But of course, these were the Masters of Disguise, and thus far, they had memorized every step, stair, and turn. It wasn’t long until they arrived at their destination.

  “This way please, ladies,” the footman said, opening a door that wasn’t much different from the many other doors along that fancy corridor of high ceilings, chandeliers, decorative wallpaper, and numerous gigantic paintings that hung along the walls.

  “Thank you,” Daniella said.

  The footman nodded and, after giving Shin another look of admiration, left them.

  The moment Daniella and company stepped across the threshold of the dimly lit room, the loud noise of male laughter rushed to envelop them, which of course jarred Daniella breathless for a moment.

  More than a little nervous all of a sudden, Daniella turned to look at Tristan for guidance as to how she should go about this situation, since she was, after all, their escort.

  Tristan, noting her anxiety, winked and patted her head to help ease her uncertainty. Daniella nodded, knowing she had to carry out her role perfectly. Thus, she took the lead by heading toward the group of men who were obviously dead drunk and making a huge racket on the other side of the room.

  Midway, she found herself confronting a dark cloud of smoke, which caused her to cough vigorously. She blinked as her eyes started to water. And, oh Lord, but the smell was nothing like she had encount
ered before.

  Tristan, who was behind her, whispered in her ear, “Opium.”

  “Err?” Daniella coughed some more. Once she finally managed to calm down, she took a step forward, clearing the smoke in front of her by flapping her hands in the air.

  “My lord,” she began before another cough announced itself. “Excuse me,” she said and then coughed some more.

  “Well, hello there,” a male voice—soft, deep, and sensual—came their way.

  Daniella cleared her throat, blinking a couple times. “My lord, sorry about the delay. I have escorted the ladies from Madam Rose’s here to entertain you as you have requested.”

  “Finally,” the male voice said. “My, my, don’t just stand there. Come along now, ladies.”

  Daniella narrowed her eyes, trying to figure out which of the men in the haze of smoke she had been talking to. She assumed it was the young Lord Connor Hasting. Of course, she had met with him before, back at the tavern only last night, and would recognize him in an instant. Currently, however, the room was exceptionally dim. Add in the thick smoke from the opium, and it was impossible to see anything clearly.

  It wasn’t until a few moments later that the smoke ceased and her vision improved. Across the room, she noted four men lazing comfortably on the sofas and armchairs near the lit hearth. They were obviously in various states of undress that made Daniella blush with embarrassment. Of course, she was supposed to be a male, and therefore, their nudity shouldn’t affect her one tiny bit. Then again, she couldn’t help herself and had to lower her eyes from such a spectacle. Ren would be flabbergasted indeed if he ever found out she was surrounded by so many half-dressed men. She knew that for sure.

  “Come along now, my love,” the blond one said, signaling Shin to come over.

  Daniella had no doubt this man was indeed Lord Connor Hasting, the second son of the earl of Middlemarch. Even in this state of drunkenness, he still had that same arrogance and demeanor of importance, just like his older brother Lord Zachary Hasting, as he idled there on the sofa, dressed only in trousers. He even held a glass of wine in one hand.

  On closer inspection, Daniella noted that he looked a little different from the last time she had seen him back at the tavern. Currently, he appeared a little pale, as though he were sick or something, which was probably due to the use of opium.

  Connor put his wine glass down on the table and then patted his lap as he said, “Come here, sweetheart.” He was looking directly at Shin.

  Shin groaned in despair at being invited for the second time. Of course, he had hoped that by not making his move the first time, it would put the young Lord Hasting off, but it appeared that had not worked. He whispered to Tristan, “Do I have to?”

  Tristan chuckled. “Unfortunately, yes.”

  Reluctantly, Shin made his way toward Connor, albeit very slowly, dragging his feet like a child being told to do some unpleasant chore.

  Once he was in front of Connor, the man pulled him by the wrist and made him sit on his lap.

  Shin paled and went stiff as Connor wrapped his arms around him.

  Connor asked softly, “Care for a drink, love?”

  Shin looked heavenward and prayed for both help and patience.

  When he didn’t hear Shin’s reply, Connor leaned in and whispered sensually into Shin’s ear, “What did you say, love? I didn’t hear you?”

  Shin shook his head and snapped, “I didn’t say anything.”

  “Oh?” Connor teased. “Then you should say something.” He stroked Shin’s cheek with the back of his hand, which made him shudder in trepidation. Connor asked, “Can you sing?”

  Shin shook his head. “Of course I can’t.”

  “Have you tried?” Connor chuckled. “I would love to hear you sing. Just you and me in the privacy of my bedroom.”

  Shin brushed Connor’s hand away in annoyance. “Are you always so hands on?”

  That made Connor laugh. When he managed to calm down, he said, “With you, yes. Would you like to try singing for me?”

  Shin snapped, “No, thank you very much.”

  On the other side of the room, Daniella asked Tristan and his team, “Is Shin going to be okay? It looks as though he’s having trouble. That Lord Connor Hasting is rather flirtatious, isn’t he?” She cocked her head to one side. “Surely he knows Shin is a man.”

  Tristan chuckled in amusement at Daniella’s query.

  Jude said, “Of course Shin will be fine. For you, I’m sure he can handle anything, even this.”

  Michael said, “I’m pretty sure Lord Connor Hasting knows Shin is a man.”

  Connor suddenly made Shin rest his face against the crook of his neck, and he then proceeded to kiss Shin’s forehead.

  “Oh dear,” Daniella said, more than a little shocked. “I’m very sure Lord Connor Hasting doesn’t know Shin is a man.”

  It was then Tristan turned his attention to her and instructed, “Now time for you to go.” He smoothly moved to stand in front of her, thus preventing her from observing some rather adult scene displayed by Lord Connor, who was enjoying toying with Shin.

  Tristan said to their patrons at large, “Gentlemen.” His voice was soft and gentle, very much like a female, albeit deeper. He came forward and wrapped his hands around one of the men’s shoulders, chuckling delightfully.

  Jude and Michael followed suit, each choosing to entertain the other men.

  Daniella noted that Tristan was signaling for her to leave, so she nodded in confirmation and silently slipped out as Tristan and company ensured Lord Connor Hasting and his friends were preoccupied with their wicked charm.

  * * *

  Once Daniella had slipped outside the room, she closed the door with a gentle click. Then she scanned about her surroundings along the length of the elegant hallway. When she noted that the coast was clear, she silently headed toward the servants’ stairs at the back of the house, where she knew no one would notice her presence, especially at this time of the night when everyone was deep in their slumber.

  At the stairs, with her feet light, she raced down to the second floor where Lord Zachary Hasting’s room resided, as established by Chris when he had conducted his investigation days prior.

  Door number six from the grand stairs on the right side. That was Lord Zach Hasting’s room, and since Daniella was heading from the servants’ side, which was on the opposite side of the main stairs, she counted four doors from the left. Hence, upon entering the corridor, she silently dashed to that particular door and tried the handle. It was unlocked, and she sighed with relief, knowing she didn’t have to fiddle with the thing to get it to open after all.

  She cracked the door open slightly and then smoothly slipped in.

  Darkness greeted her once she stepped over the threshold of what she knew was a sitting room. She narrowed her eyes and adjusted her sight to the dimness of the area. Once she managed that, she quickly made her way to the adjacent room where there was some light emanating from within.

  At the door, she touched the handle and slowly opened it. She peeked inside and noted that a person, who she assumed was Lord Zachary Hasting, was in his bed, deep in his slumber.

  She raised her hand, took off her glove, and then unwrapped the bandage. Instantly, blood flowed from her wounded palm, and the array of this bright-red elixir elegantly stirred, shifted, and then bound together, magically connecting itself to form the shape of a long saber. The bright-red liquid then crystalized and turned hard like a diamond, becoming a magnificent blood-saber the color of a ruby.

  With the sword in her hand, Daniella flicked and then swung, slicing the sharp blade through air as if to practice her movement.

  With her gaze on Lord Zachary, she slipped into the room and slowly made her way to the large four-poster bed. Once at the bed, she stood there on the side, looking down at the man who had enjoyed harassing her last night back at the tavern.

  Because she was curious, she leaned closer so she could get a better look
at the man who would one day inherit the now infamous title of earl of Middlemarch.

  She cocked her head to one side, noting his dark-brown hair, angular face, prominent jawline, aquiline nose, and sensual lips. Even in bed, she noted that he still had that unique smell of maleness and spice, which was completely different from Ren, who had the smell of earth and sandalwood.

  She was so consumed with what she was doing, staring at the sleeping form of Lord Zachary, that she did not realize her whole body had relaxed and the hand around her sword had loosened its grip.

  Suddenly, Zach flicked his eyes open, which made Daniella gasp out in shocked surprise, for she assumed he was asleep.

  A devilishly handsome grin greeted her next as emerald-green eyes, twinkling and bright, gazed at her with amusement.

  Daniella did not have time to think or act before Zach roughly caught her upper arm and hauled her over him as he flipped up.

  Thud! Daniella felt herself land on the soft bed on her back, and the next second, she found herself trapped, with Zach’s lean, masculine body crouching over her and his strong, powerful hand wrapping around her throat, ready to finish her off if it so pleased him.

  * * *

  Lord Zachary Hasting knew that the young Master Dan and his team would execute an uninvited meeting with him tonight, and it was as he had predicted. His plan to lure them into his domain had worked, and he didn’t have to wait long at all. Surely, he thought, Connor and his team must be having a grand time toying with the Masters of Disguise at this very moment in the drawing room.

  “Good evening, Master Dan,” he said softly as he stared at the face that never ceased to fascinate him. “Didn’t take you long to find where I’m located. You must have some very intelligent people working for you.”

  Even though she was at the disadvantage, Daniella did not feel threatened and even smirked as she replied, “Hello to you, too, Wall. So you knew we were coming?”