Ambrosine

by Noreen Harrison

  “What was it?” I asked, seeing his eyes grow darker. “She said it was a choice. Then she moved her icy fingers across my throat. I looked into her eyes...” Marcus hesitated.

  “Marcus, what happened?”

  “It was weird. She moved closer to me and whispered into my ear, ‘You can die or choose immortality so that you can be with your precious Alixia.’ All I remember saying is that I wanted to be with you. Then, she bit down into me. I felt this sensation of burning-ice soaking into every inch of my body until I surrendered to the darkness.”

  “Marcus.” I said, loathing Charlotte even more. “She tricked you!”

  Marguerite spoke up quickly. “No, Alixia, he was given the choice.”

  “No, he wasn’t!” I insisted. “He was given an ultimatum between death or—”

  Marcus took my hand. “Alixia, it’s okay.” He looked over at Marguerite. “Remember, Marguerite is not the enemy here.”

  I sucked in a breath. “Oh, uh, I’m sorry, Marguerite, it’s just all of this has made me…” I shook my head. “Never mind. I apologize for my outburst.” She didn’t say a word. She just nodded as if she knew what I had been through. “Marcus, I don’t need to hear any more.”

  “I agree. That’s enough, Marcus.” Marguerite said as she stood up. “Alixia, I know you two only have a short time to be together, so I will leave.” She took my hand. “It was nice meeting you and I know we will meet again.”

  “I hope so. I have some questions I would like to ask you.”

  “Yes, I know. We will get together soon. I promise you that.” Marcus stood and walked her to the door. I sat and wondered if there were more outsiders who could sense our presence.

  Marcus walked back into the room, looking concerned as he said, “Now, for the reason we are meeting tonight. What is this warning?”

  “Marcus.” I clasped my hands, feeling nervous about what I had to tell him. “My…family doesn’t…believe you can be trusted.” I said, stumbling over my words. “They think…you’re…dangerous and they want you dead.”

  He didn’t show anger. “What do you think, Alixia?” His eyes fixed on me as he waited for my answer.

  I shook my head. “I don’t know now.”

  “Alixia.” His faced grimaced in pain. “I didn’t ask for this, as you know, and I would never hurt you or anyone in your family. I came to warn you that Marcel’s family is coming. That’s all.” I could sense he wasn’t as malicious as Charlotte or Marcel, but I knew I had to end this to save him.

  “I believe you, Marcus. And I care for you very much. But, you have to stay away from me now, for your own safety.”

  “I am not doing that. I told you.”

  “You have to, Marcus. The Ambrosines will try to kill you, and I don’t know if I am powerful enough to stop them.” I swallowed nervously. “I couldn’t bear it if something happened to you.”

  “No! I am not giving you up! We were both outsiders caught between these two worlds. I am not going to let them tear us apart!”

  He sat down and lowered his head. His words felt like a knife going through my chest. I realized I really didn’t want to give him up either, but I feared for his life.

  I moved closer to him. “Marcus, try to understand. I want to protect you.” He looked up at me and said, “You don’t need to protect me, Alixia. I am going to protect you.” He pulled me into his arms and said tenderly, “I promise you, we will be together again.”

  Phillip Returns

  Robert dropped me off at the mansion. I walked in, and found the house quiet, which made me glad. I didn’t want to be questioned tonight. So, I quickly went upstairs to my room and undressed. Slipping on my nightgown, I started to think of Marcus, but then Phillip came into my thoughts, too. I had so much to figure out now. But, one thing I knew for sure, I needed to tell Phillip about Marcus. I pulled my bed down and got in.

  Hopefully I’m making the right choice in telling him.

  I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep, thinking of both of them.

  I didn’t want to get out of bed the next morning. I lay there, wondering how I was going to convince the family that Marcus wasn’t dangerous and that he only wanted to help us. Maybe Marcus was right. We were stuck between the two Realms and they were trying to control us. I got up, got dressed and then went downstairs.

  Mother was coming up the stairs as I was coming down. “There you are, Alixia. I was just coming to get you up.” She said.

  “I was up, but I couldn’t get moving this morning.”

  “Well, you better find some energy because we have a lot to prepare for today.”

  “Yes I know.”

  We walked toward the dining room. “Have the dresses arrived yet for the masquerade ball?” I asked.

  “No, but they should be here this afternoon sometime.”

  “Good, that’s something to look forward to today.” She smiled and put her arm around me as we went into the dining room. Madame Cecilia looked up from the paper. “Good morning.”

  “Good morning.” Mother and I said simultaneously. As we sat down, Mother poured herself a cup of coffee and handed me one of her lists.

  “What’s this?”

  “It’s a list of the guests that will be staying with us. You need to learn their names and what Realm they are from. Millie will help you.”

  “Where is Millie?” I asked, looking around the room.

  “I think she is in the kitchen.” Madame Cecilia said.

  “I’ll go get her.” I said. I stood up, and then sat back down, when I heard Madame Cecilia say, “I see here in the paper there have already been two murders, and Mardi Gras has just started.”

  “Really? Did they mention how they died?” I asked anxiously. Madame Cecilia raised an eyebrow at me, and then went on to read more to herself before saying, “The police say the weapon might be a small knife because of puncture wounds on their bodies.” She put the newspaper down. “Why do you have an interest in these murders?” She asked.

  “I don’t. I was just curious, that’s all.” I didn’t want to tell her about being with Marcus last night and hearing the things he had done. I would probably always have a curiosity about any bodies found in New Orleans. I stood up, grabbed a piece of toast and said, “Well, I’d better go find Millie and get started on this list.”

  “Oh, before you go, Alixia,” Mother said light-heartedly, “your grandmother and I are picking up Angel and—”

  “Phillip!” I said.

  “Yes, we’re picking up Phillip, too. So, I suppose you would like to come with us?”

  “Yes, of course. Did you even have to ask?”

  “I guess not.” Mother smiled. “Get going now. Go find Millie.” I left to find Millie.

  No one asked me about my dinner with Robert last night. I wonder what they’re up to.

  I met Millie in the hallway and wrapped an arm around her shoulder as I said, “Come on, girl. Mother’s made another list for us.” She grimaced, knowing how Mother was with her lists, and said, “A list of what?” I handed it to her and she studied it.

  “Okay, this won’t take too long.” She assured me as we made our way to the library.

  Millie started pulling albums from the shelves.

  “Millie, can I ask you a question?”

  “Oui. What is it?”

  “Would you keep a secret if I told you something that would probably get us both into trouble?”

  “You saw Marcus last night, didn’t you?” She put the albums down in front of me. “Yes.” I said sheepishly. “How did you know?”

  “It wasn’t hard to figure out. When I heard that his brother picked you up, I knew. I don’t understand; what are you doing? You are causing so much trouble for yourself.” Her expression turned serious. “Alixia, if I figured it out, you know the family knows. You have to stay away from him.”

  “I can’t.”

  “You can’t?!” She asked incredulously. “What about Phillip? What is going on in y
our head, Alixia?” She slowly lowered herself into the chair across from me at the table and stared at me in disbelief. “Are you in love with him?”

  “Yes…no…I mean I care for Phillip. But I feel the same for Marcus and can’t give him up.” She just stared.

  “Millie, try to understand.” She shook her head slowly, eyeing me. “You are being foolish, Alixia, not to mention selfish. I don’t care if you read my thoughts. You have to stop this immediately. Do you understand me? These two Realms cannot coexist with each other.”

  “But Marcus is not part of Marcel’s Realm.” I said defensively. “He came here to help us.”

  “No, Alixia, he came here to get you back. I am no fool!” I was stunned by her outburst as she went on to say, “Don’t tell me any different. Marcus gave up his life in the outside world to be with you.”

  I sat quietly for a second. Then said, miffed, “I know he gave everything up for me and maybe he did come back for me.” She grumbled under her breath, “Maybe, Alixia?”

  “Okay, he did. But, I will deal with that.”

  “Do you think Phillip is going to be on board with Marcus being part of your life?”

  “No, probably not right now, but you never know.”

  She threw up her hands in frustration. “Marcus is a vampire and you kill vampires. That’s what Ambrosines do. They protect the families from the Dark Ones!”

  “Marcus won’t go after anyone in the family.”

  “He has already—you!”

  “Ha, ha. Funny.” I said, opening the book in front of me. “Anyway, right now I just need an ally to listen to me. Please, Millie, I beg you, do not tell anyone what we’ve talked about.”

  She nodded her head reluctantly and said, “I have a feeling you’ll be taking that trip to the High Dominion in France before summer and I‘ll be going along with you.”

  “Thank you, Millie. I need someone in this family on my side.” Millie held up her hand. “I didn’t say I agreed with you. I don’t. But I will keep your secrets for now.”

  We went on to finish Mother’s list and avoided any more discussion about Marcus or Phillip. The day went by quickly and Millie left for home. I went upstairs to get ready to meet Phillip. I changed into a cute little mini-skirt and a silk blouse. I went to the closet and found my boots. I brushed out my hair and looked in the mirror.

  I have to tell Phillip tonight, no matter what!

  I was halfway down the stairs when I noticed Angel standing in the foyer. “Angel!” I said, surprised. I hugged her and whispered, “Where’s Phillip?”

  “Look behind you.”

  I turned. “Phillip!” I said. He kissed me and held me tightly. “I missed you.” He said as I felt his warm breath on my lips. We kissed again, forgetting about Angel.

  “Um…okay, you two. I am here, remember?”

  I looked at her and smiled. “I am sorry, Angel, I missed you, too.” I said as I went over and gave her another hug.

  “I can tell.” She said.

  I gazed back at Phillip and said, “I am so happy you’re back. I have so much to tell you.”

  He frowned. “Have you been behaving yourself while I’ve been gone?”

  “That depends on what you mean by behaving myself.” I said.

  “You know.” He said and shook his head. We heard Mother and Madame Cecilia walking into the room.

  “Alixia.” Mother said. “I see your surprise got here.” I took Phillip’s hand. “Yes, and what a nice surprise.” Looking at Phillip, I added, “I thought we were going to meet you both at the airport.”

  Phillip put his arm around me and said, “I couldn’t wait to see you.”

  “Come on, everyone.” Madame Cecilia said. “Let’s go into the den.”

  We walked in and made ourselves comfortable. I noticed Angel didn’t sit. She stood over by the fireplace.

  “So, what did the High Dominion decide on Charlotte’s actions?” Madame Cecilia asked Angel. She looked at Phillip. “You tell her.” Phillip said with a nervous twitch. Angel looked down, and then answered with some hesitation. “They didn’t find a need to take action with her yet.”

  “Why?” I asked, leaning forward on the chair.

  “Alixia, you have to understand. They felt that she hadn’t violated any of the cryptic beliefs.”

  “What you mean? She told Marcus about our family. I thought that was one of the big secrets that always should stay hidden!”

  “I know, but now he’s part of Marcel’s Realm. It’s not as if he’s still an outsider anymore.”

  “I have to get out of here before I say something I’ll regret.” I said as I stood up.

  “Alixia, please.” Phillip said as he took my arm.

  “I‘ll be okay, I just need to get some air. I don’t want to get in an argument again.”

  “I will go with you.” He said.

  We went out to the veranda. I walked over to the railing and looked out through the darkness toward where I had seen Marcus the other night. I hoped he wasn’t out there somewhere. I didn’t sense him, so that was good.

  Maybe he took my warning seriously.

  “Alixia, are you okay?” Phillip asked.

  “What? No. I need to get out of here.”

  “Come on.” He took my hand and we walked toward his car. While opening the car door for me, he said, “Get in. Let’s go for a drive.”

  “But, Mother. We better tell her or she will send Madame Cecilia out for us.”

  “You’re right. Wait here.” He ran back into the mansion. I slid into the car.

  I’m going to have to tell him about Marcus returning, but how? I saw him coming back toward the car. He opened the door, got in and smiled at me. “Okay, we’re good to go.”

  “Good, let’s get out of here.”

  After starting the car, he put the convertible top down and we were on our way. I reached for the knob on the radio and turned on the music. I sat back in my seat and looked up at the stars as we drove down the road. I cleared my mind and enjoyed the cool breeze and the music. I didn’t want to talk at all.

  He pulled off on a side road and stopped the car. “Now, let’s go for a walk.” He said.

  Opening the door for me, he reached inside and took my hand. When I stepped out, he took me into his arms and kissed me passionately. We were caught up in the excitement of being close to each other again, but I broke away breathlessly. He smiled and reached into the car, grabbing a blanket.

  “Come on.”

  We walked down a dirt trail until we came to a clearing by a stream. Phillip spread the blanket out on the ground near the water. We lay there quietly for a while, looking up at the stars.

  Phillip turned and said, “I heard you went out to dinner with Robert. How’s he doing?”

  “He’s fine. But I actually didn’t go out to dinner with him.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, he did pick me up, but he took me to see Marcus.” I waited for the explosion.

  Phillip leaned over and kissed me instead. “So, Robert knows about Marcus?” He asked.

  “Yes.” I said, confused as I questioned his calmness.

  “Phillip, did you hear what I said?”

  “Yes, I did. I knew he would try to come back for you. I would, too, if it were me.”

  “Okay, something is definitely weird here.” I said.

  “Alixia, as I said, I knew he would come back and why would I worry? I trust you.”

  I sat up. He playfully tried to pull me back beside him.

  “No, Phillip. I have one more thing to tell you.”

  He lay back down, leaning on his elbow with a little half-grin on his face. “I’m listening.” I looked down at him. “Okay, Marcus did want to see me, but he wanted to warn me, too, about Marcel coming for someone in my family’s Realm.”

  He stared at me; his eyes darkened. Then, he suddenly jumped up. His body went tense as he clenched his hands, making fists. “Does he know who it is?” He asked.<
br />
  I was startled at his reaction, I shook my head and said with hesitation, “No, but Marcus might still be able to get more information from Charlotte.”

  “No, he’d be a fool. I bet anything, she and Marcel probably already knew that Marcus would try to contact you.”

  “But Marcus overheard them talking about using him as bait to get to our family.”

  “They are using him for bait? Marcus may think he is helping us, but he’s not. He will be leading us the wrong way, and Marcel will go after the one he really wants.”

  He quickly reached out for my hand. “Come on. We have to go.” He grabbed the blanket and we walked toward the car. Phillip stopped abruptly. “Alixia, I have to talk to Marcus.” I was taken aback for a moment. My thoughts raced.

  Do I trust him or not? Was this a trap? No, Phillip would never—

  “Alixia, did you hear me?”

  “Yes, I heard you! Why do you need to talk to Marcus?”

  “Don’t be so suspicious. You can trust me. I just need to talk to him myself about what he overheard, that’s all.”

  “If I do this, you can’t let the others know. Do you understand me?”

  “Alixia, have a little faith in me, I’m not out to harm him; I know I’d lose you if I did. I just want to ask him a few questions, that’s all.”

  I studied him for a second and replied, “Okay, I‘ll do it. I will call Robert and let him know I need to talk to Marcus again.”

  “Good.”

  “But, Phillip.” I said going right up to him. “I’m trusting you not to hurt him.”

  “Just tell Marcus it’s urgent and make the meeting soon.” He opened the car door for me as he said, “We will protect whoever they’re after, I swear.”

  Driving back, I heard Phillip’s thoughts. He was thinking of his parents and wishing he could have saved them. I placed my hand on his and knowingly smiled.

  When we were back at the mansion, we got out walked to the door. “Thank you for doing this, Alixia.” He said.

  “I hope this is the right thing to do.” I said. Then he kissed me and said, “I will be back in the morning and we will talk more details.”

  “Okay.” I agreed.