"I know that you sometimes go by Alre. Will that do?"
He shook his head. "That name is reserved for those closest to me. You may introduce me as Rekur and I will go by that until I am formally introduced."
My father nodded. "You will be Rekur. There's another thing that I need to tell you, and you're not going to like it."
I could see Alrekur bracing himself. "What is it?" he asked, with narrowed eyes.
"In order to keep up the image that nothing has changed, so as not to upset our second in command, we need to act as though Alexis is still engaged to their son, Clifford."
Alrekur's eyes blazed red. "You want me to act as though my Sonnast is engaged to Halldor's descendant?"
"Only for a short time. The couple that acts as our second in command can be very…moody. We can only guarantee their best behavior when the world's leaders are all present. Not a moment before. We need you to do this."
Fists clenched, Alrekur said, "I will go along with this, so long as the engagement does not become more serious. You said that they're eager to assume the throne and have been pushing the marriage to happen sooner than later. I will not stand for that, or any other inappropriate activity."
"Don't worry," I said. "Cliff is a true gentleman. He's set on remaining pure."
Alrekur visibly relaxed. "I'll agree, but only until all of the leaders have arrived and you've explained everything to them."
TWENTY FIVE
When the plane landed, I was surprised at first, because it looked like it was going to land right into a forest. As we got closer, I saw a large, open area. I could see a runway and space where several private jets were parked already. There was a limo on the ground with a driver standing next to it, a narrow road and in the distance, the castle.
I couldn't wait to get to the castle to see Cliff. It had only been a few weeks since we'd seen each other, but it felt like a lifetime with everything that had happened. Since I wasn't from the first line, I could technically tell him everything because the curse wouldn't affect me. But still, my parents had instructed me to tell no one.
As we drove along the narrow road to the castle, I began to recognize many of the sights. I saw the garden where Cliff and I had played as children. I remembered my watcher, Mattie, chasing me through the gardens countless times. She'd spent so much time taking care of me when I was little that she'd been like another parent. She was supposed to still be in the castle's dungeon for her part in my kidnapping. She'd actually tried to save my life by placing me with my human parents, instead of handing me over to the Moretti's who'd threatened her family. If any of that was actually true, since my parents had actually been behind my kidnapping.
We passed the field through which I had watched Cliff ride his horse when his father had told him that a prophecy warned that I would love another. For the first time, I wondered if that prophecy hadn't referred to Tanner, but instead to Alrekur, the hot, ancient vampire sitting next to me. I forced that thought out of my mind as fast as it had entered. Cliff and I were in love; we were meant to be together—end of story. I just had to find a way to make it happen before all of the other Fyrsturae were awakened.
After we'd parked and began walking to the castle, I was surprised at how familiar the grounds smelled. I shouldn't have been surprised because I knew that smell is the sense closest linked to memory. The combination of the all of the smells I was encountering was unique and brought back warm feelings and even more forgotten memories of playing outside as a child. I could smell a wide array of flowers, foliage, and even different types of dirt.
The aromas danced around me, bringing images of a large, grassy field to my mind. There were flowers of every color all around, with little multi-colored faeries tending to them. I could see many other creatures playing in the field, some that my human-trained eyes didn't recognize. I hoped that as I spent more time at the castle, more memories like that would return.
"Are there unicorns around here?" I asked.
"You remember those?" my mother relied. "They disappeared from this area before you did. It was as if they knew that evil was nearby or on its way. They're very strong and powerful creatures, but also extremely sensitive."
"Yes, I remember them, and also a lot of other creatures that I had forgotten."
Would I soon remember more than just creatures and flowers?
"I'm sure it'll all come back to you," she said. "You've been away so long, in a world that refuses to believe in most of what's real. It'll be a few days, or even a week, before all of the leaders arrive. You'll have plenty of time to explore and to relearn or remember what you've forgotten."
I wanted to ask if I would be able to explore with Cliff, but doubted that I would get the answer that I wanted with Alrekur next to me. At least I'd have some time to figure out how to make things happen on my own.
"Let's hope it's not a week," my father said. "That way, we can get on with our mission. The sooner we get started, the sooner that Ida will be back with us."
"Geoffrey, you know that a few of the leaders won't be able to get here immediately. It's important that we wait for everyone. We've been waiting for our daughter so long; a few more days aren't going to make a difference."
Did she mean Ida or me?
"You're right, Caitlyn. Do we want to consider telling those who are here first and letting the others know later? Then, the first group can get started."
"It doesn't sound as though you think I'm right. I thought we agreed that it was important to tell all of the leaders at one time. We want to have a grand meeting with all of the world's leaders together."
He nodded. "We do, of course. I'm being impatient."
She smiled. "Yes you are, dear."
We arrived at what appeared to be the castle's main entrance. The driver opened the giant front doors and we walked through the massive entryway. I looked all around, taking everything in. The ceiling was at least three stories high, and the walls were covered in famous paintings that the human world thought had been lost or destroyed. There were several chandeliers hanging above the room, I had never seen such extravagance.
All at once, a group of servants arrived and bowed to us.
"Take us to our rooms so that you can help us get refreshed," my father commanded. "In a half an hour, we will meet with the Montgomery's."
I repressed a smile when I heard that we'd be meeting with Cliff's family. I felt like jumping up and down; I was so excited to see him. I didn't want to contain myself, but I knew that I must. I couldn't believe that I was so close to seeing him!
One of the female servants bowed to me and led me through another part of the castle. Each room that we passed was very impressive. Some of them were familiar, but most of the sights were completely foreign and didn't stir up any memory. When we got to my room, it was exactly as I expected it to be. When my parents had pulled me from my bedroom at home, I had actually been here in this room. I noticed a book that I knocked over on a shelf that day.
"Would you like me to take the cat outside?" the servant asked.
"No, that's Gracie, and she pretty much follows me wherever I go."
"Yes, your highness. Would you like me to help you change your clothes?"
"No, I'm fine. I'll freshen up myself."
"Very well," she said. She bowed and exited, closing the door silently.
From the short time that I'd spent with my parents, I already knew that I'd be expected to put on a dress and look as nice as possible for the meeting. I wanted to look my best for Cliff anyway, so I walked into my closet and started going through my dress choices. I found a beautiful green dress that I fell in love with as soon as I saw it.
There was an entire section of one wall dedicated to jewelry. I walked over to it and found earrings, hair clips, bracelets, a necklace, and an anklet that all matched the dress. I went to my bathroom and washed my face, and then sat down at my vanity, applying my makeup the most beautiful way that I ever had. I put on the dress and accessories,
and then pulled the upper tresses of my hair up with the clips.
I smiled at myself in the mirror. I knew that I looked even more beautiful than I had at the homecoming dance. I saw a little bottle of perfume and sprayed a bit onto my neck. The scent was heavenly. I wondered if it was one of a kind. I'd never smelled anything remotely similar to it.
As I was slipping on some sparkly shoes, there was a knock on the door; the servant had returned. "You parents are…. Your majesty, you look stunning. Absolutely beautiful."
I smiled. "Thank you."
"I imagine that none of the Fyrsturae were nearly as lovely as you."
I nodded, unsure how to respond. I couldn't tell her that I actually was one of the Fyrsturae.
"Follow me," she said with a bow. I followed her through another part of the castle, looking around with as much amazement as I had the first time. Everything exceeded my wildest imagination.
We entered a dining hall and everyone was already there, including Cliff's parents. I was disappointed not to see Cliff.
"Miss Westerfield," the servant said, announcing my entrance.
Everyone looked up from what they were doing and let out a collective gasp.
"You look gorgeous!" my father exclaimed.
"Indeed!" Raine agreed, while the others nodded and smiled.
Alrekur stared at me. You are breathtaking. Captivating. Never before have I seen such beauty; not in all of my three thousand years. I will work hard and fast to bring back our brothers and sisters so that we can be united.
I tried to hide my disappointment. Brothers and sisters? I asked.
We Fyrsturae call each other brothers and sisters, even those of us who are not related by blood. We're a unique group, a brotherhood.
I nodded. I had nine three-thousand year old brothers and sisters, eight of which were dead and the other one I was supposed to marry.
"Please, sit down and enjoy the meal that's been prepared for us," my father announced.
Everyone walked to their seats and waited for a servant to pull them out. Alrekur was at my side, and before I knew it he pulled my chair out for me. "My lady," he said as I sat down. He stood, waiting, until a servant pulled out one of the chairs next to me for him. I noticed George and Francine sneaking glares at me when nobody else was watching. I didn't mind Alrekur paying attention to me if it irritated them.
After the servants had set a feast before us, George asked who Alrekur was.
"This is Rekur, he's a vampire from Europe," my father said, drinking some blood. "He's very influential in his circle."
"Rekur," Francine said. "That sounds familiar."
My mother looked worried.
"You've heard of him?" my father asked, sounding disinterested.
"Don't mind her," George told Alrekur. "She likes to think she knows everyone."
Alrekur nodded, and Francine shot her husband a dirty look.
I looked over at the empty seat on other side of me, wondering where Cliff was. I thought I'd burst if I didn't see him soon.
Francine must have seen me and guessed what I was thinking. She gave me a quick smirk and said, "It's too bad that you arrived today. We just sent Cliff off on some errands. He might be gone half the week or more."
My unbeating heart sank.
"No, Mother. I haven't left yet."
Eyes wide, I turned around.
Cliff stood in the doorway wearing a beautiful suit, looking more handsome than I'd ever seen him.
"Cliff!" I scrambled out of my chair and ran to him.
He gave me a quick look to let me know that it wasn't the time to embrace yet. I don't know how you've done it, but you look even more magnificent than ever before. I've missed you so much, my darling princess. We'll sneak away as soon as possible.
I smiled at him. You are even hotter than ever as well, my sexy prince. I've missed you more than you could know.
You're tempting me again already? It's not even been thirty seconds since we were reunited.
Looking at him all over, I grinned.
"Doesn't Alexis look amazing?" my mother asked Cliff.
He grabbed my hand and kissed it. "She looks positively divine," he replied, looking right at me.
Two servants pulled out our seats and we sat down. Everyone began eating and I barely noticed how delectable the food was because I was so excited to be sitting next to Cliff again. I breathed in his scent and enjoyed just being near him.
I could see Alrekur from the corner of my eye, watching me. I ignored him and talked with Cliff in between bites. He told me about how his parents had kept him busy at the castle over the previous weeks. It sounded like busywork to me; they just wanted to keep him away from me. Which was why she had tried to send him on errands before I arrived.
When I saw Francine glaring at me, I gave her a smug look. I couldn't wait to get her out of the castle, one way or another. I eagerly awaited the look on her face when she found out that I was a Fyrsturae. That was going to be awesome.
Alrekur caught my eye. You can ease up on the engagement facade. Everyone's thoroughly convinced.
I simply smiled at him.
If I didn't know better myself, I would think you're actually in love with that son of Halldor.
I returned to my meal.
While the servants began to clear the food from the table, Francine cleared her throat. "Geoffrey, Caitlyn. Would you share the big news?"
"Whatever do you mean, Francine?" my mother asked, feigning innocence.
Francine huffed. "You know what I mean. We're waiting for all of the world's leaders to show up here at the castle. You have a big announcement to make. We want to know what's going on first."
"You think that you deserve to know this before all of the other leaders from around the world? Why would that be?" My mother countered.
"It's obviously very big news, and we're second in command. We should be in the know by the time that the others arrive."
My mother looked extremely irritated. "You dare question our decision? If we thought it was imperative for you to know anything before the other leaders, we would tell you. As it is, we've decided to make one big announcement to everyone at one time. This conversation is over." She stood up and my father followed suit.
My parents looked at everyone else. I watched as everyone else stood and bowed, then my parents walked out of the room together. A handful of servants followed.
Francine was beside herself, not only for being kept out of the loop, but also for being reprimanded in front of the others.
Cliff stood up and held out his hand for me to take. "Let us go visit the gardens. It was your favorite place as a child, and I look forward to seeing your reaction as to how they look now."
I took his hand. "I would love to visit the gardens with you." I stood up, and Gracie stretched and stood up beside me as well.
Alrekur looked irritated, but couldn't do anything about it since he was supposed to go with the 'image' of the engagement. He had to do whatever my parents wanted in order to receive my hand from them later. Hopefully, that would buy me enough time.
Cliff and I walked hand in hand through another part of the castle that I hadn't yet been to. I wondered how long it would take me to see the whole thing.
We turned a corner and came to a long, empty hall. Cliff put his hands on my shoulders and pushed me gently against the wall. He looked deep into my eyes, then closed his eyes and pressed his lips on mine. I kissed him back with all of the energy that I'd pent up over our weeks apart. I wrapped my arms around him and pulled him as close to me as possible.
He ran his hands over my hair and then down my arms. To my disappointment, he then pulled back. He looked in my eyes, breathing heavily. "I've missed you so much."
"Not as much as I've missed you," I said and went in for another kiss.
He placed his fingers on my mouth. "Not now, sweet princess. We must get to the gardens or people will worry."
"Why?" I asked, pouting.
"T
his place has more servants than kids at a mall," he whispered into my ear. "If we're not where we're supposed to be, they'll alert our parents."
"So what? We're not kids anymore." I grabbed his face and kissed him before he could stop me.
He pulled back again, smiling. "I love you. But, truly, we need to get to the gardens. I guarantee that it will be very romantic, even if we can't kiss there." He grabbed my hand and we left the hall the same way we had come.
I was too breathless to speak. I never wanted to be away from him again. I had to find a way to marry him and to convince everyone that I didn't need to be with Alrekur.
My mark itched a little, as if it were trying to remind me of my true destiny. Since I'd left my hair half-down, it was completely covered. I didn't want anyone seeing it, even though everyone knew that I'd been born with it. The fact that it was now visible would raise a lot of questions, questions that I didn't feel like answering. I pulled more of my hair over my shoulder to make sure that the mark remained well covered.
Cliff stopped in front of a painting. He was staring at the wall. "Do you see it?" he asked with a smile.
I stared at the painting. It was twice the size of the two of us combined, an image of a festival at the base of the Eiffel Tower. "What am I looking for?" I asked.
He grinned like a schoolboy with a secret. "Nobody ever sees it. Somehow I found it when I was a toddler." He looked around, and seeing nobody else around, he bent down and reached for the base of the wall. He pushed and twisted a tiny, barely noticeable button on the molding. To the left of the painting, the wall opened up.
"What…?"
"Hurry!" He grabbed my hand and pulled me into a secret hallway. Once inside, he pushed another tiny button and the wall closed, shutting us inside. If it weren't for my vampire vision, I wouldn't have been able to see anything. "Do you remember my telling you about the secret passages that we played in as children?" he asked.
I thought about it. "Yeah, I'd forgotten that you'd said that. Where does this lead?"
"It snakes all over this wing of the castle. I've never had the time to really explore it like I want to. I think there are more hidden passages that lead to other parts of the castle, too, and maybe even to other parts of the property!"
The Transformed Box Set: Books 1, 2, 3, 3.5 Page 62