by R. J. Lloyd
His large fingers were surprisingly nimble with the fasteners. "Well, I mean, to the outside world, I am probably considered a bad man. I have done my fair share of bad. Possibly a great deal more than my share. Yet, I saved this planet. So, I hope that cancels out some of my debts."
“And now? What would you consider yourself now?” I looked back at him, seeing that he skipped a buttonhole.
“Right now?” He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me to him. “Lucky.”
I laughed and pushed on his chest. “Answer the question.”
"I could be good for you. But yes. I do consider myself bad still. Changing my ways does not erase centuries of otherwise," he stated, flatly.
My voice was very casual as I replied, “It’s a good thing I’m neither good nor bad. Maybe I’m perfect for you.”
A corner of his mouth turned up. "Perhaps."
“Perhaps.” I grinned. “Show me your city, please.”
He held his hand out to me. "Yes, my lover. Shall we?"
I hid that my pelvis was still a little sore as I stood there, my outfit still not quite pulled together. It had become obvious to me that I needed help. And by help, I needed Sarah, who knew how to assist someone when getting dressed. Not Kane, who clearly only knew how to undress a woman. “Okay. Sarah should come in and you go out. I’ll meet you in the foyer once my outfit is complete.”
With a tug of the rope near the bed, he went to the door. "Fine, fine. Just don't do the servant. I would hate to have to kill them for putting hands on you." He walks out with a wink and sent Sarah in right away.
I shouted as he left, “Does that go for you, too?”
He peeked back in as Sarah passed through the room, looking around her to wink at me. “Yes.”
I laughed and leaned in toward Sarah as the woman began to straighten out my outfit. “Is he like this with all women? Falls hard and fast and lavishes riches and affection on them like this?”
Sarah just smiled at me and shook her head no.
“No?” I blinked. “Not even some of the time?”
Again, Sarah shook her head no. She motioned to the door and made a grumpy face, exaggerating as she imitated someone stomping in a circle, angrily. Coming back around, she then pointed at me, then the door again and motioned to her own face as she began to smile.
Slowly, I nodded, pretty sure what she was getting at. “I think I understand. But you know you can speak to me.” I lifted my arms so Sarah could make adjustments to the ties. “Are you saying girls get brought here and usually are mad when they leave? But seem to be happy to stay?”
Sarah stifled a giggle as she brought my arms down and moved to the front of the gown, tugging at the hem. She looked over the gown before looking up and me. The attentive woman shook her head no and opened her mouth to reveal that she had no tongue. She sighed and pointed to the door again, then to me. Her hand moved down her arm gently, her eyes peering into mine as if she was hoping that I would understand.
“Did he do that?” My eyes went wide, skipping over the original part of the conversation. I couldn’t think of a reason he would torture a person like that and then keep them around other than to be sadistic. The very thought lumped in my throat.
Sarah pointed in Kane’s direction and shook her head no.
“Oh good.” I was relieved, letting out a breath. “Do you not know sign language?”
Confusion knitted her brows together.
“Sign language. Its words done with mostly your hands in motions and fingers. Like...” I signed the words for ‘You seem like a lovely woman.’ And then translates it. “Would you want to learn?”
With my gift of absorbing information from books, I had made it a bit of a hobby several years prior to learn as many languages as possible. I didn’t often have a use for any of them, and speaking spoken languages was sometimes hit or miss since I hadn’t spoken most of them at all, so my inflections and accents were completely lacking. But sign language, I didn’t have to worry about that, and I had come across plenty of times where I had used the form of communication with.
Sarah shook her head yes eagerly as she moved around to the back of me and pulling my hair up, braiding and pinning as she went.
I took Sarah by the hands, making sure she had my full attention as I turned to face her. “Okay. We will work on that soon then. But for now, what are you trying to say about him and other women and me?”
With a genuine smile, Sarah pulled her hands back. She motioned to the door again.
I tried to follow. “Kane.”
Sarah nods yes. Her hands go to her heart. Her expression dropped, her smiling turning into a frown, and her shoulders drooped.
“He’s not happy?”
Again, Sarah nodded yes. She then pointed at me then back to the door before bringing her hands back in, her expression changing once again. This time, to a full, beaming smile.
“Oh!” My eyebrows rose. “You mean I make him happy. I’m gathering that this isn’t something that others have done?”
The servant’s arms shot out, and she grips my wrists as her nod becomes an excited ‘yes’. She pulled back suddenly and clasped her hands behind her back, taking a couple steps away and bowing her head as if she thought she would be in trouble.
Before she could respond, Kane popped his head in the room. "You two getting along?”
“Yes. Thank you.” I turned back to the woman and squeezed Sarah’s hands. “You may go. I believe we are all set.” I waited a moment for the woman to leave before fanning the skirts of the gown out and doing a twirl, showing off the look for Kane. “I think I’m finished.”
Kane lit up as he came into the room, watching me as I twirled, his reaction contrary to his usual stoic expression. "You look beautiful.” He closed the gap between us, bowing and kissing my hand.
I smiled at both his words and gesture. “Thank you, Kane. I wasn’t sure if I look dumb or out of place.” I adjusted the bodice nervously.
Seeing a large mirror in the room, I walked over to it. Turning to the right, then the left, taking in the floor length gown and my updo that was ornate with braids, curls and gemstones, I lifted the skirt to see the shoes, kicking a foot out for a better view. Setting it back down, I brushed out my skirts again and did an overall check.
“Like a fairytale,” I whispered.
He furrowed his brow and looks at his elegantly dressed lover. "You have tales of fairies? Not sure I know what a fairy is honestly. I would like to learn about these things."
I chuckled at his reaction. “Fairytales are... you know? I’ll explain later.”
“Fine by me.” He offered me his hand and spun me around for a better look. "You look like you belong in that."
I came around to face him again, looking up into his blue eyes. “Thank you.”
He dropped my hands and crossed back across the room, opening the door, walking down with me to the main floor of the castle holding my hand on his arm. Along the way, he told me of the history of the paintings that were hung along the walls and the carved busts and other artifacts and artwork on display, giving me a more detailed history but also an insight into him with the chosen collection he had out. I soaked in the information, my admiration for him growing the more he spoke.
It was amazing to learn about what was beautiful to him. The kinds of things he’d collected and the items he had held onto, feeling they were worthy of being put on display. And it was endearing to listen to him speak of those that had influenced him.
We descended one last flight of stairs to the foyer of the castle. A group of aristocratic vampires in lavish clothes eyed us as we entered the room. They parted, allowing us to pass by, bowing and addressing Kane, “Your highness.” “My liege.” “My king.”
Most eyes did not return to either of us once the men were lowered in greeting. But I watched, taking note of which ones did look up at Kane… and which ones looked up at me.
I squeezed his arm. "They respect you."
“Fear, huh?”
“Yes.” He nodded as two guards rush to open the front doors. "They are not used to me parading you around as I am doing either. I am sure this is causing and will cause some confusion."
"Well, they're not used to me at all." I laughed. "Or do you mean parading any woman? Do you not usually parade your conquests in and out of here? Aren't they used to seeing you with new flavors of interest?"
"They don't know you. No. But no as well that I do not usually have a woman on my arm of any flavor, as you call it. I normally just have the women around here if I want something. And those women are brought up to my room when I am ready for them and leave when I am done. They have no business being seen with me otherwise." He walked with me, guiding me to the outside. "That won't be happening with you here. I am very content."
I wasn't sure how to react to his blunt statements of having the women and his regimented way of speaking at times. But there was something in his confidence… his blatant admittance to his ways that stirred desire in me. "Are you stopping just to make me happy? Or..." I bit my lip. I had started to slouch but caught myself and stood upright, not wanting to tarnish the appearance of the outfit.
"I am stopping because you are one of the most enjoyable companions I have ever had. Plus, you have a mind of your own, and I really enjoy that in you." He steered us around the fountain that stood before the entrance to the castle. “There are many things that would explain why I am choosing to forsake other partners. And yes. Part of it is to make you happy. But that, alone is part of it. I want to make you happy. I want to give you my focus.”
I wrapped my arm around his a little tighter, looking around us at the people that were out and about. Most were going about their business, but some were glancing at us as we passed by. "What do you think your people think of you allowing me to walk with you dressed like this?" I was curious. “Will they think of you as toying with your meal?”
"I think some are envious.” He motioned to a woman leaned against a brick building nearby. She glared at me until she saw Kane, who glared right back. The scantily clad woman quickly straightened her back, bowed and walked briskly inside, nearly bumping into a man that was exiting the same door. “I am sure some are fine with it, though. It will be of no consequence to them unless I crown you.”
We walked several blocks, his hand on mine as it rested on his arm. Similar to the halls of the castle, Kane explained the history of the city and many of the buildings. Most of the archetecture was brick and sculpted rock with wood trim. Surely a strong fortress should war come their way again. It wasn’t hard for me to see why Kane had chosen that location. The cold and the builds would detour most from even wanting to attempt to gain the lands. And knowing its history, it had proven itself to be a city not fond of being taken. The layout and materials it was built from being its own element to thwart invaders.
Another thing he spoke of was a number of the people we passed. I knew that he was a vampire. And yes. I knew there were more of his kind in Everwinter. But I found myself surprised to learn that so many were like him. Two thirds of the city’s population was vampire at least. And as they mingled with humans and their own alike, it was hard to pick who was which.
Back on earth, I knew this wasn’t a foreign concept… vampires, werewolves, witches and more all walking around in society unnoticed. But that was the thing. They were unnoticed. In Everwinter… on Naelyra… people were well aware of the fact that other races existed. And they coincided. To me, it was beautiful. A part of me fought back tears as this ran through my mind.
He slowed. “Have I upset you, little one?”
I wrapped my free hand around his arm with my other, pulling myself into him. “No. Just happy.”
He reached out, his thumb gliding down my cheek to my jaw, pulling my face up to look at him. “Good.” His lips pressed to mine with a gentleness that warmed me thoroughly. His eyes searched mine as he pulled back. “Are you sure that you are alright?”
My hand softly went to his cheek. "Mmm... No. I am not upset. Just... you know... on a strange planet with an alien vampire king in his breathtaking kingdom as I fall in love while wearing jeweled gowns and am waited on by servants while people fear our presence yet strive to see us." I smiled at a small group of people passing us, their gaze locked on him as they passed by. "Sorry if I am flailing a bit with it all. And thank you for being patient with me."
He held me closer, kissing my forehead. "I love that you are here. I don't care what anyone thinks when you are with me. You are doing remarkably well for all that you have been through." He kissed me again.
I pulled away and turned in a circle, taking in the scenery around us, allowing myself to take a couple, measured breaths. Coming back around, I looked up at his beautifully sculptured face. “Falling, Kane. I’m falling. Don’t hurt me.”
He reached for me, puzzled. “You did not appear to be falling. I am sorry if I did not…”
I laughed. “No.” I cut him off, giggling. “I wasn’t falling physically. I’m falling for you. Don’t break my heart.”
Something stirred in his eyes, deep. “I would kill anyone who hurt you. Therefore, I have no intentions of it myself.”
I wrapped my arm around his again and started walking, him moving with me easily. “I’ll be honest, I love the idea of people seeing me of importance. Not just in general but in regard to you. It may be trivial to you, but I’ve lived my life as hidden as possible in many ways. Hell, I even work my own bookstores myself and don’t always admit I’m the owner. But with you? I don’t know. I just want to mean something. For the first time, I want to be seen.”
“I will never hide you." He nodded his head to a rather well-dressed man as he approached. “Wulfgar.”
“Kane.” The man returned the nod. “Beautiful night for a battle or a woman, as I see you’ve clearly chosen.”
“I see you are finely dressed compared to your usual war covered rags.” Kane raised an eyebrow.
“As I said… a battle or a woman. Clearly, I am not in battle, no?” His rough voice was full of humor.
“Clearly.” Kane pulled me in under his arm. “Wulfgar, I’d like you to meet Auriena Raulson. Auriena is visiting as my personal guest.”
“An introduction? Interesting.” He tipped his hat to me. “The name’s Wulfgar. It is a pleasure meeting you.”
I bowed. Unsure if that was the correct response, I looked to Kane.
He smiled at me approvingly. “This man is the leader of my raider… Well? More accurately, he is my top raider. He’s done a number of jobs on my kingdom’s behalf. Not a man to trust with your treasures.”
“Unless you’re a king that pays me well,” Wulfgar added. “Speaking of, we should talk soon. I may have some information of worth.”
Kane patted the man’s shoulder. “I expect nothing less every time we see one another. I will send for you soon.”
The two men clasped arms in a rather manly handshake, giving each other pats on the back in a half hug. Without a goodbye, Wulfgar saluted Kane, gave me a slight bow and continued up the cobblestone road.
“He’s an intense man.” I glanced back at him as he walked off, curious about their apparent friendship.
Kane chuckled. “One of his good traits. He has many and needs to considering that his kind and my kind usually do not mix well since he is a Wornoichen. I’m grateful for that since otherwise our engrained hatred for one another would be an issue.”
“Wornoichen?”
Kane plucked a piece of fruit from a vendor’s booth as we continued walking, tossing a coin to the woman who owned it. He handed the fruit to me. “Wornoichen have an almost tragic history if I am honest. They were once human. Similar to vampires, they were changed. An entire community of them, in one night. Within a week, several settlements had either been killed or transformed.”
I took a bite as he explained, chewing thoughtfully before spe
aking. “Transformed into what? He looked human enough to me.”
“When calm? Yes. But in battle, he changes.” Something about the way Kane said the words carried a respectful weight.
“Changes how?”
“He takes on some traits that are very canine-like. With his fury, his kind can grow claws, sharper and longer teeth, elongate their ears for better hearing, elongate their noses for better scent ability,” he explained, pausing only a moment to make sure I wasn’t freaking out. When he saw that I was following, he continued, “When his people were being changed, they got stuck in their transformative stages. Some fully turned into uncontrollable canines, attacking others upon sight. Their bite being what spreads the disease… if it doesn’t kill you. Very few have had control over it. I have never seen any of them have the control that Wulfgar does.”
I looked back the direction the fabled raider went again. “Why does your kind and his not get along? And how did the spread of the condition get slowed if it was happening so fast?”
“Those are related.” Kane steered us down a road to our right. “It was my kind that went in and contained the situation. Most other races did not have the strength or simply did not have the numbers. We had both. So, we created a barrier with stations and magic, mages helping us with the later, and we walled them into a containment city. Those that were outside of it were tracked down and either brought in or killed. It caused a lot of resentment from them to vampires and mages, but it stopped the progression of their plague.”
He motioned for me to step around a small puddle on the sidewalk. “After that, decades passed before any of their kind was let outside of the boarders. The city is still maintained by that barrier. But there are some that have proven their own self-restraint that have been allowed to roam free. Wulfgar was the first. Since then, though, his kind has started to die out. Only a fraction of their numbers still live. Wulfgar, himself, lost his entire family, including wife and children.”