Chapter 8

By the time we’d reached the edge of Vampire Land, I’d tried my magic out on several occasions.  It wasn’t behaving as well as in Verso and felt weaker.  I needed more time to perfect it. Unfortunately, there was none.  I’d have to make do with whatever magic I was able to wield should the need arise. 

We focused instead on in-depth lessons in flying.  My marriage to Charles took place several months earlier. We were arriving with the cover story that we’d been ambushed and held captive by Bartholomew’s men with only Luthias and myself as the survivors. It was important that I be fairly accomplished in feeding and flying; especially since our tale included killing our captors when the time was right and escaping.

When he presented a long, casual, yet well-tailored dress with a matching bolero for me to put on, I gave no resistance.  I’d already been warned about the age of most of the vampires and their reluctance to modernize. If replacing my jeans and tee shirt with something more sophisticated would help me be welcomed, then I did it willingly.

My emotions were high when I gazed upon the grand, yet formidable looking castle perched proudly on top of an enormous mountain.  It looked like it was straight out of a Dracula movie.  For a brief moment, my nerves got the better of me.  I returned to the insecure, timid being who’d been practically dragged along on the mission.  Pride wouldn’t let me admit that shift to Luthias.  I held my head high and kept my back erect as we levitated into the air and moved gracefully through the night sky; landing just inside the curtain wall.  He extended his hand for me to place mine on top of before regally guiding me across the basilica.

It felt strange, yet normal, at the same time.

When we reached the bottom of the gray stone steps leading to an enormous set of mahogany doors that were decorated with intricate carvings of wolf heads and owls, I found it difficult to take my eyes off these magnificent works of art enough to appreciate the equally magnificent carved marble gargoyles perched on posts at both the top and bottom of the stairs.  Their weathered eyes glowered menacingly as we proudly made our way the top. To hide my nervousness, I mentally counted the steps we ascended.   I lost count when I reached twenty and the energy around me shifted.  It felt heavy, yet electrifying.  I took a moment to scope out the turrets on either side of the entrance with their elongated, stained glass windows and copper coated domes.

The electricity in the air lightly pricked my skin as the impressive doors slowly opened; seemingly on their own accord.  A tall, lean, yet clearly muscled vampire stepped regally out onto the grey flagstone landing that was worn smooth with age and use. His light brown hair glistened softly in the moonlight, accentuating the almond shaped, steel grey eyes that rested perfectly on either side of a handsomely distinctive nose. His slender, well-formed mouth was positioned perfectly atop his square jaw.   The deep cleft in his chin would have made his chiseled face appear arrogant if it wasn’t for the faint upturn of the corner of his mouth and amused twinkle in his eyes.  Thick layers of silken hair feathered over his ears before gently caressing the collar of a black, kid leather bomber jacket. It looked as if it was tailored to fit perfectly over his well-proportioned shoulders and chest. It hung open in a casual manner that complimented the thick cotton tee beneath it. Rich denim jeans suggestively hugged his narrow hips and lean thighs. Although his energy was in stark contrast to that of Geo or Luthias, he was no less handsome and charismatic.  A gnawing knowing told me that I was in the presence of the one and only Pierre Blaise.  

I smoothed the fabric of my dress and lamented over ditching my jeans and tee shirt while I shot a look of angst at my companion. Clearly they were more acceptable to modern attire than Luthias led me to believe.  I couldn’t help wondering if my change in dress was more to satisfy my one-thousand-year old lover than the kingdom I’d come to rule.

I felt a deep, uncomfortable pulling sensation as Pierre moved closer.  It was as if he was drawing me to him with those damnable eyes.  It wasn’t the same, erotic, sexy, sparks flying all over the place kind of pull that I experienced with Geo or Luthias.  This pull was very different, yet equally as powerful; if not more so.

I found myself approaching him with steady legs and a confidence I didn’t feel. Although I’d assumed the lead, Luthias remained at my side and kept step with me as if he too was of royal blood.   Since he was Geo’s brother and helped him rule Verso, I guess he was.  If he noticed the tremble of my hand as it remained on his, he made no indication of it.

We stopped just feet away from Pierre.  I felt as if I’d been blasted by an invisible force as his enticing steel grey eyes bore into my own bewitching blue ones.  I wondered if Luthias felt their influence as strongly as I did.

To my surprise, my breathing grew labored and my head felt light.  I did my best to disguise it, but I knew Luthias was aware because he took my hand from its position on top if his and tucked it into the crook of his arm.  Whether he was offering me support or claiming possession of me for Pierre’s benefit, I wasn’t sure. All I knew was that, at that particular time, it was what I needed to regain my composure and balance.

You could hear a pin drop as we waited for Pierre to speak.  Although tempted to break the silence -or at least look away-  I did neither.

I have no idea how much time passed before he finally bowed in a deep, sweeping motion while saying in a voice that clearly depicted his French lineage, “Your Majesty.  Welcome.”

I tilted my head forward and extended my hand for him to take.  He held it lightly while still bowing and touched his lips to the back of my hand.  I’d seen it done in some of the old movies grandfather managed to procure for me, but I was still surprised when it was actually done for real.  I reminded myself that I’d entered a world of antiquated customs and beliefs that surpassed that of Geo’s or Sybil’s kingdoms.  It was hard to imagine vampires being older than Geo or Luthias, but there were just such vampires in the kingdom I’d come to rule. For the first time since I’d started my mission, I was whole heartedly grateful to have Luthias at my side. It was explained to me, prior to leaving Verso, that he was best suited to travel with me because he’d spent time with these vampires -years in fact- and would be able to educate me on the do’s and don’ts.  It wasn’t until that moment that I realized just how important his tutelage would be.  Pierre may have bowed and welcomed me with his lips, but his eyes remained hostile and foreboding. 

I knew then that Geo, Luthias, Gwendoline, and my grandparent’s fears that Pierre would challenge me for leadership were justified. I have no words to describe the gratitude and comfort I felt to have Luthias beside me.

“I am pleased to see the stories about your beauty were not exaggerated,” Pierre said with a smoothness that tickled my skin. 

“You’re too kind,” I replied politely, but firmly.  As I gently pulled my hand from his I added, “I believe you are acquainted with my escort?”

He straightened his torso and turned his magnetic gaze from me to Luthias.

“Indeed,” he said with a smile that looked genuine, “Luthias, old boy, I am relieved to see that you are safe and have returned to us.”

“Thank ye, Pierre,” Luthias said confidently as his speech converted back to the Scottish brogue he’d grown up with.  “’Tis good to be home.”

Home?  Did Luthias really call Vampire Land home?  It was definitely a topic we’d have to discuss when we were alone without prying ears all around.

“You were sorely missed,” Pierre volunteered as he extended his hand toward Luthias. “Come,” he said while shaking Luthias’s hand enthusiastically. “We have some catching up to do, as well as celebrating.  Our new queen has arrived with our favorite knight in tow.  This is indeed good news.”  He released his grip on Luthias’s hand and returned his attention to me.  “My queen?” he said questioningly as he offered his arm.

I did my best to hide my surprise and curiosity over my companion and suitor being referred to as Vampire Land’s favorite knight while I accepted Pierre’s arm.  I was heatedly aware of Luthias just a few steps behind us as Pierre guided me through the impressive double doors and into the castle’s grand keep.

We walked with an impressive regal flair down the middle of two rows of twenty servants on either side of us – each bowing or curtsying their greeting- until we reached the center of the grand room.  There, we were greeted by a small group of vampires dressed in a myriad of attire that ranged from circa eleventh century to present day.  It was so varied, if I hadn’t known better, I would have thought I was attending a costume party.  Once again I was painfully aware of the unnecessary attire Luthias insisted I change into.

The curious onlookers radiated a reverence for Pierre and Luthias and a curiosity toward me.  I felt intimidated and inadequate.  I silently cursed myself for being crazy enough to allow myself to be put in this position, while I did my best to keep tabs on Luthias; who was at risk of being swallowed up by the crowd of well-wishers.

I thought, with mild aggravation, how it would have been nice to know that he was so revered by Charles’s people before we arrived. He never once mentioned his position in Vampire Land. I wondered if Geo was aware of how revered his brother was in a land that was technically the enemy of Verso.  I also wondered what other bits of useful information he’d withheld from me; as well as his reason for withholding it.

We moved through a small corridor that led to a light, spacious room Pierre informed me was the ladies’ lounge.  He clapped his hands and a young female in servant’s attire appeared.  After instructing her to see to my needs, he excused himself and Luthias, explaining that they needed to catch up.

It was decided between the males that we’d meet in the small hall in a few hours’ time. I filled my lungs with air and let it out slowly as I watched my protector and rival for the throne jovially leave me in the competent hands of the servant, who I later learned was named Ferguson.  My first day as queen wasn’t off to a very auspicious start.  I knew I had to do something. 

I followed close behind Ferguson while she guided me through the stone corridors until toward my rooms. -I was later informed my rooms were called the ‘bower’-  I recall little of my lengthy journey through the drafty halls except for the sound of our feet echoing on the stone floor with each step we took, and the occasional curious face that popped out of a doorway we passed by now and then.  Although I forced a small smile and slight nod in their direction as they bowed or curtsied, I felt vulnerable without Luthias at my side.

I longed for a cloak of invisibility.

As if my thinking of magic triggered some alarm to alert the castle magician of my arrival, he suddenly appeared before me out of a puff of smoke. Having accomplished that trick myself, it didn’t impress me as much as it startled me. I stopped dead in my tracks.

“I did not mean to startle you, my queen,” he said in a squeaky, unnatural sounding voice, “It was just my desire to welcome you to our fine kingdom.  Or, should I say, to your fine kingdom?”

I took a moment to size him up; as I’m sure he was doing with me.  I pulled in my energy as much as I could to prevent him from recognizing the little magic that still worked for me.  Gwendoline said he was powerful and for me to be on aware. It figured he’d catch me off guard. Of course he would.  What better way to size up a new arrival than to sneak up when they least expected it and were in their natural state?

“I admit I didn’t expect to have someone step out of a puff of smoke before my very eyes,” I said with exaggerated incredulity. “Are you the castle entertainer?”

I watched as his eyes narrowed with insult.  I knew I was playing with fire with such a question, but I’d been warned by Gwendoline not to let on that I was aware of him prior to my arrival.  I could think of no other explanation for his little trick than to ask if he was the castle clown.

“You might say I…. entertain,” he replied with a sickly, sweet tone that made my skin crawl. He made a sweeping gesture with his arm as he bent low before me. “I am Gondofini, the castle magician, and I am at your service.”

“Magician?” I said with feigned surprise.  “We have need of magic here?”

“At times,” he replied, coyly, while he continued to watch me carefully.

“Does the castle entertain that much?” I continued with my ruse.

“Do you consider magic only useful for performing parlor tricks, madam?” he said with a slightly elevated tone. 

It was clear his patience was wearing thin.

“I’m not sure,” I replied. “I’ve never been in need of having a magical person in my employ.”

“I see,” he practically mumbled as his eyes bore into my core. “Well, now that you have one in your employ, allow me to explain some of the ways I make myself useful when I am not acting the castle jester.”

“I didn’t mean to insult you,” I said quickly, in an attempt to diffuse his ire.  I silently cursed my stupidity.  This magician was clearly a loose cannon. Baiting him like this when I was ignorant to the actual strength of his magic was true folly.  “It’s just that you appeared out of nowhere from a puff of smoke.  Had you just been walking down the corridor, I’d have thought you nothing more than another loyal subject.  You look so… normal in your attire.”

“Normal?” he said in a quizzical tone that hinted of boredom.

“Again, forgive me,” I said apologetically.  “My exposure to magical people is limited, but I somehow imagined you’d be wearing attire that wasn’t so normal.”

“I dress in the mode of the nineteenth century male,” he said with a flat tone.

“Yes, but without a cape or robe,” I added.

“Am I to understand I will be expected to parade around the castle in some ridiculous robe for theatrics sake?” he practically screeched.

Even though I was sorely tempted to stamp all over his ego by pulling rank as his queen and insist he dress in attire he clearly abhorred, I inherently knew I’d pushed him far enough.  Once again I apologized for my ignorance before changing the subject to something more neutral.

“Not at all,” I said quickly but firmly.  It wouldn’t do to let him see how nervous I was.  “You may dress however you wish, my good man.  I notice such a variety of attire on the castle residents.  It seems they all have a preference they stick too.  Some outfits are so beautiful; I just might adapt the same.”

“You would make a fine eighteenth, nineteenth, or even early twentieth century lass,” he said with an arrogant smile.

“Indeed?” I replied with raised brow.  “I’ll consider your suggestion with sincerity.” I nodded and moved past him with my head held higher than I felt.

“Should you have need of my services, you need only think my name,” he said, haughtily, as he walked away without so much as a backward glance.

Think his name?  So, now I knew he was a telepath as well as a magician.  I placed my fingers to my temples as I lamented my situation.   I assured Ferguson that I was just tired when she asked if I was ill and did my best to steady the trembling of my body.  What had I walked into?