“Are we there yet?” Lixiss groaned.
“Almost.” I countered. We’d been on the road for several days and I could finally make out the spiralled marbled towers of the Royal Clan’s Palace rising in tandem with the mountain it was situated near.
“Thank Nicneven. At least I didn’t have to carry your luggage as well this time.”
“Hey you were in lynx form, it made sense to strap the bag to your back.”
I had to say, if there was one thing I approved of in this place, it was that the Royal Clan knew their bathing tubs. The one that greeted my vision was more opulent and spacious than any I had come across. It was made of solid porcelain, with golden clawed feet so that it stood off the ground. It had metal things on one end. Reaching out my fingertips, I twisted one, interested to see what would happen. Warm water immediately gushed out of the thin pipe into the tub. Was it undignified for a vampiress to squeal with delight? By Nicneven, it was as if all my bathing prayers over the centuries had been answered.
I walked stiffly, keeping my arm laced with Theron's. He moved elegantly, showing no signs that he immediately wished to murder me. I took that as a good sign I wouldn't be dying tonight."Is it customary for the Prince to fetch the guests?" I asked, simply because traversing all this opulence in silence was uncomfortable.Theron chuckled softly. "No, it is not. But you can blame me for being eager to see my betrothed?""Yes. I was under the impression you signed the contract blindly, with little care as to which bride you were assigned. Or was I wrong in such an assumption?" I raised a
"Corisande, a pleasure to finally meet you." The Empress greeted warmly, though her eyes were appraising, raking over every inch of me. The contract may have been a done deal, but it didn't equate to immediate acceptance. And after all, I was marrying her only son. It was definitely in my best interest to try and make a good impression at this banquet."The honour is mine." I greeted in return, bowing my head slightly."Indeed Corisande. To meet you is a fine thing." The Emperor concurred.
"How marvellous!" The Empress cried with glee. "There is no doubt your addition to the Royal Clan with both strengthen and restore reputation." Strengthen and restore reputation? What in Nicneven's name did that mean? I slid a glance Lixiss's way and she subtle shook her head. Guess she didn't know either. Probably another thing Rhuesia had forgotten to mention. There was no doubt the leader of our former clan knew what was going on. That dam
The rest of the meal passed amicably, as we devoured food and engaged in lighter conversation. I had to admit, this banquet had been impressive, but I wasn't quite ready to have the future heirs to the throne just yet. Sorry Royal Clan. With care, I placed the fine cutlery back on the plate, indicating I was finished. There were still mountains of food spread across the table and upon casting my eyes around at the remainder, it felt as though we'd hardly made a dent in the meal, despite feasting for hours. The delicate clatter of cutlery on the plate next to me showed Theron had also finished. Whether that he was genuinely full, or doing so because I
I was just about to change into my sleep wear when another knock at the door forced me to abandon that idea.It had been mentally draining to navigate the banquet, Theron and constantly make observations on my safety. I was more than ready for some sleep. With the door locked of course. A sigh heaved through my lips as I tossed the garments to the side and stepped over to the door, cracking it open just a little. The eyes of a cat stared back and relief filled me. I didn't have the energy to handle any more visits from the Royal Clan or Dynus, but Lixiss I could handle. I pulled the door open wider, gesturing for her to come in. I didn't want to risk any of our conversation bein
"And you are?" I growled, not in the mood to be dealing with further interruptions. "Aldith." The stranger said easily. As he stood there and my fury dampened, I noticed he was dressed differently to the others I had seen flitting about the palace. His attire resembled robes, only less flowing and sturdier in nature. His hair was so blonde it gave off a silver sheen and its length meant he'd organised it in an intricate single braid. A wisp of memory tugged at my mind, but to insubstantial to really grasp. He reminded me of something. A meeting from long ago, in another life..."Your name tells me little." I returned, noticing the defensive edge in my voice.
"Your closest friend is an eleven mage." I calmly pointed out, as I walked next to Theron through the corridors."Yes." Theron returned simply, as though he had no understanding of the history between my kind and Aldith's. "I would expect you're aware that eleven mages are famous for their hatred of witches, something me and Lixiss used to be and in fact, partially still are." I returned, a slight edge leaking into my tone. There was no way Theron could be that ignorant. A vampiress witch for a bride and eleven mage for a