4. Chapter 4
Chapter four
E rendrial led me through the massive Kingdom of Doonak for the rest of the day. The city was built into the center of the mountain below the actual castle. After descending staircase after staircase, we approached a large archway where sounds and light seemed coax me closer. As I reached the threshold, the confining space opened into a massive, cavernous room. Shops, restaurants, metalsmiths, jewelers, and other professions lined the carved pathways on either side of every street. Balls of light floated aimlessly, illuminating the entire city.
At the top of the ceiling, dark purple and blue fog hovered above the buildings—the same type of fog that was in the throne room of the castle. Erendrial told me that it was the raw dark magic that ran through our blood. Its power was used to create the kingdom and remnants were scattered throughout the mountain.
The buildings and shops were well kept. Spotless glass in each window reflected the sparkling flame of the candles lit within. Each handcrafted door depicted the logo of their family sigil or business. Some sigils contained flames, others stars, and some displayed symbols I had never seen before .
The cobblestone streets wove and twirled throughout the city, connecting the different levels of the structure. Fountains of water were scattered throughout the different meeting areas. The water ran blue and purple and had a sparkle to it, as if the stars were caught inside. Beautiful sculptures were spread throughout the streets, made of a marble and black stone I had never seen before. The eyes of the sculptures turned and followed us as we walked past. The dark magic in the city enchanted them, giving them animated tendencies.
Humans were scattered throughout the city busying themselves with work. Some swept the streets; others ran errands for their ladies and lords. I came upon male and female alfar along with some humans, stripping and exploring each other’s bodies in plain sight for all to see. Down the alleyways in between the buildings, sounds of sex and ecstasy filled the air as they screwed each other against anything that was in reach.
I turned away, trying to block out the sights and sounds of them. It made my skin crawl to even be nearby. Erendrial seemed to notice my discomfort and pulled me back into a busier part of the city. I took a few breaths, calming myself as I felt his eyes lingering on me.
“You will need to get used to that kind of behavior if this is to be your kingdom someday, princess,” said Erendrial.
“I didn’t ask for this, and I don’t think I will ever get used to seeing people screwing each other in public,” I responded, feeling my anger rise.
“Besides the public displays of affection, what do you think of the main city?” he asked.
“It’s actually quite remarkable, minus the creepy statues.”
He laughed at me as we descended further into the mountain. “I’m glad to hear you think so.”
Everything I had seen thus far didn’t match the rumors and terrors I had heard of the dark court. I had to be missing something.
“Where are all the human dissections and torturing conducted?”
He arched his eyebrow at me. “We’re not as bad as some like to think. We like our humans, and we like sex, but we don’t torture them like the light alfar would have you believe. In the beginning, after we created the Kingdom of Doonak, there were experiments and testing conducted on every species. The dark alfar are knowledge- and power-hungry. Sometimes, in order to accomplish your goals, morals have to be broken.
“We crossbred species. Dissected them. Pushed their bodies, abilities, and minds to their limits, to understand what we were up against. After the war with the demons, our world was forever changed. There was a very small number of us and a lot more of every other species out there, so we had to be prepared. But those kinds of methods stopped about two thousand years ago. We learned all we needed to, and we became more powerful than any other thing in our world as our powers and numbers grew .
“We decided to foster relationships with each species and race of creature. We sent out ambassadors to broker peace with the other races and eventually created a working network with the different groups of fae. As far as humans go, we still need them to assist in the operation of our kingdom. Though there are still cases of rape and abuse that we must combat, most of the humans here are taken by request, not against their will.”
“Is that what you tell yourselves?” I said sarcastically. “That the humans back in The Frey wanted to be kidnapped?”
A small smirk rose at the corner of his lips. “No, princess. We don’t ask the humans for their permission when we take them as workers, but when it comes to the sexual side of their involvement with our kind, we give them the curtesy of declining.”
Anger flared inside of me. “So, what about the sacrifices to Azeer?” I asked.
“Two sacrifices happen a year. During the Winter Solstice, three humans are burned through the longest night of the year. We try to choose humans who are sick, in pain, or willing to be sacrificed. We take away their feelings of pain and fear as the fires are lit so they are sent to him peacefully. The second sacrifice happens during the Summer Solstice. A virgin alfar no older than fifteen sacrifices themselves on a blood altar as payment for our powers.”
“What is the purpose?”
“It is the deal Maleki made with Azeer in order to obtain the Dark Flame. The virgin represents the innocence our kind sacrificed in order to win the war against our enemies. The three human sacrifices in the winter symbolize our metamorphosis from the common race we were before the Norse gods transformed us into alfar: first to kind and nurturing beings the light court still possesses, and now, to the powerful darkness that saved our world from extinction.”
“Disgusting,” I said, a chill of fear and rage fluttering under my skin.
“It is what it is. We do not have a choice. This is what was demanded of us. Even though our generation did not make the bargain, we must uphold our end of it.”
“What happens if you stop the sacrifices altogether?”
“I don’t know, and I never will know. Regardless, if we like it or not, this is what we must do.” He stopped at one of the bistros in the middle of the city street and flagged another alfar over who owned the place.
He approached us with a blank expression, looking at me and then Erendrial. “Ambassador Lyklor, it is a pleasure to serve you. What can I do for you today?” asked the male.
“First, you can show respect to Princess Genevieve Drezmore with a bow,” Erendrial said with authority and annoyance.
The alfar’s eyes got wide, looking towards me in shock. He dropped his head and bowed low. “Please forgive me, Your Highness, I did not know who you were,” he said.
“It is okay, thank you,” I said.
He lifted his head and nodded to me in thanks.
“Two of your hot chocolates, please,” Erendrial said to the man. “And make sure to add a dash of fire.”
The alfar nodded, heading back into the bistro. We took a seat at a small table in front of the window of the shop. I smiled, amused by Erendrial’s order.
He looked at me and smirked. “Find something humorous?”
“The ambassador of the dark court drinking hot chocolate,” I laughed as the words came out of my mouth. It was the first time I had really laughed that I could remember. It felt good and freeing.
He smirked at me and nodded. “Well, I am glad I could be of amusement to you, princess, but don’t judge me too harshly until you taste this specific brew. It is a favorite of mine. There is no other like it.”
“What is a dash of fire?” I asked.
“A shot of whiskey is added to the mix. The owner, Hertus Yesper, grows his own beans and creates his own whiskey for the recipe. Every ingredient he touches, he has harvested,” Erendrial said, leaning across the table.
“Whiskey,” I said, chuckling to myself.
“What? You don’t like whiskey?”
“Quite the opposite. It’s just … whiskey is what your gift smelled like when you used it on me the last time I saw you. Whiskey and oranges,” I said, feeling a bit warm at the admission.
He sat up, looking out into the crowds of people. “Huh, is that so? And you liked the smell?” He didn’t turn his eyes to me.
“It was … comforting in an odd way,” I admitted.
“My gift affects people in different ways. Each time I use it on a new being, they experience different feelings, tastes, and smells. Never had whiskey and oranges before though.”
Hertus came out from the shop with two steaming cups of hot chocolate. He placed them down on the table in front of us and then gave another small bow.
“On the house, Princess Genevieve. It is a pleasure to have you here,” he said before returning to work.
Erendrial picked up his cup and held it out to me for a toast. “To a wonderful beginning and a powerful reign,” he said.
I knocked my glass against his before bringing the liquid to my lips. The aroma filled my nostrils, making my mouth water, and my stomach yearn. I allowed a small amount to pass through my lips before an involuntary moan of satisfaction escaped.
Erendrial smiled, dabbing his lips with a napkin. “Told you.”
“This is better than anything I have ever tasted,” I said, taking another mouth full.
“Well, I am glad you are pleased. It is my job to make you happy,” he said, winking at me.
I dropped my face, uncomfortable by the action. “When does the Jestu celebration take place?” I asked, trying to put us back on track. It was the all-night sex party I remember Levos telling me about that their court hosted each month .
“Twice a month. We just had one two days ago, so we won’t be having the next for another two weeks. Why? Interested in joining?”
“No,” I said quickly, turning in my chair.
“It is custom that the heir to the throne be present during the festivities. You don’t have to partake, but you will be expected to be there.”
I held the warm cup close to my chest, feeling the panic rise inside of me. “How long do I have to stay?”
“An hour or so. It is usually an all-night event.”
I pinched my eyes together, not even wanting to think about sex. “Is there any way out of it?”
“Unfortunately, no.” Erendrial leaned forward, trying to catch my eyes with his.
I turned away, trying to hide my fear from him. “So, what will my days look like from now on?” I asked.
“The only meal you are expected to attend in the throne room is dinner with your father amongst the court. During the day you will be educated in our ways, on the races of our world, and in combat. You will learn how to defend yourself and work as a unit against the beasts coming from the rift.”
“Will I be able to kill those things out there?” I asked, anxiously. The thought of being able to not only protect myself, but to hunt and kill, excited me. More than I thought it would.
“Is that something you want? ”
“Yes,” I said, all too quickly.
He laughed softly. “Then yes. You will be able to fight and be a part of the diplomatic negotiations with the other races until you are with child.”
I stopped, straightening my back at the word child. My stomach turned. “What?”
“Until you are with child. When you are pregnant you will need to remain here, protected and out of harm’s way.”
“And who am I supposed to be creating this child with?” Surely, there would be an arranged marriage as I had seen happen in the light court. I wouldn’t get to choose. I would be forced to lay with yet another alfar I did not want.
“There are three candidates that have been chosen to compete for your hand. Soddram Yositru, who is an air caster and is currently helping settle a political matter in the Draugr court. He comes from a very old and high family. Therosi Servi is a blood sifter. His father sits at the king’s table. He is very respected and holds a lot of sway among the dark alfar. Then there is Avalon Flarion, who is a shapeshifter like Queen Nora. He is her nephew.”
“How long until a decision is made about a … husband?” I asked, choking on the word.
“It won’t happen until after the winter solstice, so you will have some time to get your bearings. The king will conduct a tournament where each male is tested on three things: intelligence, strength, and will. The winner will become the next King of Doonak.”
“Fantastic,” I said sarcastically. I sipped the rest of the hot chocolate, signaling for Hertus. “Hi, yes, can I please have three shots of whiskey, thank you,” I said, matter-of-factly.
Erendrial nodded to Hertus, never taking his eyes off me. “Not so thrilled about your impending prenuptials I take it?” Erendrial asked.
Hertus dropped the three small crystal glasses off in front of me on the table. I slammed them back one after another, allowing the warm smooth whiskey to run down my throat and take hold of my nerves.
“I’m being forced to be with yet another male I do not want. How would you feel? Being forced to take a wife and have a child with them?” I paused to let him speak, but he said nothing. “Exactly.” I stood from the table, feeling the smooth arms of the whiskey wrap around me.
Erendrial stood slowly. “Come on, we need to get you fitted for your wardrobe,” he said, reaching his arm out to me. I took it, only to steady myself.
The dress shop was extravagant. Hundreds of bolts of fabric littered every wall. Mirrors and platforms were stationed at different points in the room where alfar females gushed over their revealing fashions that left little to the imagination.
My eyes scanned the room, taking in the textures and shades of the beautiful fabrics and detail of each design. I had never seen anything like this place. A small smile began to creep along the edges of my lips but was instantly muted as my eyes landed on Icici, my new bitchy cousin. I groaned, a little louder than I had intended.
Erendrial smiled, looking down at me. “You’ll need to learn how to handle her sooner rather than later, along with your alcohol.”
“Yeah, thanks for that little tidbit,” I whispered, already slurring my words.
She saw us approach and smiled gracefully. She looked like a royal. Her hair was perfect, not a strand out of place. Her figure was smooth and sinful. Her eyes drew one in and held them captive. Gold hoops pierced her long-pointed ears, which only added to her appeal. I exhaled, taking in my beautiful, flawless cousin.
“And may I ask what new revelation you just made?” asked Erendrial. “We’re going to need to work on those facial expressions of yours,”
“I am just now realizing I got hit with the ugly branch on the way down from the family tree,” I said, bringing my hand up to my small, pointed ears, a constant reminder that I would never fully be one of them.
Erendrial gently took my hand from my ear and brought it back down to my side. “Never reveal your weakness to anyone, including me. I know this is a lot to absorb, but you need to appear strong, no matter what you really feel. If you waver, they will eat you alive, understand?” he whispered softly .
I nodded, turning back to Icici as she headed in our direction.
“Ambassador Lyklor … cousin,” she said, giving me a small curtsy. “Are you here to get fitted for your winter wardrobe?”
“Yes, and you?” I asked.
“Of course. The wind is beginning to chill, and I need to make sure my skin is protected. I know a few males in particular who would hate the thought of my flawless skin being scarred,” she said, looking at Erendrial seductively. Her eyes drifted back to me and then stopped abruptly on the Lysanthier sigil burned into my chest.
I shifted from embarrassment of the marking but felt Erendrial’s arm stiffen in warning.
“Yes, that would be a shame,” I said, giving her a small, unfeeling smile.
“Well, don’t let me keep you. I have things I must attend to before dinner,” she said, moving beside Erendrial. She placed a hand on his chest. “I presume I will see you a bit later, once your courtly duties are fulfilled?” She looked up at him with desire and hunger.
He gave her a small smile before she continued out of the shop. I took my arm from his, covering my open-hanging mouth with my hand.
“You’re sleeping with my cousin?” I asked in disbelief.
He shrugged, walking past me. “From time to time,” he said, taking a seat in one of the red velvet couches in front of the wall of mirrors.
Two human girls came out from the back, ushering me to a small platform in front of the mirrors. They began taking my measurements as I stared Erendrial down in the mirror.
He exhaled in frustration. “If you have something to say, princess, just say it.”
“Oh no. I have nothing to say at all about where you choose to put your dick,” I replied.
The two human girls snickered with amusement as they worked around me.
“A bit judgey now, aren’t we?” he replied.
“I’m sure you were disappointed when you learned Icici was no longer going to be queen. What influence you would have had.”
“Please, Icici would have been a terrible queen. She’s too selfish,” he said without emotion.
“So, should I expect your wedding to be before or after mine? Just so our themes and colors don’t clash,” I said, arching my brow at him.
He laughed, leaning his upper body over his knees. “It is not like that. Here, sex is just that, sex. You can have it with anyone and then go about your business without any promises or consequences. Plus, I’ve already told you. I will never take a wife. Your cousin is just a means for a good time. That is all.”
“So, you’ve never had feelings for anyone? You can just fuck and move on without a single feeling? ”
“Yup, pretty much. As I told you, alfar do not love. It is an inconvenience and a weakness.”
I dropped my eyes from his, realizing how cold my life would be here. At least I would have Lily, even if only for another fifty years. But then, what would I do? What would I look to for a glimmer of hope and happiness?
“Seems like a cold and lonely life,” I replied, turning my attention to the fabrics and designs the two girls had set out for me.
Erendrial stared at me, not saying another word.
I chose dark blues, purples, and black for most of my dresses. I threw a couple of red ones in there just to mix it up. Fur, lace, silk, and velvet were in for the season, so I conformed to the norm. Erendrial escorted me back to my rooms, as he discussed how the politics worked within the kingdom. I discovered I would have a seat on the board next to my father.
I would have to learn how to be a politician along with a warrior, diplomat, queen, wife, mother, and ruler. So many hats, so many responsibilities. I could do this. I had to. As if my wish had been granted, I would now have the power to protect myself and those I loved, but at what cost? Would I lose myself to the dark court? Becoming as cold and unfeeling as they appeared? Maybe that was okay. Maybe that was better than feeling the claws of the monster that tortured me day and night. Feeling nothing, was better than feeling this pain.