21. 19
19
Thorn
T he clattering of hooves and wheels on cobblestone heralds our arrival back at the castle. I keep my gaze lowered, clutching Luna close as we pass through the imposing gates. Even after all these years, I still fear discovery in these familiar walls that now tower above, their weathered stones seeming to lean in as if guarding centuries of secrets.
How many years has it been since I last walked here? I’ve lost count of the decades passed in self-imposed exile. I pause at the edge of the clearing, my boots sinking into the snow. The cold bites my cheeks, but that is nothing compared to the ache in my chest. This place is filled with ghosts.
With slow, hesitant steps, I enter, the crowd dispersing to find their own space. As Prince Draven leads me through the grand halls, I take in the soaring ceilings and intricate carvings adorning the pillars and walls. Priceless tapestries and paintings line the corridors, evidence of immense wealth and history.
I pass ornate sitting rooms and carved wooden furnishings. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over lush carpets underfoot, barely penetrating the cold stone. I keep my eyes lowered though bittersweet memories stir. Once full of promise, these halls are now foreign, my past here locked away.
We come to an elaborately carved door which Draven opens, revealing lavish quarters prepared for my stay. A canopy bed dominates, draped in velvets.
“I hope these rooms are comfortable,” he says earnestly, his silver eyes searching my face.
I nod politely. “They’re lovely. Thank you.”
In truth, I know I will never fully relax here, penned in by the ghosts of my past, but I must try, for Luna’s sake. At the very least, the unease I feel helps distract me from the cravings to reach out and touch him. Those lips, his muscular arms, that warm smile, the twinkle in his eyes… they all call to me.
Draven lingers in the doorway. “Is everything all right? You seem… troubled. ”
His concern undoes me, but I keep my tone even. “Just tired from the journey.”
He steps closer, one hand lifting as if to touch my arm, but he seems to think better of it. Our bond flickers between us, an unspoken question.
“I am just across the hall should you need anything,” he says softly.
I tense. His nearness will test my resolve to keep him at a distance, yet part of me thrills at his proximity, our connection humming eagerly beneath my skin.
With effort, I take a subtle step back, clasping my hands. “You are most kind. I’m sure I will be quite comfortable.”
Draven’s eyes darken. He’s clearly saddened by my retreat, but he simply bows. “Very well. I shall leave you to rest. Please call if I can be of service.”
After Draven leaves, I sink onto the plush bed, the silken sheets pooling around me. I stroke their richness, remembering a time when such finery was a joy to me instead of a reminder of my mistakes.
I settle Luna near the hearth to recover, keeping vigil over her shallow breaths. Her injuries are healing, but she remains weak and vulnerable, just as I once was in this very castle. The thought makes my heart clench. I failed to protect her from harm, just as I failed to save my family all those years ago. Some wounds cannot be healed with magic alone.
Sleep will surely elude me this night.
I cross to the gilded mirror, critically examining my still-youthful features. How easy it would be for someone to pierce my disguise and expose me as an imposter. Panic flutters in my chest at the thought. I cannot be discovered here. The risk is too great.
With trembling fingers, I weave the glamour spell, watching my reflection subtly age. Faint creases frame my eyes, silver strands lace my hair. My true face remains, softened by time’s blurred lens. I should have done this sooner, back in the camp, but I had been too distracted. Fortunately, I was been able to avoid most people and traveled with the servants on our way here so I don’t think I was recognized. After all, it’s been a long time, and I’ve changed since then. With any luck, our fated mate bond will allow Draven to be none the wiser to these subtle changes. May as well use this blasted curse in my favor if I have to tolerate its existence.
Disguised but heavy of heart, I return to the canopy bed. It dominates the room like a gilded cage, the walls closing in with memories. Just beyond the door, I can sense Draven lingering. Our bond hums eagerly beneath my skin, yearning to reconnect.
I force down the primal urge. I cannot repeat the mistakes of my past, no matter how fiercely fate tempts me. I must cling to reason and self-control.
Yet, being this near to Draven tests my defenses. It takes all my strength to resist the pull of our connection.
I curl atop the silken sheets, restless and alone, as shadows play across the stone walls. Sleep eludes me, just as safety in this place always will.
If so much of my magic wasn’t being spent on healing Luna, I would simply magic us back to my cottage, but I can’t risk anything going wrong. Somehow, I’ve become rather attached to that white fur ball.
***
The pale light of dawn filters through the frosted windowpanes, rousing me from a fitful sleep. I rise slowly, shaking off the last wisps of a troubled dream. Luna is curled in a corner, still resting peacefully beneath her blanket of soft white fur. A smile tugs at my lips as I regard my faithful companion. At least one of us managed some real rest last night.
I dress quietly so as not to disturb Luna’s slumber. My mind already races ahead to the perplexities this day will surely bring. Ever since realizing the truth of my fated bond with the vampire prince, anxiety has gnawed at my belly like a ravenous wolf.
In my core, I know Draven himself means me no harm. He has shown me nothing but kindness and understanding since we arrived at the castle, yet the echoes of a lifetime’s learned distrust are not so easily quieted. I wish fate had chosen any soul but his to bind me to for eternity. Someone untainted by the bloody misdeeds of the vampire royals who wiped out my family and set me on a path of solitary exile. Someone I could give my whole self to without reservation or regret.
But the powers that be in their ineffable wisdom chose differently. of the bloodline I’ve spent my life fleeing is my destined mate. The bitter irony is not lost on me. Perhaps in time, the walls around my heart will soften and allow affection to grow.
Stepping lightly to the window, I peer out at the castle grounds now bustling in the crisp morning air. How long before the intrigues of court sweep me into their grasp again? I need time to gather my wits and steel my resolve before facing that tempest. This room should feel like a sanctuary, but its walls feel claustrophobic, hemming me in.
I glance back at Luna, still dozing contentedly. Perhaps some time to myself will settle my restless spirit.
I creep silently out the heavy oak door. The guards pay me little mind as I descend the winding stairs. To them, I am just another of the prince’s transient guests.
At the base of the stairs lies a seldom used door half-hidden behind a moth-eaten tapestry. I slip through it unseen, finding myself in a familiar dusty corridor. Motes dance in the shafts of light from the occasional high window. The deeper I go, the stronger the scent of parchment, leather, and ancient magic.
Before long, I arrive at my destination—the royal archives. Stepping inside is like entering a lost world frozen in time. I trail my fingers along the rows of leather-bound spines, leaving streaks in the ever-present layer of dust. How many hours did I spend here in another life, when I was still Lady Vivian? Back when my biggest concerns were social standing and revenge, before betrayal and tragedy colored my views forever.
As I walk deeper into the labyrinth of shelves, wisps of mist swirl up to greet me. The spirits that dwell here remember me from my past visits. They whisper excitedly at my return, beckoning me farther into their domain. Like me, these poor souls met their ends at the hands of the vampire royalty and their ruthless factions. Their fates intertwined with mine. We share an eerie kinship. The archives are as much their home as mine.
I pause to touch an icy tendril of mist in greeting. “It gladdens me to see you all again, my friends,” I murmur softly.
Their joyful energy lifts my wounded spirit. Here there is no judgment, only understanding.
Perhaps in these archives, I can find some peace of mind with the spirits’ company, if only for a little while.
I select a few volumes on magical bonds and vampire lineage then settle into a shadowy corner to read. The ghosts swirl protectively around me as I become absorbed in the ancient pages. At least here, I can momentarily forget the upheaval that threatens the new life I’ve tried so hard to build. For now, it is only me, the dancing dust motes, the whispering spirits, and the solace of secrets from times long past.
***
The musty pages crinkle under my fingertips as I trace a line of text, murmuring the ancient words aloud. My mind only half focuses on the arcane symbols, still churning with thoughts of fate and fated bonds.
“You must be Thorn!”
I glance up to see a young tween vampire girl bounding down the archive stairs, dark braids swinging. She skids to a stop and dips into a quick, energetic curtsy.
“I’m Princess Kira. It’s wonderful to finally meet you!” Her emerald eyes shine with lively curiosity.
I incline my head politely, studying this unfamiliar princess. “A pleasure, Your Highness. Have we met before?”
Kira waves a hand. “Oh no, but you’re all my family has talked about since your grand entrance on the hunting trip! I wanted to be the first to meet you, so I volunteered to come fetch you for tea.”
She grins, revealing a glint of fangs. I remain guarded, though her guileless enthusiasm is admittedly charming. This princess radiates a simple joy so at odds with my own jaded experiences in this castle long ago.
Kira widens her eyes pleadingly. “Won’t you join us? Mother and Audrey are waiting.”
Unable to refuse the earnest entreaty, I nod. “It would be an honor then, Your Highness.”
“Wonderful!” Kira claps her hands delightedly before looping her arm through mine. “We’re going to be the best of friends. I just know it…”
Kira chatters brightly as she leads me through the winding halls. I take in the festive garlands and wreaths adorning every archway, releasing the scents of pine and cinnamon into the air, a small pile of books under my arm to read in my room later. My guide keeps up a steady stream of cheerful chatter, oblivious to my pensive mood.
As we near the solarium, I glimpse frosted windows framing a snowy courtyard outside. Icicles drip from stone eaves, sparkling in the pale winter light. The cold is held at bay inside the sunroom by enchantments, ensuring the tropical plants flourish regardless of the weather.
Steam fogs the glass panes as we enter the humid solarium. Exotic flowers in vivid shades of fuchsia, scarlet, and gold nod from their perches. Orchids cascade down mossy trunks, and tiny birds flit through branches laden with orange fruits I do not recognize. The earthy scents mingle with the vampires’ light floral perfumes, soothing my senses.
Queen Vespera rises gracefully from her seat, porcelain skin glowing against her black silken gown. “Thorn, welcome my dear. We are most pleased you could join us.”
I dip into a curtsy before the queen, keeping my eyes respectfully lowered. “The honor is mine, Your Majesty.”
Despite my calm exterior, nerves jangle within me. The last time I stood in Vespera’s presence was when I still wore the guise of Lady Vivian. Eventually, I had to fake my own death to escape after nearly destroying her empire from within. What if she sees through my new glamour and recognizes the deceiver who once infiltrated her family and confidence ?
Oblivious to my turmoil, she bids me rise and turns to the elder princess, who steps forward with a smile. “Allow me to formally introduce Crown Princess Audrey, my eldest daughter.”
Audrey inclines her head, straight ebony hair slipping over her shoulder like liquid night. As children, we often played together, though she was several years my elder. If anyone might recall Lady Vivian’s features beneath this unfamiliar facade, it would be her.
I repeat the curtsy, praying my magical disguise holds true. “The pleasure is mine, Your Highness.”
Kira eagerly tugs me to sit between her and Audrey at the table laden with delicate porcelain cups and flaky pastries. A fragrant floral tea steams from the pot as Audrey pours me a cup.
“Tell us, what is it like being a witch?” Kira asks around a mouthful of cream-filled puff pastry. A bit of powdered sugar clings to her lip.
I stir a spoonful of honey into my tea as I consider my response. “In many ways, not so different from anyone else,” I say carefully. “Magic runs in my bloodline. It allows me to connect to the elements and channel their energy. I can sense magic in most things and use it to create others. I enjoy the challenge of creating something new from it.”
Kira’s emerald eyes widen. “That’s amazing! What’s your favorite spell?”
I can’t help a small smile at her girlish enthusiasm. “Well, healing magic has always come most naturally to me. Like when I healed Prince Draven after…” I trail off, unsure if I’ve said too much.
But Vespera only nods sagely. “Yes, Draven mentioned you tended to him with remarkable skill. He arrived home quite… restored despite his ordeal.”
I duck my head, cheeks warming. Of course the queen would notice her son returned satiated. I’m half surprised her eyes haven’t glanced at my neck for signs of previous puncture wounds.
Clearly intrigued, Audrey leans forward. “We are most impressed by your arcane abilities, Lady Thorn. It seems the fates smile upon Draven to gift him such a singular mate.”
I toy nervously with my teacup under their intent stares. My magic bonding us was involuntary. How to explain that without revealing too much ?
“Please, no need to call me lady. The attraction was… instant and profound,” I hedge, “but much between us remains unclear.”
That, at least, is no falsehood.
Vespera touches my hand gently. “Do not fret, my dear. In time, all shall be revealed between you. Not all of us are blessed with a gods given mate.”
“Tell us, how did you come to realize Prince Draven was your fated mate?” Audrey asks.
I sip my tea and choose my words with care. “It was… an unexpected epiphany during our acquaintance.”
Vespera nods sagely. “The fated bond is exceptionally rare, even among our kind who mate eternally.”
I merely incline my head, unwilling to reveal more.
Perhaps sensing my reticence, Audrey smoothly changes topics, mentioning the upcoming Winter Festival.
“You simply must attend the ball with Draven!” Kira exclaims. “Oh, we’ll have such fun together picking out gowns and masks for the occasion.”
I glance down self-consciously at my simple garb. “You are too kind, but I fear I have nothing suitable- ”
“Nonsense. We will outfit you in style.” Audrey gives me an assessing look. “I know just the shops we must visit for a wardrobe fit for a prince’s escort.”
Their graciousness leaves me touched but conflicted.
I turn inquiries about my past deftly back to them, learning of castle intrigues and romances. Kira, in particular, proves a font of lively court gossip.