Chapter 10 #3
We walked in silence the rest of the way, but that suited me since my mouth was agape most of the time in awe and wonder.
The torch-lined walls illuminated ornate carvings in every direction.
The eccentric reliefs and engravings twined up the walls and even along the ceilings.
The architecture of this city had far surpassed any design or innovation I’d seen or heard of.
How many years did it take to construct such a magnificent feat?
And if the humans knew of this place, how long until they’d foolishly try and pillage it for their own?
Every turn was like a new window into a gallery where the structure was the art, with no need for paintings.
My home. This is my home, I tried to convince myself.
But how did I make myself believe that I belonged in such an unbelievable place?
Each step forward felt like a distraction from my purpose here.
Through another wide, arching hallway, she began to point from door to door while continuing on.
“On the left you will find His Majesty’s private room for reading; while smaller than the Great Library, it is curated based on his particular interests. Should you require any titles or subjects not found within, simply notify the king and he’ll have them delivered.”
Two libraries, I thought to myself. One couldn’t be certain of the enormity of what lay beyond that door, but the evidence of what I’d been shown so far sent my imagination reeling with visions of what was surely a testament to the pursuit of wisdom.
“To your right is a private caldarium. It’s also much smaller in size than the public Falls. You’ll find a steam bath along with a number of relaxing and medicinal treatments available.”
“What are the Falls?” I asked.
Lailanor let out a small chuckle of amusement and halted, turning to face me. “I do not suspect a mortal possesses the inclinations to such, shall we say, carnal desires as the Falls invite.”
In my first show of authority, I snapped back, “As queen, I will decide what my inclinations include. Now, please answer my question and avoid future evasiveness.”
She looked at me with the same raised eyebrow she’d given Vastion earlier, but this time it reflected some small sign of respect.
“Perhaps I have misjudged you. The Falls are similar to what you humans would consider a bathhouse.”
“And why would that be something I’d avoid?” I probed.
“The Falls are frequented by all who dwell here, and… Well, cleanliness can only describe the bodies that emerge from those sinful waters—not the acts within them.”
Her answer was clear enough to send my imagination into a spiral. If even half the ideas that my mind conjured were true, then I did not think I was quite ready to expose myself to such cultural nuances of the Vampyr.
Lailanor took my silence as a sign to forge ahead. “Over here is the private dining hall where you and the king will take your meals. When your presence is not expected in the Royal Hall, of course.”
“Of course,” I mocked. “And how frequently will that be?”
“The Vampyr are long-lived and not prone to idleness. We will find a way to celebrate practically anything if it means festivities, frivolities, and a chance at additional rations.”
“I thought only sentries were rationed?” I pried further, trying to make sense of what she was implying.
“Your Majesty, do you think an entire city could flourish if they were allowed to gorge themselves as they please with no thought of conservation?”
I didn’t respond for fear of making myself seem dense. I wondered if Father or any of the other territory leaders knew that the entire Vampyr population were rationing our donations.
We arrived at a giant set of decorative oak doors donning bronze handles with filigree designs of what could only be described as tiny insect wings.
“Your husband has taken great care to have a large variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and cheeses delivered to ensure your appetite is met with options that please you. If you require anything specific, let him know and it will be addressed promptly.”
“Why can’t I just tell you?” I asked, knowing how childish I sounded. But I did not like the idea of asking Vastion for anything. I’d rather just let Lailanor handle it.
“Besides the fact that you are his wife and his charge, it is his duty to protect you and honor the treaty.”
Protect me? Were there reasons beyond the obvious I needed to be concerned about residing in the Heart?
“What if my requests are more private in nature, say…feminine matters?” I said, trying to gauge if there would be any level of trust between us.
“You may make any requests of me that fall within my domain, but if they require extenuating approval, then I must discuss them with His Majesty prior.”
My shoulders relaxed with the relief that I wouldn’t have to go to Vastion for literally everything, but it still sounded like I’d have to work on establishing an understanding between myself and Lailanor.
She stepped forward, turning the large doorknob and gliding open the giant door. Lailanor walked over the threshold and continued her commentary, but I was too stunned to move any farther. The room was massive, easily the size of a ballroom.
“This is the royal bedchamber; it has been fitted with his and hers wardrobes down these two corridors,” she said smoothly, pointing to her left. “Over there you have a simple hearth where His Majesty likes to read or play a game if a skilled opponent is available.”
This room was anything but simple. Lavishly stitched and stained to evoke richness and warmth, drapes and tapestries flowed from ceiling to floor, spun with royal hues.
Every piece of furniture intentionally arranged to invite rest or, at the very least, comfort.
The hearth she spoke of was outfitted with a massive fireplace, two leather high-back chairs, a large settee that could easily fit more than one person, and two richly stained side tables.
It wasn’t long before Lailanor spotted me still standing in the doorway gawking. She let out a small laugh.
“It’s been many years since I last witnessed that expression. I forget what it’s like to come from the outside world and then see the magnificence that is the Heart. It’s okay to be overwhelmed,” she offered, for the first time showing some semblance of kindness or understanding.
“Come, come,” she said, ushering me into the room and waving her hand for me to follow her to where floor-to-ceiling velvet drapes covered the entire wall.
She began turning a small crank that set several mechanical gears into motion.
The drapes separated, exposing panoramic glass that offered a vista of darkness beyond them.
Her movements were deliberate and quick as she shifted to another set of cranks which allowed the doors themselves to part like crystal gates.
As the opening widened, the booms of ocean waves filled the otherwise silent room.
I did not wait for her to fully extend them before I stepped out onto the rocky verandah.
Directly overhead, an elongated stone dormer obscured the night sky.
But as I continued out toward the edge of the landing, the brilliance of the cosmos above was unveiled.
The fresh sea air assaulted my senses, and I inhaled deeply, welcoming the feeling of mist on my skin as I moved to where a stone railing separated me and the watery cliff below.
The tempestuous ocean cocooned me in its soothing rhythm, and I tilted my head upward toward the crystal-clear constellations.
I stood there in blissful astonishment, unable to believe something like this existed—and that such a place was now my home.
Suddenly, I felt the pressure of a hand against my lower back, causing me to startle.
“I do hope you’ve found these chambers to be spacious enough for the both of us,” Vastion said in a velvety-smooth voice while gently removing his hand from my back.
Trying to shake myself from the surprise of his arrival, I replied, “I suppose it will do. This verandah has exceeded my expectations.”
An amused smile spread across his face. “Exceeding your expectations is my aim, Es.”
No longer in the presence of his citizens, he said my name with that same wanton longing that he had at the Harvest; it delighted me to think that perhaps I would not be treated as his enemy after all.
“While I hope that the depths of the Heart of Eventide grow on you, I know the desire for fresh air is something that all humans crave. And since I cannot promise you regular outings to the uplands, I hope you’ll find this a suitable alternative.
Just wait till you see the sunset on the horizon from this vantage. ”
Vastion’s unexpected sentimentality rattled me more than I cared to admit. If I could just ignore the fact that he had fangs he could bare at a moment’s notice, I might find some way to be more convincingly attracted to him.
“Come now, let Lailanor see to your preparations for the welcome festivities,” he said, waving her over.
“I’m so tired, and my journey was long and arduous. Do I have to?” I complained, knowing it was unlikely my request would be granted.
By now Lailanor was standing close enough to hear our conversation—who was I kidding, given their exemplary senses, she had probably heard every word from across the room.
“Es, you are their queen. Queen of the Vampyr. They wish to welcome you.”
“I am no such thing,” I retorted, before I could think better of it. “I am queen of the humans. Only here as their representative!”
Vastion’s jaw ticced, but he composed himself before replying in one of the more serious tones I’d heard from him. “You are here because a very fragile piece of paper and an age-old promise keep this arrangement. You are here only because I chose you. Remember that.”
Before I could muster any sort of meaningful response, Vastion turned and strode from the room, leaving me once more to Lailanor’s company.