C H A P T E R F I F T E E N
The most dangerous thing in this world to have is hope.
C H A P T E R F I F T E E N
Olwyn
A ltair stayed true to his word.
He arranged for me to meet with the members of staff in charge of planning the ball for King Sovran’s arrival.
The human members of staff.
I never really knew what planning a ball entailed. Since my parents kept me hidden, I had never attended one back home. I used to sneak out though, like the times I had into the city to explore. I always remained in the upper levels, watching secretly as couples danced, and people drank. I always wondered how my parents could afford to throw such events when our people and I were hungry. After being told food had to be rationed to last.
Yet our guests drank like there was an infinite amount of wine.
The guests fornicated upon the lavish rugs. Soft flesh on display for the whole room to see.
It reminded me of Altair’s words, and I started to question everything.
Sera and Thali a? —two of the human members of staff that I can engage with no w? —really take their role seriously. I’ve never seen so many different samples of fabric, flowers or different types of crockery.
There are other staff in here, measuring various things and pointing around the walls. They are vampires.
It astounds me that they are interacting together without malice. Without any fear or anger.
It’s a little overwhelming if I’m honest. And I haven’t gathered any valuable information from it yet at all.
Other than what dress the ladies want to put me in.
“It has to be this colour,” Sera pulls out a swatch of deep emerald green. “It will go beautifully with her eyes.” She looks at Thalia like it’s the most obvious option in the world. She smiles at me softly. “You really do have stunning eyes.”
“Thank you,” I mumble.
“It has to be this one. Because… well it just does.” Thalia grins, holding out a piece of charcoal black silk. There are tiny shimmers of silver throughout the fabric, and it looks like starlight.
“I-I really like the black,” I mutter, hating the way Sera pouts as she fidgets with the end of her dark brown braid.
Maybe I preferred it when I was mostly by myself.
“But how about you pick the jewellery I wear with it?” I offer, and Sera smiles.
“Definitely. Have you decided which crown you’re going to wear?” She asks.
“Crown?” I ask.
They share a look and then give me a similar pointed expression.
“You’ll need to wear a crown, Your Majesty,” Thalia says, and Sera nods eagerly next to her, her blue eyes wide. “This may be a joyous occasion, but it’s still a show.”
“A show?”
“To King Sovran,” Sera tells me. “King Altair will want to show King Sovran how united you are in your marriage. How you will be the power couple to end the war.”
I want to laugh at that. If that was ever Altair’s goal, he certainly hasn’t told me that. But maybe that’s what everyone thinks.
“Why do we care what King Sovran thinks?” I ask.
Thalia laughs, brushing her long red hair away from her face.
Sera looks at me with what could be pity in her brown eyes. “Everyone knows of the prophecy. If Altair hadn’t asked for your hand in marriage, no doubt Casius would have found you and claimed you like the savage he is.”
United. That’s what Sera and Thalia believe my marriage to Altair represents—a union of humans and vampires, a beacon of hope. But how can I be the symbol they want me to be when I can barely hold myself together? They clearly don’t know the truth—that this marriage was forced upon me, that I was dragged from my home and thrust into a world I don’t understand. And I wonder why Altair hasn’t divulged that. Hasn’t boasted about kidnapping the human queen as a show of power.
“What is his court like? I’ve been told he’s a savage. But news wasn’t always trustworthy where I came from,” I say. I have heard whispers of King Casius Sovran whilst living back with my parents, but nothing solid other than horror stories. If I can learn more about the rival vampire king, I will—especially if I am going to meet him.
Thalia looks around, making sure we are alone before leaning forward over the fabric covered table. “I heard his lovers never leave his chambers alive once he’s done with them, but women still throw themselves at his feet for a chance of one night with him.”
My eyes widen.
Sera scoffs. “Those stories are obviously exaggerated,” she says before sighing longingly. “I’d throw myself at his feet for one night with him.”
“Sera!” Thalia swats her arm.
“What?” Sera laughs. “I heard he likes knife play. Don’t shame me for my kinks.”
I blink, looking between the two.
Thalia looks at Sera, and back at me.
“Oh!” Sera blushes. “Sorry, Your Majesty. Ignore me. I need to stop reading those romance novels.”
I just nod.
The conversation shifts, but my thoughts linger on what they’ve said about King Casius. My heart beats faster at the idea of meeting him, an undercurrent of fear mixed with a strange curiosity. I imagine his palace, dark and foreboding, and wonder what it would be like to face a man with such a fearsome reputation.
But then I always imagined Altair to be a monster, and he hasn’t done anything too monstrous towards me… yet.
As I watch the intricate lacework being sewn into the tablecloths, I realise that this ball is more than just a celebration—it’s a stage. A stage where I’ll be expected to perform, to prove my worth as Altair’s queen, to show the kingdom who I am.
What have I been forced into?
Sera and Thalia bring out a large wooden jewellery box, filled with shimmering pieces. Diamonds, rubies, emeralds—all glittering temptations. They debate over which would best compliment the dress, holding each piece up to my neck. I can see my reflection in the polished silver of a mirror across the room, adorned like a doll for display.
As they finally settle on a set of emerald earrings and a matching necklace, Sera’s words about the prophecy echo in my mind. I wonder what my parents would think if they saw me now. Would they be proud that I have become the sacrifice that has saved their city? Or horrified at the role I’m being forced to play?
Do they even care that their extra mouth to feed is gone? Was feeding me ever really a burden? Could Altair be right?
The room starts to feel stifling, the burden of the crown I’ll wear at the ball pressing down on me even though it hasn’t been placed on my head yet. I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. This all seems like a test, a performance where I must play the part perfectly. Even though I asked to be a part of it.
But if what they say is true, what Altair is trying to do is sow peace between vampires and humans… For my sake, and for the sake of those who still believe in peace, perhaps I should… try?
“Are you all right, Your Majesty?” Thalia asks, her voice gentle.
“Yes,” I reply, forcing a smile. “Just a lot to take in.”
She nods, her eyes understanding. “We’ll make sure everything is perfect. You’ll be the most stunning queen anyone has ever seen.”
As they continue to fuss over the details, I steal a glance out of the window, where the twilight sky is painted in hues of purple and gold. Somewhere out there, King Casius is preparing for his arrival, and I can’t help but wonder what fate has in store for me when we finally meet.
I wonder if these peace talks will result in something positive for all of us.
I wonder what Casius will make of me.