Chapter 26
Twenty-Six
The Letter
Marianne watches her half-sister read the dragon king’s letter. When she isn’t trying to hide her emotions, her sister is incredibly expressive. Surprise, mirth, exasperation dance in Jing’s eyes as she reads the letter laid out on the table. Even the way Jing laughs resembles their Papa.
But mid-laugh, Jing blanches and her gaze takes on a glassy, faraway look. Marianne’s chest tightens. Maximilien had not wanted the Celestials to know, but Mémère overruled him, wishing to honour their trust.
Eyes shimmering with tears, Jing lifts her gaze to Marianne. There’s confusion and accusation in those dark eyes as she whispers, ‘Father wished for La Grande Morte?’
Marianne thinks back to the tetchy, paranoid, solitary Papa who left for China and returned a changed man.
She nods. ‘He had been suffering l’ennuie for some time.
A severe case will drive a vampire to request eternal slumber, the only escape from the unbearable weight of immortality.
A change of scenery and routine can sometimes help, which is why Mémère allowed him to sail so far from home.
As the head of House Durand, Mémère is honour and duty bound to grant La Grande Morte to anyone who requests it, even Papa. ’
Lady Gi speaks softly. ‘He may have wanted that before he left for the Middle Kingdom, but the letter he wrote a year later shows he was no longer in the same frame of mind.’
Jing is quiet for a moment. ‘We should head back so we can send Big Wang an update.’
At the door, Marianne says, ‘Mémère is hosting a party tonight to celebrate your return to House Durand.’ She looks hopefully at Lady Jing. ‘Bar 228 is a favourite gathering place for those loyal to House Durand. We would be honoured if you and your friends would join us.’
Jing glances at Tony, then asks, ‘Will anyone be naked?’
‘Almost everyone,’ Marianne says. At the Celestials’ shocked expressions, she hastily adds, ‘Please don’t be alarmed. No one will approach without your invitation. The level of nudity indicates whether we are willing and able to indulge.’
This does not reassure the Celestials. Only when Marianne tells them the best jazz band in Paris will be playing that they consent to come. As they leave, a servant hands Jing a wire basket filled with six metal flasks.
At Jing’s questioning look, Marianne explains, ‘Our most loyal pursuivants wished to honour you with a token of their blood to ensure you are well provided for during your stay in Paris.’