Thrall

Chapter Thirteen

The stunning castle that made up the vampire capitol had been made with black granite, and the stained-glass windows throughout the palace held chiseled obsidian, alluding to its name.

Combining old-fashioned aesthetic with modern day engineering, vampires had spared no expense to create the breathtaking symbol of their rule.

It sat north of Alberta, in the Northwest Territories of Canada.

Tall spires reached toward the heavens. A domed citadel housed the governmental chambers where parliament debated and enacted laws.

It convened once a year, and all nobles and representatives were required to attend.

The palace even housed all of them for their six-month stay.

They had flown in a private jet twenty miles from the capital, where a driver waited.

Adalyn had never been outside the United States, so her eyes stayed wide as she took everything in.

When the car pulled up at the gate, she couldn’t look away from the beautiful structure.

Within moments, the gate opened, and Adalyn’s heart thumped nervously in her chest. She hoped she didn’t embarrass Gareth.

“What do you think of the capital?” Gareth asked her.

“It’s so beautiful,” she murmured. “I can’t believe I’m here.”

“You’re beautiful.”

She turned her head to look at him, blinking in surprise. “Um, thank you. I think you’re beautiful, too.”

“Thank you, little bird.” He smiled. “You will be shown to your room where you can rest. Gabi has the itinerary of the day. Unfortunately, I have business to conduct, and I won’t be back until late. This evening will be a meet and greet.”

“My room? Not ours?”

“While under the capitol’s dome, we have separate quarters until after the thrall ceremony.”

“Oh. I didn’t realize it was that big of a deal.”

“For the most part, this will be a type of wedding between us.”

“But you’re permitted to marry if you find a vampire you want more,” she said, ignoring the dart of jealousy that pierced her heart. “I will only ever be your kept companion.”

“Vampires do not adhere to human sanctity notions,” he said. “Taking a thrall is equal to taking a wife. I am serious about our commitment to each other, and for me this will be as faithful as any marriage. So, until tomorrow evening, we’ll have to endure tonight without one another.”

“Okay,” she said, happy with his explanation. It had weighed a bit on her mind that she might be replaced one day.

Their entourage came to a stop on the large circular drive located in front of the portico.

Immediately, servants rushed to open their doors and take any luggage that was brought.

Gareth placed a hand on her lower back to help guide her up the steps and into the humongous entrance lobby.

Calacatta Gold marble floors, eight chandeliers trailing each way down the reception hall.

Their twinkling lights refracting over the white wainscotting, making it look like diamonds were sparkling everywhere.

People mingled. Or perhaps the more accurate term was the vampires mingled.

Several women smiled at her and she smiled back.

It took time to make their way through the growing crowd as Gareth was greeted over and over.

Adalyn made sure to keep a smile plastered on her face as she was introduced, however, there was no way she would be able to remember so many names.

Eventually, they made their way past the pomp and circumstance, and a servant escorted them down one of the many corridors.

“This place is huge,” she whispered. “It’s like its own zip code.”

He grinned. “Designed for us to eat, sleep, and work here so we don’t waste any time driving to hotels or homes.”

They used an elevator to travel to the fifth floor, and Adalyn wondered how much further they were to go when the servant stopped in front of one door. Gabi immediately opened it and stepped to the side, as was proper etiquette.

“Rest up for a bit,” he said, kissing her knuckles. “Gabi will dress you in proper thrall fashion for tonight and then we’ll head down.”

“Okay,” she said, smiling at him. She watched until he disappeared back into the elevator, then stepped into the room. “Wow.”

“I know,” Gabi remarked. “I hope I don’t get lost.”

The room was decorated in cream and taupe. The canopy bed had a stepstool leading to the top, where a velvety soft duvet rested.

“The bathroom is even more opulent than this room.” Gabi clapped her hands excitedly. “This is going to be so much fun!”

“I’m nervous,” Adalyn confessed. “What if I do something wrong? What if I choose the wrong fork? What if I embarrass Gareth?”

“Sh,” Gabi said, taking hold of her arms. “You are going to be amazing. You are nice and kind and Lord Huntley wouldn’t have chosen you unless he saw those awesome traits as well. He truly cares for you.”

Adalyn gave a grateful smile. “Thank you. You are such a great friend. Marilisa would’ve loved you.”

“And I’m sure I would’ve loved her.” Gabi gave her a quick hug before pulling back to clap her hands together. “Now, this afternoon is the thrall luncheon, and tonight is the Gathering Ball. Mandatory color is gold.”

“Do I have a gold dress?”

With a cheeky grin, Gabi went to the enormous closet and opened it. There were so many clothes inside, it was like a fashion boutique threw up in there.

Adalyn’s eyes widened. “Where did all these come from?”

“Lionel had everything delivered. There are different color themes for each gathering.”

“Oh? Really? That seems excessive.”

Gabi shrugged. “It’s vampires. Everything is excessive. Why don’t you rest while I get your bath ready.”

“I can shower.”

“Brace yourself.” She placed her hands on Adalyn’s shoulders. “You’re about to be pampered.”

And that was exactly what happened.

Gabi drew a hot bath and was very liberal with the salts. Floral scents floated in the air as Adalyn was scrubbed until she glowed. Hair was styled elegantly. Make-up flawless. She slipped a flowing white dress over her head that fit her like a glove.

“Why white?”

“I honestly don’t know,” Gabi replied. “I was sent a complete list of lunches, dinners and galas and the corresponding color you need to wear. The luncheon today is white. And, oh, my gosh! You are absolutely beautiful.”

Adalyn turned to examine herself in the full-length mirror. Somehow her grey eyes looked bigger. Luminescent. The elegant up-do accentuated her neck. Gabi managed a miracle by turning her into someone elegant and refined.

She was so nervous she felt like she was going to throw up.

“Hey,” Gabi said. “Are you okay?”

“I just... I’m so nervous.”

“Stop, please.” Gabi took hold of her hands. “Take a deep breath. Hold. Relax. Again. Listen, you are going to do awesome. You’re going to smile and have fun, and if you get too nervous, just take a deep breath and remember Marm Scarlet.”

Adalyn giggled. “Will do.”

A knock sounded on the door and Gabi opened it before stepping back to show an immaculately dressed man in a black formal day suit consisting of morning coat, waistcoat, and striped gray trousers. He gave a bow.

“I am here to escort Miss Adalyn Dawber to the luncheon.”

“Thank you,” Adalyn said, then gave Gabi a quick hug before following after the steward.

When she stepped out of her room, she noticed other women being led by household staff.

Most of them smiled at her and she smiled back.

It was interesting to see the bevy of women, and a few men, all dressed in white but wearing different designs.

The age group varied from young to very old.

As they continued toward lunch, she noticed one woman staring at her, and even from her distance saw the blatant malice in her eyes.

It unnerved her a little, so she tried blocking the woman out of her mind.

All were led to a massive hall on the fourth floor, where tables and chairs were set up, and servers moved between them effortlessly. It looked like mass chaos and she felt like she was trying to stay afloat in a tsunami. She had no idea where she was supposed to go.

“You look lost.”

Adalyn turned. A very pretty woman had her head cocked and kindness radiated from her warm brown eyes.

“Is it that obvious?” she asked.

“Only to someone who didn’t know what the heck she was doing. I had my thrall ceremony last year.”

“Oh, congratulations. Anything I should know?”

“Only that you’ll be extremely horny when it’s over.” She laughed. “Your vamp will carry a chalice filled with some aphrodisiac oil in it, he’ll mix it with a little of his blood, and then after you two will fuck like bunnies.”

Heat engulfed Adalyn’s cheeks. “We haven’t had problems in that area.”

The woman linked their arms together, guiding her between tables. “Good to know. Vamps are energic in bed, aren’t they? I’m Faye, by the way.”

“Adalyn.”

“Oh,” Faye said, eyes wide. “You’re to be Lord Huntley’s thrall.”

“How did you know that?”

Faye leaned in close. “Gossip is the money of choice around here.”

“I see. Good to know.”

“Don’t worry, you’re only fascinating because Lord Huntley has never had a thrall. That makes you a unicorn.”

“I like unicorns,” Adalyn said enthusiastically. “I don’t mind being compared to one.”

Faye threw back her head and laughed. “I think you and I are going to be fabulous friends.”

“I’d like that. Now, do you know how I find my seat?”

“The room is divided into sections, and you’re in the pre-thrall section. That’s not the actual name but it’s what we all call it. Right this way.”

As they made their way, Faye kept stopping to introduce her.

“This is my new BFF Adalyn. Aka The Unicorn.”

There were a lot of oohs and aahs, plus everyone wishing her congratulations.

Of all the scenarios she’d imagined, Adalyn had never thought she’d meet so many nice people.

That being said, she saw the hate-filled gaze of the woman from earlier watching her.

She was beautiful in a cold, calculating way.

Elegant up-do, graceful neck, flawless skin.

An hourglass figure and jewels dripping everywhere.

Which she thought was a little overkill.

When they finally found where she was supposed to sit, Adalyn gave Faye a grateful smile. “I really appreciate you helping me.”

“Anytime. Us best friends forever gotta stick together. Will you be attending the Gathering Ball tonight?”

“Yes.”

Faye smiled. “Lovely.”

“Um, before you go ... there is a woman near the window that keeps staring at me,” Adalyn whispered to Faye. “Do you know who she is?”

Faye casually looked around the room. “Oh, her. That’s Elgene. She’s a grade-A bitch.”

“I’m not sure what I’ve done to her, but apparently it was something.”

“Well, that’s because your vamp used to be her vamp.”

That shocked her and she couldn’t help but look at Elgene, who sneered. “He told me that he almost had a thrall, but her greed turned him off.”

“Yep, that’s her, all right. I heard, right after Lord Huntley dumped her ass, she latched onto the first filthy rich vamp who gave her diamonds. And I’m sure she’s made his life miserable ever since. Don’t pay her any mind.”

“Kind of hard when she’s glaring at me.”

“Well, just keep in mind, she has to fuck an old vamp dick, and you get a mighty Highlander. See you tonight, friend.” With a small wave, she melted into the crowd.

Adalyn smiled at the two women and three men who were already seated.

They greeted her with smiles as they talked amongst each other, but before she sat, her arm was grabbed.

She turned her head and saw that Elgene gripped her with long, spiked fingernails.

One yank and the claws would scrape her skin.

“We need to talk.”

When Elgene tried to pull her away, Adalyn fought it. “Let me go.”

“Do you really want everyone to hear how you’re being played?”

Adalyn tried to figure out what she meant without looking like she was trying to figure out what she meant.

“Yeah, I thought that would get your attention,” Elgene derided. “He won’t ever love you, and you know why? Because he loves me. He will always love me.”

For a moment, Adalyn had doubts, but as soon as Elgene stated that, all credibility was lost. “We both know that, if he really loved you, you’d be his thrall instead of me.”

“You honestly think you’ll make it to the ceremony?”

Adalyn jerked back like she’d been slapped. “Are you threatening me?”

“You’re smarter than I gave you credit for.”

“You need to let go of my arm and return to whatever rock you crawled out from.”

Elgene sunk her nails deeper. “How dare—”

“Let her go, Elgene,” one of the men at the table interjected.

“Fuck off, Russell.”

All three men stood up. Elgene’s lips flattened in annoyance.

“We will tell you this one more time,” one of the other men said. “Let her go. Or we’ll talk to your lord.”

“We’ll talk later,” she spat. Elgene let go of her and flounced away.

Adalyn sighed in relief and looked at her arm. Four drops of blood had formed where the nails, or more precisely claws, had gripped.

“Are you all right?” Russell asked.

Adalyn looked up to see both women had joined the men, standing like a united front. “Yes. I’ve had worse injuries. Thank you all so much.”

“You’re Lord Huntley’s thrall, right?”

“Yes. News travels fast.”

They all grinned.

“Elgene was going to be his thrall years ago, but she couldn’t keep her legs closed. Still can’t if you ask me, but her vampire doesn’t seem to care.”

“Well, her stupid decision was my gain.” Adalyn wondered if Gareth knew that Elgene, along with being money-hungry, had also slept around. “She’s a fool.”

“Yep,” Russell agreed. “Watch your back.”