A Hymn of Snakes

TWENTY NINE

    My hands slammed down on her doors as Holstein and I marched through the entrance of her study, of course Alex was here. Watching me distinctly as he scanned the dress that was clinging to my body, I suddenly felt so aware of his eyes. I scanned the room but the Queen was no where to be found, so I turned to step out of the room but that wasn't before the blonde Prince came before me. "What are you wearing?" He asked.

I rolled my eyes and shoved him to the side, "I don't have time for you right now." We had an evil false Queen who was creating an army of Losts to worry about, his problems could be handled later.

"Well make time for me, why are you dressed like that?" He grabbed my wrist, his fingers tightened around it as it forced me to catch my breath. I stopped in my tracks and turned me head around to see what he needed. The vein in his forehead spazzed and it only made him a little less handsome than what I thought he was. "Did you go out like that Delia?" He commanded of me, his anger turning into a wickedry about himself.

Ithe's voice every so slightly slipped from my mouth, "Final warning." I warned as he released me just as quickly as he held onto me. Holstien watched and waited, he knew he couldn't do anything about what was happening between us. So for now I fought my own battle, Alex wouldn't try anything in front of people.

The peacemaker turned to the door as the clicking sound of the Queen's heels came into the room. Her bright red eyes resting on all of us as my heart skipped a beat. "Your majesty, it's urgent please." He bowed to her, the hair on the back of my neck stood up. Now it was time to play politician, because before I could even begin to look for Natalia- I needed to convince the Ambassadors that she was an undeniable threat. "Gather all the Ambassadors, this will concern all of them." Holstein's words were quick as two of the servants scattered to go collect the Queen's embassy.

We all waited in the Queen's study, someone going to get me my coat from my room as I used it to cover my arms. I sat at the round table as Leon stood behind me, Holstien sat besides me as our eyes drained on the Queen and her son. There was a wall that divides us from them, I don't think I've ever noticed it up until now.

Holstein explained to me how court truly worked in which I never understood, even if the Ambassadors didn't agree with my words- the Queen could over rule them at any moment. So the only person I needed to convince was the Queen herself. Every person we needed for a meeting piled in, so I stood and covered the dress I wore with my coat. "Vampires are going missing in the city." I said, all eyes glued on me.

"We would know about it, the Keepers would have done something." Someone said over the crowd, but none of the others believed that person.

They were a state divided, I coiled my fingers into a fist as my eyes laid on the Ambassadors. "I have reason to believe that the Keepers are aiding Natalia's conquest." Their gazes burning through my skin as my breathing shuddered, my accusations were flakey. They could crumble any second if it was needed. However, my instincts told me other wise and Ithe insured me that I was down the right track. The Keepers always have and will hate the one thing they cannot control, they think moving the monarchy to Natalia will strengthen their council- but they couldn't be more wrong. "I don't have the evidence I need but they have no motioned to helping the citizens of Bucharest. I have witness accounts of the missing Vampires and the reports seem to be true." I should ask Theron, he seemed more than willing to help me last time.

Holstein was a step ahead of me as he spoke, the two of us untied as the Ambassadors drew their eyes between us. It was easy to understand the peacemaker, he wasn't merciful or caring like this court assumed. He was honest, and always chose the decision that benefitted this court- even if it didn't include him at the end of the way. He had true loyalty. "It's true your majesty, I've spoken to the witness too." He said.