Bitter Revenge

Chapter 28

A couple days had gone by, and I was currently on a plane waiting to take off for Maine. Scarlet was next to me, adjusting her seatbelt to her liking. Even though I still held some hesitation when it came to her, the familiarity of our memories together warmed me up enough to agree to coming with her. Plusssssss... she saved me so what's the worst that could happen? "So, about Queen Valerie... are there any mannerisms I should be aware of before I meet her?" I asked just as Carly got comfortable in her seat. She seemed to think of it for a while, clearly deeply considering my question.

"Well, she is... you know, so be very respectful. She's surprisingly sweet, and playful, so don't be all kiss-ass ya know? She likes to be treated normally, she isn't all 'stick-up-her-ass' about everything. But don't push it too much, because she will know when to call you out on it. I guess, be yourself but be especially respectful. Oh! And follow my lead." I raised my right eyebrow at her, giving her a major case of side-eye. She looked at me blankly for a little before shrugging. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?" I smirked and looked out the window to see the plane started moving forward. I... don't like the feeling in my stomach at that. Who would've thought I wouldn't like planes? Seems like it, seeing as I could feel the color drain out of my face and my hands begin to sweat.

"U-uh, well... I guess I just didn't take you as the 'cuss-every-other-word' t-type." I stuttered, which is something I never do, and then literally felt my stomach drop to my ass as the plane sped up. I don't like it. I hate this! GET ME OFF THIS THING! I think Scarlet read my mind because she started laughing uncontrollably, so much so it brought tears to her eyes. This is gonna be a long ride.

***

"Never. Take me on a plane. Ever again." I heaved, feeling the need to puke literally everywhere as we exited the airport of Maine. I almost kissed the precious ground at how much I'd missed it. "You do realize we have to fly back right?" I froze at that statement, before easily replying. "I'll walk. It's only across the country, I'll get there in a couple weeks." She continued laughing maniacally until our taxi arrived and she gave him directions. It was snowing up here, which makes sense seeing as it's early to mid January.

We got dropped off in a neighborhood that I obviously did not recognize, and the second the taxi and any other pedestrians were out of sight, Scarlet grabbed my hand and started running with her unnatural speed- causing me to drag behind her until I gained my footing. "Thanks for the warning, bakayaro." I muttered, hearing her snicker at me calling her an idiot. The snow wasn't knee high, maybe ankle high would be more accurate. My breath frosted in front of me, but I welcomed the unfamiliar cold with open arms.

We ran for what seemed like forever, until she stopped suddenly, causing me to also attempt stopping quickly before I slid 10 feet and landed on my ass. She, again, just laughed at me and helped me up. All I could really do was mock her laugh and look around. "So, middle of the forest. Nice. Why are we here Carly?" She seemed shocked at my nickname for her, and before she turned away I could've sworn I saw tears build up in her eyes. "We're at the Queen's mansion." I looked around and saw nothing but trees and snow. "Are you trippin? What kinda mansion are you seeing that I can't?" She giggled and walked forward, until she seemingly vanished into thin air. "Oh what the fuck?!"

I watched wide-eyed as the air consumed her, all of her. Then her hand appeared in front of me and she folded her fingers as if to say 'gimme your hand.' I hesitantly gave it to her when I was suddenly jerked forward and landed face first in the snow. I growled and was completely ready to throw punches until my eyes met a winter wonderland. "Wow." I gasped, seeing the mansion that was 3 stories tall. It had a winter garden at the front, a frozen waterfall in the center of it all. People walked about, although I assumed they were vampires. I gaped for so long that Scarlet held a finger to my chin and closed my open jaw. "Welcome to The Winteress. That's what Queen Valerie named her home. Believe it or not, but a witch set up the camouflage for this place- way before the Great Lunar War. Every vampire Queen for the past couple centuries has lived here. Let's go."

She led me into the mansion, and I couldn't help but look around at the gold sequence lining the black interior. The mansion had a gothic look to it, clearly as old as a fairy tale. Vampires walked about, some were casually dressed while others were in suits or dresses. Is this some sort of party? We walked up to a side of the house that held two winding, intersecting staircases that looked straight out of Cinderella. And the moment I caught a glimpse of a heel, everyone in the room suddenly stopped what they were doing and bowed. Scarlet grabbed my hand and dragged me onto my knee, holding my head to look down. I suddenly felt very out of place in my blue ripped jeans, red converse, and white hoodie.

Then, the most angelic voice filled the room. "You may rise. Enjoy the party friends." Then I was pulled right back up and finally gazed upon Her Majesty. She had sleek black hair that barely skimmed her shoulders; her perfectly curved shoulders that looked delicate yet powerful. Her body was outlined by a wine red dress with a slit at the leg area to show off her pale skin. But her eyes. Pink. Like the balloons at a gender reveal party, of the cutest little girl's shirt. They were vibrant, almost glowing. Yet they held age and wisdom, a weight she carried well. I hadn't noticed she was walking towards us until she was in front of me, shaking Scarlet's hand.

"Queen Valerie, your Majesty, it is so good to see you again. I'm happy to report that our expedition was a success. I found my friend in one piece." Scarlet smiled softly at the slightly taller woman, who grinned carelessly back at her. "I'm so glad to hear that Scarlet. You must introduce me to the vampire that got you so worked up." She finally turned her gaze to me, and I felt like a rainbow had washed over me. This woman was... there were no words to describe her. "This is Fiona. She's rather young, only about 100-something years old if memory serves me right. She was my friend back when I was still very young, we grew up together." Queen Valerie held her hand out for me to shake, and I took it softly, delicately shaking it. "For my first time meeting you, you really left a wonderful first impression."

That made her chuckle, and Scarlet gave me a thumbs up from over the Queen's shoulder. "Well, aren't you a dashing little thing. How amazing, I rarely meet vampires who have freckles. Tell me Fiona, were you turned or born?" My eyes quickly dashed to Scarlet who tensed but nodded her head in permission. "I was turned, your Highness. My appearance changed quite a lot during the transformation." Queen Valerie didn't seem pleased with my answer and tilted her head to the side. "Turned? But I would've been notified, I would've met you long ago if that were the case. Scarlettt?" Her Majesty turned accusingly to Carly, but I just stood confused.

Carly took a deep breath before she bowed her head. "I turned her. It's true. Fiona is a taboo vampire. I'm sorry." A few vampires around us turned their heads at the word "taboo", but... wait... what does that mean? "Scarlet, you know the rules. Turning someone who had no free will is forbidden. What made you think this would be acceptable?" An authoritative tone entered her sweet voice, and her eyes seemingly pierced into Scarlet. I had nothing to say, I truly didn't understand what was going on. "Nothing did. I was perfectly aware that what I was doing was wrong. But she's my friend. I'd found her on the brink of death and didn't stop to think twice of my actions. It was wrong. I found out the hard way when she attacked me in a blind rage. I will accept any punishment you have in store."

Queen Valerie seemed to contemplate many things at once, until she seemed to have decided on one. That was fast. "I actually need a trainer right about now. I have quite a few new vampires this season that need to learn how to control their powers." Even with her eyes facing the floor, I could see Scarlet wince at the punishment. I guess that's a bad thing. Then the Queen suddenly turned to me, which made me stiffen immediately. "Which reminds me, there are rules to be followed. Have you at least looked after your friend, Scarlet?" She peered intensely at me but directed that to Carly.

"I have. She has done nothing outside of protocol. She is clean." The Queen's face relaxed at that, and even a smile upturned the corners of her mouth. She got real close to me all of a sudden, mere inches away. "I like you. I sense you will be a great ally of mine." At that, she walked away from us. Going to mingle with other partygoers. I looked at Scarlet strangely, who finally stopped bowing. "Right... The Queen's special ability is to have 'sensations' about people. Call it a future tingle in her gut. Seems like you're gonna end up being way more important to Team Vampires than I thought." What the fuck do you mean Team Vampires?!?