Walter de Ville's Advocate

Chapter Five

Upon waking the next morning, I felt somewhat calm yet also excited for what the day might hold. Evie was still fast asleep, and likely would be for the next couple hours, so I got busy attending the grounds – seeing to my duties quickly so as to have more free time later on in the day. I had just ordered a couple of gowns for Miss Evelyn Alexander to be delivered in the afternoon, when my two wives approached me.

"I've never known you to enjoy the morning sun," Viktoria jeered, her long-sleeved, dark pink gown swooshing with every step. She really did look like a Golden Age Hollywood starlet; beautiful and serious, sexy and mysterious.

"I think it's a lovely morning to be out on the patio," Lucy beamed, practically spinning in her tea-length, chiffon dress. "Did you sleep well, my dear?"

"Mm," I replied, flipping to the next page of my agenda. Some of the local farmers were worried about a wild animal coming after their livestock, and were requesting additional funds be allocated to the animal control service. Marking my response, I closed my books for now, and leaned back in my chair.

"And how was your night, dear Lucy?" I looked over her glowing form, the brilliance of her hair mirrored in her expression. She was always such a happy woman, despite the delay in my promises to her upon our marriage.

But she understood that.

Lucy leaned forward, her arms perched on the table, and I looked away from her billowing, sheer sleeves to eye Viktoria glaring daggers at her. She'd always been a pedant for proper decorum and manners.

"Oh, she was delicious. I was so worried that the screams might wake Evelyn, so I unfortunately didn't get to play with her for longer," she groaned.

"I had Mrs. Swift ensure she'd not awaken," I told her. "My apologies for not having the message relayed." I then noticed a peculiar look on Viktoria's face. "Did you have something you wanted to say, dearest?"

"Who? Me?" she feigned ignorance. "Nothing worth noting, my love. I simply hope your new bride feels . . . well-rested today."

It was her hesitating smirk that gave her away. Viktoria always had that tell.

"I better not find one scratch on her, you hear me? We've all waited too long for this for you to destroy it all because you're jealous that I'll be splitting my time amongst three wives instead of two. You've both become quite comfortable with our current arrangement, and I understand that, but it's time to move forward."

"I think she looks lovely, Walter," Lucy smiled. "I can't wait to meet her later tonight."

Viktoria scoffed, "Does she run a raw juice bar in the Bronx? And teach hot yoga to college students?" Rolling her eyes, she leaned in her chair with a short laugh. "I'm surprised you find her interesting at all. What could you two have in common?"

My jaw tightened, knowing full well that Evelyn Alexander and I already seem to have a couple shared interests, but my relationship with her had nothing to do with either Viktoria or Lucy. Yes, we were all a family, and with three brides we will achieve that vital power we once held, but that was the extent of it.

Of the requirement, that is. I knew that Lucy and Viktoria had something going on when I was out on business, though I wasn't sure if Lucy felt the same about the relationship as Viktoria did.

Likely just another way for Viktoria to take whatever control she could get her hands on.

"Just so we are clear, it would be in your best interest to remember to whom you speak, Viktoria," I stood, glaring at her. One of the maid staff was on their way to our table with a small tray of mimosas, so I had to reel in my desire to bare my fangs at her. "And when you come up with an answer, kindly tell me three things you and I have in common outside of our diet. Take all the time you need, dearest."

I tucked my hands into my pockets, giving a small smile to the maid as she placed the drinks around the table. She had four glasses, with the fourth being for my expected third bride. Before I could instruct their two glasses be taken up to their rooms, Viktoria snapped at the woman.

"You almost spilled this all over my dress, you lousy feeder!" she shouted.

If Evelyn wasn't already awake, it's possible that my wife's voice did the trick. And the way she spoke to her was just . . .

"You have no right to speak to her that way, Viktoria," I said automatically. Hopefully the maid wouldn't question the term, either – with a rhyming word – that my wife presumed she had many children, or simply that she was currently waiting on our table.

Both of my wives looked up at me, shocked. Lucy then diverted her glance to Viktoria, revealing once again that my eldest wife held more power than I would favor.

Ignoring them both, I apologized to the maid, making up an excuse for Viktoria's behavior. When it was just us three again, my wife stood and spun on her heels.

"What was that?" she seethed.

"Ah, ah, ah," I taunted, clicking my tongue with a raised hand. "You think you're so bold, so brave," I whispered, taking a slow walk around her. "Speak out of turn, harass my staff," I said, dropping my third phrase 'torment my new bride' for the time being as I had no proof of such, yet. I stood behind her now, my lips brushing the shell of her ear. My words barely audible to a human ear, but I knew both of my wives would hear it.

"You're putting on a good show for our beautiful Lucy, trying to appear stronger than you are; stronger than me?"

Viktoria gulped, panic rising in her now. "Never, Walter. Your power will always exceed my own."

If there had been no risk at being seen by Miss Evelyn Alexander, this show of dominance would not be cut so short, nor so chaste. Given such, I moved from her and leaned towards my Lucy.

"You don't have to follow her around like a little puppy, my dear," I said before leaning closer to whisper with incredible silence, "and you can tell me if she does something of concern, or causes you any discomfort."

This wasn't the first time I had told her this, reminding my dear Lucy that all she need do to keep Viktoria from her ear – nay from her bed – was to inform me. However, my eldest wife's emotional hold was either too great, or that of Lucy's lack of faith in me.

They both stood up, glasses in hand and movingas a unit, as they made their way back inside until tonight's activities.Before being completely out of earshot, I heard Viktoria say, "That bitch justbecame my selection for my feeding tomorrow afternoon."