Vampyre: Desire Immortal

Chapter 19

Brem

Shall abomination be made clean?

The unholy is but thus anathema by any other name.

*****

"But Master," said Xhahari, "did the Queen not know that such an evil plan could come to no good?"

"You are such a smart young man," Perdix said. "Desperation drives even the sanest to the edge of the abyss. Besides, anyone who did not know Dyryke in his prime would never believe such a charming, beautiful man could be so deceitful. I do not fault the Queen for falling for his plan. She is but a woman."

*****

"What are we going to do? His Majesty will lay one eye on this child and know immediately that it is not his."

Dyryke looked at her and smiled.

It was outrageous. She wanted to spear him through and through, but she must hold off doing anything until she found out if he could help her. Why had she submitted to his ridiculous scheme?

"My sacred love," he whispered.

He took her in his arms. She melted to his body, feeling his manhood harden against her silken robes.

"No," she said, pushing him away. "He will kill us both, you know."

"I don't care," he said.

"Well, I do!"

"Perhaps," he said, "we could trade the child for another who is not so hideous."

"You fool," she said. "How do you propose that? The secret of our betrayal would be out before the next sun's rising."

"Perhaps, you are right. The enemies of the kingdom are many."

"Tell me what to do," she said. "I command you."

"Tell your maid you wish to bathe in private," he said.

"You can't leave me in the hour of my distress. I forbid it."

"I'm going nowhere. I will hide behind the screen of your small hidden room."

"Wizard of Darkness," said the Queen, "how do you know about that."

"Your husband was not the only one who partook of my special potion."

The Queen frowned but said nothing.

"Have her ready a pan of holy water and much perfume and fine smelling ointments."

"Holy water. To bathe in?"

No, of course not," he said. "But tell her you wish to make yourself especially clean and holy for His Majesty. You wish him to see you at your best when he views his rightful heir for the first time."

"I don't understand."

"You are merely a woman. You don't need to. Just do as I say. And whatever happens, just act surprised and distressed."

"I don't have to act. I am completely distraught! I cannot trust myself not to burst into tears the moment His Majesty enters the room."

"Do not do that," Dyryke warned. "Your regal pride and composure must be evident. This is supposed to be a momentous and happy occasion. Smile and pretend all is well. We want him in a good mood. Our lives depend on it."

The large vessel of holy water was brought to the room along with many fine robes and gowns.

There was a knock at the door.