War-Bloodied Claws

Chapter 9: A Royal Return II

Tom and Hadrian carefully explained to the courtesans of how the introduction to the Inner Circle would be done; so as to try to minimize the chance of fighting as much as possible, though both admitted that some fighting may ensue to remove some of the less than healthy elements to the Circle.

So, in that regard, Hadrian told Indulal that he was to stay with the carriages; that Aerin would be arriving with the twins godparents once Hadrian signalled it was safe for them to be there. Hadrian made sure that Indulal was comfortable for the time being; that he and the twins would be safe and comfy as they waited for entry while they approached the gates of Malfoy Manor.

He smiled; the mansion had ancient magic to it as well. Nowhere near the same level as his Villa, the Underground Palace, or even the oldest of the Potter/Peverell properties...but still, old enough to be felt as ancient.

~~

Bella tapped her foot impatiently; the room was all stuffy and tense due to the need for all this ridiculous formal attire they had on while the room was tense in waiting. She wasn't even really sure why they needed to wear the fancy clothes; only that her nephew said some very important guests were to arrive today and that it was needed.

Then she breathed in somewhat as her eyes widened in shock; she knew the sensation and feelings of this magic...Among the myriad of others outside. She looked to her husband and he inclined with a small smile now...apparently, this dress-up wasn't for nothing.

Bella then was somewhat curious as to how Draco; of all of them, had known about it.

The huge double doors opened by the elves as Tom smirked while he practically strolled in and his red gaze was gleaming with victorious triumph. Hadrian's arm about his middle and equally smirking; though his gaze hardened behind his mask to see Bella watch him now with scrutiny.

Her own dark gaze sharpening to the closeness of his body to Tom's; of what seemed to be there between them already.

They were followed by most of the court and Fleur; who beamed a radiant smile to the room and let herself try to integrate as best as possible.

Lucius, Narcissa and Draco; all three of them plus Blaise and his mother; who had come from out of her self-imposed exile for this moment, they all came before them and bowed down in smiles and respect.

"My Lord, you've returned at last to us." He spoke softly and mercurial eyes turned to Hadrian, "Your majesty, I hope you fare well? Severus spoke of the recent troubles to me of the vampire lands."

Hadrian smiled and gave off a fang-like one to Lucius, "Times for us are troublesome, but I am doing all I can to keep my lands safe. I just wish...wish that Aunt Tirranna was still here to see it; she's gone now."

Draco's expression changed immediately to one of sorrow, "Hadrian..." He spoke softly

Hadrian shook his head, "But I have no time for wishing upon things that cannot be. Too much is at stake; the world's balance is in flux. Partially due to some of my own plans and actions; plans that have only recently been pushed into action."

"But I digress." He spoke with a smile now, "This meeting is for your Lord; whom wished for this to take place now. Before we both must go travel abroad more for several other matters of importance."

Tom smiled, "Thank you mate mine; I know the timing is not...good."

Bella's face twisted with pain to the words; yet Hadrian felt the internal battle she fought with herself. Hadrian was a vampire; at least she assumed so due to her brother-in-law's words and seeing the fangs for herself. Tom had called to him as mate; she knew what that meant deep down and knew better than to try to attack them.