The Vampire's Crimson Kiss (Editing)

Chapter 16/Whispers of the dark

For the next few days, fear of the exiled vampire Malphas kept me trapped in my room with double the guard and four times the caution. For a day or so, I was told that the Duke was 'busy' with coven security issues. I felt unsure again. Why didn't he want to be with me? Why spend all that time with me and then not want to see me again? During the time we spent together, I was sure he was interested in me. Perhaps I was wrong or perhaps I had offended him. I had never spoken to a vampire before, so I had no measure against him. Things should be so simple; if he liked me, then he knew where I was.

I had to content myself with the vampires' ability to understate things. They said the dark tower was safe. Sometimes I could hear the boots of wolf guards running down the corridor. Manoeuvres, Mary called them.

Just after the attack, I dropped some of the high priestess's venom in my eye just so I could stop shaking. Then I looked down to see the dropper empty; over three hours, I had consumed enough for four people. I noticed Mary didn't join in and kept her stiletto knife near her hand. She left me to rest and went to find out more.

For a while, I looked out of the hatch that let me see out through the window. The dawn was approaching, and the chorus of seagulls stretched over my ears like a shrill grater on my skin. I was in no mood to tolerate this and, still giddy from the venom, found myself whispering, "Ott mori araa dicht." Then, to my shock, it became silent. I mouthed 'fly away,' and then the bird took to the wing. For a second after that, I stood in shock. Then convinced it was the venom or coincidence I forgot about it.

After two days of living in the cotton wool nest of venom, I told Mary to hide the jar the high priestess had given me. I lay turning in bed, unable to sleep, thinking about the assassination. I craved the desperate illusion of peace the venom would briefly give me. I was unsure if my vision was anything more than a coincidence; Mary was uncommitted as well. The vampires believed venom visions to be truth; what might I learn if I returned to this vile poison? I sweated and was glad of it.

That night half asleep, I heard a knock at the door, a knock and a passphrase used to reassure it was a friend. Mary opened the door cautiously, and a man came in. I did not stir; my body was unwilling to move, and I was not sure if this was a dream. I continued to rest and listen.

"She's asleep," Mary whispered. "I will wake her, my lord. She is very keen to see your face."

"No," the Duke whispered back. "Let her sleep, she needs rest. Send word when she awakes, and I will return. How is she?"

Mary paused "She was greatly upset. She drowned herself in venom but then good sense took charge and stopped. She's getting back to normal and she is sleeping. I'm sure she will be fine." 

At this half of me wanted to get up but my body felt it was made of lead and would not do my bidding. 

There was a pause  "If I might speak with you a minute, Mary."

"Certainly, my lord," Mary's voice shared with the dark gloom of my quarters.

"What are your thoughts?" the Duke whispered.

"This time it was more likely Malphas. It has his mark in its order," Mary returned.

The Duke interrupted, "But he was trying to kill her as much as me. Is that not strange?"

Mary paused. "Sire, the coven is uncertain of her status. You tell them to treat her like one of them. Your spies are many; you know there is discontent with her exalted treatment. It unsettles the traditionalists on the fifteenth floor; no one understands why you treat her like an equal. The visit to the market was working; it was winning people over. Get her exposed to others, get them behind you, and build your backers. Flush out the traitors and deal with them."

"Madam Quaila did favor her. She has asked after her," the Duke added.

Mary quickly responded, "Madam Quaila is popular and loyal to you. Let her favor for the princess spread to her customers, then ask again."

Laying there, I felt myself silently agreeing with them. Madam Quaila had sent over a special paper bag filled with choice items from her shop for me. They remained unopened, my mind unwilling to engage in these trivial things.

"Malthus is merely redirecting any discontent against you," Mary whispered. "I would advise you to ensure it was indeed Malthus. This isn't the first time another coven has attempted an assassination under a different guise. What did the assassin say?"

"Nothing," the Duke replied, allowing the silence to linger.

Mary paused for a moment. "I can't believe you didn't torture him."

"I would have," the Duke began, "but his ashes are now drifting down the Thames. A Wolfhead used a silver knife on him when he attempted to escape."

Mary almost snorted. "Then you should have the soldier watched. He is likely working for the puppet master."

"He is already under observation," the Duke said with a faint smile in his voice.

"You should allow me to assist you more, sire," Mary suggested.

The Duke disagreed, his tone unwavering. "This work is of utmost importance. Keep her safe, no matter the cost."

"Sire, you should know one of the high priestesses spies is watching us." Mary said. "Do you want them killed?"

"Can they hear much?"

"Nothing." Whispered Mary.

"Then let's not raise suspicion." The Duke said the took a deep breath " I'll return shortly, bringing something to keep her occupied."

"By your order, sire," Mary affirmed.

The Duke paused, his voice taking on a softer, more contemplative tone. "Keep her safe Mary. I can hear her sweet breath wherever I go."

With that dream I rolled over and fell into a deep dark sleep.