The Vampire's Crimson Kiss (Editing)

Chapter 37/Letters home

Victoria's POV

I reclined upon the velvet-draped bed, bathed in the dim glow of antique candle sconces, engrossed in the parchment Brachet had just dispatched up the languid river, a missive intended solely for the King. At my side, Mary, perched gracefully, her raven tresses cascading like midnight silk, her keen gaze fixed upon me with a hunger both profound and veiled.

"She has fallen under the hypnotic influence of the coven Governess, who compels her to perform various unwomanly acts, blah, blah, blah, including reading," I read aloud. "However, there is much that gives me hope, as she also exhibits many aspects common to young women of her age. In her naivety, she suggested that teaching poor children to learn words, rather than fetching water or helping collect family food, would be one of her priorities when she returned. This kind of flight of fancy suggests to me that they have not completely blackened her soul, and she may yet be rescued."

We both giggled at that.

"Good to know I can be rescued. Oh, big ending," I said then Mary snatched the letter and began to continue to read out.

"What is clear is that your daughter needs to be taken in by someone strong who would banish all the poison the Duke has tried to insinuate – he spelled 'insinuate' wrong – in her before being returned to court. Sly devil, I guess he figures he might be just the man to rid you of your poison. 'and with a few months under his tutelage, he might just get to cuff you or do even better."

"So, good news then," I said, impressed by the incredible power of my own flirtatiousness.

"Yes, well-handled," said Mary, folding the copy of Brachet's letter away.

The stress of the interview over, I was able to get back to more important things. "So when can I ask Father when I can marry the Duke?"

Mary's shoulders slumped. "I don't think we have reached that point yet. Duke Sadismann must ask you first, and he's not going to do that until you worship the blood god. The High priestess, and frankly, the coven won't permit out-marriage. The high priestess has more spies than you can imagine. I would not be surprised if she knows more about what is happening at court in the Barren lands than the King does. If you send mail to the King, she could well find out."

"Well, the Duke will have to do something about it. I'm not praying to the blood god," I said. In practice I wasn't totally against it. When had arrived  I had promised my self that was a line too far.  Now it was my bargaining chip.

Mary got off the bed and walked over to straighten the furniture. "I have a feeling he feels the same way, but in the end, he must carry the coven with him. I will check, but if you say you're willing to read from the book of Arymis, then the high priestess might approve of you."

I think Mary was worrying about the wrong thing. "But what about my father's approval?"

"We must make him feel that you are being well treated, safe, and happy here. He must think that being the bride of the Duke would give him much influence and power. I'll see what I can do with Brachet. I'm sure another inspection or two from him, and he will come around to your way of thinking."

I looked up. "He's going to return?"

Mary stopped in her tracks. "Yes, as he left, he talked about making more regular visits."

"A more regular inspection, you mean. I'm surprised he has the nerve. He was petrified about being in the tower after dark. I wonder what gave him the bravery to return."

"Who knows?" Mary said, going to the wardrobe and looking for a suitable dress for the day.

"We have to get ready for the waking and the nerve garden. " Mary said "After court, you're due to go shopping for a new dress with Madam Quaila. Something suitable to meet the visiting Duchess of Lobishomen in."

"Is she really as gorgeous as they say she is?" I asked.

"Rumor has it," Mary said, holding up one dress, then the other.

"The Duke talked about getting me into the siring ceremony. " I said "Sounds like the high priestess gave in and agreed to Salem being sired."

I was fairly sure it would work, as I had visions from within the temple. I was running my finger over the frescos on a wall.

"Yep," Mary said. I was not sure if she was jealous or not. "With Aarin missing he needs someone he can trust. He will put her in Aaron's seat on the council. He needs someone he can trust completely. Betting on a newly sired to follow his lead is quite a smart move." 

I pointed at the blue-black dress. "That one" I said "The arm has more mobility. It means I can have really good swing at the back of the prisoners." 

I liked it when they twitched and flinched when I whipped them. There was something I found therapeutic about unloading all your frustrations on the backs of the guilty. They screamed but I didn't care as I knew they just pretended to cry and ask for mercy to avoid their punishment. 

"Oh" Mary said "There is a jurgrath woman in judgement today. Remember her crime was committed when looking for a missing child.  Go easy on her will you?" 

"I will see" I said.