The Duchess swept into her private quarters with the grace of a midnight breeze, her heart dancing with a joy that rivalled the euphoria of bathing in a blood waterfall. The high priestess of the Lobishomen struggled to contain a triumphant smile, her eyes gleaming with the knowledge of centuries spent in meticulous planning, clandestine plotting, and intricate crafting—all leading to this pivotal moment. Her Daughter, now betrothed to the most formidable prince of vampires, stood as a beacon of destiny fulfilled, promising not only a dynasty secured but the potential unification of an entire country, perhaps even a continent, beneath his sovereign reign.
Envisioning cascades of human blood flowing like crimson rivers to honor this union, the Duchess's anticipation soared. This time, even the Duke, with all his cunning and guile, could not thwart her and her blood god sister's schemes.
"So, he agreed?" The Duchess's voice rang out with a jubilant pitch, her eyes sparkling with a childlike wonder that belied the calculated machinations behind her words. "When can I lay eyes upon him? When can I hold him close?"
"Soon" said the high priestess, settling into her seat with the casual ease of a trusted confidante, her voice draped in the enigmatic cadence of the shadow tongue. "He is still in a foul humor, his cherished plan dashed. Leave him be for a moment, then employ your feminine charms to lift his spirits. Fear not his wavering resolve. Thirteen fleshlings have already been sacrificed in celebration of the union; there is no turning back."
The Duchess, overcome with excitement, abandoned her usual vampiric composure. She eagerly rummaged through her wardrobe, searching for the perfect attire. "Too risqué, too risqué, too risqué," she muttered, rejecting each dress until one elicited a disdainful expression. "Not risqué enough, ugh..."
"Now you can express your gratitude for my assistance," said the high priestess of the Lobishomen.
"I am grateful indeed; his agreement is nothing short of a miracle. How did you manage it?" The Duchess feigned interest, skillfully keeping both her mother and high priestess engaged.
"In the usual manner—plotting, planning, and preparation. In this instance, the high priestess's involvement proved invaluable. She harbors ambitions for her other son to ascend the throne. Together with Tearman, they obstruct every new addition to his coven, causing it to dwindle. We clandestinely sabotaged their ammunition machine so effectively that they believed it irreparable. Their vulnerabilities and our strategic arguments left them with no recourse. Naturally, the high priestess was poised for victory regardless. If he had refused, she would have denounced him and sought Malthus's return. His agreement may weaken his stance, but it unites us into a formidable coven. She is indeed cunning, unreliable, and treacherous."
"Like you. It's why you get on so well," said the Duchess, holding another dress against herself.
"She's dangerous—not as dangerous as the son, but still perilous. One mistake from her could be fatal. Soon, we will be in a wedded alliance, and I can rest assured she'll be aiming to seize control of the coven rather than aiming for your demise. That will be a weight off my mind. As for the Son, your betrothed... you can never discern his thoughts. His entire charade of lovesickness for a human was incredibly risky. What did he hope to gain from it? Whatever it was, it was enough to jeopardize his grip on the coven. It cost me two of my finest familiars, but she's gone."
The Duchess pulled a stoic expression, mimicking Victoria's demeanor, and brushed her hair back. "I loathed her from the moment we met. Remember The Vogue magazine. She has more issues than that. Still, what do you think? Should I go blonder for him?"
The high priestess shrugged. "As you wish. Now, as I mentioned, you can thank me."
At this, the Duchess turned to face the seated high priestess. She extended the elegant fingers of one hand and pointed at each in turn. "He still mistrusts me. He's marrying out of honor and duty to the coven, not because he desires me. And of all the deeds you've done, I've done more. You should be the one thanking me."
The high priestess poured a glass of wine and added some human blood to it from a pitcher. "What have you done? You've pined, whined, and undertaken no certain part in any stratagem."
"What have I done? What have I done, Mother? I was born your son and became your daughter. I have given up everything for you—my very nature carved for your ambitions. Yet, you complain that your womb child is vain and talented at nothing but seduction. She is exactly the thing you crafted her to be."
The high priestess struck the Duchess's beautiful face with her still-gloved hand. The Duchess immediately began to cry.
"Be quiet. You will speak of that at no time and no place, especially not in the coven keep of another!" said the high priestess, looking desperately around. She had killed familiars for less certain of a rumour. It had been a mutual decision the duchess had wanted to be a woman from an early age. The high priestess of the Lobishomen had quickly recognised the potential.
The Duchess continued to cry, and the high priestess went over to comfort her.
"There, there, there, my daughter. I'm sorry; we should all be sorry. He will come around to you. Once he has accepted you as his wife, everything can be revealed. As for his issue, once you are married, he can conceive a child with the Princess, and you can raise him or her as your own. You would like that; then, everyone is happy. The Blood God blesses us."
"The Blood God blesses us," said the Duchess through sobs.
YOU ARE READING
The Vampire's Crimson Kiss (Editing)
VampireVictoria is given by her father, the King of the Barren Lands, to the Vampire Duke Sadisman as a hostage. She is a gift from her people as a peace offering. As part of the bargain, Duke has promised, "She will not be sired, she will not be fed upo...
