Night After Day

Chapter 12: Monterio

Angeline sat, straight-backed, on the soft leather seat in front of the landscape white grand piano. There was a small black cat that was regarding me with as much of a regal stare as Angeline's parents. The vampires fingers moved across the keys, producing a clear, melodic sound that vibrated around the large room. It was so strange. It was dark outside and cold, but the room was lightened by the numerous candles which provided a large fire hazard.

The walls were the same shade as the rest of the mansion, and lined with gold leaf. It was beautiful. Lining each wall was some kind of mahogany furniture, some I recognized, and others I did not. I couldn't help but think about how this would have felt hundreds of years ago. It was as though I had time-traveled into the past. And I loved it, although I was terrified of the fact that vampires and... What else? Was there anything else I had to worry about that existed?

I stood, leaning against the wall. Angeline had let me borrow a few of her clothes. A white shirt and blue jeans. They were in a much better condition than the other clothes I was given first. Angeline had taken them and, instead of throwing them out, put them into a drawer claiming that she "might need them again."

I still didn't know if she was kidding.

As I sensed the piece was drawing to a close, I pushed myself off the wall and went and stood to the side of her, watching how smooth and elegant her hands were. She finished with an up-beat note and relaxed, looking up at me. "You always wanted to learn piano if I remember correctly."

I lightly touched the piano. "Yeah."

She must've heard the longing in my voice because she moved along the seat, patting the spot next to her. I didn't even hesitate, sitting down and waiting eagerly.

About an hour later I had the basics. She was a good teacher. My fingers hurt as I tried to reach two keys that seemed miles apart. Angeline laughed but the mood quickly darkened as someone else entered the room.

"My lady!"

I nearly fell off the seat. Angeline had obviously heard him coming because she hardly twitched, merely turned to face him with a cold expression. "Yes?"

"Her majesty wanted me to inform you that the first of our people here for your Birthday have arrived. And are retaking their residence around the area."

Angeline stood and after a moment, I did too. "And why is this important?"

"B-because," the poor messenger stuttered, "the Monterios have also arrived."

There was no change to her face, but the princess clenched her fist. "Thank you, you may go now." Her voice continued in that same cool, calm tone.

He hurried away, relieved, and Angeline continued standing there. I sensed that the lesson was over and closed the lid to the piano, pushing the seat in. "Who are the Monterio's?"

I suppose she knew that telling me this wasn't going to harm anyone, so she answered in a slightly distracted manner.

"There are two royal vampire families... Or there were. The Patenaude's and the Monterio's. Hundreds of years ago the Monterios were the rulers but when the king and queen died and their heir fled, the title was passed to the French, and the son of the Monterio family withdrew his claim to the throne."

I swallowed and tried to wrap my head around it. "If they are all gone... Then why did he say that the Monterio's are coming to your... Party?"

She gave a small smile. "Around fifteen years ago the shamed son, my cousin, resurfaced. A few of his followers did as well. But when I last saw him he was... Different." She looked slightly uncomfortable about the direction the conversation was taking.

"Different in what way?"

"Enough talk," she said and for the first time her face cleared and her tone took on a forceful almost... Ruling edge. "We need to figure out a way to take up your time. You're going to have a lot of it. I figured out a schedule for you." Out of nowhere she produced a small piece of parchment. I studied it curiously.

8:00 am – 9:00 am Breakfast

9:30 am – 12:30 pm Etiquette

12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch

1:30 pm – 3:30 pm History

3:30 pm – 5:30 pm Training

7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Dinner

"Etiquette?!" My voice rose in horror.

"Naturally." She looked at me with distaste, "your posture is terrible and you have no manners."

I began to talk but she cut me off. "You don't have a say in this. You are not dining in the same room as my parents until you know how to hold a knife and fork. Now. Any more questions?"

I had only one more. "Training?"

She sighed with annoyance. "Come on, you don't even need to question that one. Swords, daggers, archery, we need to find you a skill. You never know when you will need it in this world."

I nearly replied that I had a skill but then decided to keep it to myself for the moment. I was in new territory and I never knew when I would need an advantage.

"Who will be teaching me?" I changed the subject and Angeline gave a rather pointy smile.

"Why, me of course."

I groaned and for a moment it was as though we were back at school. And she was trying to correct my grammar.

"Are you kidding me? You saw how I was in school. You can't possibly think I'm going to learn anything with you teaching me."

She met my disbelieving stare with the same tone that she used on the messenger. "Cole is not the only one who will not take any more of your bullshit. Watch your words carefully. I do not believe you will like me when I'm angry. If you mess up, if you make me look like an idiot in any way, then your life here will start to resemble hell."

I lowered my eyes and nodded. She jerked her head towards the door. "Come, I need to show you something."