Atherian Tales: The Blood Slave

Chapter Fourteen

Over the week, Lord Thelios has had all available hands on duty preparing a room for Lord Cameron Delaney. The hustle and bustle of the halls has made the everyday environment much of a spectacle. Just watching the maids and such running through the castle grabbing bedding, curtains, and towels for his room made me feel a mixture of ways. One way being amused as the sight was almost comical. The other way feeling uneasy. If they were going through this much trouble just to prepare a room for this man, he must be highly important and highly powerful.

Sitting with Noah on a bench in the entrance hall of the castle watching the staff running around, I had noticed that the majority of the linens and decorations were white. I had also noticed a butler carrying a large white cage. It was big enough to fit a human being. And to my astonishment, and like he could read my thoughts, Noah confirmed my suspicions.

"Lord Delaney likes to bring his own blood slave during his travels. Unfortunately for the slave, he treats them like pets. He keeps them on leashes and stored in a crate when he isn't in the room." I was shocked at the fact. Lord Cameron Delaney treats his blood slaves like animals?

The remainder of the day was spent in the gardens with gossip of the new lord running between the blood slaves and their escorts both. Even Lord Thelios would add in from time to time.

"I wonder which slave he's bringing this time." Anna said as she tucked her legs under herself on the grass.

"Who cares, I wonder if he'll bring his entourage." Perscilla said in her fancy voice. The lord laughed and looking as relaxed as ever, like the conversation was normal to any other, he said, "He is bringing Jasmine. She's been leashes trained well the last we spoke. Maybe I should try it on you ladies." He laughed again making what he said to be a joke. I didn't find the statement amusing because I rolled my eyes and turned away from the rest of the party.

The banter continued behind me with everyone laughing and commenting on what sort of collar would suit each of us. I heard Anna speak of white lace and Perscilla said she would like one with diamonds. I rolled my eyes more when I heard my name mentioned when they spoke of a collar with pearls. The laughter continued until I felt Anna grab my shoulders for a quick hug from behind.

"Why do you exclude yourself Amily?"

"Because I refuse to be a part of that conversation. I will not wear a collar. I am not a pet!" Anna giggled at my answer and flashed me a large smile.

"Silly girl, Lord Thelios isn't going to make us wear collars, he was only joking."

"I didn't find it funny."

"As I can tell." She said, again with a smile.

"You've met Lord Delaney correct?" I asked, wanting to find out a bit more about the mysterious man coming to the castle for a visit. I also wanted to stop talking about the collars and hoped this would be a good direction to take the conversation.

"Yes I have." She replied as she exhaled softly and looked up to the clouds in the sky. From her reaction, I'd say Anna liked the man.

"Are you fond of this man?" Anna's cheeks blushed a hot red. She tucked the loose blonde strands of hair behind her ears as she cleared her throat.

"He's handsome and he talks well. I do find him attractive but I know it's forbidden." She confessed. It made me sad to see my friend's heart soar just speaking about Lord Delaney but then hear it break when she came to terms with the situation.

"I'm sorry Anna." Was all I could say to my dear friend.

It was the day of Lord Cameron Delany's arrival. The castle staff was hustling to get the final arrangements taken care of. When it was time, and Lord Delany's coach had arrived, Lord Thelios had called everyone to the main hall. Slaves and escorts were lined up on either side of the great hall followed by the staff. The atmosphere as we were waiting for his entrance, was a mixture of excitement and inquiry. Some where anxiously awaiting while others were nervously watching the doors. Shortly the double doors opened and there stood a tall man dressed in all white even down to his shoes.