Darkly Devoted (Book 1, 2, 3)

DB Chapter 3 - Return to Manna City

Chapter 3

AS THE SHIP neared the shore, Vivienne found Julian standing alone at the bow. She had left Blake because she wanted to clarify their game plan, or rather, if there even was a plan. Despite being a vampire, Julian had tanned milk-chocolate skin that perfectly complemented his hazel eyes. He was as handsome as they came, vampire-wise. Vivienne remembered how the girls used to go mad over him and his perpetual pout back during the masquerade.

"You're dressed nicely," Vivienne noted as she studied the gold brocade jacket Julian had changed into.

"The women — they love me," Julian said, flashing a dazzling smile. "Who can blame them?" Vivienne wondered if it was inappropriate to stare at his tight-fitting leather pants. It was too late; he chuckled at her stare. "I'm so secure in my masculinity I can wear whatever I want."

"I don't question that," Vivienne said with a cough. "I was actually just wondering if I could get fashion tips from you in the future."

Julian made a face at her simple outfit of stone-washed jeans and a plain black t-shirt. "I think you need to start with the basics first. You look like a little boy." He waved his hand at her absently. "Don't worry; I'll take you shopping. If Blake is indisposed, I'll step in as a good friend should.

What do you mean by indisposed?" Vivienne asked as she leaned against the rail of the boat. The magnificent skyline of Manna City was built to inspire awe, but all she felt was dread.

"Well, there's always the chance Maglania will rip out his heart and eat it," Julian said, rubbing his chin. "But more likely she'll just make him wish she had." Julian's voice took a darker turn. "Maglania's power is waning. She doesn't have much patience left for any of us. He shouldn't have escaped with you to Remin. Even if Maglania forgets you exist, she won't forget that he left his post."

"Is there anything you can do to help?"

"Don't worry, Little Raven," Julian teased. "If it's any comfort, she won't kill him. He's too valuable. She's cruel and vengeful but not stupid."

"What did you mean by family problems?"

"That banner belongs to the Winthers. They are one of Manna City's Great Families. Your boyfriend is tangentially related to them. I'm not supposed to know that about Mr. William Oslen, but unfortunately, I do. And now you know too. It's dangerous information to spread freely."

"Why?"

"Maglania would have never allowed him into Aethon if she knew who he really was. If the other families find out, they'll believe he has an upper hand at taking over the throne if she passes away. Then, they'll all get down and fight it out. It could get nasty. The only thing those families are 'great' at is killing each other."

"Why did he join Maglania in the first place if he didn't have to?"

"He said it was because he wanted a source of Black Waters from Aethon," Julian mused. "Maglania made a deal with an orphan boy running a small company called Tercel. She never thought he would turn out to be the son of her late best friend. You would understand if you had been there. He looked different than when he was a child."

"Were you there?"

Julian chuckled. "Yes. I've survived among the Princes for this long. I know how to stay alive. The end is coming, but I don't intend to go down with Maglania's sinking ship."

~*~

There was a group of armed men standing at the Manna City dock, wearing uniforms bearing the royal symbol of the white griffin.

"I have the prisoners under control," Julian yelled at them. "They have both been disarmed by my charm." The guards didn't lower their guns. Vivienne wondered if, under their helmets, they were rolling their eyes as hard as she was at Julian's swaggering. As the boat fully docked, an entourage of men dressed in black appeared out of nowhere. The Royal Guards immediately lowered their guns as a tall, bald man emerged from the midst of the men in black uniforms.

Julian grabbed Vivienne by the arm and lowered his head with the rest of the Royal Guards.

"Come along, you don't want to be a part of this," Julian whispered, leading her aside. Vivienne glanced back helplessly. Who was that man, and why did he inspire such fear? She couldn't see the strange man's face, only that he had a dragon tattoo that peered out of the back of his collar. It looked familiar, but she couldn't remember where she had seen it before.

In the distance, Blake approached the man and nodded in acknowledgment.

"Mr. Oslen," the bald man said. "Do you have this under control?"

"As much as I always do, Gabriel," Blake said absently.

"Lysander is here," the bald man growled in contrast to Blake's casual tone. "With that traitor, Eldric. He brings with him the power of Dragon Fire.  Watch yourself."

Blake reappeared by their side as the Royal Guards surrounded them and led them to an awaiting car. Vivienne noticed their guns were pointed at her and Blake again.

"What was that about?" Julian asked, narrowing his eyes at Blake.

"Nothing," Blake said as he reached for Vivienne's hand and guided her into the black car.

"You won't share the good gossip with your oldest friend?"

"I don't need to explain everything to you. Why does that surprise you, Namura?" Blake asked as he entered the car and slammed the door closed behind him.

Julian jumped in the car from the other side and man-spread himself across the roomy interior of the town car. He eyed Vivienne's jeans and t-shirt again as the car started moving.

"Will, don't you think we should have your female friend put on something more appropriate for going to a meeting with Maglania?" Julian asked sarcastically.

"No," Blake said, after studying Vivienne for a minute. "Because she isn't meeting with Maglania. You're going to bring her to my apartment."

"Are you crazy? Maglania hasn't seen me for two months. She'll kill me if I disappear."

"Julian," Blake hissed. "She has no instructions for you because you have no role in what is unfolding. So, go to my apartment with Vivienne and keep her company. Watch a movie, go shopping, anywhere but the room where the Winthers will be meeting with the Sarastri."

"Really? Maglania drags you back from Remin as a prisoner and immediately instructs you to hold a diplomatic meeting with perhaps the most important visitor we have ever hosted?"

"I know the Winthers."

"You're not meeting him as Blake Thorne, son of Odelia Winther, master of Tahel Lake. As far as I know, while you're with us, you're still William Oslen of a small, insignificant company called Tercel."

"Whatever my name is, I can handle this better than the rest of you."

Blake turned his attention to Vivenne and gave her hand a quick squeeze.

"I'm sorry. I know you were looking forward to seeing Allison. I'll arrange for her to meet with you another day."