Arballea
"I brought you some tea, Empress."
May entered the library to my surprise as I wasn't expecting anyone to find me here. Then again, my guards were stationed outside and May as well as Lea did tend to find out everything happening within the walls and beyond.
"Thank you. Tell me, is our guest settled in his room?"
"Lea is keeping a close eye on him. Well, with some distance as she doesn't want to be eaten." May laughed a little and I almost choked on my drink.
"I expect your sister will play the lost maid if anything." I replied as I placed my cup down and went flicking through a page on the law of mythical creatures.
"It's strange, don't you think, Empress. That we have a creature of the night within these walls and there's no telling how many other things are out there while we sleep peacefully in our beds."
May gave me food for thought as if Lord Luca was real, what else existed that we believed to be just a story of make believe? She picked up one of the books about vampires and looked at one of the illustrations depicting what a vampire was supposed to look like. Or at least, a version of one.
"Do you think Lord Luca looks like this?"
She turned the book around to show a drawing of a rather gruesome creature, with long fangs, talons and the wings of a bat, jagged and slashed. Its eyes were shaded in black while blood dripped from its mouth and the tips of his claws.
"I don't know May. I just wish to know more about our guest, if it is to be believed he is what they say he is."
I wasn't sure how many of my staff believed Lord Luca to be a vampire and I was still overcoming the idea of it myself. Overwhelmed by the fact I'd been healed by the blood of something otherworldly. How much was it my imagination or was I still unwell, dying in bed and this to all be but a dream?
"Shall I wait Empress and escort you to bed when you are ready?"
"No, that's quite alright. Its late, you may retire for the rest of the night, and I will see you in the morning."
As May curtsied and made her way out of the library, she left the hum of silence as the room seemed darker without the light of her gas lamp. The golden flicker of mine danced across the dark wooden table as I tried not to feel the creep of a chill run up my spine.
The stacks in front of me appear darker than they were when I arrived here. This library was my sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of court life. Mother always summoned me to meet another Lord's son or even their daughters, to be friends and each time, I would play along until I could escape. Escape here.
Truth was, I had friends up until the crown was placed on my head. Now I have advisors and people who wish for my favour, to please me and say the things they think I want to hear.
It's why Tristian and I were close, keeping each other's head from imploding on itself. He was my voice of reason, the one who kept my feet on the ground and did everything not just for the Empire, but for me. The perfect Crowned Prince and younger brother.
"May told me you were here."
Speak of the devil and she should appear. Tristian walked through the side door, the one hidden behind a tapestry. Only he and I knew of the secret entrance and as he took his seat, he looked as tired as I was beginning to feel. My eyes grew weary as the writing on the pages began to bounce a little, unable to focus.
"You should be in bed," he scolded me as he sat opposite, "Heard you had a visitor."
Picking up a book, he flipped through the pages looking bored and then lifted his legs up to rest then on the table.
"Get your dirty shoes off my books." I ordered and he laughed in return.
"Don't try to change the subject. Lord Luca came to see you after he met with me didn't he? I told him you were sleeping."
Tristian chucked the book down, took his feet down and then leaned against the table, his eyes stern and worried.
"What did he want?"
Closing my book and finishing off my lukewarm tea, I leaned back on my chair and sighed. What did he really want? I didn't take the time to ask, I was more annoyed he'd shown up unannounced. He seemed intent on trying to grasp me, every chance he got.
"I don't know brother, I didn't give him the time to answer. I sent him on his way within minutes — you know I don't like being disturbed when I am readying for bed."
Tristian knew more than anyone to leave me alone when I was tired and getting ready for bed. He learnt that the hard way as my brother. Often or not, he'd have a book, a lamp or something else thrown at his head if he tried to come into my room after a certain time. Unless it was life or death, that was different.
"I look forward to our meeting tomorrow, to discuss everything." He said as he got out of the chair and held out his hand to me. "Come, I will escort you to your rooms and make sure no one disturbs you until the late morning."
Grateful for Tristin as he always had my best interests at heart. He led me out of the library and to my rooms. Where I once again tried to sleep but only managed a few solid hours.
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There was a time when in the mornings, the time when there was still morning dew on the trees and the air smelt fresh I would feel more at ease. And as I wandered the castle gardens, alone I prepared myself for what was going to come today.
My shadow guards stay away to give me privacy but still within distance should they be needed. Lea had joined me at some point to bring me out my morning breakfast on the patio. I was half expecting Lord Luca to show up and when he didn't I wasn't sure to be grateful or displeased.
"What time shall I send for your advisors, your Majesty?"
My Grand Chamberlain stood in front of me with his diary in one hand and a pen in the other, clearly waiting for my answer. Lord Richard Nene had been my family's chamberlain for almost thirty years and although I had the option to appoint a new one when I was crowned. I didn't think it was wise as Lord Richard knew all the ins and outs of the Empire and therefore, could aid me.
"Whatever is best Lord Richard. I had assumed it would be early afternoon, after our guest had received lunch."
Sipping my tea, I glanced at Lea who sat across from me drinking her own and she nodded slightly for me to see. May had taken her place in keeping an eye on Lord Luca.
"Wonderful, Empress — Also, shall I start discussing with the chief about the menu for the celebration banquet? Are you sure you do not wish to invite other royals to attend?"
"No, this is to be kept as low key as possible. I do not wish for too many eyes and ears within my court. The usual suspects are invited, as are many other nobles in our Empire. But the rest, they can stay out."
"Of course, your Majesty. I will see to this all at once."
Bowing to me, Lord Richard left and now alone, it gave me a chance to speak with Lea as to what happened after Lord Luca left my chambers and if there is anything I needed to be made aware of.
"He didn't leave his room, only this morning did he, eh, I'm not sure what the man is, his friend perhaps? — He left to fetch some linings it would seem, and it was when May met me did Lord Luca venture out and headed towards the grand hall, that's where the Crowned Prince met with him. We will have to wait till May meets you to discuss what happened after."
Interesting.
"Did the Crown Prince seem out of sorts in any way?" I asked, wondering if they noticed how he was with Lord Luca before they switched.
"He didn't seem like anything, your Majesty. They went into the hall and the doors were closed."
It gave me much food for thought as to why my brother would wish to speak with Lord Luca in private, unless they just happened to be in the same room at the same time.
It made me slightly nervous as I didn't want anyone pulling the rug out from under my feet or any more surprises for that matter.