Title: For Love or War
Author: Silent Figure
Chapter: Six
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this story, yeah you know the drill.
Authors Note: Read and tell me what you think at the end of this chapter. Thanks. I'm working on all the other updates right now but I am quite swamped in homework at the moment so yeah it will take quite some time. Sorry.
Dark lashes fluttered before spreading apart revealing two cornflower blue eyes. A sigh escaped supple lips as the owner of these features sat up. Looking around her she found herself surrounded by glaring white. Looking down Serenity gasped when she saw her hands small and pudgy and her body small as well. Touching a hand to her face she realized her features were just as young. She started to panic when she realized her body was moving of its own accord towards what looked like a wall of mist before stepping through it, droplets of water sprinkling her face as she did so. Once she was through she found herself in a garden she recognized to be her own but this one was different from the one she was used to. This one was more alive with roses of all colors surrounding her. That was when she noticed a woman who sat on a wooden swing, swinging back and forth. "Mommy", her voice called as she approached her.
The woman turned to her, her eyes the only thing she could see clearly. "What is it sweetie", she asked her voice soft like silk.
Once she stood in front of her she looked up into her face but still found that she could only see her mom's bluish violet eyes that looked upon her lovingly. "You promised to tell me a story", she replied her voice eager.
Inside she had relaxed when she realized that she was witnessing a memory of long ago through her eyes as a child. "Oh yes I did. Well let's get you on my lap and I shall tell you one", she replied her voice gentle and understanding.
She was lifted up onto her mother's lap feeling the comfort of her mother's loving embrace as her mom settled her arms around her waist. Kissing the top of her head her mother spoke softly, "Today I shall tell you the story of the sun and the one vampire who could walk under it."
"Really", she asked her eyes looking up to meet her mother's, excitement at such a thought racing through her.
"Oh yes his name was Ivantie and he lived up to his name for he truly was a glorious gift. He was strong in body, mind, and soul and graced with perhaps the greatest beauty any vampire has ever seen", her mother told her, her eyes distant as if she were seeing the event now.
"How could he walk under the sun", Serenity questioned eagerly wanting to know so that she could perhaps do what he did.
"I am getting there. Patience", her mother replied looking down at her daughter recognizing the very same eagerness she saw everyday in the girl's father.
"Now Ivantie loved to mingle among the mortals and so he spent many a nights at balls of the old kind. He listened to the stories of mortals keeping them in his mind interested to see what each mortal would do with his short lifespan. One night as he had just stepped off the dance floor he met the eyes of a beautiful young woman. Her name was Camelia and she was a witch. Ivantie was entranced with her the moment he set eyes on her and so set out to win her heart", her mother said with a sigh only a female could possess.
"Did they fall in love", Serenity asked her eyes a light, ideas of romantic fairy tales running through her little head.
"Yes I daresay they did, at first Camelia intended to end his immortal life when she saw him, immediately recognizing him to be one of us. But as they danced she found herself on a cloud and falling in love with the man who was so charismatic, charming, and strangely understanding. After that night they agreed to meet each other once a week. But soon that time became too little for them and they met every night just to be in each other's arms", her mother told her daughter seeing the dreamy look swimming in the young girl's eyes.
"But as time went on Camelia who had spent many of her days among her people found herself being pursued by males of her own kind and she began to wish for Ivantie to be near her at all times. And when she brought her dilemma to him she was surprised to find that he too wished he could spend hours under the sun with his beloved. This sparked an idea in her head and so every day Camelia studied the spells and incantations of her people until finally she had concocted something so powerful that she was sure it would give her love the power to walk under the sun."
Serenity gasped truly entranced with the tale her mother was weaving before her very own eyes, Serenity's imagination letting her witness the story. "On the night she had completed her long task she gave him a dose of this potion. They both waited eagerly until sun rise, hidden in a cave sheltered from the light until the sun had fully risen. Taking her hand Ivantie walked forward bravely and placed his other hand directly in the sunlight surprised when he found his skin did not burn. Slowly but surely he made his way out into the sun gasping in wonder at the land before him that he had never seen in such light. 'Amazing', he whispered before turning to her and kissing her squarely on the lips. It seemed to them at that moment that their love could overcome anything", Serenity's mother said somberly.
"And for awhile their love did though there were suspicions as to why the 'gracious' Ivantie slept during the nights and rarely made an appearance. After all he was spending his days with the woman he loved and was in need of some rest so he used the nights. But suddenly an event caused a thought neither loves had thought about since beginning their affair. Camilia's father had past away and she realized that someday she would as well. She would age while her lover would not. Before she could speak to Ivantie about it, he was approached by another. Camilia's Brother Gabriel a strong hater of our kind had discovered his true identity. He attacked Ivantie in a fit of rage believing that Ivantie had put his sister under a seductive haze and just as she arrived on the scene her lover was stabbed in the heart, the only organ that lives in a vampire", Serenity's mother voice turned dramatic to add the effect to the story telling which succeeded for Serenity gasped in surprise.
"What happened next", Serenity asked biting her little nails in worry truly wrapped up in her mother's story.
"Camilia held him in her arms until his very last breath had escaped his body. Her brother was appalled and locked her up for he was sure she had gone mad. And in a way she had for she was mad with grief. Ivantie's clan found out of his death and immediately set out to avenge their prodigy which lead to a huge war. One of Ivantie's sisters had discovered that he had been able to walk in the sun and so had urged the men to fight for that when the war had turned against their favor, bringing new hope for a chance to finally see the fiery orb. The witches who knew of this potion desperately protected it knowing that humans would stand no chance against a vampire who could walk among them at all times. After the witches were defeated they found only a grieving Camilia who begged for death so that she may join her lover in the after life. A merciful one granted her wish and she died with a smile on her lips", her mother said her voice indicating a closing.
"What about the potion", Serenity asked a little dismayed that no one had found it.
"Rumor has it that Camilia hid it in a star and locked it away from all leaving behind only a key with an inscription on it that gave a clue as to it's location. Some say that the sons and daughters of Gabriel protect it while others say it is with the elders. And then there are those who say the key was never there or it is lost forever", her mother answered her, a yawn escaping her lips as she explained.
"I think I shall find it", Serenity exclaimed her hope shining through which brought a gentle smile to her mother's lips, a new feature that Serenity only now could see.
"It is time you go to sleep my dear", her mother said standing up and lifting her child up as she did so before settling her on her hip.
"Must I", the young girl asked her voice begging to be told she didn't have to and that she may stay up a while longer.
"Yes you must my dear", her mother replied with a chuckle.
Serenity was suddenly thrust from her small body and back through the wall of mist only this time she heard the droplets fall and didn't feel them as she landed on something soft.
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Cornflower blue eyes traced over the ceiling above the owner of the eyes. Blinking a few times Serenity sat up her mind wandering over the dream she had just had. Running a hand through her hair she looked around her room realizing that it was not her own and that the negotiations were indeed real. Sighing she slipped from the bed over to the hearth that was still warm with embers of the fire from the night before. All the windows and doors were shuttered closed so absolutely no light could come through and harm her fair skin. "Still day", she muttered realizing that it was the first time in her life that she had ever awoken in the middle of the day and the sounds of rain beating against her window was what she had heard while she had been in the dream world.
'Perhaps I shall explore the wonders of this place', Serenity thought knowing that she was fully awake now and it would take hours to fall back asleep. After all it was a lot more fun exploring then tossing and turning in bed trying to find sleep when it clearly eluded you. Creaking open the door she peered out expecting to find her guards there but was surprised when she found none. Silently she slipped into the corridor not minding the coolness of the marble underneath her bare feet. She walked quickly towards the winding stair case only stopping once to peer over her shoulder feeling as though someone were watching her. But both her door and Endymion's remained closed and so she shrugged before continuing on her journey. As she reached the bottom floor she stopped to look at each painting that she had passed earlier, admiring the beauty of them all. She ran her hand along some of the smooth sculptures admiring the many faces sculpted some of them roman gods, some of the family of the house she now walked in. Her journey took her past many a corridor's until she finally stopped at a pair of double doors that were painted silver. "Wonder what's in here", she mused to herself curious.
She had passed all the doors deciding that it was best not to open any in case she ran into someone else and at the moment she was rather enjoying her time alone. She knocked but received no answer and for a few moments she imagined herself as the curious cat that got killed for snooping around, but then got over it. Turning the knobs she opened the doors to reveal a sight that made her gasp. The room was two stories high shelved with nothing but books. Like all the other windows of the house, they were shuttered closed though a few rays of light streamed through the sides of them. "How wonderful", she exclaimed stepping into the room intending to see what books the Sorin's housed.
On both sides of her, ladders with wheels on the bottom leaned up against the many book shelves and a v shaped stair case lay just ahead of her, a few tables scattered across the room. Up top she noticed two sculptures intertwined with one another and she had the urge to see them. Looking over her shoulder once again she made sure she was alone before walking up the left steps towards the next level that like the one before had tall ladders leaning against the shelves. Finally she came to look upon the greatest work of art in sculpture she had ever seen. A gorgeous Selene had her arms wrapped around the neck of her sleeping Shepard. His and her torsos were bare with what looked like one blanket covering both their legs. Tilting her head a little she starred into the beautiful face of the Shepard noticing his smile of contentment and then looking up at Selene's gentle smile, though loving it seemed a little sad. "Interesting myth isn't it", a voice commented.
Immediately she jumped and to her misfortune a ray of light caught site of her shoulder. She cried out in pain as it burned her skin before she was pulled out of the ray by the man who had startled her. Whimpering a little she shuddered as her burned skin began to heal stinging as it did so. "Perhaps I should not sneak up on you", the man said huskily.
Immediately she looked up to meet the eyes of none other than Endymion. She pushed away from him already disturbed with herself for getting scared so easy. "I think it would be for the better", Serenity replied rubbing her sore skin where the sun had scorched her.
"I take it you've never been burned by the sun", He asked tilting his head as he looked over the beauty.
"No of course not and why are you following me", she exclaimed looking at him with disbelief.
"Oh princess if only your dreams could come true", he shot back chuckling in amusement.
"Oh and why did you end up in the same room as me when there are plenty of others in this place", she asked demanding a further explanation.
"Well for one Nicholas, a dear friend of mine, informed me of the library earlier on last night saying that it was open to my use anytime. I couldn't sleep so I came here and for awhile I had peace and quiet until you came. If you look over there you'll see that that table has several books set out, ones that I have been looking through", he answered smugly pointing over to a table to the left of them that did have three books on it, one of them open.
Serenity opened her mouth to shoot something back but found that she had nothing to back her up. Giving up she crossed her arms and huffed before turning on her heel and walking away from him towards the other side intending to not have his presence ruin the splendor of the library. After awhile she found that the sound of her bare feet padding against the marble was the only sound in the room. Looking over her shoulder she watched from across the room as Endymion flipped a page his eyes intent on the writing in front of him. His eyes looked up and met hers, her eyes widening as she realized he had caught her staring. Immediately she averted her gaze and turned away trying to conceal her blush. "I'm acting like a bloody fool", she muttered to herself before continuing on exploring the second floor of the library until she came upon an interesting section.
Stories and folklore of her people littered this one section and her eyes landed on one title that stunned her. The story of Camilia and her Ivantie glared at her in white lettering against a dark blue background. Immediately she pulled the book out interested in seeing what content lay on the pages. Opening it she found that the story was told through the eyes of Camilia starting from the very moment she had set eyes on Ivantie to just moments before her death with only one passage that mentioned what had happened to the potion.
Staring at the light swirling around and around in the star I think of the sun and the happiness it brought to my love before he died. I've held the star close to my bosom the whole day basking in its warmth and comfort that reminds me of Ivantie's embrace, memories of that wonderful time surrounding me in my dreams. I know this is my last passage for I can feel death knocking at my door, at all of my people's doors for the vampires are far stronger than any mortal being and their conviction to reach this concoction and feel the joy Ivantie has felt just as strong. Now night has come and the last of my story and my Ivantie's will be written. And so I finally release this star and let it fall up to the sky where it belongs, the key to it in my hand and I sit here in my jeweled dungeon awaiting for them to enter our home and take our lives. I only pray that my brother Gabriel and his children and wife make it through the night for I know I shall not but I do not despair because soon Ivantie and I will be together again and in the heavens (oh yes I know how most think that none of Ivantie's kind can reach such a place but I believe strongly he will have, after all he was different he had a soul) above continuing our story with a new beginning. After all where there is an ending there is a beginning.
As always,
Camilia Nicolae
As Serenity read the words she walked over to a nearby table sitting down almost immediately after never letting her eyes stray from the passage. A feeling of sorrow swept over her as it came to an end. Looking up she sighed before resting her chin in the palm of her hand, her elbow resting on the table's surface. Her dream and now this passage, was fate trying to tell her something? Vaguely she remembered making her mother a promise to find this star that held within it the chance to see the sun after all it had been her dream to see the sun. Looking up she stared at the streams of dying light spilling through the cracks in the shutters, wondering briefly what the orb that cast that light looked like. Closing the book she stood up before placing it back in the empty spot where it belonged deciding that a warm bath sounded nice. As she approached the stair case her eyes looked up into Endymion's who had stopped reading when she had walked back over to the figurines her hand playing with the necklace she had yet to take off since it had been placed on her neck. "Leaving", he asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes", she replied simply before turning around intending to walk down the stair case.
"Then let me escort you back", he said stopping her in her track down the stairs and catching up to her a moment later.
"Why ever would you wish to escort your enemy", she asked incredulously her eye brows shooting up.
He smiled and shrugged before replying, "It is improper for a lady to roam around unescorted besides you wouldn't want anything to happen to you would you?"
"I believe I can handle myself just fine thank you and that the chances of something happening is more likely if I am in your presence", Serenity replied lifting up her chin proudly as if to display she feared nothing.
He simply chuckled waiting for her to continue her track down the stairs. She glared at him before turning her head and walking down as fast as possible knowing that she'd be upon her room in a few moments. When she looked out the corner of her eye she realized he was right there beside her, a calm look on his face.
Rolling her eyes she gave up and slowed down her pace so that now she looked like an average woman walking. To her annoyance he slowed down as well not even noticing her glaring at him. "Why must you escort me? I mean what would it matter if I got hurt or not after all I am your enemy", she complained turning to look at him
He chuckled before turning to her and answering, "Unlike your men ours have been taught to be courteous to women no matter the name she carries."
"Oh really? Then can you explain why your Marian stabbed me simply because I would not kneel", she asked her eye brows raised in a challenge.
"Well he has quite a temper on him and I must admit he should not have used such a method but you disrespected our own females by not bowing. After all it is customary and Rayeanna is of the direct royal line", he answered rather casually.
She snorted and turned away from him knowing he was partially right but still the man had violated the law of Amery by harming her. "But you yourself mentioned that you would rather have me in a dungeon then your room and you certainly know that a dungeon is no place for a lady", she shot back the memory suddenly fresh in her mind.
"True I would rather have you in a dungeon even now. You may be beautiful but you are also dangerous if it ever came to my families safety or civility then you can only imagine which I would choose", he replied halting the two to a stop.
"I would never harm anyone unless they harmed me first", she said immediately catching on to what he was saying.
"Oh really then why was it that you attacked me in my chamber", he shot back raising his own eye brows.
"I don't take well to manhandling nor insults besides you provoked me", she answered in her own defense.
"You insulted me and my family first", he replied crossing his arms in front of his chest.
"Did you not say that you would expect me to enjoy the luxuries of your chamber while my family rotted in prison before I ever mentioned anything about your family", she argued crossing her own arms not willing to back down from this argument.
"You abused my family's hospitality", he shot back using the last of his excuses for his actions.
"Oh I did not", she replied rolling her eyes at such a pathetic excuse for her actions.
"You did to", he said vaguely realizing that he sounded like a young child of the age of six.
"Did not", she answered back feeling a little too childish for fighting with him in such a manner.
"You're so childish", he said speaking her very thoughts though his insult left her agape for a few moments.
"You bloody well started it", she exclaimed releasing her arms from the cross over her chest in exasperation.
"Oh I did not I simply was gentlemanly and tried to escort you but no you and your damn pride would not accept it", he exclaimed as well realizing that their voices were escalating with every word that left their mouths.
"You're impossible", she yelled before turning on her heel and walking to her door which was just behind the two.
"Well you're not any better", he called to her as she opened her door and slammed it shut behind her.
Serenity leaned against her door trying to calm her anger down, her exploration ruined by that imbecile who stood on the other side of her door. Groaning she walked away from the door before throwing herself on her bed and grabbing a nearby pillow. Placing it over her face she screamed out all of her frustrations with the prince of the Vardy. Finally once she was done she pulled it away glad that no one had heard her after all screaming was unlady like. At that moment she couldn't have been more grateful for Minette telling her how to muffle her sounds with a pillow after all she didn't want the man on the other side of the wall to hear her throw a fit. Sitting up she straightened her hair thinking that letting him hear her temper tantrum would have given him satisfaction. She couldn't help but lose her calm when she was around the man, which was after all quite uncommon especially with men she couldn't stand, at least she could put up a lady like façade, but with him there was not even a chance of that. Though when he helped her feed or the time on the balconies really couldn't count. Those times had been decent, civil, and pleasant even. Sighing she lay back on her bed her mind running over the complexity that was Endymion. "Oh my lady", gasped a soft feminine voice.
Sitting back up she looked at the young maid who had opened her door quietly. "I am so sorry to disturb you I did not think you'd be awake so early", she said passively her eyes never meeting hers.
"It is quite alright. Are you here to start a bath for me", she asked hopefully for after all that was why she came back to her room.
"Yes my lady", the woman replied with a bow of her head, her light brown hair covering her face as she did so.
"Then you may continue I shall wait", she stated as a yawn escaped her lips. The maid bowed again before setting to work on lighting a fire and preparing a bath for her.
"Miss what fragrance would you like for your bath? Vanilla, sweet rose, or lavender", the maid asked meekly.
"Vanilla for today thank you", Serenity replied as she looked around the room just then noticing the large closet to the side of her.
Interested she pushed the sliding door aside to see an assortment of beautiful dresses. "Oh I was about to ask which dress you'd like", the maid said from behind her, drawing her attention away from the dazzling array of dresses.
"Do they all fit me or something", she asked as she turned around a puzzled look on her face.
"I assume so my lady after all you are wearing that night gown and it fits you rather well. The night gown came from there to", the maid answered coming to stand beside her.
"Were…Were these my mother's dresses as well", she asked her eyes glancing over them and then at her own attire.
"Well in a way they were. Ms. Litarena's mother designs and makes clothes. The ones here were made for your mother though they were never picked up, your mother died before she received them", the maid replied her voice soft as she spoke of her mothers death and her eyes down cast as well.
"Ah…is umm…my bath ready yet", Serenity asked deciding it best to change the subject.
"Why yes my lady it is", the maid answered a gentle smile gracing her lips as she did a quick curtsy.
"Then you are excused I think I will do everything myself", Serenity replied with a gentle smile before turning and heading to the bathing room where she proceeded to undress and slip into the steaming water that soothed away the tension in her body. Her mind barely registered the maid closing the door leaving Serenity alone to a quiet room.
Briefly her mind wandered over the evening's events and she couldn't help but be puzzled by the very man whose presence had been nagging her since she had first set eyes on him. Sighing she leaned her head back and closed her eyes trying to dispel the sight of him from her minds eye something she found nearly impossible.
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A knock on the door startled Endymion from his near slumber. For a while now he had tried his best to get some rest after all he had spent half the day in the library before the girl disturbed him. But the very thought of her disrupted any peaceful chances of sleep. Opening his eyes he groaned before opening the door to reveal a Nicholas whose face reflected a serious interest. "What is it", Endymion asked running a hand through his hair trying to clear the muck away from his mind.
"Oh nothing just checking on you and Serenity one of our maids heard you two arguing", he replied a look on his face that indicated he was searching for more than just that.
"Oh yes it was nothing just the woman throwing a tantrum over me escorting her", Endymion replied casually.
"You escorted her? Where? When", Nicholas asked immediately worried at the thought of the two of them alone.
"Today I took up your offer of indulging myself in your library and so did Serenity. I escorted her back and well she didn't take a liking to it", Endymion explained.
"Endymion you didn't do anything irrational did you", Nicholas asked the worry still evident in his voice.
"Of course not we just argued nothing more happened you can ask her yourself. Now is that the only reason you're here", Endymion asked.
Nicholas shook his head before pulling out a blood red envelope. "I'm afraid not Endymion this just came in and it is rather important news", Nicholas answered as he handed it to him.
Endymion took it before looking upon the addressing which literally froze him in place. "It's from the elders", he gasped looking up at his friend who quickly averted his eyes.
Every vampire knew that if you were to receive a letter such as the one he held than it was either grave news or extremely good news. Endymion certainly knew it was not good simply by the look he had seen pass over his friend's face. "I must leave you for now Endymion", Nicholas said quickly exiting.
Endymion nodded before he closed the door behind his friend. He sat on his bed before ripping open the top of the envelope and sliding the parchment out onto his hand. Quickly he unfolded it before he scanned the neatly written words on the paper, his hands clutching tighter and tighter onto the paper as he read along before he let it fall to the ground.
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Serenity's eyes widened as she read along the lines that formed the letter in her hand which had just been handed to her by one of the maid servants. So surprised was she when she had looked at the address that she had dropped it in the tub for a brief second before picking it up again at a lightening speed. The letter was from the elders and it had officially given her a far greater bargaining piece than what she was already offering for her uncle and brother. After she had finished she shot up from her resting position in the tub and quickly garbed herself in a nearby towel excited to get to the conference room. In seconds she had dressed herself before she had sat down at her vanity and her maid had quickly braided back her hair not forgetting to leave a few strands loose to frame her lovely face. She had looked over her pearl pink dress in a fashion very much like the one she had worn only a few nights ago before she had exited the room hoping to find her cousin before they resumed the conference. Unfortunately for her she was intercepted by Litarena who insisted she sit down with her and Amelia for some feeding. Sighing she agreed and allowed herself to be escorted down the halls with her chatty hostess. "Don't worry Amelia is an old friend of mine and very kind and non judge mental in fact she would heal her enemy even if it meant her death", Litarena said as they walked down the halls looking directly into Serenity's eyes.
Serenity just nodded her head not quite in the mood to take Litarena's bait. They approached a huge archway that lead into the open air of the night and onto a balcony that was connected to a stairwell which they went down. Once at the bottom Serenity realized she was in the garden she had seen the night before. Litarena gestured over to a nice table where Amelia sat with a book in her hand and her eyes darting back and forth across the page. "I am afraid I must leave you Serenity urgent matters have come up with one of the elders", Litarena said drawing Serenity's attention away from the gardens.
Serenity wouldn't have believed her if her subconscious hadn't registered the guard who had come up and talked to Litarena quietly while Serenity had looked around entranced with her surroundings. "I trust the two of you to be civilized", Litarena said with a quick curtsy before walking back up the steps again.
Serenity stood still for a moment a little uncomfortable before gathering her wits about her and walking over to the table. A manservant appeared almost immediately at her side and slid the chair back for her to sit in which she took with a polite thank you. After he had disappeared Amelia looked up from her book and with a small "oh" she put it down.
"Forgive my rudeness I simply find the new works of Pasteur amazing", Amelia exclaimed a look of pure joy on her face.
"It is quite alright. Tell me Amelia why am I really here", Serenity asked deciding it best to get to the point of this meeting.
She just simply smiled in reply to Serenity's stony expression. "Well it wasn't quite set up for us to be alone but as you see we are. But before we discuss serious matters I think it'd be best we enjoy in the luxuries Litarena has accommodated us with. Tell me have you ever tried her human food", Amelia asked as if she were speaking of the weather.
Serenity shook her head in reply still a little defensive even though her insides told her this woman was simply too innocent to harm another. "Well her cooking is divine. Today she has made us a rare steak don't worry it has plenty of juices but the herbs these human cooks use make it simply tasty beyond belief", Amelia boasted as if the greatness were her own.
Somehow Serenity could never imagine this woman in front of her boasting about herself. "It sounds wonderful though I must admit I hardly eat human food. Usually it's only when we attend human hosted masquerades and balls", Serenity replied without a thought. Deep down she knew her walls were coming down and though it disturbed her she couldn't quite help it.
"Ah yes well it was the same for me until I met Litarena awhile back. Have you seen their library", she asked her eyes lighting up in a way that Serenity could tell that what Amelia was talking about was her purest joy.
"Yes it is magnificent I was there only this morning. I must admit I would've stayed in there forever if I could have", Serenity replied with a small smile gracing her lips.
Amelia returned her smile before reaching for her glass of crimson liquid and gulping some of it down. "You enjoy books as well", Amelia asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Oh yes I simply love them though I must say Pasteur does not quite interest me but neither does some cheap romance novel women seem to be fancying these days", Serenity answered.
Amelia let out a chuckle for she knew very well what it was Serenity was talking about, it seemed women wasted their intelligence on boring romance stories when instead they could be enriching their minds with amazing literature or factual books. Looking up at the night sky Amelia couldn't help but be comforted by her favorite blue star that sparkled up above her that she knew to be mercury. "Beautiful night is it not", Serenity questioned her own eyes on the sky above and the crescent that was hanging suspended there among the twinkling stars.
"Oh yes I simply love the stars and to be in a beautiful garden such as this. Why I can only imagine how it would be if there was a peace like this all the time. Our own garden's back home are not nearly as beautiful. I wonder…I wonder if-"
"If there was no war whether or not your garden would be this magnificent", Serenity finished for her still looking up at the sky.
"Exactly", Amelia replied with a smile of understanding. Serenity looked at her then and saw the longing in her eyes, the longing Amelia had to be free of this war and free to do what she wanted with her life instead of being guarded all the time.
"You know I can't help but catch myself wondering that if you and I were in a different situation you and I would actually be friends", Amelia admitted her gaze never wavering from Serenity's.
"You know I should be appalled but I find myself not. You've shown only kindness to me since we've met. So I cannot help but not hate you even though my entire life has been focused on hating your kind", Serenity replied a little surprised by her honesty.
Though the words were brutally honest in a way that should have offended her, she found that if it were a reverse situation and Amelia were a monarch of her own clan then she would probably be speaking the very same words, so she was not offended. "It truly is a shame", Amelia finally said with a sigh.
Serenity just nodded her head in return realizing what she said was true, this woman reminded her so much of her cousin Zachariah that she was sure that if she were not a Vardy then they would have been friends. "I believe it is time we discuss what we really came here to discuss", Serenity finally said deciding it best to just get this over with.
Amelia smiled and nodded her head in agreement before replying, "Yes I guess that would be best wouldn't it?"
"Indeed", Serenity replied with a courteous nod her full attention on the young woman in front of her.
"You see it is about these negotiations and particularly about my sister Mirela", Amelia stated a little nervous wringing her hands as she spoke.
"Yes", Serenity said pushing the girl further who had suddenly stopped talking for fear of something.
"I know of your last bargaining piece, I have ever since Marian stabbed you in the stomach and I know that you will have your exchange. But this is about those that are involved…" Amelia said trailing off as she tried to find the words in herself to continue on.
"Go on", Serenity said suddenly very interested in the turn of the conversation, more so she was wondering where Amelia was going to take this.
"You see Serenity your cousin and uncle…they're…they're not in the best of condition. They are weak, beaten up, and wounded courtesy of the very poison that has coursed through your own veins", Amelia stated looking her square in the eye.
A sudden horror and fear welled up inside of her but she refused to show it on her facial features in front of her enemy. "And you are telling me this because", Serenity asked fighting back the tears she felt welling up, for she knew that more than anything she would never wish to see her family hurt.
"Because I presume my sister is in the very same condition and I know that if my sister were returned to me in such a condition as the one I've seen both your uncle and cousin in I would not be able to bear it. My sister and I are all that is left of my family for you see both of our parents were taken in this dreadful war", Amelia replied her voice wavering as she spoke.
One tear slid down Amelia's cheek but her face remained impassive and her gaze on Serenity never wavered. "I understand some of this for I have no siblings but I have lost a mother, also to this endless war. But what I do not understand is where you are taking this", Serenity said her voice calm and collected as any monarch's was when dealing with a negotiation though deep down she was neither.
"I wish to see my sister well and not deathly when she is returned and in return I shall personally do the same for your own family members. Mirela is a prize in our family, to see her in a condition such as the ones your cousin and uncle are in would not only harm me but other family members as well. Mirela and Helena are especially close and no child should witness the brutality of war, whether they are human or vampire", Amelia replied wiping away the tear and leaving no trace of it ever being there.
Serenity looked down for a moment thinking of this proposal and knew it to be a good and true one. She saw no fault, all she had to do was include it in the contract of negotiations that was to be signed at the end of the meeting and it would have to be done. Looking back up at her she smiled at Amelia who watched her intently unable to hide her anxiousness for her answer. "I agree to this and it shall be included in the terms", Serenity said.
Immediately a smile broke out on Amelia's face and she launched from her chair and did something least expected, she hugged Serenity. "Thank you so much Serenity", she whispered before pulling away almost immediately after.
"I apologize if I have frightened you I just…never mind", Amelia stuttered before sitting back down in her chair.
"It's quite alright a little overwhelming but I understand", Serenity replied with a giggle.
Amelia smiled back before saying on a serious note, "Someday Serenity you will make a fair and just ruler. I can see it already."
"Thank you Amelia it is very flattering and if it is any consolation I think you are a marvelous doctor."
Before Amelia could reply to the praise a servant interrupted with their meal and more of the cool liquid for the two women. As Serenity bit into the seasoned meat that was very rare, she couldn't help but moan in pleasure. The food was delicious. "Delicious isn't it", Amelia said as she took a bite into her own steak.
Serenity nodded and replied with a "mhhm", for her mouth was still full which sent the two women into a fit of laughter. The rest of the meal was filled with mostly a compatible silence though there was some small talk of interests and things like that. Awhile after they were done Litarena came to them. "Your food was delicious as always Litarena", Amelia said upon seeing her.
A smile lit Litarena's face almost immediately at the praise she had received. "Why thank you Amelia. Are you two almost done", she asked.
Serenity nodded her head, her mouth still full with what was her third steak. "I see you've taken a liking to my steak", Litarena stated as she watched the princess finish up the last of it.
"Yes it is simply amazing I thank you and Amelia for having me try it", Serenity replied before gulping down the rest of her own drink.
"I trust the two of you got a long", Litarena asked looking back and forth between the two women who seemed quite comfortable; it almost looked as if they were close friends.
"Oh yes it seems we have more in common than we thought", Amelia said with a delighted smile before looking over at Serenity.
"Good. Now I feel horrible about separating you two but the negotiations must begin and your cousin's are searching for the both of you. I'm afraid your absence has worried the both of them", Litarena said with a chuckle.
Serenity stood up then before curtseying to the both of them. "Then I am afraid I must take my leave I have some very important matters to discuss with my cousin", Serenity said suddenly remembering the letter she had received and the request that Amelia had made.
"Very well I believe you know this mansion well enough to make your way back to your meeting room", Litarena replied with a look that revealed she knew of Serenity's explorations.
"Thank you once again Litarena for your wonderful food and you Amelia for your company", Serenity said before she took her leave and walked up the steps and back into the mansion.
"If only there were no war then there could be peace like this every night", Litarena said with a sigh turning to her friend who had a sad smile on her face that revealed her agreement to Litarena's comment.
………………………………………………………………………………………………
Serenity stepped into the meeting room only to find her cousin already there. His arms were crossed over his chest and he tapped his foot impatiently. "Where have you been Serenity? We need to discuss our plans and at the moment we have five minutes to do so which isn't a lot of time just so you know", he said annoyed.
Serenity bit her lip before smiling sheepishly at her cousin. "Litarena diverted me and had me sit down for some fine dining which by the way her food is delicious let me tell you it was absolutely amazing…", Serenity said trailing off as she looked into her cousin's angry face as he seemed to be growing redder and redder with anger.
"Serenity for God's sake there is a reason as to why you are here and socializing is certainly not one of them", he exclaimed loosing all patience with her.
Serenity quickly looked to the floor realizing he was right. "This is no time for fun and games cousin."
"I understand. I am not a child", Serenity bit back wishing for him to just drop the subject so they could get onto business.
"Well you certainly are acting like one", he shot back venting his anger out on her.
Serenity just groaned and threw her hands up in the air in exasperation. "This isn't getting us anywhere", she muttered crossing her arms over her chest.
He took a deep breath before replying calmly, "You're right it isn't so let's discuss what needs to be discussed. Endymion certainly isn't budging about giving us both father and Jean and I think we'll just have to settle for his deal he ended with last night."
Serenity just shook her head and replied, "No way in hell besides a new bargaining piece has just so happened to fall into our laps."
This immediately grabbed Zachariah's attention and he asked, "Really? What is it?"
Before Serenity could reply Litarena stepped into the room and stated, "Time's up it is time you entered the negotiations once more."
Serenity nodded her head in understanding before turning to her cousin and through their eye connection she relied her message to him that he should just trust her. He just nodded his head before heading over to the golden doors and opening them allowing Serenity to enter first this time. She walked in with her head held high and the envelope in her hand that contained her piece that would end this nonsense. The proceedings went as the day before only this time it took only moments to do it before they all sat down to discuss terms. "Well here we are again so have you come to your senses and decided to go with my terms", Endymion asked rather cockily though something in his eyes betrayed his voice.
Serenity smiled then and cocked her head to the side before replying, "As a matter fact no we do not agree. In fact only this morning I received information that may be to your interest."
"Continue", said Endymion his face dark with anger for deep down he knew what was about to be put on the table.
"You see while I was captured in your territory I put myself under the law of Amery. I am certain you know the law and how I was supposed to be granted safe passage without harm until I had met with the Lord of the Vardy, your father. Well it just so happens that your lord of war, Marian was it?"
"Yes", he said with a low growl as he sat back in his chair fully aware about what it was she was explaining.
"Well Marian took the liberty of assaulting me with a poisoned knife while the law was still in effect. I am sure you know the price of this discrepancy and know that only I can release him of punishment", Serenity said finishing it off with a triumphant smile.
Endymion ran a hand through his hair before meeting her eyes again and asking, "What is your proposal?"
Immediately a grin developed on her features as she looked over to her cousin who looked surprised. "You release my uncle and my cousin and I shall return your cousin and withdraw my complaints against your lord of war", Serenity answered.
He sat awhile staring into her eyes assessing her worth of the deal before looking over to his cousin who nodded her head, giving him the go ahead to make the deal. "Very well", he said gruffly.
"Also I wish for a few nights to perhaps recuperate the prisoners. The doctors in our castle are fully capable of bringing Mirela back to full health and I would wish my cousin and uncle returned in the same condition", Serenity said catching everyone by surprise except for Amelia.
Endymion sat a little stunned before replying, "I would wish to see Mirela in full health but I am afraid I would not wish her in the care of your healers."
Serenity grimaced before turning her head to Amelia hoping for some back up. "Perhaps tonight and tomorrow night is enough time to at least get the prisoners worthy of travel. I think it a good idea Endymion after all we would not want Mirela returned to us only to loose her because she is not capable of travel. I am sure they also feel the same way of their own loved ones", Amelia said immediately taking her cue.
Endymion turned to her with a questioning look but she remained firm in her opinion. "I will attend to them myself Endymion I am after all a capable healer", Amelia said trying to make the situation seem a little more appeasing.
"If it helps I will attend your cousin as well", Zachariah butted in which caused both Amelia and Endymion to turn to him in surprise, even Serenity did as well.
"And who are you in the house hold staff but a pampered palace prince", Endymion asked with a sneer not liking the idea of someone touching his cousin who wasn't trusted.
Before Zachariah could retort Serenity placed her hand on his arm releasing a soothing energy that was similar to the comfort Serenity had bestowed upon Jean. "Zachariah is a capable physician in fact he is as capable as Amelia is", Serenity replied for him.
"Endymion please", Amelia said in a whisper, her voice begging for him to just add this to their terms.
Taking in a deep breath he nodded his head in agreement. "But only tonight and tomorrow night after that they are to be returned here and traded off."
Serenity turned to her cousin looking for approval which she found before turning back to Endymion and reaching her hand out to seal the deal. He took it and once again she felt the electric shock course through her and meeting his eyes she saw his reaction as well. Serenity pulled her hand back almost immediately after they had shaken hands ignoring the tingling sensations that raced up and down her spine. Both monarchs turned to the elders who now stood up. The highest ranking Elder nodded his head in approval. "You have agreed to these terms by handshake now you must agree by blood", his voice said echoing throughout the large ballroom. And with a wave of his hand wind swept away all the papers on the table between the two couples leaving behind only a blank one.
Slowly black ink seeped up from the paper forming words that made up their agreement. Serenity read over it and nodded her head in approval before looking up at Endymion who to had just finished reading the neatly written words. "Now sign by your blood", the eldest ordered. Serenity turned to Zachariah who handed her a blade. Quickly she slashed at her wrist so enough blood would allow for her to soak it onto the quill that lay beside the parchment. After dipping it in her life source she bent over and signed her name on the document before handing Endymion the blade who in turn repeated the process she had just gone through. "As witnesses Amelia and Zachariah you must sign your own names in blood beneath your monarchs."
Silence overtook the room as the representatives did as they were told. Once it was done the parchment rolled up and flew across the room into the elder's hand. "You are bound by your own blood to violate what you have agreed to will render you much pain and maybe even death should you go back on your word", he warned before taking his leave in a blink of an eye.
The other two elders stepped down and attended the two royals. "Serenity and Endymion it would be best if the two of you would stay here until your representatives have brought the hostages. Litarena and Nicholas have already offered and besides the two could use the company after all Endymion and Serenity you both are on good terms with them."
"I am afraid I cannot allow that. I have been charged with my cousin's safety and I will make sure nothing jeopardizes that", Zachariah said before either monarch could reply.
Serenity turned on her cousin annoyed at him for making the decision for her. "If you'll excuse us Sir", Serenity said with a quick curtsey before pulling her cousin out of ear shot.
"First of all Zachariah you have no right to make my decisions for me and second of all no harm can come to me so long as I am here", Serenity whispered harshly.
"Serenity even if it is written on that document I would still never entrust your safety to these people so long as a Vardy is near you", Zachariah replied.
"You're a fool Zachariah. It was written on that document 'WE' signed. No harm can come to anyone apart of this negotiation until all are safely back in their homes after the prisoners are exchanged."
Zachariah rolled his eyes before replying, "I still do not trust that man something about him just bothers me." Zachariah's eyes darted over to the man who was watching the two of them with his arms crossed and his foot tapping impatiently.
"What? Are you afraid of him", Serenity asked laughing as if it were a joke, until she noticed her cousin's look which revealed he was.
"You are", she asked in disbelief, though Zachariah was a shorter slimmer man he had never been known to be afraid of anyone even if they were twice his size.
Zachariah looked back over at the man that they spoke of before turning his gaze back on his shocked cousin. "It is not his size that scares me Serenity it is the overwhelming power that seems to radiate from him, it's too powerful for a vampire of his age."
Serenity raised an eyebrow for she had never once seen this "power" he radiated and turning to him she still saw none. His eyes turned on her then and she found she couldn't quite turn away. Something about him bothered her but it was not that she was frightened of him, no, she was fascinated. "Serenity", her cousin urged her taking her attention away from Endymion and back to her cousin.
"What", she asked shaking her head a little to clear her mind. Zachariah was studying her trying to figure out what it was that the two of them had just communicated for he had seen the transaction between them as had everyone else in the room. In fact the room seemed to radiate with electric currents, even the elders had shock written on their faces from what had just happened.
"What in the hell was that", he asked perturbed by the chills that had gone up his spine when the two monarch's gazes had met.
"What was what", Serenity asked her eyebrows scrunching up in confusion as to what her cousin was speaking about.
"That power that just came from you two", he asked loud enough for the whole room to hear.
Serenity looked back over to Endymion who looked just as confused as she for all were silent and awaiting their answer. "I have no idea what you are talking about Zachariah", Serenity replied honestly.
His eyes remained critical but his features softened a little. "I won't have you stay here for two nights while you are unattended", he said bringing up what they had originally pulled away from the group to discuss deciding it best to change the subject and bring it up later in privacy.
"I can handle myself fine thank you Zachariah. After all I escaped their castle which by the way no one has done before. Besides should he harm me he will feel my pain it was in the contract", Serenity replied taking up the offensive.
Zachariah was stunned there was really nothing he could use but one last excuse. "Your father ordered that you be chaperoned whilst you are here."
"Well then I will be. Litarena is a fair number of years older than me and is married and I shall keep three guards", Serenity shot back with a triumphant smile on her face.
"Can I ever win with you", Zachariah said exasperated and thoroughly annoyed. Groaning he finally nodded his head in approval his ego too bruised to voice the words.
"Thank you Zachariah", Serenity said with a smile before kissing him on the cheek and approaching the elders and the other two.
"I accept the invitation to stay here tonight and tomorrow night", Serenity said with a smile and curt nod at the elder who had been deep in thought before her interruption.
"Yes, yes so has Endymion. I must emphasize on the importance that you two not break the contract. I am sure you know of the meaning of oath by blood. Now I suggest that you two get some rest and you Amelia and you Zachariah be on your way so as to get your respective patients on the track to being healed", the elder said not caring that the other elder had already left most likely to bring news to the rest of the elders about what had happened.
Both Zachariah and Amelia nodded in agreement before turning to their respective family members. "You be careful now", Amelia said with a teasing tone before embracing her cousin.
"I shall if you shall", Endymion said in return before kissing her head.
"Behave yourself and stay away from him", Zachariah whispered to her nodding his head over to Endymion.
"I know after all I am not the same little girl who ran to you when ever she had a problem", Serenity replied with a roll of her eyes.
He nodded his head before pulling her into a tight embrace. "I love you cousin", he said after he kissed the top of her head.
"And I you. Now go", Serenity said with a wink after she had pulled away from him.
He smiled before he walked out of the room Amelia following him. Litarena appeared at her side almost immediately after the elders had disappeared. "Come the elder was right you both need some rest before we dine at near sunrise", she said before either her or Endymion could say something to one another.
They both complied with her and walked down the hall way to their guest rooms. To their surprise she left them before either entered their rooms with an excuse that she was needed once again. Neither went in to their rooms they just stared at their doors a little in shock about what had just occurred. "I knew you know", Endymion said deciding it best to break the silence.
"Knew about what", she asked with an arched eyebrow as she turned to face him only to find that he was looking at her with a strange look in his eye.
"About your last bargaining piece before you ever put it on the table. I received a letter from the elders this evening", he replied his voice monotone.
She nodded her head for she could say nothing else. The situation was awkward and somehow something between them had changed. "I am sorry though", he said looking over at her.
She looked up at him then for she had taken to looking at her hands as she nervously fidgeted "About what", she asked meekly.
"Marian stabbing you", he answered before turning away and opening the door before he stepped into his room.
Serenity remained where she was shocked long after he had shut the door behind him. After awhile she too stepped into the comforts of her room and sat on her bed trying to relax herself but finding she couldn't so long as he was in her thoughts and no matter how hard she tried she could not rid them of him.
That's chapter guys. So what did you think? Leave me a review I always read them and I actually have every review ever written saved in my email so…what you say does matter people. – Silent Figure.