Chapter 21: Blood and Power
"My Lord Daylen, welcome to House Poole."
Daylen Amell blushed, only Angelique could melt him with a simple greeting. Her summons to the Poole Estate this afternoon surprised him. Normally he did not like the idea of the heir of House Amell being summoned like a common servant.
The fact that it was Angelique who had sent for him changed all that.
Even the mightiest of lords should bow to the most beautiful of women.
He had left without a single word to anyone, merely desiring to be back in her presence.
He had been let in by a manservant who led him straight to her room, his heart raced as he climbed the stairs.
Angelique had been primping when he had arrived; she wore only a silk bathrobe, her elven servant, a girl with short red hair in braids, tended to her as they met in her private chambers.
Daylen grinned nervously.
This was the first time he had ever been alone in girl's chambers alone, it was made even more awkward by her state of undress. The elf did not count of course, as a servant she seemed to know her place.
Daylen nervously rubbed his neck; he was trying not to stare too hard at Angelique. He tried to will his heart to slow, his body not to respond so…so intensely to her presence.
He was having little luck.
The situation seemed to amuse his beautiful host.
"Thank you for coming so quickly Milord," she said.
"I nearly didn't," he replied.
She shot him a surprised glance.
"You would have rejected my invitation, the hurt in her voice sounded genuine. It made the young noble feel very self-conscious.
He…he needed to make her understand, he did not mean his reluctance as an insult, quite the opposite in fact.
"I…I do not think your Father would...approve…of me… of us, being alone together I mean. Not to mention Saemus, few would like to see another man around their fiancé."
Angelique smiled, his reasoning pleased her.
"Father is out of the city today," she informed him, "and as for my beloved Saemus," she said the words with complete and utter disdain, "He is out wandering the outskirts of the city, lamenting our coming marriage."
Daylen clinched his fists in impotent rage.
Angelique was too good for a fool like Saemus, far too good…
She deserved to be on the arm of someone who appreciated her beauty, and could give her the fine things that she deserved, the sons that she deserved.
The thought of giving Angelique sons made his blush darken even more.
Angelique applied her make-up while the elf brushed her hair. She smiled at her reflection, her beauty pleased her.
"We must speak My Lord," she said thoughtfully, "about the future."
Daylen crossed his arms.
"Is this to be about business or pleasure, or are you simply trying to seduce me?"
IOI
She laughed, enjoying his bravado, most boys simply became drooling idiots around her, or were indifferent to her charms, and those were the boys that preferred the company of other boys.
That was a far too common sight among the Orlesian nobility, and yet another reason she preferred to return home to Kirkwall.
It pleased her that Daylen was neither of those things, he was intrigued, and a little shy, but not so much that he was speechless, that was good.
Intelligent, ambitious, and ruthless when he wanted to be, Angelique felt her body warm.
These were the traits that she found the most attractive. Daylen was not one of these pampered Mother's boys, he knew what he wanted, and was brave enough to take it.
He had proved that yesterday. She just wished she could have seen the look on the Viscountess's face, it would have been priceless.
It was in that moment that Angelique made her decision.
She and Daylen would be husband and wife one day.
She would see that fool Saemus on the pyre before she saw him in their marriage bed.
She would be Daylen's and no one else's.
Daylen would make a fine husband, their children would be the rulers of the next generation, and they would squeeze Kirkwall like a vice.
They would forge an Amell dynasty that would rule with fear and power.
She would be the greatest woman in her family's history, the Poole that made them nobility.
Her name would be spoken in reverence for generations.
She smiled at her lord, her future husband.
Now all that mattered was making him hers.
It would not be a difficult challenge.
IOI
Daylen paused, waiting for what she had to say.
She gave him her laziest sexiest smile.
"It is about power," she cooed, "And the day that you finally rise and replace your sister on the throne."
Daylen laughed lightly.
"So this is about seduction," he grinned.
Angelique smirked at him.
"Do you find power seductive my dear lord?"
His blush darkened.
"I…I…find… find you seductive," he stammered trying to control the hammering of his heart, "Power…that is my birthright, I am the son of the lion, his true heir. I proved that yesterday."
Angelique nodded, yes, she had heard of Daylen's grand victory in the Viscount's Keep. The nobles had all fallen into line behind him, fearing what a war might allow the Qunari to do.
The girl smiled seductively.
Daylen looked at the elf-girl.
"Perhaps this is a discussion best held in private. Your el…your handmaiden can go find herself a meal or something."
The elf laughed, as did Angelique.
"Oh you need not worry about Neria my dear Daylen," she purred, "Neria had been my dearest friend and closest confidant since I was a girl. We share everything, no secrets between us."
Neria smiled.
She stroked the elven girl's cheek.
Angelique's eyes turned sad.
"Father found her in Ferelden, years ago, a girl of eight at time, eating garbage and surviving on the streets of Denerim. He brought her home and we became close over the years…have we not my pretty thing?"
Neria smiled.
"Mistress Poole has been very kind to me," the elf murmured, "She even took me with her when she was fostered in Orlais. I learned many things."
"Such as?" Daylen asked.
Both girls smiled.
"The man we were sent to live with was very wealthy, an old ally of my father's. He married well a very well connected woman, a much younger woman."
Angelique smirked.
"He died a few months after we arrived the poor dear," she said, "After that the lady, now a very wealthy widow, took us under her wing."
Daylen almost laughed, he was sure that the lord died of natural causes; such deaths were common enough, as common as the ambition of the widows the lords left behind.
He would have to be very careful if he and Angelique were ever married.
"She taught us the game, our beloved mistress" Neria said hungrily, "How to enchant with word and song, how to seduce with a glance."
"And deal with those who stand in our way," Angelique added.
"Of course Lady Poole," Neria said with a slight bow.
Daylen's intrigue with the two girls grew stronger.
Such beauty, and such danger, what a wonderful combination, was their nothing that they could not accomplish?
He did not think so.
"I'm guessing you learned your lessons well," he replied.
"Well enough," Angelique shrugged, "Now…I desire to bring the game to Kirkwall. It is too boring here. I can teach you how to play as well My Lord Daylen. It will…make your rise to power not only quicker but far more amusing."
He considered Angelique's offer.
"People die in the great game don't they?"
"Yes," Angelique agreed.
"Most would not want to play a game with such high stakes."
"It depends on your definition of fun," the elf responded.
Daylen Amell chuckled.
Kirkwall would certainly not be boring with Angelique and her handmaiden in the city.
"Your victory over your sister was impressive Milord," Angelique said, "But now…now is not the time to gloat. You must rebuild the bridges you burnt between the two of you. Your sister must see you as her true ally, her brave little brother, who did what he did only because it was right for Kirkwall."
"That was my reason," he replied.
Neria laughed.
"And the fact that the nobles now see you as a possible rival for the throne was just a happy coincidence?" the elf asked.
"I do not apologize for seeking my birthright," he said coldly, "Kirkwall had to be protected from Solona and her chantry lover pushing us into a war. I will not see my city lost to the Qunari before I can claim it."
"Of course not Milord," Angelique said trying to sooth him, "Never the less, you need your sister's love and support right now, you are still two years away from becoming of age."
"Patience is needed," Neria added, "Take your time planning your ascension that is where the true fun lies, planning the plan."
Daylen could see their point, but at the same time…
No…no they were right.
Breakfast this morning had been very tense; He had joined Mother, Lady Leandra, Cousin Bethany, and Solona hoping to gage their reaction to his success.
Solona had been icy towards him, Bethany and Leandra had looked understandably uncomfortable. Mother had tried to get him to talk to his sister, to apologize.
He had refused at the time perhaps that had been a mistake?
"The Viscountess would be well within her rights to have you sent away," Angelique warned him, "to have you squired far away from Kirkwall, fostered far from her sight."
"That cannot be allowed," Neria chimed in, "You are needed here."
"In that we agree," Daylen said, "I will not leave Kirkwall alone."
"And there is another consideration," Angelique said.
Daylen gave her a 'please continue' look.
"Where is Lord Vael in this," Angelique asked.
"He is alone," Daylen said, "the nobles will not support him, not given his history."
"But where is he, My Lord?" Angelique asked.
"He spent the night with my sister," Daylen said, "The servants saw him enter her quarters.
The two girls regarded each other sadly.
"What ?" Daylen asked, "He felt like he had made some grave error.
"What is wrong?" he demanded.
It was Neria that replied.
"Tell me Milord," she said, "What is your sister's greatest weapon against you?"
Daylen tried to think, he did not like such questions, and they stank of treachery."
"She is well loved by our people, and that can be a weapon of sorts?"
"But not her greatest," Angelique said, "No, the greatest threat to your rise to power comes from a very surprising place."
Daylen's eyes narrowed.
"I will not allow such a thing to exist for long," he warned.
"This enemy is more subtle than most," Neria, said, "And hidden right in plain sight."
He glared at the two; he had grown tired of their riddles.
Angelique's lips curled in amusement.
"The greatest threat to your reign," she began, "Is between your sister's legs."
Angelique!" he spat, his blush darkened even more.
This was not a conversation he wanted to have.
Never the less, Neria pushed forward.
"Is the Viscountess's lover preparing to return to Starkhaven," she asked.
"I don't know," Daylen confessed, "She was not being very forth coming about his plans this morning."
Angelique's smiled widened.
"Another reason to get back into the Viscountess's good graces," Neria said, "You need to find out what is going on."
Daylen nodded, that made sense.
"It would be better for us if he did return to Starkhaven," Angelique said, "And even died there. You do not need him here in Kirkwall, filling your sister's ears with tales of love, and requests for aid."
"And you really do not need him in your sister's bed," Neria added, "Filling your sister's belly with heirs. That would make your claim to the throne quite…tenuous."
Daylen's face fell, he…he had not considered that.
He had always seen his sister as a regent of his lands, the thought that she might have children of her own, never even occurred to him.
If she had children…they would be a threat to him, a threat to all of Kirkwall, and the dynasty he intended to build.
Daylen's face turned grim.
Perhaps it was better Sebastian left for Starkhaven?
"I will offer my sister's lover any help he needs," Daylen promised, "I'll even see if my cousin Garrett will help him, together they can hunt down the Flint Company mercs, it will take time, and Sebastian will be too busy to return to my sister."
"A wise course of action Milord," Neria said.
Daylen nodded, yes…it would be.
Solona would have to be childless; it was the best way to ensure his rise.
She would never know what it was like to be a mother.
There were ways to do that.
Angelique smiled rising from her dressing table, she gave Daylen a hungry smile.
"One day, you will be Viscount, and you will be in a position to reward your loyal followers."
He smirked at her.
"And what would you ask in return my lady?"
Angelique giggled.
She removed her robe.
Daylen coughed and looked away.
Angelique naked was most men's dream.
"Do not look away my Daylen," she cooed, "Look at what will be yours when you come of age."
He looked at her, he smiled wickedly.
To be with her, to possess such a woman, it was his dreams come true.
She sauntered lazily over to the bed.
Neria smirked, enjoying their exchange.
Angelique smiled hungrily.
Daylen tried to come to her.
The elf stopped him.
Angelique laughed.
"Consider what you see here a taste of things to come," she cooed, "For now…I still belong to Saemus, we will have to deal with that soon. Then we shall begin to deal with your sister."
Daylen grinned, it was good not to be alone anymore in his ambition, and Angelique understood him better than anyone ever had.
He wanted her, he needed her.
Still…they had to be cautious.
"Mind what you say," he whispered, "My sister has eyes and ears everywhere, and this conversation could be misinterpreted as conspiracy."
Angelique laughed, wrapping a sheet around her naked form.
"Conspiracy is the spice of life Milord," she purred, "Life is boring without it, and besides, you should not think of this as a conspiracy, merely prudent planning. We are simply getting ready for your coronation."
Angelique's grin widened.
"Can you think of any wiser course of action?"
Daylen shook his head.
He truly could not.
Back away.
He was shocked by the thought, his conscience trying to come into play.
Back away now, Solona is your sister, you cannot do this, and it would break Mother's heart on top of it. Stop this now!
He heard the warning of his heart, but knew that it did not matter.
He was destined to be Viscount, it was his destiny.
He would not back away now.
He thought about Solona, Mother and Garrett, if he did this, if he allied with Angelique and her handmaiden, there was no turning back.
But…he realized that he did not want to turn back, he wanted to be Viscount, to carve his name into the very stone of Kirkwall.
Greatness required sacrifice, Father had taught him that.
When the time came, Daylen Amell's sacrifice would be his own sister.
It was an old tale, as old as ambition, one sibling betraying another.
That did not concern him, history was written by the strong, by the victors.
The history he wrote would not include this.
No one needed to know how their beloved ruler gained power, it was not necessary.
All that mattered was that he had power, and that was all.
The young nobleman smiled.
He could think of no more worthy a candidate.
His beloved sister…she would change everything…
And he would be there, to take her place.
The lion.
The savior.
Daylen Amell smiled.
He could hardly wait!