9. the court of wolves
Sheila poured her sands on the glass table sifting it through her fingers. Today it was she and Caroline alone in her chambers. The latter was making a healing salve to use in one of the healing houses later in the day. With the betrothal and coming wedding, Bonnie had less time to visit the healing houses. Her presence had become somewhat welcome to the people in the capital city of Fell. Caroline, Lucy, and the rest of the clan members were making up for her absence in the meantime. The exposure was a positive thing for the witches who were no longer cloaked in the mystery and secrecy their first arrival provided. It was not an easy thing to achieve. Not all the people welcomed them with open arms. Some still feared what they could not comprehend but many more were filled with curiosity rather than apprehension. It helped that those treated at the healing houses by the witches said nothing but good things and the word was spreading according to the reports compiled by Lord Donovan.
They needed all the goodwill they could get in Mystia.
The matriarch scattered the sand beneath her fingers hoping to clear her sight. Caroline looked up from the mandrake she crushed with her pestle. "What do you see Grams?"
"Not seeing anything yet," Sheila muttered. Divination was a tricky skill for witches. Unlike seers who got much clearer and precise lines of prophecy despite still being vague at times, witches couldn't do the same without the use of certain conduits like the sands or tea leaves. That earned them as much as a single image at most. Some witches could dream. They were rare though. Bonnie was one of those rare ones. Even then her dreams were far and few between most times giving unclear images it took time to decipher.
"If it's about the wedding I'm certain it will go well." Caroline smiled pouring some sunflower seeds into the mixture.
"Your optimism lights us all my dearest."
She shrugged. "It is all I can do. We finally have so much good happening and I don't want it to end."
Sheila placed a hand on hers in comfort. "It won't. The goddess has brought us to a new age through your sister and we will see it to the end."
It amazed the Bennett matriarch how her granddaughters took to certain roles so seamlessly. It was obvious they were not sisters although their mothers were. A bond forged from the shared pain of losing their mothers and a closeness borne from a life of hard travel with no one to trust but themselves and their clan.
Lucy took the role of an elder sister being the oldest of them. Authoritative and opinionated, she steered Caroline and Bonnie to do what she thought was the best right from when they were young. As children it was amusing to see her make them play whatever games she wanted, directing them like a small tyrant and screeching whenever she wasn't listened to. Nowadays it was less screeching and more glaring but her protectiveness never diminished. She wouldn't hesitate to take a blow towards any bigot they crossed paths with. Many times, the men they danced for made the mistake of putting their hands where they were not permitted to and felt her wrath. Her magic might not be as potent as Bonnie's but her kicks and punches landed hard enough.
Bonnie was the adventurous baby of the family. Running wild and without limit, getting into all sorts of trouble which she giggled her way out of. She was the one who would suggest they put frogs in Caspian Trevor's bag when he wouldn't share his berries with them. The discovery of her mark at an early age made her shenanigans all the more convoluted because she was more powerful than most of the clan. it was hard to chase an energetic seven-year-old when she had the power to make herself invisible. It didn't help that she was equally as cunning. Her mind worked like a well-oiled gear, shifting and bending to make difficult moves to benefit them even if it was clear to no one but herself for the moment. No doubt the wolf king would reap the benefits of that. Her escapades were never malicious though and she was the first one to share her bread with Caspian after the frog stunt. Bonnie was kind-hearted to a fault.
Caroline was the middle child. It is said that middle children never stand out or do anything of note but Caroline shone brighter than the sun. Cheer never seemed to leave her face no matter what they encountered. Whenever her sisters were down, she was the one to bring them back up. Whenever a leery or noble asked for more than a dance or a cheating merchant underpriced their wares leaving them despondent, she was there to yank them right back with words of encouragement that worked. Taking that emotional labor was not easy and many times Sheila had to pull her aside to find out her state of mind and remind her that making everyone happy was not her sole duty. She understood that. Caroline was more perceptive than people gave her credit for. Lucy was the domineering one who could order people about with ease and Bonnie was the calculating one who made moves to strike but Caroline knew how to observe. Her sunny demeanor made many lower their guards and let their tongues get careless. And she took advantage of it to the fullest.
Emily left early on. Her marriage with the seers was brokered by the time she was fifteen years old. Not an ideal agreement but there was no wedding until well over ten years later. She was the oldest and shared a mother with Lucy. The two were not alike though for she was a calm river to Lucy's fiery disposition. Her relationship with her sisters suffered thanks to the distance. Visits every winter were not enough to maintain a close relationship. It was one of the things Sheila regretted most even if it guaranteed her safety. It was a risky move but seers were peaceful and opted to stay out of the politics of the empire. They were the most neutral even when compared to witches. Their purpose was to predict the future and reveal its outcome whether favorable or not.
And Ameila, well, that was a painful topic none of them liked to linger on.
"How is your working going my dear?" Sheila asked. She abandoned the sands for now. Her eyes were blind to them it seemed. It was known to happen.
Caroline dropped the pestle, her face brightening like a lit candle. "Wonderful Grams. It's so fulfilling seeing the smiles on the people's faces. Some of them are still scared of us thinking we hex men to become our slaves or curse people we don't like but I believe they're coming to respect us. I spoke to a tentmaker the other day who said she had a witch ancestor in her line. It was so interesting! Lord Salvatore promised to accompany me the next time to visit. He thinks it's good for nobles to mix with the people, relieve some of the tension between high and low born."
"Hmmm, that's the main reason he's visiting?" She did not need to imply anything further.
"I'm aware he is amendable to me." was all her granddaughter said.
Sheila threw her head back in laughter. "Well is the feeling mutual? Do you want to simply bed him or shall I sign another marriage contract?"
Bedroom matters were not something shied away from amongst witches. Their very nature was seductive and alluring so they knew early in life the effect they had on men and women. To pretend would be a waste of time. Early enough, they were taught the advantages which were gained using their beauty. It was a risky thing in a world where many viewed them as nothing but rare trophies but at the same time, no one was more foolish than a man thinking with his third leg.
Caroline chewed her bottom lip. She reached for a small vial of ground cinnamon and sprinkled it into the mixture. "I cannot say for now. He is an interesting man whose company I find... tasteful. Can that be enough for now?"
"Of course, my dearest. I must implore you to be careful. The goddess might approve of this marriage with your sister but these men are still wolves. Subdued for now but aching to sink their teeth into our flesh if the opportunity were to present itself," Sheila cautioned. No matter how comfortable things were in the moment, no witch could ever truly drop their guard.
Her granddaughter nodded and continued mixing away.
Her feelings for Stefan Salvatore were still light and curious for the time being. There was no need to worry herself with questions about the future or the heavy implications it would bring. She wanted marriage but that was far off. For now, security would do.
"Where is Lucy?"
Caroline grinned. "She said something about heading to the training grounds. Didn't explain why though."
Sheila huffed. "I have a feeling I know what she's getting up to."
Then, a figure began to take shape in the discarded sand. An unrecognizable man with grey-blue eyes and brown hair. A powerful man. A witch? No something else. Something...wrong. The figure disappeared within seconds. It took a moment for the Bennett matriarch to decipher if she truly saw it. Who could this man be?
"Grams? Did you see something?" Caroline looked concerned.
"No, darling. I saw nothing."
Jeremy was surprised when the soon-to-be Queen summoned him to her chambers early that morning. He'd spent a few days away from his family house in the city after John nearly gave him a black eye for his stunt during the feast. He wondered if his father's anger was that he potentially put their family in danger with his stunt or that he succeeded in gaining the attention of the witch princess. Both seemed possible. The man had no imagination to discern his son's true motives and chalked it up as an act meant to soil his good name.
Nevertheless, he thought it best to make himself scarce for a few days. Kol generously offered an apartment in the palace after seeing his black eye but surprise, it remained untouched till now. It was the previous night before they retired that Bonnie sent a servant to pass him a note instructing his presence at the gardens at noon.
He blinked blearily, head resting on Kol's bare chest. The prince was asleep snoring away without a care. Jeremy couldn't remember the last time he got to see him like this. A year ago, perhaps. Even then sneaking around made it difficult to enjoy such frivolities. Kol looked peaceful in his sleep. He was a young man but without the incessant smirking or constant theatrics, he looked even younger. Jeremy was tempted to trace his smooth skin but refrained from doing so. For now, he was content to just observe. To absorb the vision he thought was lost to him forever.
"Keep staring darling and you'll inflate my ego," Kol murmured with his eyes still closed.
"I'm not," Jeremy denied. "And if your ego were any bigger we would all be crushed under the weight of it."
Kol opened his eyes, lips drawing into a lazy smile that lightened his attractive features. "Never said that I minded. It's a treat to have you in my bed for more than a few hours at a time."
"Enjoy it while it lasts," he warned. "I can't spoil you too much."
The prince caressed the nape of his neck. "Let me savor all the moments I can get then." Jeremy's face went red as Kol pressed his lips against his collarbone. The flesh beneath his lips flushed red and burned with each peck. He was tempting. He'd always been. It was not enough for the gods to make him a prince of a prosperous nation and grant him every advantage under the sun. He had to be devilishly handsome and skilled with his body too. If he felt anything for women, Kol would have a hundred bastards running about. Mercy on them all. Jeremy arched his back giving in without much protest. He wanted to but what would be the point? He was putty in his hands, ever since the day their eyes first met all those years ago.
Kol dragged his fingers over Jeremy's bare thigh. "Last night was something I'd been dreaming about for a long time."
"And here I was thinking all those good-looking men would make you forget me." Jeremy's tone was teasing but tinged with underlying insecurity.
"They were all nothing but stand-ins for you," Kol sounded serious. He looked the Gilbert boy directly in the eye hoping his point got across. "You're the loveliest boy and I want no one else now that I have you again."
Jeremy laughed airily and opted to look at the curtain behind Kol instead. "No need for flattery. I'm already in your bed am I not?"
"We both know this is more than that," Kol whispered against his lips, biting the bottom without breaking the skin. Jeremy moaned unable to help it. His hands moved of their own accord to his lover's head pushing him down and kissing him hard. They remained in bed for another hour until Kol reluctantly released him for his meeting with the witch princess.
Jeremy dressed in dark green, the colors of House Gilbert. The silver pin he wore held the image of an eagle, the official emblem. It was commissioned for him when he turned thirteen and he'd worn it every day since. Despite his problems with his father Jeremy was proud to be a Gilbert. It was up to him to restore his family's honor albeit with more palatable methods. Depending on who you asked.
The guards escorted him to the garden where Bonnie was seated inside the large gazebo with her handmaiden beside her. A tray of delectable food was laid before the. It was a good thing he opted for a light breakfast. She was wearing a flattering gown of red and gold. This one was less of Mystian style and more suited to her original nomad attire. The skirt was long and reached her ankles but her top had a drooping V neckline. It was also strapless and left her midriff bare. The jewels adorned were a silver armlet and the late Queen's necklace. A bold choice. She was mixing Mystian standards with that of her own and wearing House Mikealson colors. His gift, Selene the snake, was folded on her lap.
She smiled brightly at his presence. "Lord Gilbert. Thank you for accepting my invitation."
"The honor is mine, my lady." He bent to kiss both of her cheeks and she returned the gesture.
"It's not like you had a choice anyway," she teased.
He laughed sitting down. "That is correct. I am certain that my lady will not use those powers incorrectly."
"That's a bold assumption you're making about me," Bonnie said pointedly.
He glanced at the snake. It was still. "That is correct. However, until we know each other more, assumptions are all we can work with. Dangerous though."
"Very dangerous." she stroked its head with her forefinger. "But you've made plenty of assumptions about me and I've made some about you. We should get to the bottom of them if we're going to work together."
"I agree."
"Good." Bonnie reached for a grape and bit into it. "Did you assume that I could be manipulated, Lord Gilbert? That was the reason you made such a spectacle with your gift is it not? Clever but I wasn't born yesterday."
He would need to take the route of bluntness today then.
"Jeremy, please. No, I did not. But I did believe you would be amendable to an ally," he answered truthfully.
She chewed. "Oh?"
"Permit me to speak freely but you are in a strange land. You're no doubt powerful and intelligent. You've secured the affections of the king in a commendably short amount of time. The people are on their way to loving you. But you still have a long way to go," Jeremy explained.
Bonnie betrayed no emotion. Selene slithered around her fist. "Explain it to me then."
"The people are superstitious and frightened but their favor is not hard to curry. The noble class is so far removed from them that a Queen they perceive as one of their own would be welcome. Witch or not. The nobles, however, are haughty and proud. They're not won over with their hearts but their interests. Coin and power are all that interest them." The maid poured him some wine which he accepted. He took a sip savoring the sweet and sour taste. "They have pockets of influence which guide the crown despite the king's sovereign power. They sit on the council and their taxes keep the Treasury full. I hate the majority of them and I assure you that you will too. But the bitter truth is that you need them on your side. Some at least. It will not be an easy feat but with someone who understands them at your side, the task will be easier. I can be that person."
"I'd be disappointed if you were offering this from the goodness of your heart," Bonnie said dryly.
Jeremy chuckled reached for a sticky pastry. "I have ambitions of my own. House Gilbert made a folly during the reign of King Mikael. My father did to be precise. When King Niklaus took the throne we were… punished for our misdeeds. Our ancestral land in Midlands was taken away and put under the ownership of the Crown along with Fireweed, the sword of my ancestor Jeremy Gilbert I. My father kept his role on the council but that is ceremonial, to be honest. We know the king doesn't give a shit about anything he has to say." Bonnie listened intently. She knew that Klaus didn't like John Gilbert for his support of King Mikael and his refusal to send his bannermen in support during the Battle of Brethour. But she didn't know the extent of his punishment. No wonder the man wanted Klaus to marry his daughter do badly.
"My father is irrelevant. With any excuse of old age and incompetence, he can be persuaded to step down by the authority of the King or Queen. Not a regent." He licked the sugary icing from his fingers.
Bonnie smiled faintly. "And would you expect me to grant you back your lands and sword the moment I'm inaugurated?"
"Of course not. It is fair that I earn them back." A difficult thing but he had no choice. Yes, it would be amazing if they could be given back but his father already acted without honor. He had to do the opposite.
She gazed at him with respect. "Of course."
"My assumption about you, my lady, was that you are a beautiful dragon walking through a court of wolves. Dragons are powerful, yes, but wolves have strong jaws and sharp teeth. No need to allow them to steal a bite or two if you can avoid it. Let me help you and in turn, you can reward me in whatever manner you see fit." Jeremy poured sincerity into his words.
She ruminated on his words. On her lap, Selene hissed sensing prey in the form of insects amongst the flowers. It wasn't her mealtime though. He was telling the truth as far as she could discern. Jeremy had meant to manipulate her in the beginning but realized she couldn't be so he changed tactics. Understandable. Bonnie would have done the same thing. They both saw his father as an adversary to remove. Klaus could get rid of his thorn and still have a house loyal to him once Jeremy took over. A win-win.
As of now her groom and his family were the only people she knew without a doubt were indubitably on her side. Jeremy was correct. She needed allies. The people might grow to love her but they weren't who she would spend the majority of her time with in the palace.
"Your father has families who favor him. Will those same families be amendable to you?" she crossed her leg.
Jeremy rubbed his chin. "Lord Saltzmann is although it is out of obligation than any personal fondness for my father. He is married to my aunt from my mother's side, Jenna Saltzmann. He is fond of me and Elena so I'm certain he will continue to support our house."
"And the rest?" Bonnie pressed.
"Lord Lockwood is not fond of your husband. He too supported Mikael but lost it all when he was removed as master of coin. His son though is head of the royal guard, Tyler Lockwood. He's apolitical but loyal. Get the son on your side and you will have a route with his father. The man has many faults but he loves his child. Tyler and I were friends as children." he added that knowing it would sweeten the pot.
"Houses Marshall, Sienna, and Martin but they feel more slighted and might be persuaded if their interests are met. They were neutral during the Battle of Brethour. Houses Griffin and Al-Rashid sent their bannermen and were rewarded for it. Devereaux and Young are conservative but have daughters who seemed to like you already." she recalled meeting Monique Deveraux and April Young during the feasts. Both girls were young but she liked them well enough. "Those are the families at court. I assume that after the wedding once everything is settled you'd like to take a tour of the entire kingdom yes? It would be beneficial to meet the other houses in their territories."
Bonnie hadn't thought of that but he made a good point. She turned to her servant Talissa and waved her away then faced Jeremy again. "Why are you doing all of this? You're already heir and despite how your father might feel about you he has no other male sons to pass down to. Without worthy cause, your birthright is assured. All you have to do is wait for it, so what's the haste?"
Jeremy's eyes bored into her. "The haste is that he has worthy cause to strip me of my birthright."
"Because of Kol?" she was perceptive, he had to give her that.
He swallowed. "Yes. Despite the declaration by the king, not everyone agrees. My father's justification is that my leanings will cost House Gilbert an heir. Adoption is a tricky thing when it comes to nobles. Bastards are preferable."
She nodded in understanding. "I see. Thank you for being honest with me, Jeremy. You are correct; we can help one another. You are cunning and exploitative but that is an advantage rather than a weakness."
"Thank you, my lady."
"Bonnie, please." the corners of her mouth twitched. "But do take heed: if you in any way betray me, my family, or the king, I will remove your tongue and ensure the entirety of House Gilbert feels my wrath. Understood?"
"I do, Bonnie."
"Good then." She stretched out her hand and he accepted in a firm handshake. Thus, their alliance was born. The wheels were spinning in motion.
Bonnie cleared her throat reaching for a goblet of wine. "Now, we shall wait for the other guests to arrive."
He glanced around. "Other guests?"
She chuckled. "You didn't think all this food was for just us did you?"
Jeremy shrugged. "I didn't want to assume but it's been known to happen. I've eaten about twenty sticky buns at once in the past and I was prepared to do so again." Bonnie threw her head back in laughter and he grinned at the sight. They would still need to watch each other. People like them didn't throw caution so easily. But it was possible that if friendship were to bloom, it might not be the worst thing in the world.
He spread his palms out. "Who are these other guests?"
Bonnie smirked over her goblet. "Ladies Greta Martin, Hayley Marshall, April Young, Genevieve, and Monique Deveraux and Aya Al-Rashid. Before they arrive, I do wonder what you could tell me about them. Anything to even the tide in my favor."
Jeremy grinned slowly. "Well, if you must know, my father wasn't the only one pushing his daughter towards your husband..."
I'm back! Sorry for the long wait guys, I was just getting my groove back. Can I just say that I love devious Jeremy and Bonnie working together? They fit better here than dating. Please comment and tell me what you think.
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