Author's note: Well, finally my muse got inspired to write this chapter. Turned out to be a very long chapter, and quite different from what had been planned. But that's a normal thing for me it seems. Now, updates will be coming slowly for this, because I lost all my research and timeline work for it when my computer messed up the floppy that I had saved that stuff to. But I'm doing it all over again, and hopefully can get chapter thirteen done soon. Now, this chapter does have another love scene, just to warn you, but not every chapter will. Please review and hope ya'll enjoy!!
Disclaimer: Ok, I own basically nothing. Except for the characters not mentioned in Underworld the movie, script, book, comics, or any press release stuff, etc. Please don't sue me. Savvy?
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PART THREE: HOVERING THREATS
YEAR SPAN: 1304 THROUGH 1323
CHAPTER TWELVE: WHEN EVENING FALLS
MOON PHASE - WAXING CRESCENT
Sonja sighed contentedly as she lay her head on Lucian's chest, listening to him as he told her legends his parents had told him. She closed her eyes, able to forget about the slight pain in her abdomen. Listening to her lover as he painted pictures with his words, she traced random patterns over his chest and torso.
Lucian had been wonderful during her bleeding period, always caring for her, making certain she was comfortable as she could be. He had refrained from acting on any impulses the scent of the blood might have given him, as he would do nothing but hold her and tell her stories as he was doing now. It had been hard, for they both had felt arousal and hunger by the scent of her blood. But Lucian had controlled himself, and she had kept herself restrained as well, making certain she feed often.
But he did stay away on nights of the gibbous moon, fearful that his wolfen nature would take control, and he was afraid he would hurt her during those nights. She had reluctantly agreed, and had spent those night, the nights of the full moon, and the nights of the new moon among her people, giving them no cause for suspicion.
She had never really been social anyway, and so the other vampires paid little mind of her rare appearances.
"Lucian," she whispered, "tell me the one of the moon and the sun, please?" she asked him. She smiled as he kissed her forehead, nodding.
"Of course, Beloved," he replied and began her favorite of his tales. "In the old days, when the world was young and fresh and peaceful, when the gods merely darkened the sky at night to let the mortals sleep, there were two young lovers. Their names have been long forgotten in the mists of time, but they were deeply in love, it consumed them it seemed."
Sonja smiled against Lucian's skin. He knew the feeling, she knew all to well.
"But the girl was promised to another," Lucian went on, "and though she did not want to, she was forced to marry her betrothed when she was of age. Her lover, full of despair and jealously, crept into the bedroom of his beloved and her husband. Crying out her name, he killed her, then himself, dying in her arms as she kissed him in forgiveness even as her husband yelled for help."
Lucian paused meeting Sonja's eyes briefly as she looked up. They both knew why he so often told this story. They both knew, but they never spoke it.
"The gods raised up the lovers' spirits. His soul became the sun, while hers became the moon. Eternally seeking each other, this existence the closest they can ever be."
Sonja closed her eyes, clutching Lucian tighter. She nuzzled him as his grip around her tightened as well. She felt so safe, so warm in his embrace. She pushed away all thoughts of others and of laws, refusing to think on them yet again.
They both knew they could very well end up like the lovers of his tale. But they knew that it was worth it.
"Lucian," she spoke, opening her eyes but not looking up at him. "Promise me something."
"Anything," came his earnest reply.
"Should I ever be forced to marry, kill me, as the male lover in the myth did," she stated softly, finally looking back up at him.
"Sonja," he breathed, his eyes pleading with her not to ask that of him. When he saw she would not relent, he nodded. "I promise. Should you ever marry, I will pierce your heart inside my breast, then my heart beneath yours." He kissed her gently, slowly. "Now rest, my love. Do not think on such things any more. You have my word, we will not worry upon this until the need arises."
Sonja nodded. She closed her eyes again, returning to her content state on top of him.
***
Lucian sighed as he held Sonja in his arms. Sunrise was near and he needed to leave. But she felt so right in his arms. As if she were a part of him. Yet he could not take her with him. He slowly began to disentangle their limbs, smiling softly at her whimper of protest.
"Cursed sun," Sonja muttered. Sat up as he began to dress, her gaze heated. "I will be ready tonight," she whispered.
Lucian nodded, kissing her quickly before putting on his boots. "I know," he replied. "But if you are sore," he began to say but he stopped when he felt her come up form behind, her arms wrapping around him as she laid her head on his back.
"When will you learn to simply trust me when it comes to my body?" she asked him teasingly. "I am fine, Lucian. The only thing my body needs now, is you. Just as my soul needs you." She came around to face him, her fingers stroking his cheek. Reluctance in her eyes, she motioned towards the door with her head. "Through the door, I fear there may be Death Dealers down in the hallways near the balcony. It is empty outside my room."
Lucian nodded, never looking away from her. "I love you," he whispered, kissing her fiercely. "I will see you tonight." He walked to her door, glancing at her one last time as he opened it, then left. He closed the door, leaning back on it. He pressed a hand flat against it, as if he were pressing it against her own.
"I love you," he whispered before walking off.
***
Sonja came over to the door as it closed, leaning her forehead against it. Her hands were pressed flat against the wood as she inhaled deeply. She could feel him, on the other side. His scent so strong in her nostrils, his heartbeat resounding in her ears.
"I love you as well," she whispered softly.
***
It poured later that day. Poured down on the lycans outside, poured down on the forest and its inhabitants. Poured down on the stone castle.
Lucian, Rendor, and Adewale sat next to each other, completely soaked through their chain mail and clothing. Thunder roared as they kept watch in silence. Every so often they would glance at each other, their eyes showing their annoyance at the weather.
Chain mail was never comfortable. But when it was fairly warm it was worse. When it was drenched and the rain kept on pouring, it was maddening. Put the two together and it was almost unbearable. Yet they had several more hours of duty left, and the rain was steadily growing stronger.
Lucian sighed and watched as the trees swayed in the howling wind. At least five hours till day ended. Night could never come soon enough. He shifted his shoulders, moving the chain mail a little. He wondered if his love was asleep, the natural stupor of her kind upon her.
Lucian sighed and watched as the trees swayed in the howling wind. At least five hours till day ended. Night could never come soon enough. He shifted his shoulders, moving the chain mail a little. He wondered if his love was asleep, the natural stupor of her kind upon her. He hoped she was.
She needed rest. Despite being immortal, rest was just as important for her as well. Especially at this time, even thought it was ending. She would be fine tonight, she had told him that.
After this day, he would be very thankful for that.
***
She could feel him, his arms around her. She heard his soft breathing, could smell the musky lycan scent of him, the beating, warm life it held. She knew he wasn't there. She knew she was simply waking from a dream, a perfect dream. But she was going to hold on to it as long as possible.
"Sonja," she heard him whisper, the memory of his voice almost as soothing as the real thing.
"Lucian," she replied, opening her eyes to find the feeling of loneliness come back to overwhelm her. She sighed, sitting up and throwing her covers off. She slid her legs over the side and shivered when her feet met with cold stone.
Well, no point in trying to get back to sleep, she thought. That rain will never let me have peace, and it is too close to twilight, I can feel it. I wonder. Sonja slipped out of her bed gown, putting on a simply dress as she mulled over an idea that had just come to her. I wonder what the lycans would think of me. If they would accept me.
Sonja decided it was time to find out. She and Lucian had been lovers for a year now. The lycans were aware of Lucian's love for a vampire, but Sonja had no clue if they knew who it was he loved, or if they even would accept her as Lucian's mate.
Quickly and quietly sneaking from her chambers down the hallways and corridors, Sonja made her way to the lycan quarters.
As soon as she entered the front den of the lycan sect of the castle, Sonja became the center of attention. She closed the door and turned to see every lycan stare at her in shock for a moment before they all bowed in respect and submission.
"Please, do not bow," she said softly, and many heads looked back up at her. "I know you must be aware of who I am, to your kind as well as mine," she continued. When a few were brave enough to nod, she almost smiled. "I know you must not be happy with my love for Lucian, or his love for me."
Suddenly, a small child, a yearling only, ran up to her, giggling and pointing, cutting her off. Sonja grinned at him, bending down when he reached up to her to be held. She picked him up, smiling and tapping his nose gently until a female lycan came up, her head bowed and arms outstretched.
"Forgive me, Princess, he escaped from my grasp, I tried to hold him back," she said, worried for her son and herself obviously.
Sonja shook her head. "There is no need for apology," she assured the lycan female. "I would like to hold him for a bit longer though, if that is not a problem," she requested.
The female lycan stared up at her, slightly taken aback. Then she nodded, lowering her arms. "Of course, Princess. And, we are not so against the affection between you and Lucian. It is simply, we were not aware that it was with you, Princess," she explained to Sonja. "But rest assured, we will do all we can to help you and Lucian out."
Sonja bowed her head slightly. "I thank you. May I have your name?" she asked.
"Meela, Princess. My name is Meela," she replied. "My child is Ali."
Sonja nodded. "It is good to meet, you, Meela." She turned back to the giggling child in her arms. "And you as well, little Ali," she added, tapping his nose again and earning a squeal of delight. She followed Meela over to where the female lycan had been sitting with her son, while the others went back to what they had been doing, glancing at the vampire princess every so often, but welcoming towards her nonetheless.
"Meela, I cannot help but wonder, why did your son come to me?" Sonja asked. "He does not know me, yet he was eager to come and be held."
The female lycan smiled. "Your smell is heavily tainted by Lucian, and he is quite fond of your mate. Lucian and his brother are like uncles to Ali for they and Adewale, my mate, are practically brothers." She smiled over at her son as he rested in Sonja's arms still. "He could smell Lucian on you I am certain, and therefore he wanted to come see you."
Sonja nodded, her eyes lighting up at the mention of Lucian again. "I see. Well, he is a lovely child. He shall grow to be big and strong I am certain." She looked around, searching for a window so as to see what time of day it was. It was almost twilight, she was certain. If not already past.
"They will be here soon, Princess," Meela told her, smiling knowingly. "I too am anxious for my mate to return to me. The days are always too long. All of us hate the sun as much or more so than your own kind."
Sonja looked down, smiling shyly. "Yes, I am hating it more and more than I used to. Though," she paused, sadness growing in her eyes that changed blue momentarily. "Though when my mother died, that was when I truly began to hate it. Never before. I had always wished to be able to walk in it, but I never felt strongly towards it. But now," she shook her head, sending away unbidden memories. "Well, you know how I feel now."
Meela nodded, her eyes sympathetic. "Yes, I understand completely. You are a kind and gentle one, Princess Sonja. Your mother was the same. We lycans, we rarely know a love as strong as that between your mother and father," she added. "Though we believe it is quickly becoming that strong between yourself and Lucian," she said with almost a warning tone.
Sonja met Meela's eyes. Her expression turned grave. "I know. And it frightens me."
Meela nodded. "Of course. This is forbidden by your kind after all. But we will protect you, keep your secret," she reassured Sonja. "Just, you must take cautions, always."
"Sonja?"
Lucian. His voice was questioning, no doubt wondering why she was there, what she was doing, holding a lycan child and talking with a female of his kind as though it were normal.
Sonja turned to face him, her breath hitching when she did. She barely noticed when the young lycan in her arms ran from her, towards the large, black male that was standing near Lucian. All she saw was Lucian.
He was completely and thoroughly soaked, his chain mail and clothing, his boots, his hair, all of him, drench. Of course he was, she should have known that. He had to sit outside in the pouring rain, that would cause someone to become wet. His clothes clung to him tightly and his hair seemed to be plastered to his face and what little of his neck that was exposed.
Rising from where she sat, she walked over to Lucian, smiling up at him almost shyly, waiting for his reaction to her presence. She let him take her hand, leading her towards a room. Most probably his.
They entered and Lucian shut the door, then turned to her. "Why did you come here?" he asked her softly. "It is too risk," he fell silent as he breathed Sonja in, finally realizing how strong her arousal was as she neared him, placing her fingers on his mouth. He closed his eyes and moaned softly as she grazed his skin with her knuckles, then brushed his wet hair from his face.
"I wanted to be among your kind, is that so wrong?" she whispered. "I wanted to wait for you." She moved her hands to the chain mail, lifting it up over his head. She met his eyes, smiling impishly when she saw the embers growing in them. She stepped back, her hands going to the laces of her dress. She had been right in choosing on that laced up in the front.
Lucian stood completely still, swallowing several times as he watched her, his eyes following her fingers. He ignored the water droplets on his skin, running down his nose and cheeks, down below his remaining clothes, completely oblivious to his soaked clothes and unruly state.
Sonja finally loosened the dress enough and pushed it till it slid down her of its own accord, almost blushing at his gasp. She stepped over her dress, walking up to him. Her fingers once again pulled at his clothing, but he helped this time.
Lifting his shirt up, he discarded it. The fine bit of coarse hair covering his chest was damp and sticking to his skin. The smell of arousal filled the room and Lucian and Sonja both knew the others were well aware of what had to be happening, but they did not care. It was common among lycans to know of mating in any case.
Sonja reached out, her hands running up his torso, now soaked as she began to play with the bit of furlike hair on his upper body. She leaned up, kissing him, whimpering when he wrapped his arms around her. The feel of his burning, wet skin against her own cold, dry skin was wonderful, something she was quite pleased to be feeling.
"Did you sleep?" Lucian asked when their mouths parted. He began to nibble on her earlobe, making her shudder and forget she had a question to answer. "Did you sleep," he reminded her, whispering into her ear.
"Yes," Sonja replied before moving to kiss his neck. She smiled when she earned a shudder as well, kissing her way down his throat to his left breast where his heart pounded furiously beneath his flesh. His skin tasted of rain water and sweat, of warm life. It was as intoxicating as blood to her senses. She held him tightly, nuzzling him as he had done to her so many times.
Lucian groaned and return the affectation while one of his hands traveled down her neck to her breasts, kneading each in turn, his fingers gentle and firm as they continued their path down her stomach until finally reaching their destination. He almost timidly moved his fingers to her core, exploring the place where his body would soon join with hers.
Sonja cried out loudly in pleasure, gripping him tighter as he began to rub his fingers delicately against her. Her arousal was growing stronger with his touch, and she subconsciously moved against his hand.
Abruptly he stopped, withdrawing his hands from her and causing her to whimper in pretest before his arms picked her up, carrying her to his small bed. He laid her down, his eyes meeting hers again. He leaned down, his lips brushing against hers. "I am sorry we do not have as much room as we normally do," he whispered, but she kissed him quickly before moving her hands to the top of his pants.
"There is nothing wrong, I like it here," she told him. "It is warmer here, it has the smell of daylight and life and you." She moved a hand to the front of his pants, sliding it down and making him grunt in pleasure. "Although I think you are beginning to make my chambers the same," she added with a grin.
Lucian laughed softly. "I suppose so. Now," he groaned again, "as much as I am enjoying," another groan, "this form of attention from you," a small hiss, "I must ask you to stop so that we can carry on before I am spent inside my own clothes."
Sonja sighed playfully and removed her hand, letting him bring it to his mouth and kiss her fingers before moving it and her other arm above her head. She moaned as he left a trail of kisses down her neck to her breasts before licking at her navel and then coming up to claim her mouth. By now she was almost as wet as he was, her hair dampening as his dripped above her.
Holding her wrists in one hand, Lucian removed his final piece of clothing. He grinned against her lips when he felt her feet helping him and soon the sound of fabric hitting the ground was heard before he laid down on her, covering her.
Sonja whimpered. She was beginning to enjoy the feel of his wet skin. She giggled when a few dryer strands of his hair fell down, tickling her shoulder. For the most part his hair stuck to his skin, but as is dried it began to fall over her.
"Are you certain about this?" Lucian asked her, giving her that last chance yet again, as always he did. And as always, he was answered with a kiss and a pair of arms pulling him closer.
"Lucian, when will you stop asking me that? I was fine the first time we made love, I have been fine every time since then, why do you still ask?" Sonja questioned him. "You will not hurt me," she assured him.
He smiled gently at her. "I never hurt you perhaps because I ask," he remarked before finally entering her. He kissed her again, groaning into her mouth while she whimpered into his. He pulled back, making certain she was not in pain.
"I am perfectly fine," she reassured him. "Well, as soon as you start moving I will be," she winked. Then moaned loudly as he reentered her, repeating the motion at a steady pace, slowly speeding their rhythm up. She tossed her head back against the bed, the feel of slick, burning skin wonderful to her frozen form. Slender fingers found their way to Lucian's shoulders, gripping him again as he rocked against her.
Lucian's hands though, moved to her breasts, gently squeezing them before traveling down to her hips, holding her firmly. He kissed her neck, sucking on her skin before nipping it gently. He kissed her up to her ear, smiling and whispering into it, "Hold on." He then turn over onto his back, bringing her with him so that she straddled him now.
Sonja gasped softly, in surprise and pleasure at the new position. She moved up, down, slowly, whimpering as she did. Her eyes clenched shut as Lucian gently held her hips, moving her body at just the right pace. She rocked her body against his as they began to speed up. She leaned down, kissing him as she felt liquid fire course through her veins, warmth building in the pit of her stomach.
"Sonja," Lucian groaned as she kissed his chest, her nails raking over his torso. As she kissed his throat, he rolled over again, gently and making certain he didn't put too much weight on her. Both groaned in pleasure and Lucian sped up more, able to move more freely again as release neared them.
Both of them were now feverish, their skin slick with sweat and rainwater and arousal. They were both so close, so close to the white hot fire that overtook them for who knows how long, spreading through them and leaving them pleasantly warm for hours.
Sonja suddenly felt herself go over the edge as Lucian's fingers once again found her core, stroking her there where their bodies were joined. She trembled and clutched him, holding him tightly to her as she cried out in rapture, Lucian's own groans following swiftly. She could feel him trembling within her arms, his arms holding her form as well.
Panting and still riding the last few waves of bliss, they laid down, nuzzling each other. Lucian moved to lie on his back, holding Sonja on top of him. The sheets of his bed were soaked now, but neither cared. Lucian stroked her hair while Sonja idly ran her fingers over his chest and arm.
"You must be careful, coming here," Lucian whispered softly. "If the Death Dealers find you here, among us,"
"I will tell them I simply was curious of your kind," Sonja cut in, leaning up to stare down into his eyes. "I will tell them my inquisitive nature got the best of me, and I came to see what the lycan clan was like. Besides," she smiled at him reassuringly, "I am their princess, and my father left me with most of his authority."
Lucian sighed and nodded. "I know, beloved. I know. I just do not want anything to happen to you, or to the others," he told her, pulling her back down to lie on him. He kissed her forehead, rubbing his cheek against it afterwards. "Are you expected anywhere tonight?" he asked her a few minutes later.
She nodded. "Yes, but not until near dawn," she told him. "I must leave for my chambers in a few hours. But at least we have a few hours together, in your room for once," she added, snuggling closer to him.
Lucian smiled softly then slid out from under her. "Dress, my love, there is something you must see," he told her. "This may be our last chance for a long while to see it, should something happen with the wars taking place."
***
Lucian led Sonja through the lower tunnels of the castle, a torch in one hand, her slender hand in the other. "Rendor and I once found our way down here when we were nothing but pups," Lucian explained. "Our father," he paused, closing his eyes briefly. He felt Sonja's hand squeeze his comfortingly. "He was so angry and afraid when we came back. We never came back down here again until given duty here. But tonight, there's something I want you to see."
He smiled at her secretively, his gray eyes reflecting the flickering torchlight. They were almost out, he could smell the forest and the night air. He had never even dreamt of daring to leave the castle walls without permission, but he felt this was worth it. This was something he wanted to share with her.
"Lucian, can you not tell me where we are going?" Sonja asked, her curious nature making her anxious and excited. She stayed near to him, never letting go of his hand as she allowed him to lead her away from the safety of the castle. She trusted him, and he would never betray that trust, nor give her any reason to doubt or regret it.
"Almost out of here," he told her as they near a corner. Once they rounded it, Lucian saw the secret entrance at last. "Here we go," he whispered and turned to smile at her again. As they stepped into the moonlit forest, he took in a deep breath. He sniffed, searching for the scent to lead him.
"Sonja, we have to be silent, for the Death Dealers guard carefully, and though we are already in the forest, they can still see quite well, and hear." When she nodded, he placed the torch back in the tunnel. "We won't need it going back, I know the way," he assured her.
***
Anmy looked out into the night, his ears straining. He could have sworn he heard voices, but as he peered around, listening, he heard nothing more, and saw nothing. After waiting for several minutes, he walked on, shaking his head.
"Damn Turks, damn Goths, damn mortals," he muttered. "And damn lycans," he added even softer. He knew the others were not overly fond of the lycan slaves, but they did not hold such ill will towards them. And he did not want to hear another lecture from Soren about asking for a rebellion from the slaves.
But he was about to get one anyway, it seemed.
Anmy looked over to see Soren glaring at him, his face a mask of disapproval. It disgusting and irritated Anmy to no end, the fact that he was receiving such a look from a younger vampire.
The lead Death Dealer walked over to him. "Listen, I know you hate them, I know you never were happy that the council agreed to letting them live even as slaves," Soren hissed at him. "I myself am not crazy about having to watch them and put up with their smell and other degrading traits, but we must live with it. And keep our displeasure," he met Anmy's eyes, his own turning pale blue, "silent."
Anmy nodded, his teeth clenched. "Yes, Soren. I understand." That did not mean he would comply.
***
Sonja followed Lucian, her hand still holding his tightly as they silently walked through the woods, going to wherever it was Lucian wanted to take her. She had no idea what he was going to show her, but she knew it had to be something special for him to take such a huge risk.
And it was exciting, being outside the castle. She had never been outside the castle, had never seen the woods close up. It was quite beautiful and invigorating.
Abruptly, Lucian halted and glanced back at her. "Here, look down there," he instructed once they reached the edge of a small cliff, pointing down to a ravine. Below was a group of four legged creatures. Wolves.
A pack of wolves, real, natural wolves.
Sonja heard her own gasp of delight, her eyes transfixed on the lovely animals. She knelt down beside Lucian, watching the wolves as they played near a small creek.
The largest, whom she decided was the alpha, was almost completely black, save for a few tuffs of grayish fur along his back and down his legs. He lie beside a smaller wolf, his mate Sonja gathered, licking and nuzzling her every so often.
The female beside him, returning his affections every so often, was a light gray, with patches of darker fur over her back and sides. She watched the others of the pack as they tussled and rested, a few young ones frolicking in the water.
Sonja glanced at Lucian, smiling when she caught his own gaze. He returned her smile shyly, leaning over to kiss her cheek and nuzzle her neck, copying the alpha wolf's mannerisms. Sonja whimpered softly, languidly returning the affections just as the female below did.
"I love you," he whispered softly. "I caught a few glimpses of them roaming the forest during the day during my watch," he explained. "I wanted you to see them." He kissed her shoulder and turned back to the pack. "They mate for life. Which is what we lycans do."
Sonja's smile grew and she rested her head on Lucian's shoulder. "Which is what we will do. Thank you, for sharing this with me," she said as she watched one of the younger wolves prance over to the alpha and his mate, nosing them playfully.
Lucian chuckled, and Sonja let out a small giggle herself as the alpha male finally rose, chasing off the youth while the female simply laid her head down, oblivious to the antics going on around her. She stayed that way even as the alpha came back and plopped back down beside her.
"We must return, Sonja," Lucian said with reluctance. "You must return to your chambers and prepare for your appearance this morning," he reminded her.
Sonja nodded, sighing. "I know. But they are such wonderful, beautiful creatures." She stared down at the wolves almost longingly. She wished she could be as free as they were. As careless as the lead female was, lying lazily beside her mate. "So lovely," she breathed.
Lucian's hand cupped her cheek, turning her face towards his. "Just as you are, my love," he whispered before gently kissing her, his lips slowly brushing against hers. His other hand moved to hold her at the small of her back. "Come, before anyone can notice your absence."
***
Soren leaned against the outside wall of the castle, eyes focused on the mountains. He could almost see the battles he knew were taking place not all that far from there. Wars were raging, and they were spreading, edging closer to the castle every day.
But worse, their leader was gone, off on some journey to rid himself of his ghosts and memories. Viktor had to escape from the walls that had witnessed his beloved wife's death, and Soren could not blame the Elder. He only wished Viktor had let him come along, he was after all Viktor's bodyguard.
Not Sonja's. She barely left her room, and she had never been fond of having an escort. Besides, since Viktor had given her almost all of his authority, including charge over the Death Dealers, she had often ordered Soren not to accompany her as long as she was not leaving the castle walls. But she had to allow him to come with her should she got outside, even just to venture to the stables.
And tonight, as he was to keep guard over her at all ceremonies. No matter how ridiculous and frivolous and boring they were. Of course, that was the one thing Soren and Sonja had in common.
They hated parties. With a passion.
"Obi, keep watch," Soren instructed as he started to walk off. "I must go and make certain the princess is preparing for tonight's ceremony." He did not even wait for Obi's reply as he stepped back inside the castle, striding through the hallways. As he neared Sonja's chambers, he racked his brain, trying to remember what the night's gathering was for in the first place.
***
Lucian sat on Sonja's bed, watching her as she smoothed out her dress for the ceremony she had to leave for soon. He was fascinated out how no matter what she wore, it was always simple and yet more elegant than any of the other dresses. He loved the way she fit into the gowns sop perfectly, and how her fingers deftly tied the laces.
He loved the way she would pretend she couldn't tie them after a certain point just to get him to finish them for her even more.
"What is the ceremony for?" he asked as he stood up, coming over to tie the laces up the rest of the way. He knew when she was about to ask him to do so, for her eyes would glitter impishly before she sighed impatiently.
Sonja shrugged. "I do not really remember. Just some useless gathering for everyone to socialize in their finest garments. Perhaps to fed upon each other's blood," she added, a slightly shiver running up her spine.
Lucian noticed, and was puzzled by her reaction. "Do you not approve?"
"Not really. As far as doing something so intimate in public," she replied. "For our kind, it is pleasurable, and I see it almost as sacred and intimate as, well, making love," she told him, her voice lowering at the last part.
For a moment, Lucian paused his movements, holding the laces still as he closed his eyes. He would never be able to do that with Sonja, and it pained him. He wanted to be able to share everything with her, even his blood. He knew that drinking the blood of another vampire was normally regarded as something between lovers. And seeing how highly Sonja thought of it only made him regret his inability to share his blood with her more.
"Lucian, please," she whispered. "I accept the fact that we would never be able to share blood the night you came to me. Try to do the same, for me," she requested, leaning back against him. "There are certain things we can never do, never enjoy, never have. It is just the price we have to pay, my love."
Lucian nodded, kissing the top of her head. "I know, Sonja, I know. It still pains me we cannot be free to love, to have the simple things your kind and my kind take for granted." He pushed her away slightly, finishing her laces. But instead of letting her go off to finish readying herself, he picked up her brush and started using it on her hair, brushing it back for her.
Sonja closed her eyes, smiling softly. "I remember when my mother used to do this for me when I was little," she told Lucian. "She would brush my hair for hours it seemed, many times before putting me to bed, for it relaxed me after a bad dream or a particularly rousing adventure during the night." She sighed. "I had many bad dreams when I was young," she told him. "Especially when Father was away or in slumber."
"And now?" Lucian asked her, curious. "Are you free of bad dreams now?"
Sonja nodded. "Yes, for the most part. Though every so often, I will have one, frightening me. But now I have you," she said, smiling at his reflection in her mirror. "You protect me from them now it seems."
Lucian returned the smile as he set the brush back down, then laid his head on her shoulder. He lips grazed her back and made her lean back against him again. "It is an honor to protect you, my love, and a pleasure."
"I wish I could stay here with you for the rest of the night," she whispered. "Instead, I am forced to attend some silly party." She let out another sigh, reaching down for one of her hair combs, arranging her hair. "I love you, Lucian," she stated and turned to face him. "I will see you again after sunset, won't I?"
He nodded. "Yes, princess. Come to the library after twilight wanes, I will meet you there as quickly as possible." He kissed her fiercely, desperately, and pulled away. "But someone is coming, Death Dealer, probably to escort you to the ceremony," he told her, his eyes narrowing momentarily with jealousy. "I must go, beloved."
Sonja nodded, reluctantly letting go of him. "I know. Go, rest while you have time," she instructed him, her eyes glowing a pale blue briefly. Then she blinked, and her eyes were once again green. "Now go, before he arrives."
With one last longing stare, Lucian turned from her and walked out onto the balcony, quickly jumping off and running back to the open hallway. He glanced back at her room, jealousy, regret, and yearning in his eyes.
"Lucian, do not stand there, come on," he heard his brother whisper from the shadows and he turned to see him. "There are Death Dealers near, and you are not supposed to be around here," he said with a reprimanding tone.
Grudgingly, Lucian nodded and hurried off with his brother, returning to his clan yet again.
***
Sonja stared at her reflection, making certain she was completely ready as she waited for Soren to arrive. She looked down sadly, her hand fingering the pendant that always hung from her neck now. She wanted Lucian to escort her to gatherings and ceremonies.
Not Soren.
Not anyone.
Only Lucian.
Suddenly she heard a knock, and Soren's voice calling her name. She walked over to the door, swiftly stepping out and closing it before Soren could smell the strong scent of lycan in her room. Or at least, she hoped before he could. She silently thanked her mother for giving her those perfumes, even though Sonja had never liked them. They did come in handy now.
"Ready, Princess?" Soren asked, and it was apparent he was just as fond of this arrangement as she was. Probably because he had wanted to go with her father, as he felt that was his duty. Not to protect the Elder's daughter.
"As ready as one can be," she replied coolly, but managed to smile stiffly. "What is the ceremony about again?" she asked.
Soren shrugged. "I cannot remember, but I believe it is someone's anniversary," he replied. "Of course, they may be lying and just saying that to get the Council and yourself to allow the party to take place."
Sonja nodded. He was probably right.
How typical. We are under threat of discovery and war, and they want to gorge and make themselves drunk on each other's blood. If only father were back.
Then she remembered what her father had done to Lucian before leaving, punishing her mate for simply looking at her. Was having her father back truly what she wanted? Was that really such a good thing?