Mizariah slept for a long time, long after Galen and rose and gone. Kain had also been to check on her. He was surprised at himself, for any other vampire he would not have felt such concern as he had for her out by the lake. He had threatened one of his closest friends because she had been in danger as a result of his black mood. She had nearly died and he had realised in a split second that he couldn't allow it to happen no matter what, she had to live. These feelings were unfamiliar to Kain but he thought they weren't bad feelings, just strange. The emperor of all Nosgoth who was known as heartless and cruel, had discovered that he cared for Galen's daughter more than he would ever admit to anyone. To show feelings for her in front of others would be deemed weak by some.
His sons would not likely tolerate it and if they saw him weak they would likely attempt to overthrow him. Raziel wouldn't, he was much too loyal and so was Rahab and Melchiah. Melchiah liked Mizariah as she was often kind to him, listening to him when he was upset over one of his brother's teasing – usually Zephon.
Zephon he knew would jump at the chance to extract Kain from the throne and Dumah would follow him if only for the fighting. Turel would likely have a go too. Kain sighed and wished sincerely that all his children were as loyal and faithful as Raziel.
He had sat on the bed and watched her as she slept. She was beautiful lying there sleeping so peacefully.
'Nothing will ever harm you child' he had whispered before leaving to attend to yet more reports of feral human activity at the boarders of his territory.
When Mizariah finally woke she rose and poured herself a goblet of blood from the ever present pitcher. She was still very thirsty after her experience and had to consume quite a lot before she was sated fully. Now feeling refreshed, she left the room to see if she could find her father. She hoped he had raised himself out of his black mood.
She headed for Koria's room where he suspected Galen would be. After all it was Kain's orders that he look after Ani and in spite of Galen's depression, he always did exactly as Kain ordered him no matter what.
Sure enough when she arrived at Koria and Palmar's rooms, she found Galen and Ani seated in comfortable chairs with goblet's of blood and talking. Mizariah was pleased. Ani looked relaxed and her father looked happier than she had seen him for a long time.
"Father."
Galen smiled to see Mizariah standing, looking well fed and relieved to see him.
"Ah daughter you are finally awake. Come join us."
He rose up and hugged his daughter slightly tighter than usual before releasing her to sit in the spare chair. In that moment a silent message passed from father to daughter so subtle no mortal would feel it but to Mizariah it shouted out loud to her that her father was sorry for ever hurting her and things would improve from now on.
Feeling much better, Mizariah sat and sipped from the goblet Galen fetched her.
"Where is Koria and Palmar?"
"They're out hunting," Galen smiled "Those two love the thrill of the hunt! Me I like a quiet goblet with friends. Cheers!"
He raised his goblet and drank, the two others followed suit draining their goblets.
"Ani is quite a good shot." Galen was looking impressed and Ani turned her face away.
"Only because my old master made me be like that."
"But this could be very useful to lord Kain, don't you think so daughter?"
"Definitely." She agreed "Kain is always in need of vampires with a decent aim." Turning to Ani she continued. "My father could teach you how to put your skills to good use. He is an excellent teacher." She finished proudly. Her father was the world to her and she loved him dearly.
"I….I don't know. My master beat me when I didn't do it right. I am afraid….." she broke off and stared as the memories clouded her thoughts.
Galen snarled showing his fangs. "I do not beat my pupils. I do not believe that achieves anything but fear into ones students."
Ani looked relieved at this.
"Will you allow me to train you with lord Kain's permission?"
"Yes I will."
"Come then, let us go and ask if we may do that."
The three of them got up and left the room to make their way to Kain's study. They arrived at their destination and knocked at the door.
"Enter."
Kain was at his desk busily writing with a frown on his face. This vanished however, when he saw whom it was. All three approached him and sank to one knee before him.
"Welcome friends. Ah Mizariah you look recovered."
"I am my lord." She nodded.
"And Anissina welcome child."
Anissina smiled and bowed her head.
Kain approached Ani and bid her to rise up whi8ch she did.
"Tell me child, whom do you serve?"
"I serve you my lord, now and forever."
Kain nodded in approval. He found this vampire fascinating and was pleased to accept her as his servant, he had a feeling she would be useful to him.
"Hold out your arm child." She obediently held it out for him. He placed his hand on her forearm and when he removed it, his mark was clearly visible on her snow white skin.
"Thank you my lord."
Galen shifted slightly and Kain turned his attention to his friend.
"Is there something you wish to ask me Galen?" Ah Galen knew Kain knew him so well.
"My lord," he began "Anissina here is an excellent shot and I believe with the right training she could be a very useful addition to your army. With your permission, I would like to train her to use her talent."
Kain handed Ani a knife "Show me." He commanded and pointed to a dot on the far wall.
Without hesitation Ani threw the knife at the wall where it stuck and waved slightly before stopping. It had struck exactly on the centre of the dot.
Kain looked impressed. "Yes you may train her Galen. Begin as soon as possible, the feral humans are becoming a problem and it will need dealing with soon." He nodded at them, dismissing them. Galen turned to leave followed by Ani. However when Mizariah turned to leave also Kain stopped her.
"It is my desire that you remain with me for a while Mizariah." She nodded secretly rather pleased that Kain wanted her to stay though she was missing out on one of her father's training sessions, which was always interesting to watch. The chance to spend more time with Kain was far too tempting to pass up and besides he had commanded her to stay and who was she to argue with her lord?
Galen and Ani left the room and Mizariah heard Ani questioning her father as they walked down the hall together. Mizariah smiled, Ani sounded just like an eager child much like she herself had sounded when she was a young fledgling and she knew she had annoyed plenty of other vampires. Her mind drifted back to the two years she had spent in a crypt deep underground with Kain as he slept. She had protected him and matured herself. By the time she and Kain had emerged most vampires did not recognise her for the same vampire. Her father had contributed a lot to that, training her to sense when danger was near. She would always be grateful to him for that.
She was so lost in her memories that she did not realise that Kain was watching her intently, his writing forgotten as he studied her face. He hadn't really needed her to stay but he had been feeling the need for company and he enjoyed Mizariah's.
Mizariah eventually felt Kain's eyes on her and looked at him. He glanced away quick but not before she had caught the look in his eyes. She blinked in shock. It couldn't have been could it? He heart jumped. She had seen the caring look in his eyes she was sure of it. He cared for her? She loved him deeply with all of her heart but she no idea he cared about her too.
At the very moment she realised this, she also knew that nothing could come of it. His sons would view such feelings as weak – especially Zephon – and would likely try something.
Mizariah sighed. She still felt elated though even though she knew nothing would happen it was enough to know he cared.
"My lord is there anything you wish me to do?"
Kain shook his head and Mizariah knew he just wanted her there for company. She was quite happy to do this and settled back on her chair to observe Kain as he worked.