Chapter 26 Bethias, Cecil, and Aquila
Lucy was guided through a sea of vampires. Lady Bethias seemed nice, or at least more interested in her than the other vampires.
She was dressed in a black velvet dress with long sleeves, giving the illusion of a cape.
“The treaty is all I’ve heard about these last few months from my husband, so it’s nice that you’re here.” Bethias’s round eyes looked to Lucy as she spoke, as she continued her walk.
“Is he here this evening?” Lucy asked, looking around.
Bethias laughed, “No, he finds these functions tedious and would much rather be at our estate. Plus, he is busy finalizing everything.”
“I hope all is well with the negotiations.” She hoped the treaty was not causing problems for Bethias, as she did not want her to have a poor judgment of her.
Bethias dismissed any negative thoughts. “I’m sure they are, there’s a thousand details to hammer out since nothing like this has been done before.”
“Do you think it will become more common?” Lucy wondered aloud, wanting to take the words back immediately.
Bethias stopped walking. “I don’t know. I hadn’t thought about it yet.” The vampire seemed to really ponder the notion.
“It was quite the journey, so it might not be as feasible.” Lucy reached for an excuse.
“The manu is a dangerous place.” Bethias agreed. “But anything is possible. Tell me, dear, about your family.”
They began walking again as Bethias led the way, waving at some who recognized her but not stopping.
Lucy began to tell her story. It was bland due to its repetition throughout her time in Kunlun. “My father is a Barron. My mother passed many years ago.”
“It must be hard on your father losing you. Did he travel with you?” Bethias asked as she stopped walking to turn towards Lucy.
“No, my father stayed behind with my stepmother and stepsister.” She said it without emotion, just as a fact.
Understanding past over Bethias’ face as her round eyes saddened. “That’s too bad.”
“Do you have children?” Lucy decided to ask her about her family.
“I had a daughter, but she is no longer with us.” Her voice was soft and far away.
“I’m sorry for your loss.” Lucy was genuine when she made the statement. She knew how hard it was when she lost her mother. She could not imagine the pain of losing a child, and she was not about to press for details.
“We all experience pain and loss; it's how we handle it that will define us.” She looked at her thoughtfully. “Anyway, onto happier topics, let me introduce you to some ladies you should know, so do your best to remember them, but I’ll help you if you forget.”
Bethias led Lucy to a circle of vampires clad in expensive dresses. They all seemed to respect Bethias as they listened to her intently and introduced themselves to Lucy.
Lucy wondered if Bethias held a lot of power at court, as others seemed to respect her greatly.
However, it was difficult for Lucy to distinguish the vampires from one another. She had been introduced to Lady Cecil and Lady Aquila. Both dark-haired and pale-skinned, they looked very similar to her, as she had a hard time spotting the differences.
They wore different colored dresses, so in her mind, she named them green and blue. They matched sapphires and emeralds to accompany their clothes.
“We should have made your acquaintance sooner and not left you to Lord Garrick’s mercy. I can only imagine what boring tour he dragged you on.” Lady Cecil said, the one Lucy named green.
“He showed us his wine collection.” Lucy was not about to insult the lord in anyone. He was her way back to the palace.
A groan escaped the group, “It’s always about the wine.” Lady Aquila, the blue one, said.
“And the people wonder why he has never married.” The green chimned in with a knowing look.
Lucy listened to the information she dared not ask.
“I heard Arlo made quite a spectacle at a dinner in the palace the other night,” Bethias said, shaking her head in disappointment.
“I heard the same. The youngling will find himself in trouble if he’s not careful.” The blue said. They all looked young to Lucy, making her wonder how old vampires were. If they were calling Arlo a child, what did they think of her, a baby? Maybe that was why Bethias was being nice to her.
The vampires she met had constantly introduced her and looked at her as if she were an exhibition that they could stop at. Bethias seemed to want to spend time with her; it was unsettling at times.
The green one countered, “The king would only give him a slap on the wrist; he loves his cousin anyhow.” She gave a dismissive wave as if it had been done before. Something that would not surprise Lucy.
Arlo was a cousin of the king. No wonder he was bold; no one seemed to give him any trouble, except Garrick. Maybe he was an uncle or a close friend. She listened, hoping for more details.
Lucy felt like she should compliment the old bat whom Arlo had affectionately referred to as. “I found the wine too lovely.”
Cecil smiled, “It is. One of the best, but it’s all he talks about.” And Aquila nodded along, agreeing with her.
Lucy smiled, somewhat relieved.
The ladies began asking Lucy about her upbringing and family. They discussed writers and philosophers with whom Lucy was familiar, as they had been part of her lessons.
She told them about the manor and the journey they had taken. The crossing of the manu was something that they found fascinating. Lucy had found it boring.
She could tell the ladies were friends, as they often finished each other's thoughts. When they asked Lucy questions or she made a comment, they seemed genuinely interested in what she had to say.
Perhaps they were different than most vampires, but Sapphira had always been kind to her. However, she still did not know if that was genuine.
As they talked more, Lucy felt comfortable enough to indulge in a glass of wine.
“Lady Bethias, are you not going to introduce me to your friend?” A voice came from behind them. It did not seem friendly.
Lucy turned to see that she recognized the voice. It was Jasmine.
After Ethaniel warned her, she made sure to remember the face. Lucy looked, hoping there was an escape. Maybe Lord Garrick needed her, but he was away speaking with other lords.