Chapter 28 Summoned
As the sunset, Lucy awoke. She did not feel like moving from her bed and lay there till Patricia entered the room.
“Good morning, my lady,” She said, bowing at the door before setting down the tray she was carrying. She began tidying the room, waiting for Lucy to rise.
Sapphira arrived shortly after to draw Lucy’s bath. While the tub was being drawn, Lucy ate from the tray that Patricia had brought her.
The maids left her to her own devices as she pecked at her meal. Wrapping herself in a robe, she gathered herself out of the bed.
When her bath was ready, she slipped beneath the warm water, relaxing her muscles. There were soaps and lotions she had never heard of, but they smelled wonderful.
Washed and rinsed, the water turned cold, she stepped out of the bath. Towels were waiting for her, as she had requested that the maids not assist her with bathing. She allowed herself a little privacy.
After she was dried off and in her dressing gown at the vanity, a knock came from the door. Sapphira answered it without hesitation, as Patricia had eyed it suspiciously.
The vampire returned carrying a small silver tray. “My lady, you received a letter?”
“A letter, for me?” Who could have written her a letter? Maybe her father had sent a letter after she had left. Was it even possible to get a letter across the Manu?
She reached for the envelope sitting on the tray. The paper was heavy and sealed with a crest she did not recognize. Sapphira brought her a letter opener that she had no idea where it had come from.
After breaking the seal, she began to scan the contents. It was from Bethias, telling her it had been lovely to meet her and would like to call upon her soon.
Lucy reread the letter. Was this a trap? Or did someone want to be her friend? She bit at her lip as she contemplated.
“Sapphira, do you know anything about Lady Bethias? I met her last night.” Lucy said, looking up the letter.
The vampire set the dress she was holding to look at Lucy. “The Araragi family is prominent in Kunlun. Lady Bethias was a close confidante to the late queen.”
“I noticed Lord Garrick was attentive to her.” She stated, hoping for some insight.
Sapphira nodded without surprise. “She is highly respected.”
“I will write her back,” Lucy said, looking at her writing desk as she handed the letter to Patricia, who set it there without a word.
Another knock came at the door. Lucy looked wearily around the room. It was odd to have one knock and now two. She doubted Jasmine had written to her.
Sapphira answered again, and Lucy could hear the sound of voices but could not make out what they were saying.
Patricia slowly combed out Lucy’s hair as she tried to listen to the conversation.
“There is to be a meeting in the throne room before midnight.” Sapphira said before adding, “Your presence has been requested.” Sapphira betrayed no emotion.
Lucy looked to the clock, illuminated by candlelight, as the sun had now set from sight. They had hours before, then did she go ahead and dress, or should she wait?
She decided to wait and moved from the vanity to the writing table. Her note back to Bethias was short but respectful. Once she was done writing, she looked to seal the letter. Did she use her father’s seal or the king’s? She was not married yet, so it seemed inappropriate to use the king’s seal.
Both had been left on the writing desk by whoever had prepared the room. She used her father’s family crest, thinking it was the safer option.
After she sealed the envelope, she handed it to Sapphira, who went off in search of a footman to deliver it. While still at her desk, she wrote in her journal, hoping that writing down the names would help her remember.
She piddled to kill time before giving in to finish dressing for the day. Since it was before midnight, they went with a simple green dress. Her hair was up out of her face, and her ears and neck were adorned with simple pearls.
The vampires seemed to enjoy showing off their jewels, all except Bethias. Lucy decided to try her best to imitate her. The other vampires seemed to hold her in high esteem; however, Lucy just wished they would tolerate her, or better yet, leave her alone.
Sir Kendrick arrived to escort her to the throne room. “Good Morning, my lady, you are looking lovely.” His charm was on display as he extended his arm for her to take.
Wrapping her hand through his, she accepted his compliment, “You’re too kind, Sir Kendrick. Do you know why we are meeting in the throne room?”
“I’m sorry, but I am not privy to that information.”
The way was illuminated by candlelight for them. She wondered if the vampires only lit them for their benefit.
As they approached their destination, she relied on the knight to steady herself.
They walked in, and a crowd had already gathered. Lord Garrick was speaking with the Duke, both seeming in a good mood.
The throne, situated on a dias at the front of the room, was empty since the king had not yet arrived.
Sir Kendrick brought Lucy over to where the duke stood, who greeted her warmly, “My lady, Good night to you,” He said with a laugh. “I do not think I can get used to saying that.”
The knight released her arm but stayed next to her side.
Lord Garrick nodded along. Before turning to Lucy, “Did you sleep well, my lady?”
“Y-yes, thank you for asking.” She stuttered in surprise that the Lord would ask her a question. Her skin flushed red with embarrassment.
Other vampires gathered in the room. Lucy recognized some, however, the room felt sparse.
The king walked in and all conversation died. He walked straight to the Dias with a bored expression. Every head bowed as he passed.
A vampire whom Lucy did not know approached the king handing him papers. He began to whispher in his his ear so low Lucy could not hear. Conversation seemed to pick back up as the two engaged.
“My lady, is there anything you require before I take my leave?”
“No sir” she smiled at him for his concern and then looked back to the Dias.
Caen was looking at her with an unreadable expression so she quickly diverted her eyes and removed the smile from her lips.
The knight slipped away as a vampire whom Lucy did not recognize approached the king.