Chapter 29 Court Anouncement
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Bethias enter the room in her complete elegance. The other vampires made way for her to pass through the sea of bodies that had congregated.
Her green dress was a simple design, but the way she carried herself was pure nobility. No jewels adorned her like the other vampires who seemed to cover themselves in as many as possible.
Arlo and Ethaniel slipped in the back shortly after, as if they were trying to stay out of sight. They were far away from Lord Garrick, which was good since Arlo’s face was filled with mischief.
They dressed in the court finery. Lace and embroidery decorated their clothing as each piece was a work of art. They were groomed to perfection. The pair looked like deities.
She could see how humans may think them to be gods when they were walking perfection.
As she was looking, she caught Arlo’s eye, who gave her a quick wink. Before she could help herself, a smile overtook her face. Quickly, she closed her lips as they protested.
Trying to regain her focus, she focused back on the Dias but found the king staring at Arlo. There was no happiness in his stare. It was not an affectionate look one might bestow upon a dear friend. It was a warning.
The younger vampire straightened and refused to make eye contact with the king, instead opting to inspect the embroidery on the end of his sleeves.
He was so well-groomed and well-tailored. Lucy could only imagine the time he spent on his appearance. The king was a vast contrast in only a loose tunic tucked into breeches and riding boots. No crown or adornments were on his body.
Caen seemed uninterested in the vampire who whispered in his ear. It was not till he nodded that the vampire left the Dias.
Lucy was surprised when the vampire went to stand next to Bethias. That must be the elusive husband she had heard so much about.
He matched Bethias with a simple dress, but not as casual as the king's. It was still court finery just without the bells and whistles. No jewels were found encrusted upon his trousers.
Bethias wrapped her arm through her husbands in a lovingly way. They did not socialize with the other vampire nobles but seemed to prefer each others company more.
Bethias’ husband looked at lord Garrick, who stepped forth in response.
“We have agreed on the treaty, “ the lord announced, causing applause to ring out in the room. Lucy was shocked but quickly regained her composure, clapping and smiling along.
Lord Garrick held up his hand, mentioning to the duke to join him, “The final draft has been dispatched to King Thadeus for his signature.”
Lucy smiled, playing her part obediently. It was done. She would spend the rest of her days here.
The two high-ranking officials began to describe the treaty that had been composed. Lucy almost bitterly laughed when the mention of cattle came up.
Was this really all over trade? It seemed that every point they discussed was either the fruits that grew in Osteryia, which could not be grown in Kunlun, or the wine that Lord Garrick had gathered.
To her, the treaty seemed dull, and she still could not understand why Caen would marry a human to solidify it. Would he not prefer a wife of his own kind?
The king did not look at her again as other vampires, whom she assumed were not a part of the negotiations, approached the king.
The court began to mill about. Arlo came to see Lucy with Ethaniel in tow.
“Congratulations, my lady.” He bowed.
“Soon it will be her highness,” Ethaniel echoed his bow.
“She will outrank us both.” The bolder of the two turned to his calmer counterpart.
“A tragedy, I’m sure,” She jested at them, causing them to smile.
Lucy swore she saw a few ears perk up around her at the mention.
Arlo mused thoughtfully, “Some might call it a declaration of war.”
Off to the side, Lucy could make out Jasmine. While she did not look directly at her, she could tell her mood was not that blissful. Her parents were near her, conversing with others around her.
“Then I shall make it a point to stay clear of those.” She countered as if it had not bothered her a bit.
“They will find you if you want them to or not,” Arlo said, trying to scare her.
“Should we begin her battle training then?” Ethaniel chimned in, searching for a solution.
“Will it do much good?” Lucy raised a doubtful eyebrow, not amused with their antics.
“Probably not, but it couldn’t hurt,” Ethaniel said hopefully, but Arlo was not as inclined.
“Only if they can neither hear, smell, nor see.” He waved off the notion as an impossibility.
Then might she be able to defend herself against an attack from a vampire? The comment about the smell started to alarm her. How good was their sense of smell? She wondered if she smelled good to them or not. Maybe she could ask Sapphira later…
“Off with you two,” Bethias cut in.
“We have been the picture of obedience all night,” Arlo said as they smiled sweetly at her.
“Then let us not push our luck.”
“As you wish,” Ethaniel stepped up, taking her hand and placing a kiss on it. “You look lovely as ever.”
He stepped back, allowing Arlo to do the same. “Your husband should be careful not to let you out of his sight.”
“I know you’re lying, you silver-tongued devil.” She scolded.
Arlo clutched his chest in offense. “I would never.”
“If you’re breathing, you’re lying.” She replied dryly.
Ethaniel laughed, “We should probably give our greetings to others, and Lord Garrick keeps glancing over here. I would hate to cause him any stress.”
“You’re almost as bad as him,” Bethias said, pointing to Arlo.
Ethaniel was now offended, “You wound me, my lady.”
The two scurried over to cause problems throughout the court.
Bethias turned to Lucy, “You are looking well, my lady.”
“Thank you, my lady,” Lucy said with a curtsy. “I appreciated your note this morning.”
“I’m sure you have many questions about Kunlun, therefore I would like to offer myself to help teach about our land and customs.”
“I am grateful,” Lucy said, her eyes lit up at having a teacher. “I tried to learn from our records at my father’s manor, but I found them to be lacking.”
Bethias laughed, “No need to worry, I will have you an expect before the treaty is officially signed.”