Chapter 30 Maternal Lineage
Chapter 30 Maternal Lineage
A banquet was ordered to celebrate. Lucy was not sure if Caen had made the declaration or just gone along with Lord Garrick, who seemed pleased with himself but still managed to throw a disapproving scowl every so often at Arlo.
The servants scrambled to prepare a suitable banquet, as they had been given no notice.
The crowd stayed in the throne room till they were called to the banquet hall. Wine was poured, and a feast was laid out.
In such a short time, the servants had been able to create a grand meal.
It smelled divine as dishes were brought out that Lucy had never seen before. All was expertly prepared and assembled with perfection.
A swan stood in the middle of the long table that had been made out of fruits. Cheeses and derived meats were laid in patterns to hold over the guests till more sustainable food could be prepared.
The curtains were pulled back, but it did little to improve Lucy’s vision letting in little moonlight. She relied on the chandeliers throughout the room to see.
Many vampires came up to congratulate her. She politely smiled but often stayed near Bethias. It was perhaps a coward's move, but she did not care; she would take what little protection she could get.
It seemed the wedding was now to be planned. Lucy was unfamiliar with vampire customs and had only the dress her stepmother had prepared for her.
When others asked her questions, she would defer to Bethias, who would give an aloof answer. She sipped her glass of wine, making it last throughout the evening. From what she had observed, the vampires had a higher tolerance than the humans, and she would not be caught looking like a fool. Or at least they were better at hiding it.
Some of the vampires that approached her, she recognized, and some she did not. She tried her best to make them all think she knew who they were.
After many glasses of wine, the Duke found Lucy. “My lady, I have included a letter to your father inviting him to the ceremony with the messenger.”
“That was very thoughtful of you.” She tried to smile, but it did not reach her eyes. Thankfully, the Duke’s eyes were glassy and his cheeks rosy from wine.
“Of course, I cannot say he will come, but I thought the invitation would be in order. After I return to Osteryia, he will accompany me to the capital to meet with King Thaddeus.” The duke told her as he waved his glass of wine for emphasis.
It was information that she probably would have wished not to have known, and instead imagined her father back at the manor, keeping to himself as if he were frozen in time.
“I’m sure he is honored to have an audience with the king.”
It felt bitter to her as the words came out of her mouth. Her mouth, whom she doubted would cross the Manu to see her, would be parading himself in front of the king with her stepsister and stepmother in tow.
They would bask in the glory that was achieved by sending her to this foreign land.
The topic of conversation was switched to the Duke’s travel plans and how long it would take the messenger to arrive.
Duke Sutton would remain in Kunlun till the treaty was officially signed. After the ceremony took place, he would then take the knights with him and return to Osteryia, leaving Lucy and her maid, Patricia, behind.
“My Lord Devon, it has been a pleasure working with you.” The duke said over Lucy’s shoulder.
Turning, she saw Bethias’ husband approaching their group.
“Darling, come meet Lucy.” Bethias motioned for her husband to join them.
The vampire held out his hand as Lucy offered hers. “My lady,” he kissed it. “I feel as if I already met you.”
Lucy was shocked since she had never met him before.
“The treaty required a detailed explanation of your background.” The Duke explained, filling in the blanks for her.
“I was actually surprised that I knew of your lineage. Your mother’s family was well known many years ago.”
Her mother’s family was a mystery to her. They did not visit after her mother’s death, and her father never spoke about them. She wondered what else was included in the treaty. How much of her life had been written out on a piece of paper for men to discuss?
Lucy could not hide her surprise at the revelation.
Devon continued, “It saddened me to discover she had passed. One of your grandfathers, the Earl of Gerdershire, was a friend of mine.”
Lucy’s mouth gaped before she remembered to close it.
“My Lord, have you been to Osteryia?”
Devon laughed, “Many moons ago. I traveled in my younger years, but now that I am older, I prefer to stay home.” He wrapped his arm around Bethias when he finished speaking.
“Thank you for sharing that with me. I have little contact with my mother’s family and am always curious to learn more.” Lucy said her voice was small, like a child’s.
“My knowledge is from a long time ago, but perhaps I could share it with you.” His face was kind, even though it did not show much emotion.
“I would like that very much.” She nodded.
Cheers went up around the room every so often as wine was plunged into the splashing around. The vampires seemed to celebrate the treaty.
Lucy was confused as to why they were so happy. From what she had seen, they were superior to the humans. She pondered the thought in her mind as she watched from the side.
As the night progressed, Lucy’s smile lost its warmth. Caen was nowhere to be seen, and others had already made their exit. Lucy bid her farewells and made her way out of the banquet hall.
The conversations from the hall became muddled as Lucy walked away. The light from the candelabras guided her way back to her chambers.
As she ascended the staircase and came to the landing, she could see a shadowy figure down the hall leaning against the wall.
It amazed her how she already knew that silhouette. It was Caen. She looked at him for a second and then continued on her way. If asked, she would claim that she had been unable to see anyone as her eyes had not yet adjusted.
Turning, a rush of wind blew her hair, and then a voice came from behind her, Close, “Are you going to ignore me?”