Valentine

Chapter Nine - Elizabeth

Walking through the open expanse of the cave, where children played, men and women flirted and danced, and soldiers stood at every other interval, I felt lost in there. Their accents and mannerisms were peculiar as if they'd stepped out of the Civil War period and it was slowly getting easier to believe what Orion was telling me.

Maybe vampires did exist.

There was still no substantial proof. The vampires looked on at me in quiet desperation, I'd like to think they found an outsider interesting, but if anything that Orion said was true, they just wanted to feed. There was still skepticism in all of this, however, I found myself in a city inside a cave walking up a staircase, massive statues and large doors all leading into what looked like a magnificent palace, but this did not prove that the citizens of this city were vampires.

Cults were notorious for such peculiarities and if given the option, vampires would be so much cooler than a cult that thought they were special.

I know there’s nothing more to it. I was there now and understanding what was happening in Orion’s head was important. The silence became unnerving but if any of it was true, I had no way of knowing until we met with his mother. Making our way up the grand staircase, past two gigantic statues of guardians and into the lavish and exotically beautiful home I wanted to believe it all.

“This is mother’s room,” Orion pointed toward a set of doors, “When we enter, all your fears will be pushed aside. She’s ill now, you don’t have much to worry about, I promise.”

“Got it.”

Orion pushed the two oak doors apart to a dark bedroom. The curtains were drawn, the only light that shone came from a candle on the bedside table next to an old woman who held a book in her hands. She looked up at us, and back to her book, continuing to read.

“Mother,” Orion said, “This is Elizabeth. The one I’ve been telling you about.”

At Orion’s words, the old woman dropped the book and jumped from her bed, “This is the girl who’s to take my place?” She seemed ecstatic. Walking towards us, Orion stepped in front of me in an almost protective way.

“Yes. She’s the one that I’m hoping will take your place.” He replied.

“Hoping?” His mother spat, “Dear child, this is the only world you’ll ever need again if you so accept it.”

"I'm still not sure if I believe any of it," I replied and she laughed, getting up real close to Orion, putting a hand on his shoulder, pushing him aside. She looked me over twice, nodding her head in smug satisfaction.

“She will do just fine. Come with me,” She grabbed my hand, “I would like to sit and have a talk with you.”

I turned to Orion who bowed his head and turned around to leave, “Where are you going?” I asked.

"This is a conversation between you and the queen. I am not privy to it." Orion stood now, on attention, bringing his arms to his chest and bowing, before turning to take his exit.

~ ~ ~

“My name is Lorraine Haley Valentine. I have been the queen of these vampires now for the better part of a millennium." Not a good start to the conversation I thought. Lorraine put herself back in bed, and I took a seat at the foot.

"You and your son keep talking about vampires but there's been no proof that they even exist. This mountain, your home, it's all elaborate and stunning, but there's nothing that leads me to believe anything either of you says is true." She looked up at me, wide-eyed at my honesty. Any queen is used to a life of luxury and respect and that's not something I gave out freely.

“It’s that kind of talk that will get you killed in these parts, Elizabeth,” That comment unnerved me. Was she threatening me now? I wouldn’t have been able to get out of there if she was anyway, Orion knew where I lived and he would be able to catch up to me fairly quickly if I did escape. I was feeling nervous until I saw the stern look in her eye fade to something calmer; softer, "But it's also that kind of attitude that would make you a fine queen. I can show you at a moment's notice that vampires are real, dear child, but you need to understand your role first. Orion's only explained the beginning of it all, things are going to get far more interesting for you from here on in, if you choose to accept."

“You know I’m on the fence?” I asked abruptly.

“Yes. You’ve only known about all of this for a few days now. I understand how humans work because unlike many living in this metropolis, I was once one too. It’s why I’ve now fallen ill. Turned vampires don’t have eternal life as portrayed through the books. Our lifespans are only extended further. My mind grows weaker by the day and it would happen to you too, eventually, but when I was a young girl I found thoughts of life and death too depressing to deal with. The idea of an eternal life seemed glorious. How could I pass on the option to live instead of die?” She was making very good points.

“What is this place though? Why didn’t Orion get the chance to become king?”

"The rules were set before my time, e ons before it seems like now. Our coven is solely matriarchal. I don't know all the who's, why's, where's and how's but it's the way it's always been and so we continue the tradition in this way. Orion has never been granted a chance to be king because we do not have kings. We, as queens are tied to a nearby coven, in marriage to the prince, though we never merge, we never become queens in their coven and they can never become king here. This is simply to continue our line, as I did with Orion and my other children, and of course, to keep the peace and hold unity over the greater California community of vampires. Our current organization is huge and it's ever growing. Roman does weapon sales across the states to build wealth and down below, they have a currency of their own. You'll find, Elizabeth, that becoming queen opens many doorways to worlds you'll have never seen, or will never see if you don't accept." Lorraine turned her head to the window, "I am ill now and do not have much time left. With my passing, there must be a new queen in place to take up marriage with the son of our neighboring coven, so that the new king can have his place. The traditions are endless, but Orion knows them all and will teach you how to live as one of us. I had an excellent mentor in my years. She was a great woman, but she too has moved on now."

The fond remembrance that Lorrain spoke with was only amplified by the forlorn stare out the window. I might have even seen a tear roll down her face.

“What would I have to do?” I asked, hesitant at the answer.

"Orion will explain it all if you wish. I do hope that you'll take up the mantle of queen. But I grow tired now, sweet child. I think you should go." She turned to me and smiled. I leaned in and took her hand, it was cold as ice, rubbing a hand over the knuckle.

“I’ll speak to Orion.”