Valentine

Chapter Fifteen - Orion

“So how’s it going to go from right now? The second we walk into that building, what’s going to happen to me?” Elizabeth asked. I had no true answer for her, for I, did not know. I was born years after my mother’s turning and the details of her becoming queen were only ever passed down to my sister. Since I would never know the power of a king, I was not privy to the information that brought about the new changes that would happen in her life.

“I don’t know. You’re going to have to speak to mother, or if not her, the Royal Court.” I replied, as we walked deeper into the cave system.

“The Royal Court? You haven’t mentioned them yet,” Elizabeth said, a reluctant pull forming between our intertwined hands. To an outsider, I understood that trying to fill in all the blank information may have brought some sense of fear. But I was not an outsider, and to recall every ounce of information that was passed and created over hundreds of years was difficult. “They are nothing to fear, Elizabeth. The Royal Court do not interfere with our actions, they merely govern when my mother cannot. Stand strong and show your strengths and they will know to bow to your will. This is, of course, if you even get to meet them before the turning. And unless mother is not well enough within the next few days to teach you, then you should not have any concerns in getting acquainted with the court until you are queen.” I tried to set her mind at ease. In these troubling times there was little in the way of getting the job done. Elizabeth may not have understood the delicate nature of my work, but it was important that it was done with due haste. We both knew why.

“And what about us?” The question came, with reluctance and nervousness biting at the words.

“What about us?” I replied, confused at the question.

“You’ve been here for me since the start? Does all of that change now because you’ve fulfilled your agenda?” This time her defiant pull brings us to a stop, overlooking the city of vampires from the Cliffside. I knew the question would come and I knew that I would answer it in a lie, but on the spot, I couldn’t find the words to fib to Elizabeth.

“Yes. It’s no secret that I’ve found you appealing and had circumstances been turned around, I believe you could have been a fine addition to the coven under my siring. But you are destined for greatness, Elizabeth, and I am but a vampire pawn.”