Silent Soul

Chapter 3: Betrothed

Amaryllis

I remained hidden in the gardens for the rest of the night. The doors would close, blinds would be drawn, and the party would continue until the daylight hours. I sat perched at the fountain on the north side of the courtyard, hidden behind bushes of black roses. I looked to the east as the sun started to kiss the trees. I pulled myself back into the shadow of the castle wall as I watched the sun rise until it bathed my little spot in glowing morning light. I smiled as I reached my hand out and let the warm rays caress it.

It has taken me almost a century to accomplish this. To touch the light of day. Father, after drinking the blood of Grandfather and gaining his abilities though his blood, and far more practice then I have, can walk among the day dwellers without harm—no horrible burns with bubbling blisters or bursting into flames at the touch of light. I can make it outside all day in cloudy weather and stay about an hour in direct sunlight before it starts to burn my flesh. That is far more than my Mother or sisters, who turn their noses at the painful practice.

For me, it was an escape from them. They could not follow me outside, so they could not torment me. I watched as the sun rose, shrinking my little corner of shadows. It was a bright day with clear skies. I waited until I had no more shadows, when the sun was high in the sky and started to burn my pale flesh. I quickly retreated to one of the back entrances into the kitchen just as my skin started to smoke and blister. I hissed as I entered and closed the door, hugging my hands to my chest as the burning slowly subsided and the blisters faded to perfect pale skin.

I wasn’t nearly as pale as my mother and sisters. I almost had Fathers slightly tanned skin since I at least saw the sun, but it was enough that people might assume it was hereditary. I carefully left the hall and walked through the kitchen. The servants paid me little mind anymore and I liked that. I never spoke to them but I also never bothered them, tortured them, or watched them squirm for my pleasure. So in return, I was ignored as well. It was a win-win really. I exited the kitchen, the smell of breakfast making my stomach growl as I headed upstairs for my meal. I carefully rounded the corner in the dining room to ensure it was empty of any other Draculs.

Seeing the coast was clear with only a few guests gathered around to eat before returning to the festivities, I smoothed out my dress and entered with the poise of a Princess. Guests looked up and bowed at seeing me, whispering greetings before returning to their meals. The lies of my silence were a benefit that most never tried to approach me. There were those who did try to get me to speak, to whisper the secrets they thought I held, and it was interesting to watch them attempt in vain. I couldn’t whisper secrets no matter how much I wanted to.

I found myself gathering food at the long line for the buffet that was set out. Eggs, bacon, wine, muffins, even blood covered the tables in the best plates and china my mother owned. I gathered my fill, getting blood whenever I could that wasn’t currently inside another, and sat down. I sat at my place, in another intricate throne at the far end of the table as I ate with grace. I kept my mind open and listened for any of my family. An odd gift I had. I could read minds, more easily and in depth than another vampire. I could also dig through their memories, something none of my kind could do. It was helpful at avoiding those who only wanted to hurt me, but made feeding a painful experience filled with guilt.

“Amaryllis, I was hoping to see you here.” My back straightened as I heard a voice that almost had me flashing my teeth. My eyes flickered coldly to Laurance as he sat next to me, in my Father’s chair and grinned. His blue eyes fell to my breasts, lingering with a hunger that had my lips pulling back in a hiss. His eyes flickered back to mine, and I rolled mine to the large painting in the center of the dining room. It was a painting of my Father and Mother, and a warning to Laurence to watch is wandering eyes and correct his tone. A few others were turning their heads at my hiss and he frowned. A flicker of anger flashed in his eyes.

Soon ,she won’t look at me like some common beggar. Like I’m some mangy dog! My eyes narrowed as I waited for my apology.

“Forgive me, your highness.” With that, I turned back to my meal, now ruined by his mere presence.

“I didn’t see you last night when I presented my gift. Off enjoying the party, were you?” He asked, trying to make conversation. At least he left it open as a yes or no, but I didn’t even want to answer that from him. His thoughts, more than easy to read, were always filled with vile thoughts as he looked over my body. The latest was of the poor girl he had recently indulged in just before breakfast. His vile thoughts showed me flickers of her laughter before the fear filled her eyes. Her screams rang in my head as blood spattered the sheets, bones broke, and screams were cut off by watery gurgles. He left her with her heart still beating as she slowly died in pain. I tried to stifle a shudder as my stomach rolled and my mind reached out to see if the poor girl was still alive. I found the thoughts so dim that there was no hope left. She had only moments left. Tears stung my eyes but I couldn't let them be seen. His loud thoughts pulled me back and I nearly gagged at his monstrous actions.

I’ll have her not only talking but screaming my name. If it weren’t the fact that she’s Vladamir’s favorite, I would have f****d her a long time ago like each of her w***e sisters.

I nearly smiled at that. It was funny to think I was the favorite, and I more than enjoyed hearing how highly he thought of my sisters. of course, he thinks that way of anything with breasts. I nodded my head, answering him so that he would hopefully leave me alone. He smiled and leaned back in Father’s chair.

“I hope you will save a dance for me then?” He asked. With no way of saying he has a better chance in hell, I just gave a tight smile but never looked at him. I drank some of the blood, tasting that it was human with the sweetness hinting at whoever they were. They were young.

“I’m glad,” He continued. “Because soon we will be family, and I want to start things out right.” I paused, bite of eggs right at my mouth as my eyes slid to him. I frowned, wondering what in the world he meant by that. Family? Did Father offer Iris’s hand in marriage? I know she would jump at the offer as that would mean she was that much closer to the throne. But, Father offering in general was odd. What could have possibly changed? I placed my fork down and turned towards Laurance as I looked at him questioningly. He watched me carefully, a wide grin filling his face as he looked at me smugly, as he finally had my undivided attention.

“Aw, don’t be jealous my sweet,” He sneered. My eyes narrowed as I rested my chin lightly on my hand. I dipped a finger into my cup and slowly scrawled on the table in blood.

Jealousy requires want, of which I have none. His smile slowly faded as he read the words on the table, and I stood. I smiled my goodbye as his eyes flashed up to me. I simply turned and walked away as Iris walked in. Her hair was falling out of its careful braids, probably from rolling around in the sheets with any soul she could drag in them. She was careful to look happy to see me, play the part of the doting older sister.

“Amaryllis, father wishes to see you.” She informed me. My eyes locked onto hers as she smiled. It was a normal smile, wide and sweet, but I could see the dark undercurrent as dark thoughts filtered into mine.

I hope he tears her a new one. Maybe even gives her to the new toy in the dungeon. Heard that beast killed four men last night just getting him into the cell.

I fought off a shiver as I nodded towards her, then walked past.

“Be a dear and say hello to Father for me!” She called in mocking. I gritted my teeth as I kept going, wanting nothing more than to smash that pretty nose into her brain. I would do it in the next sparring match, no matter what they put me through afterward. I quickly made my way through the halls until I stopped at Father’s study door. I paused, knowing her heard me and waiting for him to say I could enter.

“Amaryllis.” He called. I pushed the door open and entered, closing it behind me quickly, as he was not one who liked to wait. Mother was already here, sitting on a small love seat to the left of Father’s grand oak desk. It was large, easily weighing one-thousand pounds, and centuries old. It sat in front of the far wall, which was floor to ceiling, stretching the entire span of the wall in books. Father had an extensive collection, with the oldest and most rare remaining here in his study. He had first editions of many books from Shakespeare to Plato. I stepped to the middle of the room and looked down as I regretted eating breakfast just now. My stomach was rolling as I knew I would be punished for being unable to speak earlier. Depending on how mad he was he wouldn’t care if I could not make an appearance for the rest of the week.

“I have great news.” He started. I looked up at him, surprise clear in my eyes as I looked at his for some sign this was a joke. I’m not getting punished? I glanced over at Mother and noticed she was red with anger. Her eyes were boring holes into me like she wanted nothing more than to rip me apart. I looked back at Father as I waited for him to continue.

“Did you see the gift Laurence gave to me last night?” I nodded as I remembered the man in the cage. He didn’t seem to fear the position he was in. Something about him had me fearing him and the cold calmness he portrayed. “A werewolf. One that would bring down the Royal family. Such a gift should not go without reward, don’t you think, daughter?” He asked as he stood up and walked towards me. I forced my body to stay still, not to fidget from nerves as he approached and lightly stroked my hair. I nodded in agreement, the answer Father wanted. He smiled, fangs flashing in the low light from the candles he insisted on still using in his study instead of electricity of the modern day.

“I believe, for a prize such as the one he gave me, nothing less than one of my most prized possessions would do.” I kept my face straight even though the anger boiled under my skin. They mentioned how little my life meant to them. I was nothing more than a prize. A possession for him to parade around when he pleased, then toss out like trash when finished. It didn’t matter, though. Him offering any one of us it would be Iris. My eyes flickered to Mother as I expected that smug smirk on her thin, red-painted lips, the same one Iris had. I imagined her lips curling back, hinting at her fangs at my unfortunate luck that Father would choose her to wed first.

What I saw instead was anger. Mother was flushed from chest to hairline as she was shooting daggers at Father and me. Her eyes flickered red as her emotions were far past boiling point for her. I was surprised she managed to restrain herself to that seat and allow Father to speak. I looked back at him and into his brown eyes in confusion. Maybe he didn’t choose Iris. I knew Father was well aware of hers and Mother's plotting; no matter how sneaky they thought they were, he knew. That possibly bit them in the ass and I would be the first to say that new pleased me.

“You will marry him on the finial day of the celebration.” He spoke. I blinked, stunned, for lack of a better phrase, to silence at his words. I didn’t understand, couldn’t comprehend what he was saying. My mouth worked, mouthing out the word as my brows furrowed. I knew my lack of sound would anger him, possibly causing him to strike me but even if I could speak, I doubted words would pass my lips right now.

He can’t be serious. Me? Why? I can’t speak. Wouldn’t that betray the secret that the royal family was not perfect? Red flared in hsi eyes, starting from the center and expanding outward like a flame at my lack of sound.

“This is insanity! Why her? She can’t even speak! She will ruin this family by marrying her off like that. Iris is the oldest. It is her birthright!” Mother snapped. She stood up, pointing a finger at me as she snarled out her grievances at this idea, and for once, I completely agreed. I wanted nothing to do with Laurence. I’ve seen his mind. His s****l appetite was only trumped by his need to inflict pain. He liked to torment his lovers, most of whom died afterwards. The only reason why my sisters were spared is that Father would kill him in a slow and agonizing death. Father’s eyes flashed towards Mother and she stopped her complaints and sucked in a frightened breath.

“Did I say speak?” He snarled. She shrank back and hissed, but it had little power. Father looked back at me and I shook my head, pointing to Mother to try and convey that I agreed with her. I rushed past him, snatching up a pen and paper on the table and quickly scrawled out two words before Father grabbed the pen and paper away, tossing it aside and his long slender fingers grabbing my throat. The air was sharply cut off as he squeezed.

“So you protest too?” He snarled. I grabbed at his arm, trying to pry him away but being the oldest, he was far stronger than me. I looked to Mother stupidly for help. She was bending down and lifting the crumpled paper off the floor as she read the words out loud.

“Iris’s right,” She murmured. She looked up to me. Even though I was backing her, she still managed to look at me with disdain and pleasure curled her lips at my struggles for air.

“She agrees that her sister should wed first.” Mother said after a pause, enjoying my struggles. Father dropped me, and I crumpled to the floor. I clawed at the carpet with my one hand as the other was at my throat. I sucked in air, my gasps and raspy coughs the only sounds I could make. Father turned to Mother for a moment as she held up my written plea.

“You wish your sister to wed first?” He asked. Tears pooled and fell from my eyes as the air was sweet but burned its way down my throat. I looked up and nodded vigorously.

“Do you know why I offered you?” He asked with a smile. I shook my head. “Everyone thinks you are the next in line. Your silence will ensure Laurence remains in the dark, but your perceived position will ensure he remains within arm's reach, a valuable ally. Your sister is not much of a prize if she is not to rule.” I reached for the paper Mother held, desperate to argue, and she surprisingly handed it to me with the pen. Probably only because she could see I was fighting this as hard as she was.

But, I can never have land to rule. He will realize eventually that my position is a farce. Father read it as Mother smiled and shook her head.

“She is correct. She cannot rule the land if no words pass those lips. Iris is a better choice. We might be able to fool him but in a few years, what will happen?” I shook my head, agreeing with Mother with every word. Father looked at us both before squatting down until he was eye level with me.

“You don’t wish to marry him?” I shook my head no, pointing to the paper to give him the impression it was only for my sister’s sake. He looked at Mother, then me. “Then tell me.” My heart sank. He grinned as he saw the defeat in my eyes. “Tell me you don’t want to marry him, and I will offer him Iris instead. He asked for you, covets you, but I will give him your sister if you tell me no. You see, you’re the better pick. I don’t trust Laurance. I want him as close as possible. That means living here, in the castle where I can keep an eye on him and you. He will never get land, he will never get the power he craves. I just need to throw him a bone to think he’s being a good boy. If you tell me, I will change my plan to Iris.” Mother’s eyes widened. She had obviously not heard this part of the plan but even though I knew she and Iris would hate it she looked at me with red eyes that were almost glowing with hatred.

I opened my mouth, focusing hard on forcing the words to form. My tongue moved, my lips twisted, but still nothing came out. Tears pooled in my eyes as Father moved to stand. I launched myself forward and grabbed at his arm, begging him with my eyes to listen to my silent plea. His eyes darkened again and his hand shot out and caught my face. I flew back into the desk with force as the air was pushed from my lungs. My head spun and I touched the back and felt something wet.

“You will marry him in five days. Speak before then, and I will change my mind.” I shook my head and reached out again, throwing caution and my safety to the wind. I knew what would be coming for me if Father agreed to this. I grabbed at him again, still trying to move my lips to make the words I felt with my entire being. This time, he lifted me clear off the ground as he snarled and bared his fangs to me. I sobbed silently as I gripped his arm and tried forming the words over and over again before he slammed me into the ground. The world tilted for a moment before starting to spin. I tried to right myself but everything moved around me as voices drifted and soon faded away.

How did this happen? How did I go from invisible to the most dangerous place to be for a vampire, right in everyone’s sight, and with no words to scream.