Aodh finished his drink and quickly found himself another cup. He had decided he might as well indulge a little, he felt it needed after what he’d just witnessed in any case. Such sadity amidst the glamour and opulence did not sit well with him, though it was not as if he could protest it. Not too vocally in any case.
“You aren’t dancing?”
Aodh looked around and was very pleasantly surprised to see Princess Vensar regarding him.
“As of yet, no.” Aodh raised his cup, “I find myself quite engaged in other pursuits.”
“It is a worthy one.”
Aodh turned to face her, “Princess Vensar, yes?”
“Ah how flattering, you remember.”
“Some are easier remembered than others. And how then should I call you?”
“Why Princess Vensar naturally, what else?” She frowned, but there was a playfulness underneath her feigned formality.
“I was hoping to be on more personal terms with you.”
“Why?”
“Personal suggests closeness.”
“So you wish to be personal and close to me?”
“There are worse things to wish for.”
She pursed her lips and her eyes narrowed.
“Princess Leniseh.”
“Leniseh. I will remember that.”
“Yes,” Leniseh took a drink from her own cup, “Make sure you do. Tell me Aodh Rua, you have been with many females, of your kind and others?”
“I,” Aodh spluttered, spilling a bit of wine, the question was not one he’d been anticipating. Leniseh didn’t seem to notice his
embarrassment however and just looked at him expectantly.
“I…well… Yes, I suppose I have had more experience than most. And of more than one people.”
“Which people?”
Aodh gulped down his drink, “Which people?” He puffed out his cheeks, he felt as if he was losing the conversation, “well my own kind, Foxlings. Our ladies are well known for their beauty.”
“And?”
“And?” Aodh shrugged, “Humans. They can be very pretty. Though they can also be very ugly. Elves, they are perhaps my favourite, very elegant, dainty but….” Aodh broke off, realising he was speaking a little too freely, that and another Prince and Princess had gathered around to listen to his ramblings.
“Dainty but?” Leniseh pressed.
“But…..but with substance.” Aodh finished somewhat hesitantly.
“Hmmm, and us? What do you make of Pure Bloods?” the Princess who’d walked over asked him.
Aodh gave her his best smile, “Well for that I would need to lay with one Princess. I would not dare to give an uneducated opinion. With the most beautiful of them preferably”
She rolled her eyes at his own, “How base.” Yet she did smile, “without laying with one you can still have thoughts no?”
“Oh yes,” Aodh responded, “All kinds of thoughts. Princess…
“Serah, of House Tornn.”
“Serah,” Aodh repeated, taking her pale hand in his and offering it a kiss. She laughed at him, Princess Serah was not unlike Leniseh, though her eyes were not so big, and less round. They were no less appealing for that however. The two looked about the same age, though what age that might be Aodh had no idea. Twenty or one hundred and twenty, Pure Bloods did not age quickly. Serah however had long black hair interspersed with green to Leniseh’s deep purple.
Aodh was aware he was sporting the colours of House Tornn from both the Princess’s dress and hair.
“Do you always remain in your human form? I believe seeing you in your beast form might be of some interest.” Leniseh asked, she moved over, causing Aodh to step away from Serah.
“We use that only when needed, in battle.”
“Pity, I would like to see it.”
“What of you and the humans Foxling?” A Prince put in quite aggressively, one with a long scar running across his face just like Prince Feergar at the Council meeting, his heir perhaps. That both had almost identical scars was confusing.
“Though you are a half one,” Prince Feergar continued, “you don’t consider yourself to be one I take it? You Foxlings were originally created by them to serve you in matters of war were you not?”
“That is true,” Aodh nodded, “though only the first of our kind ever served them in such a way. And he only for a short period, before the war’s end. As soon as the moment arose for hi to break free he did so, and created a dynasty that has grown powerful. I and all the others of my kind have never served anyone but ourselves. We do what is needed and best for the whole, that is all.”
Aodh was surprised to find himself so passionate in his rhetoric, he sounded almost like Desra, and not in a way he liked.
“You have no ambitions of your own then?” Feergar asked.
“I have. Many. But the Dynasty comes first. In most matters at least.”
“Ahhh this is my favourite,” Serah looked over towards the musicians, before taking Aodh rather forcefully by the arm.
“You dance, yes?” She asked.
“Oh I am not yet re-”
“Do not worry, I’ll guide you.”
Aodh had little choice but to be led alongside her, though delicate and petite looking, the strength of Serah’s grip was enough that Aodh was unsure whether he could have broken free without her say so. Resigning himself to his fate, he cast a quick glance back. He thought he saw a flicker of annoyance on Leniseh’s face. Though it was only a flicker, and he had been led away before he could be sure.
He turned his focus to the Princess, he’d had worse dance partners. She wore an incredibly light, tight black dress. The shape of her body in the dress aroused him more than he liked. Such feelings along with wine usually bode poorly for his decision making. Still, no use worrying about that now. How often will I be in the presence of so many Princesses?
“You must know something?” Serah grinned at him as they found a place amongst the other couples.
“A little, though not much, and I have never danced with a Princess. What exactly is dancing to a Vampir? I presume it involves this?”
Aodh wrapped a hand around her shapely waist. She smiled at the act, laughing she put his other hand upon her shoulder.
“A fine start. Now, just follow my lead, I shan’t go fast.”
WIth simple steps she guided him, thankfully she did move slowly, though he never liked to admit the fact, Aodh did share some enjoyment for dancing. With Serah on his arm that enjoyment was almost significant. As they continued Aodh felt a little more comfortable, the dance was not so different from an aristocratic elven waltz. And he’d danced that before.
Serah was a good teacher, as he grew more comfortable she guided him further and further out into the dancefloor. Soon they were amongst the middle of the party, Aodh saw Trendal and his partner on one side of him, and he couldn’t fail to notice Leniseh and her partner on another. He focused only on Serah. Now more confident he was willing to actually look up and into her blood red eyes. They glittered in the green candlelight, casting an almost hypnotic glare. She however looked around constantly, and more than once over at Leniseh. Aodh paid no mind to that, he gripped her waist a little tighter and drew her in closer. She seemed surprised by that but smiled and drew her face in towards him.
“You dance well Foxling. You make a fine partner.”
Aodh leaned in with her, her face rested almost on his shoulder,
“In dance, and in other areas too.”
She pulled back and made a look of feigned shock. “Other areas? How intriguing, I may have to test that theory.”
The break in song corresponded with a change in partners, Aodh however felt Serah holding him closely, “I think I will sta-”
“I will borrow the Foxling Serah, after all there are many Princes awaiting your hand.”
“Oh yes Leniseh, though I’m sure you can keep my suitors content while I’m engaged, I wish to stay with the Foxling.”
“Aodh.” Aodh put in, the Foxling was fine, but he did have a name.
He felt rather in the middle of the two Princesses, yet he also felt as if he himself was not so much their desire but what he represented. He admittedly was not over concerned by that.
“What you wish,” Leniseh’s smile was rather forced, “is irrelevant, decorum dictates that partners alternate. You would not go against decorum would you Serah?”
Serah had not let go of Aodh and seemed like she was in fact willing to go against decorum. Yoven thankfully approached to intervene, “Princesses, the next dance is about to begin. Serah if you please, Prince Marresda wants to have this next dance with you.”
Serah looked over to the Prince Marresda, Aodh did likewise, and even he had to confess that the Prince looked quite splendid in his all black attire. Slowly Serah let him go, “I shall be back for you after Foxling, you will have to dance with Leniseh for awhile, I am sure you will have fun with her, she shows all the Princes a good time.”
Leniseh stepped in abruptly as the music picked up causing Serah to stumble a little, “Thank you Serah, now hurry on, I will look after the Foxling from here.”
Aodh was again surprised by the strength of Leniseh as she took his hands in hers and led him away.
“I am sorry about Serah. She cannot abide anyone having something she does not, and thus she acts as she does. She did the same with the elven ambassadors.”
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
“Elven ambassadors?”
“Oh nothing, nothing,” Leniseh shook her head and offered him a smile. “Here, you may put your hand a little lower. There, yes that’s it. Serah is a poor dancer in truth, but we won’t worry about that. Or her.”
Aodh was not sure he liked how she was speaking, nor the force of her grip as she pulled him from one side to the other. However as they danced further she seemed to relax. And as they moved so too did her dress and body. The sight caused him to forget the slight tension in the air, soon Leniseh was taking up all his eyes and focus. By the end of their third song together she was even laughing, and it seemed to Aodh real laughter.
He was enjoying the dancing, but desired a break. And a drink, his lips were dry, and seemed even more so when he looked at Leniseh’s.
“A drink Princess? I would feel honoured to share one with you. That and it will allow me the opportunity to learn more about you.”
“You wish to know more about me?”
“I wish to know all about you.”
Leniseh laughed, “Then come, I believe we will need more than just one drink for that.”
Aodh picked up another cup as they headed off of the dance floor.
“Ah no, no.” Leniseh took Aodh’s cup from him, “That one is not for you I’m afraid, you must stick to the wine.”
She stopped, “Unless….do you enjoy blood? Perhaps as a Beastling the taste is-”
“I will stick to the wine I think.” Aodh smiled and found himself a fresh cup, carefully checking its contents this time.
“Blood is not really my thing.”
The banquet was in fine flow by now. Everything was all still stylish, graceful, but the volume and animation on the faces and bodies of the Princes and Princesses had increased noticeably.
Aodh kept his hand in Leniseh’s as they found themselves thrust into the middle of another conversation.
Quite an animated one by the faces of Pure Bloods involved in it.
“Whoever risks most should gain most. Is that not natural?” Prince Feergar was remonstrating to the group, “if we are to take back our lands then there will be great risk involved. I know as you do that not all Houses are willing to take those risks. Those that aren’t can hardly expect to receive what those who are willing to will.”
“They are not willing to take risks because it is precisely because of risk taking that caused us to end up on this continent in the first place. We cannot be hasty, foolish.”
Feergar scowled at his rival's words.
“Sounds like some Houses are too content to remain here. This is not our Home. And never will be. We must not prioritise what we have here over what was once ours.”
“Dreaming is all well and good, but do no not let it stand in the way of reality. While some Houses dream, others actually ensure we maintain and build on the power and lands we do have.”
“Who cares about the power and lands we do have here. All of our cities, all of our history lies beyond. We fled here for good reason I grant you, we needed to. To recover and recuperate. But soon it will be time for us to return. And return we must. I only hope you do not forget that.”
“Don’t lecture me Feergar. I know our history. Do not try and put yourself forward as some brave hero. Your House is no greater than any other, whatever you might think. We bled just as you did.”
“Then I am sure you will be willing to bleed again.”
“If it should come to it then yes.”
“IF it comes to it? There is no if. It will come to it, has to. It must be our only focus. You think because you hold more power here that it should be our new Home forever. You might have bled, but my House lost far more in the defence of the continent. Remember that when next you vote against my Family’s proposals.”
“Times change Feergar, as does power. We will not vote against you when your Father stops putting forward proposals to try and force your House into my own’s successful affairs.”
“Watch your tongue, Hovenra. Our House had established cities when yours were still merchants. Know your place when you speak to me.”
“Live in the past then, it is only there where your Family holds any weight. You hang onto your prestige now through pity. If I was your Father I would be embarrassed to see my Hou-”
Too quick for Aodh to fully see Feergar lashed out. Hovenra however had clearly expected an attack. Avoiding the blow he elegantly stepped back. Feergar showed no sign of frustration but launched into another attack. Leniseh pulled Aodh back as he tried in vain to follow what was happening.
He lost sight of both for a few moments before they appeared almost out of nowhere over away to the right of him.
Feergar had gotten his hands on Hovenra, he now stood over him and was attempting to free his hands. As Aodh watched he saw one strike get through at least.
It was broken up as suddenly as it started, Trendal, Yoven and a few fellow Princes stepping in to intervene and pull apart the two combatants.
Though bloodied Hovenra smiled all the while as he was led away to the other side of the Hall. Feergar clearly desired to inflict more damage, he continued to struggle in the arms of those holding him back as he was dragged away to the opposite side.
“A pathetic display of emotion.” Leniseh whispered alongside him. “Though then again, Hovenra should not have mentioned Feergar’s father so crudely, that too was in poor taste it must be said.”
“Are the rivalries always so vicious amongst you?”
Leniseh shrugged, “That one at least. An old rivalry well set in. House Feergar was once far more prominent before our defeat by the Dragonkin. They look down on those newer Houses who suffered less and gained a great deal more when we moved to this continent. There are Houses in both camps.”
“And yours?”
Leniseh stopped and turned to look at him slowly.
“Mine? We do not take sides. Though I’ll admit I can understand Feergar’s frustrations.” She sighed, “A lot has changed since we left our home. The power struggles however are something we took with us.”
“With all this chaos now might be a good time to make our departure.” Aodh glanced at her, “I would be happy to walk you back to your palace.”
Leniseh laughed, “Walk me back? Do you think you have such freedom? Three guards await you outside. Besides, we can not be seen together outside these walls. My parents would have my head for such indiscretion.”
“Best make sure they don’t see you then.”
“You think I wish to go back with you?”
“You don’t?” Aodh leaned in.
“You Foxlings are quite unusual. Nothing like the dwarves or elves we’ve had here before.”
“Is that a good thing?”
“I am not yet sure.”
“Well that settles it, you’ll have to spend a night with me to decide on it.”
“Oh yes? Well, I suppose I should get to know you better, seeing as you are to work for us, it is important we know your worth.”
“Good, for I do plan on showing you all of my worth tonight. Just as I hope to see yours likewise.”
Things seemed to be dying back down, most of the guests were back dancing, drinking and making discussion again. Leniseh had one final look before pulling Aodh away.
“Come, Foxling.”
With that they made their way out, taking a side door few if any paid attention to them as they left. Most of the guests seemed to be more than merry by now, either on drink, or more likely on blood.
When they finally made their way back outside Aodh saw that three warriors were indeed waiting. All of them stood to attention at his and Leniseh’s approach.
“The Foxling is in my care. I shall take him back to his palace. You may follow at a distance.”
The guards made no sign that Aodh could see that they’d heard the Princess. Yet all three stood back to let her pass.
“Follow me. They will do as I say. They are to guard you and ensure you do not go anywhere you are not supposed to. Once we are in your palace however you will be free to move wherever, and however you like.”
Aodh smiled at her expression, there was a sense of danger about the Princess, and knowing she could kill him in an instant was an admittedly strange realisation. But her looks, her eyes, and her body were all more than enough to make him forget all that. He’d never wanted anything so badly as he wanted her in that moment.
The half bloods did indeed only follow them at a distance. Aodh and Leniseh were left virtually alone as they made the short walk back.
He held her hand in his. Aodh suspected the reason for her returning with him was as much to stop Princess Torn doing so as anything else. Still, there was something about Leniseh he liked. Even aside from her looks, though he knew that they made up a good deal of it. Even amongst so much beauty Leniseh stood out for him. Best she did not know that though, she already held too much over him.
Two more guards waited by his door.
Aodh felt the volume of guards for just him alone was a little extreme. But perhaps he should have felt esteemed by it. Someone obviously felt him a potential threat. He rather enjoyed that realisation.
Leniseh opened the doors with a wave of her hand.
“See to it we are not disturbed.” She added to those at the door as they made their way inside.
Aodh tried again to hide his surprise at seeing such casual magic. They went into the dining rooms where the three thralls as always stood motionless and unblinking. Aodh avoided their eyes, he knew that once a human had been made a thrall they ceased to be human, and never could be one again. Their whole body bound to that of the Pure Blood who’d taken them and their only way out being the death of that Pure Blood. Still, mindless or not they still looked human, and to see them used as such throwaway slaves, blood vessels for feeding was not something he felt altogether comfortable with.
And what could I do about it? A lone Foxling. Would a human care if I was similarly bound? It is not for me to be comfortable with.
“Do you want a drink?” Leniseh took him from his thoughts.
He shook his head, “I have enough of drinks, for now I want something else.”
He came up and placed his arms around her waist.
“It is something I have wanted since I first saw you in truth.”
She pursed her lips, “Since you first saw me? My, I am flattered, perhaps I should-”
Aodh drew her in for a kiss. She pulled back at first, surprised by his forwardness. But only for a moment. Then it was her kissing him. Aodh lifted her up, grabbing her legs and carried her back to his room. She giggled in his arms, Aodh couldn’t resist kissing her again, causing him to almost stumble by the bed. He was forced to almost throw her onto it but she didn’t mind.
He looked down on her, and watched with growing excitement as she slowly removed her dress and delicately allowed it to drop to the floor. Aodh was not so delicate, hurriedly he tore off his shirt and went to her. He kissed her lips, so red, soft and tempting. The passion seemed more intense with her than it had ever been with anyone else. He breathed in deeply as he moved to her neck, her breathing increasing as he did so. She took her hand and wrapped it around his head and he began to move slowly downwards.
He savoured every moment. He could not have imagined the night ending so well as this.
A pureblood Princess, Aodh lay back smiling. He could not help it. Beside him Leniseh lay still sleeping. She looked beautiful even now.
Aodh placed a hand to his neck, when he pulled it back only a little blood came with it, mostly dried. Leniseh had not given him any warning before she’d bitten his neck. It had not been so bad. It had only hurt a little and for a moment. The sight of his blood on her lips had been an unsettling one, but what she had done after that had caused him to forget all about it. He shook his head and exhaled quietly as he looked over at her once again. Whatever came next, for now, he was glad it was he, and not one of his Brothers who’d been given the Vampirii contract. As Leniseh rolled over beside him he felt the contract was going quite well so far. He kissed her softly and rested back under the covers. For this night at least.