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Alyssa followed both brothers to another roof that was in the busy part of the city on the coast. After landing on the roof Alyssa couldn’t help but walk over to take in the view of the other part of the city they were not in, as the harbor that was visible from their location as well. She was content to stand there and just enjoy the site before her, but Gabriel quickly grabbed her arm and started to drag her towards the door. She was about to protest but soon realized that it was getting bright again, and she had forgotten for a moment that she was a vampire and that being out in the sun was no longer an option for her. All of them managed to get inside before the light beamed down on the roof minutes later. Gabriel immediately slammed the door shut once everyone was inside. Since there was no windows on the door they were safe from the sunlight that was now pouring all over he city.
“That was close,” Fowler said, as he was a little out of breath trying to keep up with the insane speed of the last leg of their flight.
“Sorry about that,” Gabriel said, as he lacked the door, “You need to be more mindful of every sunrise moving forward.”
“How come?” Alyssa asked, “I didn’t think it hurt that much. Doesn’t it?”
“I’m afraid it hurts us more than normal,” Cornelius admitted.
“He’s right,” Fowler said, “Your master is of pure blood, and the more untainted your lineage is, the quicker you ignite in the sun.”
“Well, that is a very vital piece of information,” Alyssa said, as she didn’t like getting all her bad news the hard way. She remembered that Cornelius used to walk around her town in a very thick, heavy coat she couldn’t even pick up, and now it made much more sense if he was that sensitive to daylight. She was going to have to have a good sit down with both brothers and find out what she needed to know right now as she didn’t want to learn everything by personal experience.
“I assume you will remain here until nightfall, my lord?” Fowler inquired.
“You assumed correctly,” Cornelius confirmed, “But once the sun goes down, I intend to do a little shopping first before boarding the royal yacht. After our luggage arrives, we shall be departing immediately. So, please be on board and checked in long before then or the Captain will not hesitate to leave you and your men behind to catch the next cruise liner. Are we clear on that?”
“We are,” Fowler said, “Please don’t attempt to run.”
“Never going to happen,” Gabriel said, stepping between them. “We are both quite eager to make our case before the council and settle the matter honorably.”
“Good luck with that,” Fowler said, as he appear confident that they would be able to sway anyone with a case that seemed rather weak to him based on the intel he was able to gather up to that point.
Alyssa followed both Gabriel and Cornelius down to the floor where they’d be resting for the day and while Cornelius appeared eager to say something, Alyssa stepped in and stopped him by putting a hand up.
“I’m sorry, boys,” She started, “But we need to have a serious talk.”
“Is that so?” Cornelius replied.
“Is something wrong?” Gabriel inquired.
“Yes, there is,” Alyssa answered, “I am clearly working without all the necessary information I need to function as a new vampire. I really don’t like the idea of leaning all the bad stuff by example or trail by fire, so we need to sit down and go over everything, especially the stuff that could be lethal to my existence!”
“She’s right,” Gabriel agreed, “She needs a crash course before she does something that could get her accidentally killed.”
“I’m concur,” the Dark Prince said, “But now is not the time. We should all rest up and later we can revisit this on the Royal Yacht.”
“Why wait?” Alyssa asked, “Don’t we have time now?”
“We’re going to have a lot of downtime while crossing the Atlantic,” Cornelius informed her, “That will provide all the time we need to educate you about what you can and cannot do in your new form. We have other things that need tending to before we depart, so your education can wait until we’re crossing the salted seas.”
“That’s one thing we should cover now,” Gabriel added, as he just remembered something that was rather important. “Our skin is very sensitive to salt. In small doses it won’t kill us, but it can burn and be a tad painful. So, I would recommend you refrain from touching the ocean and definitely not swim in it.”
“In other words,” Cornelius added, “Don’t fall off the boat.”
“Okay,” Alyssa acknowledged, “That is a good tip, and I look forward to getting the rest of them during our voyage.”
“We’ll tell you everything,” Gabriel said, “I’d actually recommend writing down as many questions as you can, and when we sit down to talk we will attempt to be as honest as we can about everything.”
“Alright,” Alyssa replied, realizing that was the best she was going to get that night. “I’m not the biggest fan of homework, but that’s a good suggestion. I’ll take some notes and bring every question I have with me.”
“He’s not kidding,” Gabriel added, “We’ll have plenty of time to take care of it and will still have more time to spare afterwards. Though I’m sure the representatives from the council are also going to keep both Cornelius and I busy during our trip as well. They’ll have a lot of questions for us all concerning the circumstances that turned you into one of us.”
“Are we in trouble?” Alyssa asked.
“We could be,” Gabriel honest replied, “There is a protocol that we’re supposed to follow whenever possible. The council is allowed to make exceptions for rare situations, but that doesn’t happen very often. For some reason, Cornelius believes he’ll get away with it this time, but I’m not too sure.”
“What is the punishment if we lose?” Alyssa asked.
“It depends on how and when the transformation was started,” Gabriel said, “There are light and extreme consequences to what we did that night.”
“What are they?” Alyssa demanded.
“The light sentence is re-education,” Gabriel started, “If the council sees potential in you, then you’ll be sentenced to confinement at the capital and there you’ll be trained and given proper instruction to how to conduct yourself as one of us.”
“In other words,” Alyssa countered, “The light punishment is the exact same request for education that I just made?”
“Pretty much,” Gabriel confirmed, “But the extreme punishment goes a bit further, that being the execution of the subject and their maker.”
“Execution?” Alyssa repeated, “Both me and Cornelius could die?”
“That doesn’t happen very often,” Gabriel replied, “And in those cases the unlawful turning of people only warrants this punishment if the Vampire in question is trying to create new vampires specifically to build enough numbers to revolt against the council themselves.”
“So, the highest punishment is reserved for acts of treason?” Alyssa asked.
“It is,” Gabriel confirmed, “And only in those cases does the council ever use the highest punishment available to them. Cornelius hasn’t turned someone in hundreds of years, so no one can accuse him of trying to raise an army. For this reason, I don’t think you have much to worry about.”
“So, I’m looking at re-education?” Alyssa assumed.
“That sounds about right,” Gabriel agreed, “We can clearly make a case that you would be a fine addition to our species. We can also suggest that the dire circumstance of the situation allowed us to do what we did. You are a friend, and an ally that helped and served us. We can argue that our relations gave us the authority to save you in that situation by turning you. At least that’s what I believe Cornelius is going to argue when he presents his defense to the council.”
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“That sounds reasonable,” Alyssa said, “But what are the odds that the council tries to punish Cornelius just because of who he is?”
“They can try,” Gabriel said, getting where she was going, “But I don’t think the council has the nerve, or even the outright balls to challenge the monarchy.”
“The fear your brother that much?” Alyssa asked.
“No,” Gabriel answered, “They fear my father, and what he might do if he wakes up to see that his favorite sons isn’t there to greet him. Remember what I told you about parents being the masters of their children?”
“Yes,” Alyssa replied, “They can feel and know wherever you are at all times.”
“Exactly,” Gabriel confirmed, “And the council can’t do anything that might jeopardize either of our lives, because that sense of danger might wake him up.”
“I see,” Alyssa said, “And if he wakes up early, he might be even more grumpy than if he awakened on his own.”
“That’s entirely possible,” Gabriel concurred, “But he’s going to be grumpy either way, it’s just a matter of degrees we’re talking about. For that and many other reasons, I suspect you and my brother will get a light slap on the wrist as the humans would say. If they tried to do anything worse, I would step in and get you out of the country before they got the chance. We can always retreat back to Nashville if we have to, as that location isn’t known to any vampires except myself and Cornelius.”
“Thank you,” Alyssa said, smiling at him. “That makes me feel a little better.”
“Get some rest,” Gabriel said, patting her shoulder. “If you can’t sleep, use the time to write your up your questions for our voyage. I look forward to answering them and helping you understand what it means to be one of us. I will be in my room resting until nightfall if you need anything.”
“Alright,” Alyssa said, “Good night, Gabriel.”
After she watched him enter his own room, Alyssa walked into her room and locked the door behind her. As Gabriel had suspected, she wasn’t very tired. Alyssa had rested a long time to the point where she wasn’t even fatigued even after flying so far with the two brothers. She suspected it was a combination of her long rest along with her first blood that was making her so energetic. She grabbed a pen and some notepad and started to scribble down some thoughts, and even some questions she wanted to ask both vampires when they were on the big boat later in the week. She had been working on her notes for a while when there was a sudden knock on her door. Puzzled who it might be, she strolled over and partially opened the door. Standing there with his guards was Mr. Fowler and his guards.
“Good evening, Miss,” Fowler softly greeted her, “May we come in?”
“I’m not sure,” Alyssa replied, “What do you want?”
“I have a few questions,” Fowler replied, “This will not take long, and we have plenty of daylight to burn away before we depart for the royal yacht.”
“Very well,” Alyssa said, as she opened the door for them. “Just you, Mr. Fowler. The guards can stay outside.”
“That is acceptable,” Fowler said, as he turned to face the two guards. “Remain here, I will be out shortly.”
The two guards said nothing and took position outside her door to do what they did best, which was to guard the entrance. Fowler strolled into the room and Alyssa shut it and locked it out of sheer habit. Her visitor didn’t even seem to care as he strolled around for a few moments and then picked up her notebook from the couch.
“Taking notes I see,” Fowler said as he took a quick glance and then soft tossed it back onto the couch. “I have an impeccable memory, so such crude anecdotes are hardly necessary. You will learn that as well as you grow and develop as a vampire.”
“Duly noted,” Alyssa replied, as she didn’t care for his small talk. “You said something about having a few questions for me?”
“I did,” Fowler confirmed, “I wanted to inquire about your turning, and the circumstances that made it necessary for it to occur.”
“I have nothing to hide,” Alyssa said, which was basically true. “Ask your questions and let’s get this over with.”
“Very well,” Fowler said, as he turned to face her. “When exactly were you turned into a vampire?”
“I’m not sure of the exact time,” Alyssa answered.
“Any why not?” Fowler inquired.
“I wasn’t conscious when it occurred,” Alyssa replied, “According to the princes, I was knocked out by an explosion and near death when the decision to turn me was made. I have no recollection of anything. Basically, I blacked out a human and woke up the next day a vampire.”
“I see,” Fowler said, as he found it fascinated. “So, you were never given a choice in the matter… were you?”
“I was dying, Mr. Fowler,” Alyssa reminded him, “I didn’t consent to that as well, but the idiots from California did it anyway and put me on death’s door. My master had assumed I would prefer being a vampire over being undead, and he was correct. I would rather be here as I am rather than a mindless drone wandering about the land.”
“Not a very fair choice,” Fowler observed, “But I understand your reasoning.”
“If I was awake,” Alyssa continued, “I would have given my consent, because I prefer to remain alive, even in this form. I cannot care for my sister or those I care about if I’m undead, now can I?”
“I suppose not,” Fowler agreed, “But you have to realize that we have strict laws for a reason to make sure people are not turned against their will.”
“I was told there are exceptions to every rule and law,” Alyssa countered.
“There are,” Fowler confirmed, “And your master is free to use that exception if he chooses to when he presents his defense to the council. Whether or not they accept it remains to be said. I have yet to see one sway the council yet.”
“Regardless,” Alyssa said, walking closer to Fowler, “I never had a say in whether or not I was turned, and that means there was no intent on my part to do anything that would harm your people or your council.”
“That is quite true,” Fowler admitted, “Your lack of consent does give you the perfect excuse to disprove any possible ill will towards us and our council.”
“I was told that re-education might be a possible punishment,” Alyssa said, getting the beat on the vampire.
“That is true,” Fowler said, surprised she knew that. “Is that something you’d be willing to consider, Ma’am?”
“It is,” Alyssa said, “It’s not like I couldn’t use the training. Would something like that appease your council?”
“It might,” Fowler confessed, “Volunteering for education is considering a sign of good faith and a commitment to being a decent member of our society.”
“I’m willing to do what is necessary,” Alyssa said, “But what I am not willing to do is testify against my master, or his brother. They are close to me, and to do anything against them would be like turning on my own family. I won’t do it.”
“I understand,” Fowler said, as he actually admired her gusto. “But if what you say is true, you have nothing to offer the council in the matter. You clearly were not present for the situation, mentally at least.”
“Is there anything else you’d like to ask?” Alyssa inquired, hoping he would be done sooner than later.
“I have a few,” Fowler admitted, “I heard you have a sister. Where is she?”
“Not here,” Alyssa answered.
“Evidently,” Fowler concurred, not amused by her banter.
“She’s at a safe place,” Alyssa added.
“And why aren’t you with her?” Fowler asked.
“I’m not welcome where she is,” Alyssa answered, “And neither are you.”
“Is that so?” Fowler said, rather full of himself. “And where is that?”
Alyssa took a deep breath. “She’s in New Salem.”
Fowler’s eyes widen upon hearing that and paused for a moment.
“What is she doing over there?” he demanded, almost aghast. “I was under the impression that only witches were permitted in that city.”
“That is true,” Alyssa confirmed, “My sister is a witch.”
“How are you not a witch?” Fowler asked as his frustration was evident.
“We have the same father, but different mothers.” Alyssa informed him. “Diane’s mother was a witch, but mine was not.”
“So, you’re not a witch?” Fowler asked.
“No, I am not,” Alyssa assured him, “You need not worry, Mr. Fowler. The princes didn’t turn a witch. I was only human before I was turned and nothing more.”
“That’s a relief,” Fowler said, as he sighed deeply.
“I can assume that turning a witch is probably unwise,” Alyssa said, as she knew that much from what Gabriel told her. “I was once told that biting and sucking from witches wasn’t recommended either.”
“You are correct on both counts,” Fowler said, as he was impressed with her knowledge already on the matter. “Biting and feeding from a witch can cause what is the most horrific bloodlust that our kind has ever seen. The council forbids any such feeding under any circumstance and turning them is also prohibited.”
“Well, she’s my sister,” Alyssa reminded him, “I have another reason to want her to be left alone and even protected.”
“I’ll be honest, that’s a first for me,” Fowler admitted, “but the half sister thing makes sense. Was the Dark Prince aware of this relation with the witch?”
“He was,” Alyssa answered, “But to be fair, having someone who is connected to one of them could bring about good will rather than hostility. Don’t you think?”
“From a diplomatic perspective, I can see it,” Fowler agreed, “Was your master considering that when he turned you?”
“I doubt it,” Alyssa said, “He was more concerned over keeping me alive, but I’m sure that could just be an added bonus.”
“I suppose,” Fowler said, as he paced the room a bit. “What were your relations to your master prior to your turning?”
“Non-existent,” Alyssa replied, “He was friendly, but never went beyond that. Considering how old he is it would be like dating my father, so no thank you.”
“I understand,” Fowler noted.
“What are you trying to accomplish here?” Alyssa demanded.
“I’m just trying to establish motive,” Fowler answered, “To see if his reasons for turning you were practical or personal.”
“I’d have to say a bit of both,” Alyssa confessed, “Not for himself, but for his brother. Cornelius said something about doing it so he wouldn’t be confined by rules. Something about our masters not being able have relations and what not.”
“I get where you’re going,” Fowler said, “I’ve seen something like this before. Other family member step up if they believe relations are possible. You cannot be romantic with your master for obvious reasons. Underlings shouldn’t be forced to co-habituate so masters much remain neutral and like family rather than significant others. This rule was protested for a while but eventually accepted.”
“I see,” Alyssa said, as she was seeing some of the picture. “So, you think the prince stepped because Gabriel has feelings for me?”
“That might not be true,” Fowler countered, “The prince may have seen potential and stepped up just in case something might bloom. More of a precaution rather than something he believes is certain.”
“So, he’s hedging his bets?” Alyssa inquired.
“It might seem that way,” Fowler admitted, “But since he has no such feelings for you, that makes the dark prince a more ideal candidate to turn you.”
“Fair enough,” Alyssa said, as she got the point. “Is that all, Mr. Fowler?”
“For now,” Fowler said as he started to walk to the door. “If I think of anything else, I’ll pay another visit during our trip on the royal yacht.”
“I look forward to it,” Alyssa said, “Now get out.”
Fowler noticed she had quickly zipped over and opened the door in seconds. A power he hadn’t noticed in her thus far. He smiled at her and nodded.
“Good day, Ma’am,” he said before walking out into the hallway.
Alyssa didn’t respond and merely slammed the door and locked it again. She was tempted to return to her notes but was too angered to concentrate. Instead, she just went to the kitchen, boiled a cup of water and had a cup of tea. She felt no need to run out and tell them what happened, as she was well aware they’d have plenty of time to catch up and talk about it during their long journey across the salted sea.