Purebreds and Power

Car after car arrived with guests dressed in their finest. Some had full entourages while others played the refined soloist.

Either way, the expected spectacle could not be avoided.

Gideon’s staff prepared tirelessly–cooking and cleaning. Now, Han sat upon the raised dais as beings of all kinds filled the ballroom. Never before could they witness the savage nature of vampires without risking danger themselves.

James stood resolutely by his master’s side. “Are you sure you want an audience?”

Han looked around the room, covering his nose. “Other than the foul stench of persistent mediocrity, their presence does not bother me.” Attendees preened and gossiped and whispered. “Nothing like pending death to create an audience.”

The consistent din of the room came to an abrupt halt as the first of the bridal candidates made her appearance. Pretty, young, and quite voluptuous, the lithe female with deep auburn hair caused many heads to turn. Han had never seen her before. The newly-turned vampire’s bright red eyes should have been a warning, but humans and supernaturals alike did not shrink from her presence.

Imbeciles.

The clamor dulled again when Adorna arrived. Wearing a form-fitting dress and heels, she stood taller than most, and her beauty outshined many. Flanked by large guards, she approached Han and pecked his cheek. “What’s with the masses?”

“Beings needed a reminder.”

“I thought this was the bridal selection?”

“Today is about assurances.”

Adorna surveyed the room, fiddling with her necklace. “You know I don’t agree with this. I didn’t pick anyone for death.”

“And your approval is not required.”

“You could always— ”

“Please. find your place.”

Sighing, Adorna moved to Han’s left. The red-headed bridal candidate nodded at Han and took her place to his right.

Low mumbles turned silent as a stunning male strutted into the room. A fruity, sweet bouquet wafted through the area, causing Han’s mouth to water. With the lightest color of hair, and eyes blue as cobalt, the male’s ethereal presence demanded attention. His refined countenance mirrored those of the dozens of sublime specimens behind him. The procession split in half, and two more entered.

No one moved.

“On behalf of the Fae king, Caelan Ri, Protector of the Three Realms, Divine Conqueror a’ choille, Dòigh Nàdair, we present to you Rhiannon Vale, Princess of the Fae and heir to the throne.”

The first three males stepped to the side, then Rhia stepped forward and curtsied—the guards towering height in sharp contrast to their princess. “A pleasure to see you again.”

Han stood and nodded slightly. The enticing scent threatened to overwhelm his senses but suddenly dissipated.

“My apologies. My guards were not thinking. No one has left our realm in a century.”

“Feel safe to be as you are. I forgot how delicious—” Han cleared his throat. “Welcome. I did not expect you.”

“Your representatives went to great lengths. My grandfather thought it rude to deny. And here I am.” Rhia embraced Han. “She has all your strengths, so do what you must.” Rhia looked up at Han and smiled; then she took her spot next to Adorna.

Han scanned the room, and an overwhelming dread engulfed him as the moment neared.

“Are you hungry, sir?”

A lovely female vampire stood before him. Her crimson suit hinted of style and wealth, and her accent spoke of faraway lands.

“I am not.”

“My name is Akilah Abawi, my liege. And you’ve gone without for days, I’m sure.” Her attempts to distinguish herself did not go unnoticed. “I am happy to lend you—”

“A necessary nuisance.”

“I am more than willing to share.” Dragging her fingertips down her long neck, the female bit her lower lip as her eyes traveled Han’s form.

“Your spot is to the left.” Han waved dismissively and looked off into the crowd. He knew of only one other candidate, but surprises could always happen. Han hoped there wouldn’t be any.

A large portion of the council had already appeared— happy to provide their input when Han didn’t need–or want–it. It had been decades since Han had seen the full contingency and close to a century since they had all been in his home.

Chamberlain finally made an appearance, accompanied by seven other ministers. They approached Han’s seat, parting for the long-awaited favorite to reveal herself. Sera stepped forward, dropping into a deep curtsy. Her long blonde locks fell from her shoulders in bouncy curls. The plunging neckline of her white dress skirted the edges of her nipples as she stood and primped.

“A pleasure to see you, my liege.” Sera leaned in and kissed Han’s cheek. “I’ve waited so long for this day.”

Han wanted to scold Sera for her audacity, but as a bridal candidate, she was well within her rights. Chamberlain seemed to read Han’s thoughts and scowled at him. “Please take your spot to my left, Sera.”

Han’s father entered, greeting guests, and Han took a deep breath.

His future awaited.

And it was not as he planned.

He looked to his stalwart companion, James, who stood by his side for the majority of Han’s life and did so on this important day as well.

James gave Han an uneasy smile. “I believe we are ready, sir.”

Han looked straight ahead, pulling at his cufflinks.

“As chief member of the staff, it is my pleasure to represent the interests of my master, Jun Inhan Kang.” James bowed. “All members of the council are present and, as is custom, have agreed upon bridal tributes. Is this the case?” James turned toward the ministers.

A resounding “Aye” echoed through the hall.

“All have agreed upon those they deem a threat and worthy of death?”

“Aye” echoed again.

“Today we begin the wedding traditions—a time of great celebration as a new union is created.” James wrung his hands as his voice rose above the silent crowd.

“As with all things, there is balance. New life cannot exist without death.”

“Death is reserved for those with a place of honor today. Those who served our master well. Their continued existence has made the bridal candidates uneasy as these suppliants brought much pleasure in life.

“For the bridal candidates’ contentment, we once again choose balance. We stand here today and welcome death with these slaves. It is their honor to embrace it, just as it is ours to witness it.”

The side door opened, and everyone except Han turned to look. Four traditionally-attired slaves processed in, heads held high. Every bauble they had earned sparkled as guards herded them through the crowd and to their place of honor in front of Han.

One slave had gems covering both arms. Her eyes grew wide as she pointed to the redhead. “A fucking household cleaner is your potential bride?” The slave turned to Han. “You favored me, and she was jealous. What a joke!”

Seeing Sera, she laughed, long and loud. “Fuck you, Jun Inhan Kang. I can’t believe I trusted you. I loved you. I love you.” She inched forward.

“Silence!” Han stood from his chair—his eyes a deep red. “I will not have you disgrace your end.” He looked at his bridal candidates, his eyes returning to their normal color. “As is your right, name those you deem a threat.” Han turned to Adorna first.

“I abstain.”

Then Han motioned to Rhia.

“In accordance with your customs, I choose her.” Rhia pointed toward the brunette.

Han couldn’t bring himself to look at her–his Lilly, in disguise. Her eyes pleaded with him, but he looked past her position.

His hand had been forced.

If only Lilly had listened to him…

Han looked to the red-haired candidate, who pointed to the bejeweled slave. “I choose her.”

Akilah Abawi selected the third slave, and finally, Sera made her choice.

“As is my right, I choose the werewolf as the threat to my position.”

The crowd gasped. Never before had a werewolf willingly died, let alone been favored by a vampire.

Lilly continued staring at Han. When he finally brought his eyes to hers, he saw something he never expected to see.

Resolution.

She accepted her end.

He expected to see disappointment, sorrow. But as was typical for his beloved, she surprised him. Han only saw conviction and love in Lilly’s beautiful brown eyes–eyes trained on him.

A commotion dragged Han’s attention to the rear of the room.

“Let me through!” A frantic Charles Knight pushed guests aside, scurrying to Adorna’s side.

“Charles!” Adorna grabbed Charles by the hands, “Finally!” The obviously smitten candidate snuggled into Charles’ side. “Sorry, Han. My man came for me.”

“I wish you much happiness.”

“You’re here! My mate. I can’t believe it!” Dax emerged from the crowd, looking toward the side of the room. He moved with ease through the room, finally stopping in front of a shocked servant.

Celia beamed at Dax before curling into his waiting arms. Dax pushed an errant strand of her hair behind her ear. “You’ll be needing new help, Han.”

“So I will.”

Charles and Adorna cooed at each other, and the masses parted ways allowing them to pass.

“Good luck with whatever this is.” Dax took Celia by the hand and found a speedy exit as well.

Gideon stepped forward. “My bridal candidate has been released from her obligations, so I reserve my right to choose another by the end of today. Her right to choose a threat is forfeit.”

“So acknowledged.”

Han looked at Lilly and nodded before looking up.

Finally.

“I will wed tomorrow.” Han glanced around the room, then at the slaves who were forced to their knees, facing the crowd. “In life, you brought much pleasure, in death, you bring my future wife comfort. I acknowledge both.” Han stepped from the dais and stood behind Lilly. He placed his hands on both shoulders.

With his thumbs hidden, Han gently stroked Lilly’s soft, supple skin. He leaned in--almost imperceptibly--to sniff her hair and feel their bond course through his veins.

And with a loud crack, he snapped her neck.