Queen of Darkness

Chapter 10 - The Ball

I needed fresh air, the only place I could think to go was the maze. I haven’t been in there since the day with Pierré.

I ran deep into the maze until I was sure I was alone and not followed, before I sank to my knees and cried. I hated my birthday, bad things always happened on my birthday. I lay on the ground, curling into a ball and cried myself out.

Robert wasn’t giving me much of a choice, it was either death, and even though I hated my life I wasn’t ready to die, or I had to become Robert’s personal blood bank, rendering me a slave once again.

I was deep in thought but the distant sound of music and laughter brought me back to the present, realising that the sun was already setting... It was getting darker and the ball had already begun. I wasn’t even dressed yet, I knew Robert was going to be angry with me so I got up and started running, trying to make my way back.

It didn’t matter what was going on between Robert and I, a lot of people were invited to the ball, a lot of time, money and effort went into it, it was a big social event and important to Robert.

I didn’t want to be the one to ruin it. My situation with Robert would be ten times worse if his guest of honour didn't pitch up for her own ball.

Running through the maze in the now dark, was becoming more difficult and panic started to set in, I was lost.

To make matters worse, it started drizzling which caused the ground to become slippery and slightly muddy. I collided with some hedges a few times and even fell down once or twice after slipping and sliding on the muddied terrain. My hair was everywhere, no longer neat. I was wet, I tore by night dress when I fell and it was filthy from the mud.

In the direction of the woods I heard a howl. It startled me, it was the first time I heard a howl not only that, but it sounded close. I never even thought about wild animals out in the woods.

A minute or so later, there was another howl, this time it sounded even closer. I ran faster, trying to get back to the château as fast as I could.

Running fast and trying to find my way I was more worried about looking over my shoulder, hoping a wild animal was not closing in on me, that I wasn't focusing on where I was going. I collided with someone with such a thud that I landed on my ass.

The first thing I noticed was shiny red irises, and then Robert slowly came into view. I’ve never seen his eyes like that, they seemed to be on fire with anger.

Robert: “Where the fuck have you been, I’ve been looking everywhere!” He didn’t give me a chance to explain, instead he grabbed me by my upper arm and pulled me up. Storming back to the Châteaux, pulling me after him, half lifting me, my toes barely touching the ground.

Robert:” I can’t believe you chose tonight of all nights to pull this stunt, what the hell is wrong with you.... There’s no time for this shit, you better fix yourself up, get dressed and join the ball... For your own well-being you should avoid getting into any altercations with vampires. I hope for your sake you’re good at performing, if anyone of them suspects you know anything about us, you’re as good as dead....and stay clear of Vincent, he is a council member and cannot be trusted”

We reached the Châteaux and Robert literally shoved me through the door causing me to fall forward, lucky for me a pair of strong arms caught me just in time or I would have landed flat on my face.

The first thing I notice was my dirty, wet hands grabbing onto a snow white shirt leaving muddy handprints.... I just ruined it. This was bad.

I looked up into the most amazing swirling icy blue eyes, eyes that seemed to hypnotise me, I instantly lost myself in those eyes.

Robert was right behind me “For Goodness sake Aurora watch where you’re running, you’re so clumsy.” It blew my mind why Robert blamed me when he was the one who shoved me, atleast his voice sounding softer, like it did before... But his next words explained his behavior. “My apologies Vincent, I hope your shirt isn’t ruined.. You can have one of mine if you like?”

Me: “OH shit!” The words were out before I could stop myself. “Umm I mean, Please forgive me... I got lost in the maze and it started to rain and I am late, and I was running, I’m sorry” I started blabbing.

Vincent just gave a slight laugh in amusement, studying me from head to toe. “You are a wild one aren’t you? I can understand Robert’s fascination with you... You are quite an alluring specimen.”

He had his finger intertwined with one of my curls. Vincent was quite the specimen himself I thought to myself, he was the most gorgeous man I’ve even seen, and I use to think Pierré was the most attractive man but Vincent was far more attractive, he literally made my legs go weak.

Robert was getting annoyed with my visible attraction to Vincent and scolded “Aurora go get dressed!” bringing my attention back to my current state, I looked a mess. I excused myself and ran up the stairs but stopped at the top of the stairs when I heard Robert say “Vincent, stop using your power of seduction on her, she’s mine”

Vincent laughed “Well why haven’t you claimed her yet? You’re not even using seduction on her”

Robert: “I need her to be focused to harness her witchcraft”

Vincent: “Still under the belief that surrounding yourself with witches will keep you safe?..... But if you don’t claim her she will not be loyal”

They walked off to the great hall and I couldn’t eavesdrop any further. Now I understood why Robert had kept me around and pushed me to practice... He just wanted me for my gift.

When I eventually made it to the great hall, everyone’s eyes was on me. The deep purple dress Robert had gotten me was really phenomenal, he also outdid himself with decorating and hosting such an elaborate affair.

I didn’t understand when Robert and Vincent were talking about their power of seduction but now it made sense. People were gathered in small groups like a typical get together, people would form groups with their friends or business partners or status groups. Talking and joking within their little groups but now I saw something I never would have noticed before.

Robert was surrounded by a couple of business men and their wife’s, Robert was being a complete gentlemen but also a bit flirtatious, all the woman were swooning around him, their husband’s didn’t seem to mind or they didn’t really take notice maybe they were also acting a bit captured by Robert’s allure.

When I looked across the room I saw Vincent in a group of his own, same flirtation and swooning going on there. That’s when I realized in each group was a vampire, the captivator, the seductor... This is how they got people to give themselves to them.

I quickly diverted my eyes, not wanting to give away that I knew anything. When I looked at Robert he was glaring at me with a smirk on his face. I figured the best way not to stand out was to not stand alone so I made my way to him.

Robert introduced me to some people, I was polite and kept talking to a minimum. Slowly most people started leaving, but those who traveled far were invited to stay the night.

There were only a few people left when Vincent cornered me. From what Robert told me he couldn’t be trusted and he was going to try and catch me out, to make it worse Robert disappeared somewhere so I had to be very careful.

Vincent: “So Aurora... How about a magic trick?”

I watched Vincent intently, trying to read any expression that would give away what he was up too. I scanned the room but didn’t see Robert, I didn’t want Vincent to know that I was looking for Robert either, he could see that as a weakness, so instead I used that as an excuse “Master Vincent, I’m sorry but I don’t do magic tricks”

Vincent laughed in amusement “Oh I forgot how touchy witches are on the subject... But tell me, why you refer to me as Master when you’re not a slave... Yet you call Robert by his name?”

Oh shit.... Think fast, he’s trying to set a trap. “Old habits I guess, Master Vincent, besides I am still the possession of Robert, that ultimately still makes me a slave...the reason why I don’t call him Master is because he insists that I don’t, it’s his personal preference.”

Vincent:” Than I have to insist that you don’t refer to me as Master either.”

Me:” Very well, if you insist”

Vincent: “OH I do, and I Insist you show me some magic”

I had to be very careful here, I can’t do magick in front of non magick folk but If I say I can’t I’m admitting that I am a witch, and admitting that to him would make him question if I knew what he is. “I’m sorry, ummm Vincent, but like I stated before, I can’t do magic tricks”

Vincent frowns but then looks across the room, he must have realised the non magick folk present and just gave me a slight smile.

The only other familiar face I noticed was that of The General, standing in the corner with his arms crossed in front of his chest, observing everyone. Always on duty, always keeping his eyes peeled for any possible threats.

I excused myself and made my way to the General, trying to be as stealthily and inconspicuous as possible. It was an ongoing game between us since he started training me. He would sneak up on me and catch me off guard.. His famous sneak attack that I was supposed to always anticipate, but failed miserably. I in turn would try and sneak up on him. Try being the operative word... I was never successful, maybe because I always saw it as a game but I doubt The General saw it that way... He was too serious and intense to enjoy anything.

I hit behind people, slowly moving towards the far end of the room, than moved behind the table with refreshments, even hiding being the flower arrangements at a stage... Slowly sneaking closer, I already had my hands up to grab him, and smiling in my anticipation of success when The General stated “Are you enjoying your birthday celebration Aurora?” before turning to look at me with a raised eyebrow.

Me:“Ugh C’mon... what the hell!” I stated a bit too loudly, but I was so disappointed in my defeat, I thought for sure I had him this time, especially with the distraction of everyone around.

He gave me a slight grin, that was a first, and for once he actually looked normal ” I’m glad to see that even on your birthday, and with guests around, you still focus on training”

I wasn’t focus on training, I was just bored. I noticed Vincent was still studying me, the look of amusement on his face after my stalking failure.

Most people had left, in fact I was certain that it was only the Vampires and their vamparic slaves that was still hanging around. I realised then what a bad situation I was in and asked The General if he would accompany me to the entrance so that I could make my leave. He also had noticed the situation and offered me his arm, we left with no altercations. I was relieved to get out of there.