CHAPTER 3
Aria couldn’t get her mouth to close for more than a few seconds at a time. Everything was so astonishing, and so strange. She had never seen anything like this, had never imagined it could even exist. And now she was standing smack dab in the middle of it, being openly stared at and whispered about as she was ushered into the large, rambling entry hall of the massive palace.
She’d heard stories of the palace, heard tales of its exquisite beauty and intricate designs. She’d always assumed that they were just that, stories. She’d never dreamed that such a breathtaking, opulent place could exist, let alone that she would actually be walking through it. Everything was sparkly and bright, huge and wonderful. There wasn’t a speck of dirt or dust anywhere; she didn’t even see a smudge or footprint on the floor.
She glanced at the rounded roof far over her head, her mouth parted even more as she took in the astonishing artwork upon the domed ceiling. She’d never seen anything like the beauty in the colors and detail of the designs above her. She’d never even seen a painting before. She’d seen drawings, as Daniel loved to sketch things when he wasn’t busy hunting for food, planning attack strategies, or fighting for his life. He created amazing things with the charcoal they scavenged from the caves, but his creations had no color, and they were nowhere near as large and spectacular as this. For some strange reason she felt tears burning her eyes as she took in the glorious spectacle above her.
She blinked the tears rapidly back, dropping her head down as she was hurried across the white, sparkly floor. She was ashamed she found anything amazing and beautiful here, ashamed by the awe that filled her, but she couldn’t help it. It was so different from her woods, so different from the life she knew and loved. There were even designs within the floor, swirling streams of gold and silver that fluidly entwined together.
“Braith!” Aria jumped in surprise as the word was barked harshly. Her head snapped up, tearing her attention from the floor to the woman that was striding purposely toward them. She was dressed lavishly; her golden hair was pulled back in a braid that emphasized her beautiful features. Aria stopped instantly, unable to move or breathe as she stared in disbelief at the stunning woman. A woman that had never known hunger or fear, or been made to dress in dirty rags, a woman that was staring at her with open antipathy and scorn. “What is this?” she demanded coldly.
“It’s a blood slave Natasha,” the prince replied dryly.
The woman blinked in surprise, her gaze raked disdainfully over Aria. Though Aria wanted to shrink from the woman’s scathing look, she managed to throw her shoulders back, narrow her eyes, and hold the woman’s gaze. The prince didn’t look at Aria but simply stared at the woman.
“I can see that Braith. What are you doing with her?”
Aria stared defiantly back at him as he turned to survey her from head to toe and back again. She refused to back down, refused to let them see the anxiety that was coiling through her. She couldn’t forget that all of this beauty was home to some of the worst evil the world had ever known, and at the moment, she was right in the middle of it.
“What is normally done with a blood slave Natasha?” he inquired, his deep voice rumbling out of him. “I thought you would be happy that I finally decided to take one.”
Aria was so preoccupied with their words that she didn’t pay attention to the look of derision on the woman’s face. Was she the first one that he had ever taken? But no, that couldn’t be possible; these creatures loved their blood slaves. They loved to torture, use and abuse people until there was nothing left of them. It was what she had always been told, so it had to be true. Didn’t it?
“You could have cleaned her up first. She’s a mess Braith; I cannot believe you brought her into our home like this. I could smell her from a mile away, and she probably has lice.”
Dislike shot through Aria, her hands fisted at her sides as she glared at the blond woman. She may not be at her cleanliest right now, but she most certainly did not have lice. “I will take care of it immediately.”
Aria’s glare turned toward the prince. There it was, that awful “it” word again. She was most certainly more than an “it”, but she wasn’t in here, she wasn’t in this place. She was fairly certain she might never be more than an “it” again. The realization infuriated her, and more than anything she itched to show them exactly what she was capable of and it was far more than being an “it”.
“I should hope so,” the woman retorted.
The woman brushed hastily by them, leaving Aria glaring after her and fuming over the conversation. It was the subtle nudge from the wolf that alerted her to the fact that they were moving once more. She hurried forward, eager to catch up with the prince, suddenly terrified that he would leave her alone in this place. A place that she wasn’t welcome in at all, a place that didn’t seem nearly as magnificent now as it had two minutes ago. How could she have forgotten, even for a moment, where she was, and every horrible thing this place represented?
She didn’t care to think about the fact that the only thing that made her feel safe, in this strange world, was the creature that now owned her. It was far too disturbing of a thought and she didn’t understand why she would feel that way. He’d done nothing to earn her trust, and she knew beauty was only skin deep, but she found she had a tentative belief that her fate wouldn’t be any worse with the prince than it would have been with that ugly little creature that had first claimed her.
Aria’s hand trailed across the ornate, shiny wood of the banister as they moved leisurely up the massive staircase. She’d never seen a staircase like this before as it wound its way up to the second floor. They had stairs in the caves, where she spent a fair amount of her life, and she had spent time in abandoned houses, but none of those stairs were anywhere near as elaborate or large as these were.
“Gather some woman’s servants.” The prince barked the command over his shoulder as they reached the balcony that ran across the second floor.
One of the men broke away, heading in the opposite direction down the lengthy hallway before disappearing down another set of stairs. Despite her intentions not to be impressed by the things she saw anymore, she couldn’t stop the amazement that sparked to life within her once more as she viewed the hall. She didn’t know what she wanted to look at more, the beautiful works of art lining the wall on her left, or the amazing room to the right. Though she had just walked through the grand foyer, it was even more stunning from up here. The chandelier was spectacular; the thousands of pieces of glass within it reflected the multitude of sparkling colors from the mural above it.
The open balcony ended abruptly as walls enclosed them once more. Aria swallowed heavily, a crushing sense of impending doom settled over her. She was stuck here, trapped within this world of decadence, greed, brutality, and death. Though Max planned to try and rescue her, she didn’t hold out much hope for that, just as she didn’t hold out much hope that she would find her own escape.
She couldn’t even remember how to get out of this vast place, never mind try to escape from it or get away from the monsters living within it.
For the first time true concern for her life began to take hold. She had been too stunned, too upset and confused to truly grasp the reality of her situation. It was sinking in now, and it was not good. Her heart raced in her chest, it pounded heavily against her ribs. Swallowing nervously, she folded her hands before her as she tried to remain as docile and inconspicuous as possible. Not like it would do her much good, she didn’t hold out hope they would simply just forget she was there, but they didn’t need to know that she was more perilous than they suspected.
They didn’t know who she really was, she reminded herself. She would not be punished because of that at least, and maybe one day she’d get the chance to use it to her advantage.
Her thin build would also help her appear weak and helpless while she was anything but. She itched for her bow, but it had been stripped from her by the two brutes that had taken her down. She
still had her speed though, and her deftness, they couldn’t take those from her. If she remained docile, then maybe they would let their guard down around her and she would be presented with an opportunity to escape. It was a slim hope, but it was the only one that she had to cling to. What she didn’t like to think about was what would be done to her in the mean time.
The guard with the prince stopped before a door, he swung it open, and stepped back to allow the prince entrance. Aria hesitated within the hall, her hands folded before her as she stared into the darkened room. The prince didn’t turn on a light as he disappeared into the shadows with the wolf trailing behind him.
The remaining guard stared unkindly at her, his dark eyes burrowing into her as she swallowed heavily. Then with his cold voice, he murmured. “Go.”
Aria prickled at the command. She had the urge to turn and run down the hall. It didn’t matter if she didn’t know how to get out of here, she didn’t care anymore. She simply couldn’t just walk into that darkened room and give herself over to a fate worse than death.
Aria backed up a step as the man started toward her. Panic tore through her, she felt like a cornered animal as she came up against the wall. A scream built within her. A large hand came at her; Aria knew instinctively that if it touched her, she would lose control of whatever composure she had left.
“I have made it clear no one is to touch her.” The threatening words, growled from the doorway of the dark room, caused the hair on Aria’s neck to stand up. Her gaze traveled slowly toward the prince. He had returned to the open door and was leaning against the frame, but the tension in his body belied his casual posture. “If I have to tell you again, I will kill you.”
Aria’s mouth dropped, her heart flipped crazily, she could feel the violent beat of her pulse fluttering rapidly in her neck. She didn’t know what to make of this whole, awful, bizarre situation. The man was staring at the prince as if he had just sprouted another head. His gaze darted briefly to his outstretched hand before he dropped it limply to his side and stepped away from her. She didn’t blame him; she wouldn’t want to be anywhere close to her either after that threat.
“Come inside.” The prince quietly ordered.
Aria glanced wildly around the hall. Running was still a tempting thought, but she couldn’t disgrace herself in such a way, and she was pretty sure that being tackled by a member of the royal family would be pretty disgraceful. The prince had told the man not to touch her again, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t come after her, and she had a feeling that if the prince had to chase her down the hall it wouldn’t end well. She swallowed rapidly, trying to gather her rapidly diminishing courage as she stepped uncertainly toward the darkened room.
The prince stepped away, blending within the shadows again, disappearing into the darkness for only a brief moment before light flooded the room. Aria was unable to suppress her astonishment. Without thinking, she gradually moved forward, drawn by the beauty and splendor of the lavish room. She took in the artwork and striking hand carved furniture. The room was filled with amazing color; she’d never before seen anything like it.
Tears unwillingly sprang to her eyes as she moved further into the room. She was trying to look everywhere at the same time, to see it all, but there was far too much to take in at once. Large bay windows, with a cushioned seat, overlooked the most picturesque gardens she’d ever seen. Flowers bloomed and spilled everywhere, ornamental trees were scattered throughout, and it all flowed forth in a wave of color that was astonishing. She loved her woods, savored her time within the shadowy interior and massive trees, but what they were lacking in color, this garden made up for in spades.
The paintings within the room were all of landscapes, scenic mountains and rivers with animals and sunsets that were so realistic she almost felt like she was looking at the real place. Handsome lamps, colorful and clear vases were spread throughout the room. The three sofas within looked cozy and inviting, and were a deep green color that reminded her of the ivy she loved in the groves of the forest.
Aria took a few more steps forward, unable to close her mouth as she tried to absorb as much of the beauty as she could. She found herself more than a little overwhelmed and completely enthralled by the splendor surrounding her. For a moment she didn’t know worry, or starvation. For just a moment, all she knew was beauty and peace, and a sensation of amazement so profound that she could barely breathe.
The soft click of the door drew her attention back to the prince, and the harsh reality of her life now. She may be surrounded by beautiful things, but she was encircled by the vilest creatures that roamed the earth, and one of their leaders was watching her fixedly. He remained by the door, his hands enfolded over the head of his cane. The wrap around glasses hid his eyes but she could feel them upon her as his full mouth pursed and his eyebrows drew together.
Aria blinked at him in surprise, only then realizing that there were tears rolling down her cheeks. She wiped them hastily away; she was worried he would think her tears were because she was afraid. Straightening her shoulders, she defiantly met his gaze. His forehead furrowed in consternation as his head turned unhurriedly around the room. Aria frowned at him, unable to understand the strange expression on his face, or what had caused it.
A faint knock on the door drew both of their attention behind him. The prince opened it and stepped back to allow three women into the room. Aria bristled, her nostrils flared as she took in the women. They were all human, she could tell by the drab servant’s clothing they wore, and she hated them even more for it.
These were the people that had abandoned their own kind; that had given themselves over to the vampires in exchange for not having to fight, or stand up for themselves. These were the people that would rat out their fellow human beings in a heartbeat if it meant furthering themselves. Most human traitors were amongst the servant class, but a few had risen to higher and more valuable positions on the deaths that stained their souls. Aria glared at the women, her hands fisting and un-fisting as she fought the urge to punch them. It was this type of people that had caused her mother’s death. They had infiltrated the camp, garnered trust, and turned them all over. Her mother had been murdered during the resulting raid.
Aria clenched her jaw, struggling not to launch herself at one of these women as they pulled the door closed behind them. “You sent for us milord,” the tall blond said. Her eyelashes fluttered obnoxiously at the prince as she all but offered him her vein then and there.
He nodded toward Aria. “I would like her cleaned up.”
Aria bristled as she turned her animosity on the prince. She was not a dog for Christ sake; she was perfectly capable of bathing and cleaning herself. She most certainly didn’t need the help of these “women.” Three sets of eyes slid toward her, curiosity radiated from them as they fully noticed her presence amongst them. The blond eyed her with open abhorrence, the redhead seemed completely indifferent, but it was the pity in the small brunette’s eyes that truly incensed and riled Aria. She didn’t require, or want, any pity.
She turned away, unable to look at them any longer. They repulsed her even more than she repulsed them. “Of course,” the blond purred.
“I will have clothes sent up for her at once.”
Aria jumped back and tore her arm away as someone touched her elbow. “Don’t touch me!” she snarled, feeling no remorse as the redhead shrank timidly away from her.
The three women eyed her warily, apparently trying to decide if she would be a danger to them, something that might be a possibility. “You will allow them to clean you,” the prince ordered.
“I can clean myself!”
The women gasped, shrinking farther away from her as she deliberately, and loudly, defied their leader, a fact that could result in her instant death. She didn’t care though, she was frightened and outraged and more than a little tired of being treated like something worse than an animal. She was completely at the mercy of the vampire standing across from her, staring at
her as if she were something he’d never seen before. She supposed that he wasn’t used to being defied, and she also supposed that such defiance often resulted in severe consequences, but she would prefer punishment rather than this humiliating experience. Just an hour ago she had been hoping for death, now she found that she was probably on the verge of it.
The prince took a step toward her, using his massive size to try and intimidate her. Aria clenched her jaw as she glared at those thick glasses. She hated the fact that he was wearing them. She wanted to see his eyes when she told him to screw off. He stepped closer to her, giving her no choice but to retreat if she was to avoid having him touch her. And she most certainly did not want him touching her.
She took another step back as he pushed closer, nearly bending over her as he loomed above. “Stop it!” Aria hated herself for crying out in protest, for letting him see just how much he rattled her, but she couldn’t stop the words as her heel came up against the back of the wall and she realized that she was good and trapped.
His hands slammed into the wall on either side of her head, causing her to jump in surprise as the pictures rattled. Her heart leapt and lurched as for the first time she truly began to fear this creature. Until now, she hadn’t known what to make of him, or what he planned to do with her. She now knew that he didn’t take well to being defied, and she was a little concerned that he might just rip her heart out. Something, she knew, he could do without hesitation or reservation before she could even blink.
“You will either allow them to do this, or I will do it for you.”
Aria gulped at the terrifying possibility that he would do exactly what he was threatening. She had no doubt that he would drag her into the bathroom, strip her, and dump her into a tub of water. There was no way she was going to allow something like that to happen. Unfortunately, she didn’t respond to him as quickly as he apparently would have liked. He grabbed hold of her arm, practically dragging her from the room. Aria hurried to keep up with him, stumbling behind as he pulled her rapidly forward.
He led her through a side door; she caught a brief glimpse of books, a desk, and leather chairs before she was pulled into yet another room. This one left her bewildered and gaping. There was some strange, overlarge round white thing in the middle of the room. It was gleaming with its golden handles and some sort of spigot coming from the top it.
He released her abruptly before striding across the room. He spun the handles, causing water to burst free from the spigot. Aria’s hand flew to her mouth. What kind of brilliant, strange contraption was this?
The prince turned toward her, confusion marring his brow as he studied her. “Oh,” Aria breathed as steam began to rise from the water, alerting her to the miraculous fact that the water was hot. She had seen the bottom of these things in a couple of houses before, but there had been no spigots with water coming from them. Most of the bottom parts had been broken, or so dirty that she never would have contemplated stepping foot in it, never mind actually using it to clean herself. She hadn’t known this was their intended use and it was fascinating. It was rare she had the time to boil water to fill the few wooden tubs they had hidden within the caves. Most of the time she didn’t bother because of the effort it took, but every once in awhile she would treat herself to a warm bath in the tub instead of the lakes or streams.
The prince was studying her, the perplexity on his face more than a little disconcerting. She couldn’t meet his gaze as an unexpected wave of shame washed through her. He was studying her like that because he knew that she had so very little. He realized that she knew nothing of the world outside of the caves, woods and streams, hunting and death that made up her life. And he pitied her for it.
Yet, as she looked back at him she did not see pity on his face. Instead, she saw an understanding that left her rattled and unsure. She couldn’t figure out this strange creature in front of her but it seemed as though they were even, because judging by the look on his face, he couldn’t figure her out either. “Allow them to do this,” he said gruffly.
Aria swallowed heavily, unable to find words for him. She simply nodded mutely before he left the room.