The Vampire’s Servant novel Chapter 112

When we arrived at the ball, Victor helped me from the car. I had straightened myself out and everything looked okay. Victor wrapped my arm around his and led me to the door. A large man in a suit opened the door for us.

I thought the place was a restaurant, but it looked like there was a central area for dancing. Several tables were set in it, along with one long table at the head of everything. I tried to make sure not to look around frantically trying to see everything.

Tonight, I had to act as cool and commanding as a real vampire. I had to be the mistress of this territory. Victor was counting on me, so was Marius.

Putting on the cool demeanor I had been practicing, I scanned over the room. Pretty much every vampire was trying to get a look at us without staring. I gripped Victor’s arm tightly, while trying to seem like I wasn’t. I was managing to keep the panic from rising.

“I see Talon and Silence. We’ll speak with them first.” Victor said quietly.

He led me over to where they stood. It had been a while since I saw them. Silence was beautiful. Her hair was piled on top of her head, looking like strands of gold delicately balanced. She was wearing a deep blue dress that made her silver eyes seem to stand out even more.

“Master Nightshade. Mistress Nightshade.” She murmured and curtsied.

Next to her was Talon. He was as tall as Finn, but not as thick. His brunet hair seemed to have slivers of dark red in it that brought out his dark red eyes. I remembered the passage from Alpha William’s journal. Grigori had red eyes.

“Master Nightshade. Mistress Nightshade.” He bowed.

‘Victor, is Talon one of Grigori’s children?’ I asked.

‘No. He was made in a different brood by Grigori’s master. He came with Grigori to set up the territory. Upon seeing the resemblance, Talia questioned him. We have all the information we need from him.’ Victor replied.

“Talon, Silence, I’m happy you were both able to make it so early.” Victor smiled briefly.

“We felt it was best if the majority of the territory’s leadership was already in attendance well before you arrived.” Silence said.

“It was a show of our support. You are our master as much as theirs. We wanted them to see that we didn’t think ourselves more important than you.” Talon added.

It was customary for the guest of honor to arrive after everyone else. If anyone else arrived after we did, they would be turned away at the door. I didn’t know why they did that exactly, but I wasn’t going to argue the rules.

I looked around and saw that Marius was already there with Talia and two other vampires. He caught my eye and I nodded to him instead of waving. He smirked and nodded back.

“Mistress Nightshade, you look lovely this evening.” Silence smiled slightly.

“Thank you, Silence. So do you. I have been wanting to tell you how much I appreciate your cooperation in Victor’s investigation into his missing childe. You saved my life by being so agreeable.” I said.

“I was doing what had to be done. I’m happy that such a pleasant end to the situation was found.” She bowed her head slightly.

“As am I.” Victor smiled. “Please come with us. I see the High Council. I would like to introduce you to them.”

There was a wary look that passed from Talon to Silence. Vampires didn’t naturally trust each other. Not unless they were related and, even then, it was a tenuous relationship. They were at ease with each other, but never fully relaxed unless the other vampire was their Solus Amor.

We walked over to where Marius and Talia stood with two other people. They were taller and both dressed in suits, even though I could tell one of them was a woman. She had short, dark brown hair and deep red eyes. I looked to Victor.

“This is Master Phoebe, The Prince. She was Grigori and Talon’s sire. Master Phoebe, this is my Solus Amor, Echo Nightshade.” Victor said.

“Marius’ daughter. He’s so proud of you. He showed me your photos this week. I swear I’ve never seen the man smile as much as he has been. Those photos hardly do you justice. Victor is a lucky man.” She winked. “You must call me Phoebe. I can’t have my friend’s daughter treating me like an elder.”

“Thank you, Phoebe. I appreciate it. You’re very charming and you look quite handsome this evening.” I smiled politely.

She laughed. It was a rich, happy sound that drew the attention of other vampires. The tension in the room was thick. They were nervous at having the Council there as much as I was at being around so many vampires.

“You seem to know exactly what to say. Did Marius coach you, or was that a natural response?” Phoebe asked.

“You weren’t wearing a dress, I assumed you would prefer being handsome to being beautiful and that you would rather be charming than lovely.” I replied.

“She’s smart and observant. I’ve been told by several brownnosers that I look beautiful this evening. Verity didn’t tell me how wise you are.”

I worked to keep a frown off my face at the mention of my ex-mother. Marius had told me that she was staying with the Prince until she was healed. I hadn’t quite made the connections.

“I hope she’s doing well. Has she given any more information that might help us understand why Daniel felt he had a right to me and my siblings?” I asked.

“Don’t think that she’s just lazing about my manor and doing as she pleases. Verity is physically healed, but mentally unable to support herself. She is forced to live in my dungeon and comes out at night to clean. I refuse to have her walking about in the daylight. She will stay with me until she has worked as you did. Though, I can’t bring myself to make her feed vampires because of what the wolves did. That might break her mind even more. She hasn’t given me anything useful in a while.” Phoebe answered.

“This is Master Felix, The Angel. Master Felix, my Solus Amor, Echo Nightshade.” Victor said, moving on.

Felix was very pale with white-blond hair and golden eyes. He smiled slightly, but seemed more interested in his drink than he was in me. I didn’t think he really wanted to be there.

“Thank you for coming, Master Felix. I understand you must have a busy schedule; it means a lot to us that you’re here.” I told him, bowing my head slightly.

“You’re welcome, Mistress Nightshade.” He replied and turned to find another drink.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify