Catarina escorted Sidia back to her room, humming the melodies of one of the songs the musicians played earlier that evening. She seemed to be in a much better mood after feeding, but she barely said a word to Sidia before pulling the door closed. Sidia didn't mind though. She craved some time alone, but even now, was she really alone?Since she arrived, she had learned vampires had superior speed, strength, hearing, and other magical abilities. Could they turn invisible too? What if there was a spy in her room right now?She shuddered, trying to shake the thought out of her mind. More importantly, she wanted to shake away the sorrow encroaching on her heart. Now that a vampire's voice wasn't lacing the air with magical music, the shame and heartache from what she did in the throne room intensified. She had no idea if Marcus left because he was disappointed in her or if he perhaps did have feelings for her, feelings shattered when she declared herself to Severus. Either way, she desp
"As I already said, it's time for you to sleep." Marcus's voice cut through, and a rush of cold washed over Sidia. She blinked and Marcus was no longer in front of her. He had just moved to the front of the library, holding the door open for her. Sidia fought back the tears. He clearly rejected her, and she couldn't look him in the eye. She rushed past him and walked quickly back to her room, not bothering to see how closely he followed her. Once she reached her door, she ducked in and shut it. The click of the lock indicated he was just on the other side.Sidia turned around and leaned back against the door, sliding to the floor. She refused to make a sound, but tears flowed down her cheeks. For a long while, she just cried. How could she have been so stupid? He hadn't even been tempted. He didn't lean in or respond at all. If he was just rejecting her because of Severus, wouldn't it have been at least a little obvious? Wouldn't there be a visible sign of him fighting off desire?
HELENA'S POVHelena had always loved music. Since she was a young child, she was able to master any instrument handed to her quickly. Piano, flute, harp, trumpet, it didn't matter. Women were usually limited to the piano and maybe the harp, but her father had never refused her anything. He reached out to tutors from all over Europe to visit the family estate and educate his beloved daughter. He even tracked down merchants on his trips to Rome and Venice to buy her bizarre instruments from all over the world. The entire village delighted in Helena's musical prowess, and they often held bonfires and feasts centered around her performances. One day, a young man named Francesco Aliani came to Monterosso at Helena's father's behest. He was the son of one of Italy's greatest violinists, but he had mastered the cello. Helena had never received a formal education on this particular instrument, and she was excited to know more than what she had taught herself. Oh, it was love at first sigh
"Keep your back and neck straight as you walk. You're slouching." Julia ordered. She had been trying to fix Sidia's posture for the past hour in Julia's large, private quarters, huffing in disappointment whenever Sidia relaxed her body. She wasn't used to forcing herself into these positions, and her muscles ached from the strain. "Your Grace, I do not mean to offend you, but I have to ask how necessary all of this is. I'm not even sure what Severus—"At the mention of his name, Julia clapped her hands loudly in front of Sidia's face."What did I tell you?" she snapped."He might have given me permission to address him informally, but I should still use his title so as not to slip in noble company. My apologies." Sidia found all this rather absurd. Why should wealth or status change so much about how to live and interact with others? Why can't everyone just be themselves?"Do better.""Yes, Your Grace." Sidia bowed her head before continuing with her question. "As I was saying,
Sidia stood in shock while Marcus said nothing, keeping his chokehold on Julia. She ran her hands over her neck just to confirm there was no bite mark. Julia had been so close, but Sidia's neck was still smooth with unbroken skin. The door to Julia's living quarters flew open, and Severus was right behind Marcus. A group of vampires had gathered outside in the hallway, curious enough to linger but not enough to risk entering and upsetting their emperor."What is the meaning of this?" Severus demanded. "Marcus, put our mother down so I can talk to her."Marcus said nothing, but he did obey. He let go of Julia but didn't move. He was ready to pounce on her should she try to attack again."Your precious bride is a disgrace, Severus!" Julia screeched. "This is ridiculous. You can't seriously mean that she—""Silence." Sidia shuddered at Severus' command. She had never heard someone speak so low. She couldn't think of a word to describe the emotion he expressed with just that one wo
It didn't take too long for someone to knock on Sidia's door. She had been dozing on and off, exhausted by her encounter with Julia but too anxious about everything else to truly sleep. "Who is it?" Sidia called out."It's Marcus." Sidia shot out of bed and straightened her hair and clothes. While checking her appearance in the mirror, she froze. Why did she care what she looked like? At this rate, she didn't have any reason to trust Marcus or want him. He was the reason Helena was ripped away from the love of her life. He spied on Sidia her entire life. He might not approve of his brother's methods, but he did carry out his brother's orders. He was no better.And yet, Marcus was the one who asked if she was okay after Julia's attack. He clearly cared about her in some way. "Sidia? Are you all right?" Marcus called through the door again."Yes. I'm fine. You may enter." She couldn't help combing her fingers through her unruly hair as the door opened.Marcus wasn't dressed in
It explains everything, Sidia thought to herself. Now, she just needed to find out how to end the spell. The book clearly stated that the spell could only end with the death of the caster, but how could she possibly manage that? Even if she knew how to kill a vampire and could successfully do so, did she really have the stomach for it? Because of Sidia's upbringing and her faith, of course she regarded vampires as evil creatures. Their origin was supposedly unholy, and they had unnatural powers and fed on innocent people. But, these vampires were clearly under a spell. She now realized Marcus had been trying to help her. He was just unable to directly intervene or go against his brother. Perhaps that was why he rejected her attempted kiss in the library. A romantic encounter with her would be a direct betrayal of his brother, and depending on the phrasing of the oath he made to Severus, there may not be a way around it. Still, there was too much she didn't know about the coven and
Sidia fought a wave of nausea as they made their way to the throne room. Everyone was unbearably quiet, and the anxiety made Sidia practically itch. She had no idea what she was walking into, and it was more than obvious that Catarina wasn't allowed to give her any details. Eventually, they crossed under one of the archways, and the cavernous throne greeted them. Instead of decorations, soft lighting, and music as it was for the feast, a huge crowd surrounded the throne. The gold and jewels had been stored away. Only the throne stood on the granite platform, imposing in its solitude. Even more worrisome was the terribly calm face of Severus as he sat perfectly straight. He turned as Sidia entered and smiled in a way that frightened her. It was so out of place in this current atmosphere."My dear Empress! You look well rested. Please, come stand by side." Severus called out.The rest of the court turned to watch her, and she walked around the edge of the crowd, making her way to the