"Corisande, a pleasure to finally meet you." The Empress greeted warmly, though her eyes were appraising, raking over every inch of me. The contract may have been a done deal, but it didn't equate to immediate acceptance. And after all, I was marrying her only son. It was definitely in my best interest to try and make a good impression at this banquet."The honour is mine."  I greeted in return, bowing my head slightly."Indeed Corisande. To meet you is a fine thing." The Emperor concurred.

The rest of the meal passed amicably, as we devoured food and engaged in lighter conversation. I had to admit, this banquet had been impressive, but I wasn't quite ready to have the future heirs to the throne just yet. Sorry Royal Clan. With care, I placed the fine cutlery back on the plate, indicating I was finished. There were still mountains of food spread across the table and upon casting my eyes around at the remainder, it felt as though we'd hardly made a dent in the meal, despite feasting for hours.   The delicate clatter of cutlery on the plate next to me showed Theron had also finished. Whether that he was genuinely full, or doing so because I

"And you are?" I growled, not in the mood to be dealing with further interruptions.      "Aldith." The stranger said easily. As he stood there and my fury dampened, I noticed he was dressed differently to the others I had seen flitting about the palace. His attire resembled robes, only less flowing and sturdier in nature. His hair was so blonde it gave off a silver sheen and its length meant he'd organised it in an intricate single braid. A wisp of memory tugged at my mind, but to insubstantial to really grasp. He reminded me of something. A meeting from long ago, in another life... "Your name tells me little." I returned, noticing the defensive edge in my voice.  

The door swung open as Theron removed his fingers from the material. Another device designed for the Royal Clan no doubt. Candles were scattered around and the flames sprang to life as we entered the large cell. How much here is magic, created by Aldith? The thought both fascinated and terrified me. If the eleven mage had such a stronghold of arcane creations, presumably for security purposes, would they recognise that I used to be a witch, recognise that I still possessed magic? And if so, would these devices turn on me, even if I became a part of the Royal Clan?         I brushed the thoughts from my mind. They were contemplations f

The grin haunted my thoughts long after we’d parted. The way Theron’s fangs flashed in delight, amidst his elegant face. It was as though in that moment, all defences, pretences and any other shield of propriety had been stripped bare, allowing me to see the real him. Not the Prince of all vampire kind. Not the brutal, bloodied warrior that I’m sure he was after our trip to the dungeons. Just Theron.     I shook my head, tendrils of flaming hair surrounding me as I did. I couldn’t afford to let those thoughts take root. Remember why you’re here. Defying Nicneven’s vision was all that mattered. Anything else could be dealt with if I lived.     Wandering with renewed purpose across a little ornate bridge p