Armageddon

A knock sounded at the door. Vlad looked up from buttoning his shirt and Tia froze next to the bed. She had been wondering what to do about the amount of semen dripping down her leg. He had to have climaxed inside her four times between the night and the morning. There was a decent amount of blood as well.

Her fearful gaze met his and he held out his hand as if to tell her not to worry. “The bath is ready for the young Mistress, your Majesty.” Alexander’s voice called into the room before the sound of his retreating footsteps faded away.

Vlad smirked at her. “Don’t worry so much,”

“Shut up,” she barked. Finding her entertaining he plucked her dress off the end of the bed. The smile faded from his face as he came to stand next to her, holding the gown in his hands while his gaze rested on the scar across her shoulder. She watched him curiously, taking the dress out of his outstretched hands.

“I don’t know if I’m used to your scent, or if you no longer smell Human,” he mumbled, brushing his fingers against the twisted skin across her shoulder. She held his hand there, making sure to give him a burning look.

“This is not your fault. Nor is it Kazimir’s. Stop blaming everyone every time an accident happens.” She kissed his knuckles then, getting a surprised look from him in return. “You can’t control everything or everyone.” With a nod of her head, she left him alone in the room, the gown falling around her frame as it slipped over her head.

The scent of the lavender and roses drew her to a steaming bathroom. A single guard stood at the far end of the hallway. He inclined his head in her direction if only to signify he was aware of her presence. She waved, a bit unsure of herself, before stepping into the room.

A single bath filled the entirety of the room, leaving just enough space for the wooden door to close behind her. She removed the gown as easily as she had put it on and quickly stepped into the steaming, discolored water.

If there was a heaven on earth, it was right then, right there. Sitting in the water, she sank till it covered up to her chin. Her mind traveled back to the night before, remembering every bit of detail that had happened between her and King Vladimir. She didn’t regret anything, but now she was nervous about the future. Did this solidify her engagement to him – something she hadn’t yet answered on?

The bath ended sooner than she’d have liked. Tying her wet hair back against her head, she quickly trotted down the cold stairs. A few guards ran past her at the base of the stairs, drawing her attention. A group of people clustered together just beyond the passageway, and it looked as if a part of the building was broken down. Snow drifted inside the hallway.

A large, green-skinned male appeared next to her, holding her pair of boots and jacket. She smiled at Jaya, taking the items from him. “Thank you, you didn’t need to bring these to me, though.”

“You’re going to get sick dressed like that,” he growled, running his fingers through her wet hair.

“I just put that up!” She complained, slapping him away. Vladimir appeared next to them, his eyes scanning the area ahead of them as well.

“What’s the commotion about?”

“Some locals, traveling merchants. They have some fresh jerky. Alex wanted to buy a few bundles for our journey. They also know of a certain Monkey and were hoping to meet her.”

“Why do you call her ‘Monkey’?”

“How do they know about me?”

Vlad’s expression darkened at the same time Jaya realized it as well. She looked between the two men, mixed with a feeling of concern and confusion. “I asked the million-dollar question, didn’t I?” Her voice seemed small.

“Jaya, I want you to find the spy,” Vlad growled, taking Tia by the arm. “We are leaving at once,” he declared in a loud voice, one filled with authority and command, then, “To the King!” Tia winced, but he was already directing her back towards the horses and carriage. Alex swooped in in a heartbeat, holding his hand to his heart. Jaya was already gone.

“Yes, Vladimir?” Alex asked, a stick of meat already sticking out of his mouth. Vlad’s gaze lingered on it; his nose even twitched.

“The meat is not poisoned. Jaya is out hunting; I want to know how they found out about us. This mission wasn’t top secret, however, word traveled too fast.”

Alex hesitated as his mind went off in too many directions. Tia watched him as long as she could until Vlad had walked around the corner with her. The Gargoyle was already next to them once more. This time he fell onto one knee, a look of betrayal across his expression. “I did not see the bigger picture, forgive me. Your Majesty,”

Vlad didn’t even slow down. “We all did, it was Tiana that realized it.”

“Witty as ever, Milady.”

Tia grinned at him as they approached two more guards. They saluted, their cattails twitching by their feet. Vlad allowed them to open the door just as one of the horses rode off. Alex and one of the guards jumped outside, their eyes quickly scanning the vacant exterior. The carriage once had several horses next to it, with hay and shelter from the storm. Now only a broken cart remained. Alex placed a hand on the hilt of his sword, lowering himself to the ground.

Vlad swore.

Tiana rubbed her upper arms, suddenly feeling the chill of being watched. She looked around, uncomfortable inside the suddenly eerie castle.

“Alexander, track down those horses. The Unicorns will come back, they probably followed after the easily startled beasts in confusion.” Vlad turned back the way they had come, this time taking Tia by the hand. A look of concern flashed through Alex. Regrettably, he obeyed his master.

“You just sent away Jaya and Alex, what if it’s one of the soldiers?”

“I’m counting on it,” Vlad gave her a wicked glance, his eyes feverish and challenging.

Under her breath, she couldn’t help herself. “Wish you would look at me like that.”

It was obvious he had heard her as his gaze jerked back to her in complete bewilderment. She opened her mouth but couldn’t think of anything to say. She hesitantly laughed; it was awkward. Quickly she retreated to the stairs, towards the room for which they had been headed. He shook his head and followed her.