Page 102 of Of Mercury and Mist

“I think you’re right about something for once,” I said, immediately forgetting the comment I was responding to.

She rolled her eyes and lead me out of the bedroom, straight to Samuel. “You’re a vision,” he purred, dragging his fingers along my collarbone. “And look at you, so soft and compliant, the defiance erased from your eyes.”

He swiveled his head to Mandy. “Well done, she is perfection.”

Mandy bowed her head and said, “Thank you, my lord,” before she scurried away.

“Come,” he said.

I placed my hand in his outstretched palm.

* * *

The hallof the palace had been filled with velvety black lilies and creamy white gardenia flowers. They wound around columns and dangled from the bowers in swaying curtains, the soft orange mist drifting around the petals. The dining table sat bare of food, leaving twisting ivy vines and gleaming platters gracing the surface.

“Ahh! There you are, my dear.” Diego suddenly appeared in front of me before he clasped me and twirled me around. “Gorgeous,” he proclaimed. “You’ve done well, Lord Samuel.”

“Thank you, High Lord.” I glanced at Samuel, who bowed several inches at the waist. “She is amenable.”

Diego’s eyes crinkled softly, a pleased smile on his face while Samuel appeared content, the normal furrow between his brows absent for once. My whole body felt relaxed, a pleasant hum coddling my mind while I watched everything going on around me.

Others were in the room, dressed in finery, sipping blood and wine from etched champagne glasses. Whispers curled around me, born on a light draft, while the sounds of harps and violins floated through the space.

“Are we going to listen to a symphony?” The air held an edge of restrained excitement, and I wished for a pair of elbow length gloves like the ones I spied on one of the women. They were all classy, with their long gowns and not a hair out of place. Red lips perfectly lined. Her shoulders were straight.

I pushed my own back and placed a palm on Samuel’s arm as he answered, “No, love. This is for you.”

He would’ve told me if I wasn’t properly dressed and I knew I looked nice. “Oh, thank you. That’s very nice of you.”

Diego beamed at his friend. “You may get her situated.” He patted Samuel on the back.

I was led to a row of chairs and Samuel helped me down. My skirt was arranged by two attendants, the material flowing over my legs and tucked lightly at the sides so as not to be trapped under my shoes. The seat was shaped like a throne, and I placed my arms on the rests.

The crowd quieted down and took their seats while I gazed at their faces. Many smiled at me, and I lightly returned the gesture while Diego seated himself. Soon others entered the room, skirting a commotion near a side door. The group of soldiers snagged my eye and the urge to investigate further needled the back of my mind.

The noise in the background changed, as if there had been layers of sounds competing for my attention. This bothered me but I didn’t know why. My eyes squeezed shut as I fought against the assault on my mind, desperately seeking the peace I’d enjoyed just moments before.

“Here, love,” Samuel thrust a glass of water in front of me. “Your throat is dry, drink this down quickly. It's time to get started.”

“Thank you,” I murmured, clasping the beverage. I swallowed down the liquid and took a deep breath, shutting my eyes as I patiently waited. Soon, my limbs went languid, and my muscles relaxed as a warm, cozy feeling washed over me. “Perfect,” I said, peering up at my demon with a smile.

“Yes, it is. I should’ve taken this route from the start.” He shook his head with a short laugh. “Better late than never, right?” He trailed a thumb over my lip before backing away.

A deep sigh left me as I took in the crowd again. I spotted the woman who’d sat beside me one evening with her lover and acknowledged her with a little nod. She grinned back. I was already making friends and the thought comforted me. She’d be no Della, of course, but at least I’d have company while Samuel was at work.

Wait—what did he do? Della.I want Della.No sooner had the thoughts popped up than they were dragged away like the outgoing tide.

The atmosphere changed, a feeling of reverence descending as the crowd sat rapt, watching me. Smiles were wiped away when all eyes turned to Elijah, who’d appeared, dark eyes gleaming. He accepted a golden bottle trimmed with black stones from an attendant and poured a thick red liquid into another glass.

Samuel approached me, hands dripping blood and bearing a thin circlet trimmed with short, downturned teeth matching ones that pointed upward, trimmed with red gemstones. He kneeled before me.

I couldn’t tear my eyes away. He bowed his head, the circlet uplifted before me. “Ashley, my queen,” he said, before meeting my gaze. “With this crown, I swear my fealty. I will defend your honor, protect and cherish you all the days of my infernal life. Do you accept?”

“Yes, of course I do,” I whispered. “What are you doing” Get up; everyone’s staring at us.”

Samuel winced before biting his lip. His chest rose and fell, and he stood up, crown in hand. “Stand up, queen,” he said, voice raised.

Rising from my seat, I waited. “She has accepted,” he announced, loud enough for all to hear. “Place your hands on my arms,” he instructed me.

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