Chapter 15:
Divobite`
Moons multiple adjacent glow against the gray sky, dancing among the twinkling stars, faintly bringing light to the city; Dark buildings peak to the sky rising toward the stars, but none reach higher than the silver tower leaning toward the ginger moon. Tonight the sky is clear, little clouds to cover the twilight that burns against the building’s tips. The city is busy; hustle and bustle of a town where sleep is not needed.
Over the city’s backdrop sits a large mansion, perched on a hillside, appearing only miles away with its girth, yet actually mountains and roads from the city. Queen Sultana prefers to live in the foothills above her people; this gives her peace of mind, still being able to peer out a window, watching from a distance, protection from being a part of their everyday lives. She does however; keep her close confidants among her, in the same household.
Her steps echo through the halls as her heals stomp against the wood floor, her hips swaying to the beat, head held high ready for confrontation. Her journeys have been long and mentally draining, and her arrival home is displeasing with the opening news she has received.
Her palm shoves on a nearby door as her hand turns the nob with the other, thrusting the door open widely, striking the wall as she barrels in. Two women fling their naked bodies off the side, of the silk bed, revealing Euguen’s naked body, sprawled over the bed. Her eyes meet his with flare, but he simply smirks at her with a soft chuckle, sending Sultana’s furry over edge. Her body flings on top of his, in one motion, straddling him, her fingers dug into the pulse of his neck, pushing his head to the pillow.
“Didn’t know you liked to play so rough,” he taunts.
“Out of here!” she hisses toward the women as they grab their articles of clothing and quickly scurry out the door.
Her eyes stay strapped on him as he softly gulps from the nails clenched in his neck; still managing to mock her as he breaks out a devious smile.
“I’m tempted to break your neck right now.” She threats, “let you die with that wretched smirk upon your face.”
“But you won’t, my love.” He manages to choke out as her hand grasp tighter unknowingly.
“You go against my orders and manage to weasel your naked ass into my home…” she begins but he cordially interrupts her.
“With a pulse, I might add.” He boasts his eyes trying to find hers as she pushes his head deeper into the pillow.
Her anger pumps through every muscle of her body as she grows tighter against his throat “Think about your next words; pray they will spare your life. Currently… I only wish to crack your neck and feed your worthless bodies to the street rats.”
He struggles to pull her hand away from his throat as she clamps harder, almost completely obstructing his wind pipe. “I’ve brought more of my government to our side,” he manages to choke out.
She loosens her grip slightly while maintaining her position, “You think you are able to recruit allies without seeking my permission? That this information gives you a “right” to be invasive on my territory?” Her face grows closer to his as she continues to spit words in his face, her nails growing fiercer in his skin, “You “scheme” your way into my home and believe I should spare your life due to irrelevant information you had no permission to obtain?”
“It gives me leverage as one of your pawns,” he grapples against her strength, “If my allies hear nothing from me, your liability will become obsolete and you untrustworthy. They may even inform…” his voice echoes clearer in the room as she releases him, one last shove into the fluff of the bed, before removing her hovered body toward the side.
“Not another word of your ruse.” She snaps.
“I thought you would be thrilled of my news.” He smirks toward her, resting his hand on her shoulder and stroking her back.
She shoves his arm away from her. “Don’t patronize me. I’ve had enough games.”
“My future Queen...” He taunts leaning in and gently pecks his lips against her shoulder. “My beautiful future Queen,” he whispers from under his breath, sliding his fingers down her shoulder toward her breast.
Her eyes shift in annoyance as his fingers begin to caress under her breast and she suddenly yanks his arm to her mouth, plunging her fangs into his salty skin. He howls in pain from the unsuspected puncture, grasping firmer against his arm with her penetrating teeth. She sucks at his arm hungrily as he struggles to push her away with his naked body. “Stop!” he pleas “Stop! You’re making a mistake.”
She lets his cries roll off her as he begins to become light headed and struggles to keep consciousness. “They won’t trust you…” he whimpers
She flings her eyes open and takes control of her blood hunger, releasing his arm quickly and letting it thud against the bed, wiping the blood from her mouth with the back of her hand, leaving evidence upon her cheek. “That was invigorating.” She grins wickedly. “I forgot how deliciously sweet human blood is against the tongue.” Her head turns toward him as he breathes heavily, grasping his arm against his naked chest, inhaling deeply against his shallow breathing.
“Did you turn me into…” he wonders through the dizziness surrounding his head.
“I nearly killed you.” She boasts. “I had a faint change of heart, however, as you still may prove to be valuable. Get your clothes on and Ambrogino will collect you.”
“I can barely move.” He whispers from under his breathe.
“That’s you’re dilemma. Be there in ten or prove yourself unworthy.” She commands, pulling herself off the bed toward the door.
*******************************************************
Sultana lounges against the smoky gray sofa that arches across from another, divided by a crimson hour glass coffee table. Her arm perches on a scarlet pillow as the other pillows of scarlet and charcoal are perfectly aligned on the empty cushions. A large fireplace crackles in the middle of the room, allowing subtle warmth into the chilled area. Leeke pushes his large body against the couch while Sultana mindlessly strokes his ear.
In this moment her greatest confidant sits across from her. Lucius is her prodigy and she takes pride of the creation and warrior he has come to be. He is the strongest warrior on the planet of Divobite’, his strength of a Gladiator God and his wit of Newton, he could most certainly triumph over Sultana if he had chosen to do so. Yet, the loyalty he holds for his chosen queen is certainly not anything that he would willingly betray.
“The army is ready. I have chosen to recruit locals. There are hundreds who’d like the opportunity to reign the Earth. Many feel of unfinished business when driven off the planet.” He pushes his long black hair off of his dark skin and lets it float off the back of the couch. His piercing electric blue eyes follow her hand as she pulls it away from the Rottweiler, pressing it against her own cheek. Leeke gives a slight nudge to her arm, as she sits still in thought; she allows it to return to his head and continues the mundane petting.
“You’re Majesty?” He searches for her thoughts feeling her unresponsive, “You are quiet tonight.”
“It’s quiet”she finally chimes in, “I haven’t heard the sounds of silence in weeks. Since I, since we,” she corrects herself, “Have chosen to move forward, unraveling our plans… I haven’t allowed myself to simply rest.” Her eyes meet his with some uncertainty.
“Are these doubts passing your lips?” Lucius rises from the couch and gently sits next to Sultana.
Sultana sighs, removing her hand off of Leeke she places it over Lucius’ knee. “No.” she simply says with a faint grin, “I’m not.” She pauses for a moment, allowing for her dramatic conclusion. With a deeper sigh she gazes into his piercing eyes, “Has it occurred to you that we might not come out of this alive, Lucius?”
“We will not lose this battle, my Queen.” He quickly assures her.
“I don’t think we will.” She agrees, “That does not mean we will survive to tell of the glories. Does not mean I will survive. You my loyal friend,” her hand caresses against his cheek as the bottom of her palm settles into his chin, “You, I have no doubt, will survive.”
His hands quickly wraps around hers, pulling her into him, “As I have no doubts of your survival.”
“You’re too good to me.” She faintly remarks.
“You are the only one I am good to.” He softly teases.
“True.” She agrees with a smirk as she pulls herself away from his soft grasp and walks toward the enchanting fire, with Leeke close on her heals. “I admire our soft sides for each other.” She discloses her head slightly owled toward him. “I witnessed Vladimir’s end. I do not sleep; Yet I have nightmares, the images haunt me. He was everything I had, everything I wanted and…” she pauses for a moment, deciding to change direction, “Lucius, if I do come to an end, of course I want you to be King.”
“Yes, your majesty, I understand this.” He rises to his feet and walks closer to her, still making sure to give her some space.
“You will be king over two planets; and Earth will continue to have battles every day. The battles will never stop. Here, it is peaceful; there we will be in constant war. Assure you understand the dynamics?”
“You speak as if I’ve never inhabitant the planet.” He says matter of fact.
She turns toward him, “Yes well…”
“Your majesty,” he approaches closer to her gently placing her cold hand into his, “A majority of us have inhabitant the planet, have we not? While some feel safe on Divobite`, will never want to leave, most of us are homesick. Earth was our home, but humans have skewed our image. They live in fear of what they don’t understand. They kill what they fear and even take pride upon it. I feel ashamed that I was ever human on that planet. What we know now is valuable. We will apply it to the planet, stop mass production, and use our survival mechanism, preserving our home of origin. We will keep those useful and rid of the week.”
“Does that include the children?” a sultry voice enters down the wide stairway into the grand room, Leeke’s ears perking up as he notices her.
Sultana and Lucius turn their heads to see Dominious’ tall lengthy body coming down the stairs. Her hand slides against the banister with each step, heals soft against the white carpet. Lucius drops Sultana’s hands and turns his attention toward the new body.
“I don’t see a need for children.” He admits very flatly.
Sultana sleeks her body toward the stairway. “Glad you finally decided to join.”
“Yes, well I had to escort our maids off the premises, after your new recruit chose to add them in his ploy. They no longer exist. We will need a new cleaning crew, of course.” Dominious announces as her foot lands to the floor.
“This isn’t a place for idiosyncrasy. Thank you for taking care of the situation.” Sultana nods with approval.
“Of course.” She agrees.
Lucius eyes her as she faintly grins past them and heads to a spot on the couch, fluffing the charcoal pillow next to her. “So I missed the whole ‘taking over the Earth conversation?’”
“We were merely starting.” Sultana takes a seat across from Dominious, Leeke following back against Sultana’s side.
Dominious is who Sultana would most likely consider her best friend in a human world. She fought alongside of her during Vladimir’s battle, her soul slightly more gentle than Sultana’s could ever be. After a moment of hesitation Leeke slowly walks toward Dominious pushing his body against her; the only other vampire he gravitates toward.
Lucius eyes Dominious and quickly states, “Dominious you will not let children interfere with our greater plan.”
Dominious raises her brow, “Is that a question or a statement?”
“Clearly it is a statement.” Lucius grunts walking toward the fire.
Sultana watches the two, knowing that Lucius is correct, slightly worried that her dear friend may use poor judgement. “War is not a time to be sentimental, Dominious.”
Her eyes shift toward Leeke who she begins to engage with. “Look how good a dog you are.” She babies him. As she lifts her head, her eyes meet Sultana and Lucius, who continue to hold their glare.
“Lovelies!” a voice echoes in from the right where a large arch decorates an additional entrance to the grand room.
“Figaro!” Dominious hops from her seat and runs into his arms. He pulls her in, passionately kissing her.
Sultana rolls her eyes, shifting them toward Lucius who doesn’t attempt to hide his aggravation. Figaro has some way weaseled his way to the top order through Dominious’ heart. He is scrawny and pompous and neither Sultana nor Lucius care for him. He’d most likely have been obliterated if he came in their presence alone, before ever winning Dominious for protection.
“What have I missed?” he announces grandly as he pulls Dominious next to him and takes a seat on the couch, pulling her almost on top of him.
“Impossible to miss an event you were not welcomed.” Lucius says flatly.
“Oh, of course you were invited.” Dominious reminds them, “I invited him.”
“Of course you did.” Sultana sighs with frustration.
“I want you two to know that I’m definitely on board with taking our Mother Earth back. I’m ready to fight for the cause.” His long curly blonde hair reminds Sultana of a clown.
“I would like you to give us something important to do together.” Dominious announces as she beams at Figaro.
Lucius rubs the brow above his eyes peering at Sultana. “A word, Majesty?”
“Of course.” She stands up joining Lucius at the fire. Dominious widely grins at her, then engages herself with Figaro.
“I highly suggest we have them gather up the children and mothers. Let them believe they will take them to safety; it will be an easier demise; this will also keep Dominious and Figaro out of our way. Dominious will believe in the task and fully engage herself. Once we have the war under control, we send some of my army to rid the mother and children, take Figaro with them, as if an accident, and return Dominious safely to this planet.” His eyes fall deep into Sultana, his lip slightly twitches as she collects the blueprints in her thoughts.
“Dominious will be horrified and heartbroken of my lies.” Sultana’s forehead burrows as she contemplates the consequences.
“Perhaps, soften the blow by allowing her to turn one of the children; make it her own. The most well behaved, of course. Perhaps, let the law slide and give her the one treasure she could never have. She will forgive and also forget him.” He says slightly bouncing his eyes off of Figaro.
“Vampire Children are so destructive and temperamental, but perhaps the correct age range could bring the possibility. Let us move forward with that plan.” Sultana nods with agreement. They turn toward Dominious and Figaro who quickly become silent and await their commands.
“We’ve decided…” Sultana begins with an interruption from the arch way.
“Queen Sultana,” Ambrogino’s voice echoes the room pulling the energy toward him. “Euguen is ready.”
Leeke’s notices the extra body and stands up with a snarl. “Leeke.” Sultana snaps and the dog quickly pipes down. She gravitates toward the archway where Eugeun stands pale and week.
“Queen.” He tries to smirk. Sultana slaps him as his lip tries to curl. Her palm striking his cheek loudly, causing Dominious to startle unexpectedly. “Leave us.” Sultana demands of her confidant; then turning toward Lucius she adds, “I will assume you will continue our conversation with these two?”
“Of course, Majesty. “ He agrees, “Let us find another room shall we?” he asks leading the duo toward the staircase. Lucius gives Sultana one last nod before following them upstairs.
“Sit.” Sultana demands to Euguen.
Euguen eyes Sultana, dragging his heavy body to the couch. His arm is bandaged tightly; his white collared shirt is partially unbutton and hanging over his trouser pants. A grunt falls from his diaphragm when his bottom hits the couch cushion.
“You had those women killed. You instructed them to make me comfortable.” He tries to remind her.
“On YOUR planet,” she clarifies, “Not bring you to mine.”
“What’s the difference? We’ll be sharing them soon enough.” he decides.
“Sharing them?” she scoffs, “You’d merely be existences of them.” She sizes him up while circling the couch, pausing when she is standing over him. Ambrogino reenters the room, handing Sultana a vile before exiting. “What is that?” he nervously asks.
“You made a huge mistake, didn’t you?” she taunts him lowering herself on the coffee table across from him.
“I suppose I did.” He quivers from under his breathe.
“Do you really think you have any authority in this game?” She questions him as if he is small child learning an important lesson.
“At the time…” he begins and gazes into her eyes, “I thought I wasn’t merely a pawn. I suppose I was mistaken.”
“I have the power to destroy you at any time. You are alive because I’m letting you stay alive. Don’t forget that.” She demands.
“I feel like I’m dying. I don’t know if I will…” he begins.
“Drink this.” She hands him the vile.
“What is it?” he questions.
“Does it matter at this point of time?” Her eyebrows rise to her forehead as a smirk slides across her face, highlighting the fangs between her bright red lips.
He takes a deep breathe, removes the lid and shoots the drink down his throat. The burn against his throat makes him cringe as he manages to get it down. His body suddenly exhales, pushing air deeply through his mouth into the open room; color returns to his pale body, his heart pumping the blood swiftly to every limb. “Oh my, God,” he whispers from under his breathe, “I feel… I feel…” he stutters as he removes the bandage and his wound has disappeared. “Wow. I’m… Wow.” He is lost for words as he gazes to Sultana who watches his recovery. “What is that? It’s amazing! What we could do with something like that!”
Sultana slyly smirks and stands up from the table. “Ambrogino will make sure you return home safely. Don’t screw up again.”
He nods his head as Ambrogino appears in the archway. “I will see you soon, then?” Euguen asks.
“I will call upon you when the time comes.” She confirms.
He nods his head but stops as he almost exits the doorway. “Queen Sultana?” he addresses her.
“What is it, Euguen?” she ask annoyed.
“You will still send the women though, right?” he ponders.
Sultana’s eyebrow raises high and her eyes then narrow.
“Right.” He nods, “Yes, I screwed that up. Okay, then… see you around.” he awkwardly exits the doorway.
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