The floors at Deamone palace were not made of gilded marble; but smoothed basalt stone. The walls too, where they had not been upgraded to walls of dark woods were stone. The tapestries throughout the palace did much to insulate the place, but this hidden hall had no such fineries. The result was something of a cave-like echo and what was currently echoing were two sets of feet walking purposefully down the hall. One was a sure, strong stride and one a flittering, clacking series of steps. What did not echo was the whispered conversation held between the owners of said footsteps.
“The girl?”
“Has been well my Prince. The Princess has become quite enamored of the chess set you sent her most recently.”
“Lord, darling. We mustn’t forget that.” A soft chuckle. “Did I do that?”
“Yes, M’lord.”
“And the boy?”
“Master Rubin reports that he has been working diligently on his studies, but that the Dowager Empress has attempted to enter his quarters twice in the last few weeks.”
“Yes well…I suppose she’s still quite upset that she learnt of his existence through the announcement.”
“You’ve sent her an apologetic gift.”
“A good vintage, I imagine?”
“Yes my Lord. There is…one other matter regarding the Prince.”
“And that is?”
“Master Rubin has not wanted to push the boy too harshly…but he informs me that the Prince has yet to develop a real control over his powers. It is…a discouraging effort thus far. Though he does note that the boy is trying…merely…”
“Merely failing? No matter. They will teach him that at the school. What we need to focus on his keeping him in line…and throwing the half breed off. Tell Rubin to focus his energies on his history and lessons on protocol, behavior. The boy may be an urchin but he is still of noble blood and we cannot have him scurrying about as he did in that…place.”
“Yes my Lord.”
The footsteps came to a stop before a door. They passed through the door by activating a hidden charm along the wall, or at least the man did. The woman had flickered through on her own and by the time Duncan Deamone had entered the next hall a number of black armored men were on their knee. A least half a dozen…all guarding a single door. Without so much as a word of acknowledgement he continued his stride, opening the heavy door and entering the room behind it.
The girl, if nothing else, had excellent taste. The walls were covered in black damask, each piece of furniture had an elegant touch to it – all done in black wood. A large four poster bed was at the frontmost center of the room – with black and gray satin hanging bunched at each post. Although there were no windows, plenty of paintings a large television adorned the walls. But Duncan’s goal was not near any of them. Instead she was curled up in a large, blood-red chair with a book of chess strategy on her lap. For a second he considered the regrettability of her gender. Already she showed so much more promise than her simpering, sap of a brother. But Duncan knew which cards to play and when…she was his little fail safe.
“My darling.” He called, opening his arms as he approached her. A shudder of pride fell past him as she stood and approached him in neat, dainty steps. Her hug was neither too long, nor too tight and he managed to enjoy it a little before he bent down to press a quick kiss to the center of her forehead. “It has been far too long. Come let me look at you.”
She had inherited much of her mother’s coloring, but his superior genetics had improved them greatly. His fingers brushed down the thick, soft, fiery tendrils as they fell just above her elbows. Her delicate, if overly-youthful features looked even more prim encased in the fair skin of a lady of breeding. He stared down with pride at the clarity and crispness of her eyes – none of the swirling weakness his brother, mother and the half-breed had.
He took her two small hands and brought them to his lips, kissing them each in turn. “Such a lady. You grow lovelier by the second my sweet.” With a sigh he took his seat in the red cushioned chair, pulling the girl onto his lap with a gentle tug. “Do you know what is happening, at this very moment?”
“I do hope it involves a murder.”
Her response elicited a bark of laughter, and he cupped her cheek as he replied. “Something of the sort my dear. The two savages have arrived at the Lician palace and should be making quite the impression on the half-breed wench right about now. If all has gone according to plan she shall be suffering by nightfall. This is the first step in restoring our honor. Does this not please you, my little Princess?”
“It pleases me thoroughly, Father. I wish for nothing more than our untainted bloodline to take its rightful place upon the throne.”
“And it shall my sweet. Perhaps…once the mutt is disposed of we can arrange for your brother to…well…shall we just say I’d much rather have you on the throne?” His tone lowered in a conspiratorially friendly tone. “You are such a bright girl. Milina tells me you are enjoying your chess set?”
“Yes Father.”
“Excellent. You do know how I wish to please you. It has been such a chore arranging this entire business. With your brother off soon I shall be free to spend more time with you. He shan’t keep me from you for much longer. Would you like that? Perhaps we shall take a trip to the sea…have you ever seen the ocean? ”
He didn’t wait for her reply, instead reaching inside of his breast pocket and pulled out a long, silver chain. Attached to the end was a rose carved out of a ruby, the facets glistening in the light of the room. With a smooth smile he opened the locket showed her its contents. On one side, his visage. On the other, a miniaturized map of Deamone. “It…and all of this belongs to us, Helen. And I intend to get it back.”