Old Promises, New Mysteries: Book 2 of The Kinstone series

I stirred and groaned as I rolled in my bed. My body ached and felt stiff, still exhausted from the flight. I begrudgingly sat up on the bed, hearing my joints pop, even wincing as my back popped loudly.

I slid off of my bed, yawning as I stretched. My nose quickly became filled with the smell of freshly brewed coffee and tea as I neared the door.

“Good morning sweetheart,” greeted Rachel as I descended the stairs.

I smiled to her, rubbing my eyes, “Morning Rachel, I feel awful.”

My mother rose from her seat and quickly rushed to me, pulling me into her arms and began to look me over. I blushed softly as my mother checked my cheeks and forehead, making me feel as though I were a small child.

“No fever, anything else not as it should be my love?” asked Rachel.

“I…I think I might just have a headache,” I squeaked.

My mother nodded and smiled, “It’s possible you are allergic to something. Luckily I can cure that.” She kissed me on the forehead and walked into the kitchen.

I watched as she began to pour ingredients into various cups and glasses. “Are you trying to cook again?” I asked, smirking.

Rachel looked over to me, smiling, “No love, merely mixing a tonic to help open up your head a little.”

I smiled as I walked into the kitchen, only to curl my face at the smell of the herbs Rachel mixed together, “While you really know how to mix potions together, but cooking’s never really been your thing. So it begs the question, why is it that in five hundred years you never learned how to cook?”

My mother chuckled, “I truly don’t have an answer for you.”

I smirked.

She grinned, grinding the mixture, “Despite my inability to cook, I still must be sure my daughter looks her best for today.”

I looked to her, “What do you mean? Something come up while I was out?”

Rachel sighed, pouring the mixture into a teabag, and dropping it into a cup and steaming water, “Let it steep for a couple minutes.”

I nodded, but still looked up to my mother, “Rachel, what’s wrong?”

My mother rubbed her eyes, looking to me, “I promised you a full day of rest. The Court however, appears to have other plans. They wish to get underway sooner, rather than allow us a chance to gain our bearings.”

I picked up the cup, blowing into it, “Meaning either they really are anxious to see you,” glancing up at her, “or they’re just wanting to be a bunch of dicks towards you.”

She smiled, flicking my nose, “We still need to curb that tongue of yours. But yes, I so believe that some wanted to throw me off balance, hence to sudden summons.”

I smiled, taking a sip of the brew, squishing my face in disgust, “Wow…that tastes really bad,” sticking out my tongue.

She smiled, “Medicine only works if it tastes bitter.”

I shook my head, smiling, chugging on the brew, “Blech! Still nasty,” coughing.

My mother patted my back, “Easy love.”

I nodded, taking another hard swallow, “So, when is this ‘party’ supposed to start?”

She nodded to me, “In just ninety minutes. So you better start getting ready.”

My eyes grew wide, “Holy crap, are you kidding?” I then turned and raced back up to my room. I snagged an apple along the way, hastily devouring it as I rapidly ascended the stairs. Rachel chuckled shaking her head.

I scrambled to grab a shower, not even taking into account that I was in France and in a real castle. All that mattered was getting ready and not trying to make my mother look bad. When I exited the bathroom, I quickly dried myself off, gently pulling my hair through the towel.

I walked over to my suitcase, which lay on a stool and opened it, rifling through its contents. I saw one the outfits that I personally had placed into it, a blue double-breasted top with black trimmings white collar and bishop sleeves, black leggings, midi skirt and loose belt. I also pulled out a pair of black Chelsea boots and an undershirt. I quickly, but carefully threw on the outfit.

All the while, Fenris lied on my bed, watching as I got dressed, “You need not rush yourself, Little One.”

I nodded, but still carried on, “I know, but doesn’t mean I can’t hurry up.”

After putting on the boots, I walked over to a large standing mirror and brushed my hair, watching as it glided effortlessly through my long silken hair. I began loosely braiding my hair, draping it over my shoulder.

I took one last look at myself in the mirror, twisting and turning to get a better angle of myself. Nodding in satisfaction, I pulled out a short black capelet, wrapping it around my neck, and then grabbed my satchel, draping it over my shoulder.

“Okay…now I’m ready.”

The wolf nodded as he walked off of my bed and walked beside me, “I shall stay within your shadow until needed.”

I turned and hugged the wolf, “Thanks Fenris.”

The wolf nodded, resting his head onto my shoulders, before pulling back and disappearing into my shadow. I smiled and ran out the door.

I saw Rachel as she stood by the door, wearing a long flowing blue dress with large flared sleeves.

My mother looked up to me and smiled, “You look absolutely wonderful my love.”

I smiled as I walked up to her, “Thank you. You look amazing yourself Rachel.”

My mother smiled, pulling me close, and stroking my hair. I smiled, looking up at her. “Ready my love?”

I nodded, tilting my head, grinning, “Are you?”

Rachel grinned, tapping me on the nose, “Cheeky girl.” I giggled. We exited out the front door and made our way down the hallway towards the elevator.

When the elevator came to rest back onto the first floor, I could hear voices as we echoed through the massive corridors and entry hall. My mother held me close as we exited the elevator and followed the line of people, heading deeper into the castle. No one paid us any attention, nor did anyone speak other than their own families.

I took notice of this and leaned into my mother, “Why doesn’t anyone talk to each other?”

Rachel also leaned over, “It’s early and I believe few are unhappy with the schedule change. When we reach the primary chamber, everyone will be in more of a mood to talk.”

I nodded, staying close to my mother, but noted several girls who were walking together and speaking to each other, some shooting poisonous glares at me. I ignored them as we continued to walk down the corridor until we arrived at the large set of doors.

The doors opened into a large and expansive chamber which was nearly the size of the ballroom at the Manor, if not much larger. High back chairs sat on each side with a central table at the heart of the chamber. This reminds me of pictures of the British parliament, I thought as Rachel and I walked slowly further inside.

Dozens of people stood huddled into smaller groups, all speaking to one another. On a second level above the main floor was a gallery. Its seats were set back and high, overlooking the primary chamber, granting a sprawling view to anyone sitting there.

I smiled softly as I then looked over to see dragons, both in human form as well as a couple in their true forms, speaking to each other. I could listen in on some of what they were saying, but the noise of the crowd drowned out most of conversation.

Resting in the corner of the chamber laid a gigantic red dragon. My eyes grew wide as I stared at it. Well over a hundred feet long, its head alone is easily the size of a school bus. Two large grey horns sprung out from the back of its head with smaller ones adorning it.

The great wyrm’s muzzle is long yet slightly blunt around the tip of its mouth. Huge wings curled around its body with its tail curled around its body. Its fiery red scales shimmered in the light.

I still often wonder what Silvi would look in her full form, how much she’d measure up to it. Huge blackened claws the size of bicycles laid curled under its head and body.

I looked up at Rachel, “So…who’s that?” motioning to the living mountain.

My mother peered over to the slumbering dragon, smiling, “That is Acrohan, a millennia old dragon, and a dear friend.” She then looked to me, “He is the leader of one of the many dragon clans in Europe, but often chooses to sleep during sessions.”

I blink softly, “Huh…wouldn’t mind meeting him, if possible.”

She chuckled, “If time permitted I have little doubt he’d be more than happy to meet you with my girl.” I grinned softly, still gazing up on him.

“Although…I wish he would visit more often. I know everyone misses him,” she whispered.

I look back to her, “What did you say?”

She smiled, shaking her head, “Nothing my love.”

I stare up at her, wondering what she meant. I turned my attention onto the ancient wyrm. My hands clenched my strap, nodding to him.

As I started to look away, I glimpsed his eye opening if only of a brief moment, looking straight at me with his massive emerald eye. When I snapped back to look at him, he had already reclosed his eye. I tilted my head, was he looking at me? I sighed, returning my gaze onto the crowd.

I saw elves speaking to a several humans, some even laughing with the others. The chamber was alive with discussions over topics ranging from business deals to talking about the latest gossip.

I looked on in wonder, eagerly wanting to jump in and join the conversations. But I held back. I was uncertain as to how the gathering would respond to an American child simply barging into their discussions.

I also noticed many heads beginning to turn as the both of us slowly wandered around the hall. I could hear mutterings and whispers of those present; some were of praise and adulation while others spewed venom and suspicion, mostly directed at me. I hung close to my mother, attempting to dismiss the whispered insults.

“Rachel!” shouted a voice from the crowd.

I turned to see a fairly-aged woman rushing over to my mother, a great big smiled adorning her face. “It has been far, far too long ma chèri,” spoke the woman, quickly grabbing Rachel’s hands, holding them tightly.

Rachel smiled, “It has been Josephine. You are looking extremely well,” grinning softly, “You look even more distinguished than the last time I saw you.”

The woman standing before Rachel grinned broadly, “Look at you, still the same as the day you left us. We still mourned that day.”

Rachel nodded, “I had to leave, given what happened.”

The woman nodded, “All are in agreement of the consequences of that man’s actions were abominable. But you shouldn’t have left us the way you did. We were left heartbroken with your absence.”

Rachel nodded, “For that I apologize Josephine, but it had to done. I needed to step away and recover.”

The woman nodded but then stepped closer to Rachel, looking at her, “Ma chèri, you appear to be practically glowing. A brilliant radiance that…that only comes from being a mother.”

Rachel smiled, nodding softly. The woman then peered over and saw me as I stood quietly behind Rachel. “Rachel, who is dis child standing beside you?”

My mother smiled as she pulled me tightly to her, “Josephine, I would like to introduce you to my daughter, Aria,” she then looked to me, “Aria, this is my dear old friend Josephine D’alousie.”

I blushed as I bowed my head to the woman, “Ma’am.”

Josephine’s eyes grew large, “D-daughter?” She stared down at me, her mouth quivering. Josephine then looked back up Rachel, “Is…she of “his” seed?”

Rachel’s face grew stern, but faded away as she shook her head, “No, she is not. I adopted this child after the beginning of the year.”

Josephine again looked at me, examining me, and then smiled broadly, “Good, that is one less thing that would allow his entry back into your life.”

Rachel nodded softly, letting out a labored sigh. Josephine’s smile continued, “Well, I am so very happy for you ma chèri. She appears to be a wonderful little girl.”

Rachel beamed happily as she held me close to her, “Thank you my old friend.”

Josephine smiled, as she then eyed someone else, “Andriy…Andriy Mikulich. Put down that triizi now and come see Rachel.”

The hairs on my neck began to stand on end as a tall spindly man walked over, carrying a small glass, filled with a dark, crimson liquid. My eyes trained onto him, sensing a presence similar to Beltrok Velkoz. The man beamed brightly as he stood in front of both my mother and I, “Rachel, it has truly been far too long since we saw each other last.”

She smiled and nodded, “That it has Andriy. You still appear to enjoy your libations with great fervor.”

The man smiled, his pearlescent fangs gleam in the light, “That I do. It truly is a blessing to have you return to us Rachel, you have been greatly missed.”

She bowed her head, “I thank you Andriy.”

The man then looked down at me, his long platinum blonde hair rested slickly against his back. His crimson eyes bore softly onto me, empty of malice or hate, but filled instead with a genuine gentleness.

He smiled tenderly to me, “And who would this child be?”

Rachel smiled, “This, old friend, is my daughter, Aria.”

The man’s eyes glittered softly as his smile grew, “A daughter you say?”

Rachel nodded, “She is one of the more recent reasons for my absence from the Court.”

Andriy shifted his glass, tapping it lightly as he looked to Josephine, “Is she?”

The woman shook her head, “Not his.”

Andriy nodded as turned back to look into my eyes, “Wait…is she the child who defeated Beltrok’s daughter last year?”

Rachel beamed, “The very same.”

His smile grew wider, “Remarkable.” My fists tightened as my body tensed up tightly. Fenris could feel my nervousness rising, swirling around me.

Rachel leaned over, “Sweetheart?”

I perked up, looking to my mother, “S-sorry.”

Andriy looked to me, “I know why you are so nervous around me little one. For you already suspect that I am in fact a vampire, yes?”

I nodded, looking up at him, “Y-yes sir.”

He smiled even more, “Rest easy my child. While it is true that many still cling to the old traditions of viewing humans as nothing more than cattle. I, and a growing number of others, do not share this archaic preconception. In fact, your victory over Irina proved that humans truly are not as weak or helpless as many believe them to be.” Rachel smiled, stroking my hair.

His smile softened, “I do realize that your first encounter with vampires was less than, oh what is that word in English?” pondering for a moment. “Ah yes, amicable. But not all vampires are as cruel and vicious as Beltrok. Take me for example.”

Rachel chuckled, “You are happy as long as you have a drink in your hand.”

The vampire laughed, “Very true,” taking another sip. I finally relented, sighing heavily.

I lowered my head to him, “Forgive me sir if I offended you.”

He smiled, gently resting a hand onto my shoulder, “No need for apologies little one.”

I raised my head and peered into his eyes, “Thank you sir.”

He smiled even more brightly, eyeing my obviously book-laden satchel, “You are a scholar I take it?”

I finally brokered a smile, bobbing my head, “Yes sir. History, magic, politics, anything’s fair game to me. I’m also an avid novel reader.”

The man grinned broadly, “Wonderful, truly wonderful.”

Josephine then tapped him on the shoulder, “We should go, there are others that need to be seen.”

Andriy nodded, bowing his head to Rachel and me, “Until later,” he then took a step back and turned, disappearing into the crowd.

“We must catch up later Rachel,” Josephine then turned to Aria, “it was a pleasure meeting you petite colombe.”

I nodded to her, “You as well Ma’am.” The woman smiled and turned to follow after Andriy.

I let out a sigh of relief, feeling my heart racing within my chest. My mother held me close, hugging me tightly, “You truly were marvelous my love.”

I blushed softly, “Th-thank you. But I really didn’t do anything.” Rachel smiled, stroking my arm.

“So…those two were friends of yours?”

My mother nodded, “That they are. Andriy himself helped rescue me from a failed mission prior to my departure from the Court.”

I turned and looked up at her, “What happened?”

My mother smiled, “I’ll tell you later, my beloved.”

I looked at her, but sighed and nodded, “All right.”

The chamber still was a bustle of activity as more and more members entered. The room began to fill as I caught a glimpse of a pair of elegantly dressed elves wistfully walked through the doors.

I nearly had to cover my eyes as their aura blazed so brightly it felt as though I would go blind, as if I were staring into the sun. The brilliance was then snuffed out as several members walked over to them and complained.

I giggled as their shining aura winked out, as though someone simply flipped a switch. Handy, I thought.

“Countess Rivenfeld,” sounded another voice, one that I had heard before.

Rachel turned, “Tobias,” nodding her head to him, smiling, “It’s good to see you and on better terms.”

He nodded, “I would agree old friend.” Tobias then looked down to me and smiled, “Young Aria, I’m so glad to see you little one. You appear to be in much better spirits than the last time we met.”

I nodded, bowing my head to him, “I wish apologize to you Lord Algernon. I accused the Court of something terrible.”

Tobias smiled, “Raise your head child, for neither the Court nor I took any offense. And it also can’t go without saying how you would’ve come to that conclusion, given your less than stellar introduction to us.” I looked up at him, seeing him smile gently.

Tobias’ name then rang out from the crowd, “Well…as much as I would love to talk more, it would appear that I am needed elsewhere,” he bowed to both of us, “until later,” walking away.

Rachel watched as he left, “You didn’t have to do that sweetheart.”

My head bobbled, “I know, but I didn’t want for it to look bad for someone like me to accuse the Court. Especially since I’m now your daughter.” Rachel shook her head, smiling, and pulling me tightly against her.

A cold chill ran down my spine as a dark presence washed over me. I peered around my mother’s arm to see a fair skinned man standing by the door. His deep crimson eyes pierced like daggers as he glared directly at me.

“It’s him,” I whispered.

Rachel nodded, “I know sweetheart.”

Beltrok Velkoz, the first vampire I had ever met and my first exposure to the Court as a whole. I remembered the threats and insults he threw at me during their meeting. I rubbed my arms, still feeling the blows his daughter had landed onto me during our duel with one another.

“Pay him no mind my love,” my mother said reassuringly, “he can’t harm you.”

I nodded, having also suspected his involvement with the murder of my family just eight months prior. My mother leaned over and kissed me on the forehead. I also felt Fenris rumbling gently within my shadow, comforting and supporting me. Beltrok finally turned and walked over towards a small group of people and began speaking with them.

Rachel found her eyes covered by someone from behind, “Rachel dear.”

My mother smiled, “Hello Sabine.”

She then turned, revealing to me a fair, nearly pale, skinned woman with deep dark hair which was curled into buns along the base of her neck.

She wore a flowing layered dress, which showed off her broad cleavage, while still covering enough not to appear too overly sexual. Her eyes were brilliant silver that seemed to glisten softly in the light.

An overwhelmingly sweet fragrance enveloped me. I fought to stay lucid, feeling drawn to the woman.

“You’ve been away too long old friend,” said Sabine, smiling.

Rachel nodded, “It had to be done,” she then smiled gently, “and would you be a dear and not attempt to reel in my daughter?”

The woman chuckled as the fragrance dissipated, “Do forgive me Rachel. I often forget that I am not amongst my harem.”

My senses finally cleared as I looked up at her, “You’re a succubus, aren’t you?”

Sabine grinned, “Not exactly, for I stand above your typical succubus. I am a lilith, a higher order of sexual demons.”

Her long bat-like wings furled out from just above her hips, but appeared to also have feathers akin to a bird. Horns curled outward from her head, hugging close along the sides, “Quite the clever little fox aren’t you?” I blushed softly, trying to hide the fading attraction.

The woman smiled, leaning forward, peering into my eyes, “Ah I see. You are a little fox aren’t you? Little kitsune,” whispering into my ears. I blushed even more, feeling uneasy.

Fenris growled softly from within my shadow, wanting to leap out and separate the demon from me. Rachel tapped Sabine on the shoulder, who then promptly stood back up, “Forgive me, it isn’t every day that a kitsune stands before me, a rather cute one at that,” winking at me.

Rachel cleared her throat, “How have you been Sabine, still trying to grow that harem of yours?”

The woman smiled, “Not quite as much as I used to. The ones I do have often are shared amongst our daughters.”

Rachel tilted her head, “Our?”

Sabine smiled, looking over towards Tobias. Rachel smiled, “I believe congratulations are in order then.”

The lilith nodded, “He has been good to me these past few decades.”

Rachel smiled, pulling me into her, wrapping her arms around me, “I have my happiness in this little girl.” I blushed softly, looking up at my mother.

The lilith chuckled, “That would explain some of your reluctance to return to our fold.”

Rachel nodded, looking down at me, “Some, yes.” Sabine then peered down into my shadow and winked at it. I could feel Fenris tense up slightly, but remained calm

A chime then sounded as all of the adults began moving towards their seats. “All right sweetheart,” spoke Rachel, turning me to face her, “you go on up towards the gallery, and stay there until the other children begin to leave.”

My head tilted, “What happens after they leave?”

My mother looks over to the children as they ascended the stairs, “Some will host parties and play with each other.”

I nodded, “Well… I guess that won’t be in my future plans then.”

Rachel smiled kissing my forehead, “You’ll be fine sweetheart. Now, off you go.” I nodded and headed off towards the stairs.

The gallery housed hundreds of padded seats, many appeared to even recline. I wandered over to an empty one, with no one around me.

As I took my seat, the piercing glances of the other children stabbed into me once more. I blocked them out, pulling my satchel off of my shoulder, placing it on the seat beside me. I then reached into it, pulling out a book, notepad, and pencil. I saw Rachel as she took her seat, who then smiled up at me. I blushed and smiled.

Tobias took center stage of the chambers, “My friends, I bid you welcome. I understand the summons was somewhat sudden, but there are issues that must be addressed given recent discussions amongst the primary council.” The assembly nodded, giggling to myself as I watched the dragons nod, and still wondering what Silvi looks like as a full dragon.

“Now before we begin I wish to make an announcement. I wish to welcome back Countess Rivenfeld to our company. She took a rather long absence from us and I believe we will all agree it was well deserved.”

Tobias then turned to her, “Welcome back My Lady, your voice and grace have been deeply missed.” Rachel nodded to him, smiling softly.

The chamber broke into a soft applause with loudest coming from those I had met. Tobias smiled as he then folded his hands together, “She has also been accompanied this day by a young girl. This child is in fact her daughter, Arianna Edge, who watches us from the gallery.”

My heart stopped for a moment as every head within the chamber turned towards me. My pencil nearly slipped out of my fingers.

Whispers echoed through the chamber as the assembled host stared at me. “We welcome you as well young Aria, may you learn much as you observe us.”

I tried my hardest not to show my embarrassment as I rose from my seat and bowed my head to the host. The whispers grew louder and more boisterous as I then resumed my seat.

In the corner of my eye I could have sworn I saw the massive slumbering dragon’s lips curl into a soft grin, its huge fangs glistened in the light.

Tobias smiled and turned, quieting the hall, “Now, let us begin.” I shrunk into the seat, hiding my face as the meeting started.

The meeting predominantly comprised of procedural matters, which bored me to tears. I was reminded of church voters meetings, which were a constant source of dread while attending.

The issues which bored me even more centered on trade disputes between dragons and elves. I observed how the dragons became angry when the elves accused them of cheating them on shipment of ores and other materials.

I began nodding off once the elves began trying to negotiate settlements with the dragons, using long-winded words which they embellished with flowery speech. When the discussion on more heated subjects began to escalate into near violence, I watched as my mother stood and spoke, effortlessly weaving her way into the debate and calmed each side, bringing them to a peaceful comprise. I smiled proudly at her, who in turn winked back at me.

When I grew tired of taking notes, I pulled over my book and opened it, reading it softly, noting that many of the other children present were doing similar things.

“Well, hello there,” spoke a voice.

I glanced over to see a tall, well-dressed dark-haired man as he walked over to me. His crimson eyes poured gently onto me as he neared closer. My skin felt as though it were crawling. I sighed softly, “What do you want Drakon Velkoz?”

He smiled, “What, I cannot come over and say hello to an old friend?”

I looked up at him, curling an eyebrow, “Friends? We’ve only met once. We are not friends, your father threatened my mother, everyone who lived at my home, and then your sister tried to kill me when I defeated her purely out of spite.”

He smiled, “Come now, what’s one little dispute between our families? Besides, I still see you as a lovely girl that I have become interested in.”

I stared into his eyes, “Isn’t there a law against older men trying to hit on young girls?”

He chuckled, “What is time to a vampire? And I truly am interested in you, little doll.”

I shook my head, as I turned back to my book, “Just go away Drakon. You’re not worth my time.”

He grinned leaning in closer to me, “That piercing tongue, unyielding pride, and the beauty of an angel. You’ve become more and more like your mother since we last met,” reaching for my shoulder.

“If you want to keep your hand attached to your wrist, then I would suggest that you don’t touch me,” I softly snapped, pointing down.

Drakon heard the soft rumbling growl of a beast as he peered into my shadow, seeing two blue eyes and snarling white teeth as Fenris glared fiercely at him. He smirked, “Well, this is a development,” he then stepped back and bowed, “I guess I shall see you another time little doll.”

I quietly turned a page, “Never going to happen.” He smiled and quietly left me to my book.