With the sound of glass clattering still hanging in the air, determined footfalls echoed down the halls, increasing in volume as the interloper neared. Then they paused for a moment.
The King did not yell.
He roared.
"LUCARICK!"
A tall man clad in midnight blue velvet and silk stormed into the dining room. His face angular, his eyes sharp, his manner intimidating. Darkest red hair pulled into a long braid that went down his back, adorned with bells and gems. Every stomp, accented by the tinkling of bells. He came to the foot of the table, placed his palms upon the tabletop and leaned forward.
"What is this nonsense whispered to me this morning? That you bought a Singularity at an auction last night? Explain yourself."
"And a good day to you too, Father. It's not nonsense. Arcen and I bought ourselves a pet for our birthday and she pleases us right well."
Kya studied her plate, food barely touched, hands clasped in her lap as she waited out the storm.
The King's energy wafted off him like a potent perfume made of distilled anger.
"Is this your pet? You allow an animal to sit at the table? Are you mad?"
"Mad? No. Care to join us? And I would prefer if you addressed Lady Kya with respect. A pet she may be, but an animal she is not."
"She stinks of Wolf."
"That is not by her choice. Please, Father. Sit. And let me tell you of my plan, which is only possible with her heartfelt cooperation."
The King sat himself in silence and glared at Kya with cherry-red amber eyes that seemed to cut down to the bone.
"Lady Kya was sold to the auction house by her step-mother. Twenty gold ducats."
"So?"
Kya spoke up before Luca could.
"My step-mother is Jyla Munro. That is why I unwillingly carry the stench of Wolf."
The King's eyes widened a moment before he started with a great belly-laugh filled with genuine mirth.
"Truly, that woman sold you, a Singularity, for a paltry twenty pieces of gold? When that old bitch of her mother finds out, Jyla may find herself no longer heir."
Kya nodded. "She did. I refused to marry her nephew, and she cast me out, betraying my father's dying wish. I will, with Lords Lucarick and Arcen's help, get my revenge upon the bitch for the harm she has brought those outside the Wolf clan."
The King's gaze softened just a bit as he appraised Kya and the venom in her voice.
"Is it true, you are unawakened?"
"It is."
"But not for long. Or at least, that is our hope."
"And you will be sharing her?"
"For now."
"And you... do you know what will happen should you betray the Badens?"
"Nothing pleasant, I assume. I swear, to all three of you, that I will not willingly harm or betray those who give me an opportunity to make that woman suffer."
"I like her. You may keep her. For now. Tell me, are you going to breed her?"
"Perhaps. Her bloodline should be preserved."
"If you do, I highly suggest relocating her to an isolated home and ensuring all her staff are human. Birthing is a bloody business, and many things can go wrong if someone of our ilk with a weak will were to attend her. If you value her life and that of any of her children, you will protect them, especially from our own kind."
"Understood."
"Who are your people, girl? Jyla Munro has buried more than one husband."
"My father was Baron Dunfrith of Marvoy."
"I knew him. A good man, although his wife... well, I shall leave you to your plan, Lucarick. Fail me not, for my fingerprints cannot be upon the downfall of the Munros."
"I won't fail. There are allies among the Wolves unhappy at the hold the Munro clan has upon their leg of the Trifecta. They sing their discontent to the Moon."
The king smirked. "The baying of hounds, ever tiresome." He turned his attention to Kya. "Will you be attending the ball?"
Luca answered. "She will be. However, she will be veiled, for I want none to lay eyes upon her."
"Then why bother even going if you won't be showing off your pet?"
"Hope is a powerful tool. Give them the hope for a glance, and those showing unusual interest in our affairs will reveal themselves."
"Do as you will. Just make sure she's properly attired. As charming as her outfit is, it's entirely unsuitable for the paramour of my sons."
"Dressmaker is due to arrive any minute, have no fear."
"My curiosity is sated. Tell me girl, is there anything you wish to ask me?"
Kya thought for a moment before asking, "Is my safety assured?"
The King scoffed. "You need to ask? You belong to the Badens. No one dare touch what is ours. But if it will make you feel better, then listen well: The Badens protect what is theirs, including you."
Luca put his hand on Kya's shoulder. "Anyone dare harm you, they are dead. You are precious."
"Beyond precious. Irreplaceable." Arcen assured.
"Is that all?"
"That is my foremost concern, Sire."
"The collar you wear will repulse most, for the energy coming from it is something else."
"It's been forged with our blood and wolfbane. Any malintent is reflected back; someone tries stabbing Kya will find their blade embedded in themselves instead."
The King smirked. "Lovely." He stood and nodded to his sons before lingering a moment on Kya's face.
"If my sons fail to earn your adoration, perhaps I may tempt you myself."
Kya's eyes widened in shock, bringing a smile to the King's face.
"How I would delight in making your expressions change; your face is most expressive. Careful, Sons... she won't be one to keep secrets. I will send you a welcome gift of amethysts to match your eyes. Wear it at the ball. It will please me."
Arcen's eyes darkened at his father's flirting with Kya.
"She is not for you."
"Oh, I am well aware. Do as you will with her. And should you tire of her, consider selling her to me. I would take very good care of her."
"Don't get your hopes up, Father. I'm quite enamored of her already." Lucarick replied with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.
The look was noted by the King who smiled as he spoke. "Enjoy her while you can. Humans are terribly fragile creatures with pitifully short lives."
It was a reminder heavy in Kya's mind. A pet, a toy, a source of pleasure... until her worth is gone and then... death. Would they resist biting to feed from her? Was it a lie to buy her compliance? She didn't know. After bearing the brunt of Lady Munro's betrayal, there's no way Kya could resist thinking about the uncertainty of her own future in the care of bloodsuckers.
Lucarick's smirk looked much like his father's. "That is the plan. But I've been doing research, and there's potential to increase her lifespan."
The King shook his head. "You're risking her life if you experiment on her. Think carefully before delving into magic or science."
"There will be no experiments. I swear."
"Then I bid you all a good day. Girl, I will claim you for a dance at the ball."
"I am honored, Sire, and shall do my best to learn how to dance so I will not make an ass of myself."
That brought a smile to the King's face. "I appreciate the sentiment."
With that said, he turned and left, each footstep thundering across black marble as he made his way out to his conveyance.
Luca didn't breathe a sigh of relief until the great doors slammed shut after the King walked through them. "It's good you got his approval but be careful with him."
Arcen nodded. "He's a skirt chaser."
"I noticed. I would prefer not to be alone in his company." Kya replied. It was disconcerting already with the twin princes and their attentions. The thought of the King... it gave Kya a case of the shivers.
"Duly noted. Now let's see... it'll be a masked ball. If we leave before midnight, we won't have to participate in the unmasking. What costume theme should we go with?"
That made Kya's heart beat fast, as her first ball would be a masked affair. How exciting!
Arcen spoke. "I have an idea... she can be the flame and we'll be the moths."
"I like the wit, but I don't want her to be a focal like that. It's like inviting everyone to look at her."
"That's going to happen no matter what. Face it, Brother, she's a Singularity we bought publicly, more or less... that we share and brought along with us. We're already a focal. If she's a flame, her gown can be made of fire-colored silks and a veil for her face incorporated into the design."
"I'm your pet, my lords. I don't need anything fancy."
Luca gently chided. "You don't need it, but as our pet, our delight of all delights, we shall give you what we feel you should have. And unfortunately for you, that means fancy."
Kya gave a gentle laugh. "No, what I mean is let me be your puppy. Headband with ears, a muzzle to mask my face, maybe a tail?"
Lucarick smiled. "And a collar and leash. Oh, I like this idea."
"I think of you more of a cat than dog." Arcen replied. "Tell me, what sort of puppy would you be?"
"One that can sit on your laps and away from others."
"That gives me an idea for a costume... Ohhh, that's going to be a naughty puppy."
"What do you mean, naughty puppy?"
Arcen smiled slowly. "Do you know naught of Vampire Masked Balls?"
Kya shook her head slowly. "I fear I'm ignorant."
"Nobles are dressed well, of course. Pets, however, tend to wear things denoting their status. Beyond collars, that is."
"Explain it to me plainly, please."
"Your outfit will be revealing. And if you are a puppy... ah, I see potential."
"I would also like to suggest that you be the Kings of Ice and Shadow. If you must dress well, then be kings and nothing less."
Arcen slowly smiled. "Oh, I do like the suggestion. What do you think, Luca?"
"I don't care how I dress. King or jester, makes no difference to me."
"Then perhaps it shall be Arcen, King of Shadows, his jester Luca, and the eager to please puppy."
"Jester, really?"
"You said you didn't care."
"Fine. Let us both be the kings she desires."
Kya smiled, pleased that they seemed willing to listen to her suggestions.
It didn't take long for her masters to wipe the smile right off her lips.
"Come, Lady Kya. Let us dally while we wait for the dressmaker."
"Dally, my lord?" She audibly gulped.
"Dally, Lady Kya."
"Do you recall how I kissed you, last night?" Lucarick spoke low, his voice sending shivers of remembrance through Kya's body.
"Yes, Lord Luca." As if she could ever forget.
"You will try that with us. Choose who you shall kiss. The other shall kiss you at the same time."
Her jaw dropped in shock. "Here? Now?"
A jingling of chimes echoed through the castle. Luca frowned while Arcen grinned then spoke.
"Not now. Dressmaker is nearing the castle doors. Let's save such activity for later tonight."
Luca gave a grin, looking very much like Arcen. "Ah, that gives you something to look forward to... all day long. Isn't that right, Lady Kya?"