The Vampire Xia

Awendela felt her muscle tense then relax in a split moment, she lifted her head to see the Xia and Hiro looking at her, she gave them a saucy smile.

“Your highness,” she said respectfully, “Hiro, good you made it to your post on time. It is a good thing I ran into the two of you. Xia, if you have a moment, I was just looking for you to discuss your new guard schedule.”

The Xia nodded his head ~Are you alright?~ “Yes, of course. I was just headed to my office.”

Awendela ignored the question because she knew that Hiro would notice her silent communication with the Xia. She still couldn’t communicate with her mind without making it obvious and right now she most certainly did not want Hiro knowing.

“That would be perfect Xia,” she replied politely and shifted to a guard position on the Xia’s left since Hiro was on his right.

The trip to the study was silent, tense and awkward, though everyone was trying to be relaxed, there was obvious tension. Hiro and Awendela didn’t like each other. Hiro wanted to know why Awendela had been leaning against the wall. Xia wanted to know why Awendela was leading against the wall. Awendela was pissed they had seen her like that. She also didn’t want to tell them why. She knew both of them were going to ask her at one point.

The Xia’s office was shockingly simple yet tasteful and radiated power. The room was cold, glass and chrome, very little color except in the array of books and scrolls which covered the entire left side of the room. The desk sat in the center of the room and was a good size for spreading paperwork. The desk had a MAC desktop, wireless keyboard and mouse, and was currently covered in a mess of papers which was interesting to see to say the least, she expected to see neat and tidy papers, sacked and organized. Another smaller table sat behind the desk, there sat an all in one printer/copier/scanner/fax machine and series of trays for paperwork. Next to it were five three-drawer filing cabinets. There was a conference table on the right side of the room and that was it. Simple but functional.

Awendela immediately hated it. Her own small office at home was set in warm autumn colors, a dark wood desk with a very cushioned chair, a small fireplace for the winter, and a tiny round rather beat-up conference table (it may have been thrown around a few times in frustration) for maybe four people with equally comfy chairs. The chairs in the Xia’s office looked anything but comfortable.

“Mizushima can you wait outside please?” the Xia ask though it wasn’t really a question.

Something else Awendela hated, a request that wasn’t a request.

“With all due respect your Highness, Mizushima was in charge of your guards before I came. I feel he should be here and give his thoughts and opinions to my idea for your guarding.”

Xia nodded and waved his hand to indicate for them to sit at the conference table.

Yup, the chairs were hard.

Awendela removed the paper from her pocket, shifting awkwardly in the seat, realizing she probably should have pulled it out before sitting down, or had it in a folder or something a little more professional. Then again she hadn’t really been heading to see the Xia about the guard schedule. Hiro grinned at her discomfort but Awendela ignored him and laid the paper between the two men.

They both skimmed over it together. Awendela noticed how comfortable they were together and realized then that they were friends.

The Xia looked up, “the idea seems simple and effective enough however I noticed you have a rather long shift in the first week.”

“Nothing I have not done before or that I cannot handle. Mizushima, I would like to hear your thoughts.”

He looked up at her, torn between glaring at her and being civil for the Xia’s sake.

“Would it not be prudent to have more guards?”

“I thought about it to be honest. However, we would then have guards that we didn’t know for sure we could trust. I do not feel that having them connected to the Xia would be a good idea to ensure their loyalty, we are speaking about another four to six more guards. I also felt that we need to focus on the Xia’s safety and with unknown guards we would need to watch our own backs plus the Xia’s. In this situation to we would not be entirely focused on the Xia and that could prove deadly.”

Mizushima nodded having no choice but agree with the statement because he had thought that too but wanted to know what Awendela thought.

Mizushima turned to Xia, “Your highness, how do you feel about this schedule?”

“It seems like it would work well enough. I want to ensure however that everyone is getting enough rest and isn’t exhausted.”

“Of course Xia,” Awendela agreed, “Shemar has already agreed to cover any shifts needed if anyone feels overly tired or needs to rest for any reason.”

Xia nodded, “that is good to hear. When do you plan to begin this schedule?”

“Tomorrow, Xia.”
“Very well. Mizushima, can you inform the other guards of the new schedule? I need to speak with Awendela.”

“Of course, Xia. Shemihaza, I leave the King in your protection until I return,” he said, bowing to his King before exiting with the schedule in hand.

Awendela watched him leave, mainly to avoid the Xia’s eyes which she could feel boring a hole into her face.

She turned, arching an eyebrow, “Yes, your highness?”

He was resting his chin on his hand which was propped on the conference table by his elbow, “do you want to explain why you ignored my question earlier?”

“I didn’t want Mizushima to know we were talking. I don’t hide it well yet and a private conversation should be well private.”

“I understand your concerned but you will never be able to fully hide it from the other guards who are connected to me. It is a sixth sense if you will, they will always know. However, they know better than to pry. You must practice to make it less obvious to outsiders and make it easier for you to multi-task conversations.”

~We shall practice now.~

Awendela pushed her irritation into a bubble in her mind to keep it from getting to the Xia almost instantly. She was getting better at hiding her feelings from the Xia. Awen was also getting use to the sensation of someone else in her mind though it was unusual but he had insisted they talked mentally each time they shared blood.

It was a very awkward experience for her, she hated each visit and the blood sharing but she knew it was important for the mental connection. She made her thoughts and feelings known about the situation though. Tonight was another sharing night and she was not looking forward to it.

~Ok. What did you want to ask me?~

~Why were you leaning against the wall?~

“Gathering my thoughts before I came to speak with you,~

~You realize you cannot lie in a mental conversation correct?~

~But I am not lying.~

~No, but you are not telling the whole truth.~

~That isn’t fair. I should be able to hide what I want to hide. Lie, if I need to protect you or myself.~

She felt his laughter at her pouting emotions which she happily conveyed.

~I will let you in on a secret. The better you get at this, the easier it is to hide your emotions, tell half truths and even lie. The lying part takes years though but with practice you should be able to tell half truths.~

~You must be an excellent liar then.~

~I don’t lie.~ Awendela felt the seriousness behind his words, she shifted in the uncomfortable chair.

~Everybody lies.~

~Only if they have something to hide.~ He replied shifting slightly in the chair.

~And you do not?~

Again she felt the bubble of amusement. She had a feeling he enjoyed their talks because she was not afraid of saying what was on her mind. Ok, technically she was afraid, the man could kill her in less than a heartbeat in a thousand different ways but she didn’t want to change who she was. Plus, he forced the mental communication on her, so she figured she was entitled to being a little snappy to him, at least in private. No way in hell was she going to disrespect him in public again.

~Another secret, I am a master of half truths.~

She laughed out loud, not expecting him to say that.

~That I completely believe.~

~So truth?~

Awendela studied him for a moment but shook her head.

~Not this time. My feelings and thoughts are my own. Just because we have this connection doesn’t mean you have the right to know everything about me. Everyone needs their privacy.~

The Xia leaned back in the chair, hands folding on the table. ~Very well. However, if you are having any issues, with the position, the mental communication, the blood sharing, the other vampires you should come talk with me about it. I need to know in order to ensure things run smoothly for you.~

~The other vampires have been well enough and you know how I feel about the blood sharing and the mental communication.~

~Nothing then?~

~Nothing.~

He sighed ever so softly that Awendela was sure she imaged it. She did however notice him shift again in the chair.

~If the chairs are uncomfortable why don’t you change them?~

The rush of laughter that swept over her mind was dark and sultry and made her nerves tingle. She rolled her head from the sensation and glared at him.

~That was not necessary.~

~Apologizes, no one but Mizushima complains about the chairs. I have them to ensure meetings with the other nobles and my advisors are short.~

~Huh, that is a good idea.~

~I have them from time to time.~

“Come in,” the Xia said out loud.

Awendela suppressed a shiver as the Xia shifted away from her mind and she shoved the remaining residue energy into the large bubble that held the Xia’s essence.

Mizushima entered the room, bowing to his King, “I have informed the others of the schedule, my Xia.”

“Thank you Mizushima. Now I believe I have a meeting with my advisors I must prepare for. Awendela thank you for everything you have done as of now. You have been a great asset,” the Xia said as he stood up.

Awendela stood as well knowing she was being dismissed, “of course, your Highness. I will take my leave. I must inspect the construction process to the entrance and walls.”

She gave the Xia a respect bow of her head and a tiny nod to Mizushima before exiting to check on the new renovations.

--------------------

Awendela took a few deep breaths before rapped her knuckles on the Xia’s private study. The sun had already set and it was time for the blood-sharing. She had been a little nervous about returning to the other vampires after she had bolted but they had acted as if the incident had never happened to which she was grateful. She was also grateful that they didn’t fault her for letting her guard drop in that moment. The door opened and revealed the last person Awendela has expected.

Lady Lilith smiled widely at her, “Awen! It is such a pleasure to see you! Come in, come in.”

The beautiful woman looped her arm through Awendela’s and pulled her into the room, Anderson stood up bowing his head to Awendela and exited the room to keep guard outside.

“My Lady, what a pleasant surprise. How was your trip to Paris?”

“No long enough but fun none the less! You simply must join us next time!” She exclaimed.

“I appreciate the offer but my schedule would not permit such a trip, perhaps after my assignment.”

Lady Lilith huffed, leading her to the sitting area, waving a seat to Awendela and sat down herself.

“This assignment could last a long time, surely you have realized this?”

Awendela had thought about that actually and she wasn’t sure how she felt about it.

“Surely not as long as you may be thinking, my Lady.”

“Oh, I will definitely get you to Paris!”

Awendela smiled at the woman’s enthusiasm, she wasn’t sure what to think of her. She hadn’t see her much over the two weeks, since last week she had gone to Paris with the ladies of the Court. However, some moments she seemed like this dark, distant, unnerving creature yet other moments she seemed like a rich, smart, sophisticated and energetic woman.

“I am sure once things settle down she can go, Lilith,” said a dark voice behind them.

Both of them turned to see the Xia walking towards them from the connecting door that lead to his bedroom.

Lilith smiled, “I am sure you will make it happen.”

Awendela watched the couple, Lilith was smiling but the Xia was not, but then he almost never smiled. When he was ‘smiling’ it wasn’t a real smile. She was sure he probably saved those for Lilith when they were in private. She couldn’t help wonder what a real smile from the Xia looked like. Yes, she he had laughed once or twice with her, or ‘smiled’ but it was more like an owner enjoying his cat’s amusing antics.

“Oh let me get the wine for the two of you!” Lilith suddenly said standing up and going over to the bar on the far wall that held a wide variety of alcohols.

Awendela suddenly realized Lilith was going to stay for the blood-sharing and it took every ounce of training to keep her sudden realization a secret. Nothing outwardly changed.

The Xia had come to sit in the chair across from Awendela, he put out his hand and Awendela automatically put her right hand into his. His nail slashed across her palm, it didn’t even phase her anymore.

Lilith came over with a wine glass with a rich fruity wine, that Awendela liked. The Xia had ensure she picked the wine for the sharing. Awendela put her hand over the wine glass while the Xia massaged her hand. Drops of blood fell into the wine. He licked her hand to heal it before adding his own blood to the wine. Lilith handed her the glass, she drank half of it before handing it over to the Xia who drained it.

Lilith took the glass away to the bar before returning with three glasses of the same wine for them to drink and enjoy. Awendela normally didn’t have another glass but she decided to make an exception this time.

~You never take another glass.~

~I also have never done this in front of your Lady either.~

Feeling the confusion from him Awendela replied, ~You know how I feel about the blood sharing, it is so intimate. It is weird enough but to do it in front of your girlfriend…~

~I see.~

~Is it not rude that she cannot join the conversation?~

~With your permission, I can include her since I am connected to both of you I can act as a bridge.~

Awendela looked at the Xia is shocked, this she had not heard of before and wondered if it is was kept a secret.

~Not really,~ the Xia replied to her emotions and thoughts.

Awendela shoved her irritation at him but replied back ~Please include her. This feels awkward with her just watching us.~

~A moment.~

It was literally just a moment before Awendela felt another presense in her mind, dark and alluring but streaked with brightness.

~Awendela! Oh, I have to show you Paris!~

A flood of images bombard her mind, she cried out in pain and shock and felt the connection suddenly cut off. She was leaning forward in the chair, her hands clutching her head. Lilith was kneeling before her, her hand pushing Awendela’s hair from her face.

“I am so sorry! I got excited and I forgot you are new at this.”

“Lilith get some ice and water please.”

Lilith stood up and went to the bar.

The Xia knelt down, “breath, take a slow breath. Good. Do not throw up. This carpet was expensive.”

Awendela looked up at him from under her hair and glared at him as she took slow breath to calm her rolling stomach.

“You are worried about the carpet?” she asked through clenched teeth.

“No, but I figured if I irritated you, it might make you feel better and less likely to vomit.”

“Here,” Lilith said handing Awendela the glass of water before putting a handkerchief of ice against the back of her neck.

“Feel good?” Lilith asked to Awendela’s soft sigh.

“Yes, thank you,” she replied downing half the water, her stomach already calm but her head was still pounding.

“You should probably lay down. I will have some medicine for the headache sent to you room.”

“I will take her back Xia.”

“Thank you Lilith,” the Xia replied as he walked away.

Awendela stood up, Lilith moving with her holding the ice. Awendela gave Lilith a smile and took the ice from her and shifted it to her temple. Lilith wrapped her arm around her waist and led her out of the room and towards her own bedroom which was not far.

“Awen I am so sorry. I did not mean to just shove those images at you. Mental communication is such an amazing way to communication and the thought that I could share my trip to Paris with you in such a way. I got overly excited.”

“My Lady please stop apologize you did nothing wrong nor anything on purpose. There is nothing to apologize for. It was an accident.”

Awendela typed the code for her room and they went inside, Lilith lead her to her bedroom.

“Thank you my Lady I can take it from here. I appreciate your help.”

“Of course! Please rest well. Some sleep and the medicine will do you wonders. One of your servants should be here with it soon.”

Awendela smiled as the woman left and she plopped down on the bed, her head pounding. She didn’t want to lay down at all, she felt if she did her head would hurt more.

“My lady?” a soft voice said outside her door.

“Bridgette, I told you call me Awen of Wende,” she replied back, her door opening when she spoke.

“My apologies, Awen. I am not use to it. The Xia had some headache medicine sent up,” she replied bring over a small tray with a glass of water and two Ibuprofen.

“Thank you,” Awendela replied tossing the pills back quickly.

“Do you need anything else?” Bridgette asked.

“No thank you. It is getting late so please go to bed.”

“Yes, Awen,” Bridgette replied and left.

Awendela noticed how Bridgette said her name like a title. She sighed she liked both her servants but it was awkward. She got up and made a pile out of the tons of pillows on her bed so she could sleep sitting up. Awendela showered in cold water before dropping onto the bed, her exhaustion pulling her under despite her headache. Her last thought in her semi-conscious state was the sudden realization that Lilith had thrown those images with malice intent, there had been just a twinge of it before the pain, but in the morning Awendela wouldn’t remember that realization.

Notes

Sorry for the delay!!!! Korea has been a BLAST! And its only been a month!

I updated my blog too

http://namireinkorea.blogspot.kr/

http://namireinkorea.blogspot.com/