Page 12 of Checkmate
As I walk through the palace that was once mine, that had belonged to my family for hundreds of years before me, I contemplate my future. I thought I knew exactly what I wanted, but now, everything has changed. Everything is different. I know where I came from, my roots and my responsibilities, but somehow I have lost sight of where I am going.
“There you are!” Claus says as I turn the corner into the grand ballroom. When I was a child, my parents would host extravagant parties in this room. I remember the elegant gowns, the gourmet foods, the blood and dancing… So much dancing. Humans and vampires lived in harmony together. It is what my family always strived for, and it is up to me to continue with that tradition.I guess I just made my decision.
“Hello, My King,” I reply as I bow my head, reverencing his rank.
“I believe this is the first time I have seen you walking about the palace. Somebody did not go into her cage today,” he says, scolding me teasingly.
“Forgive me, My King, I thought—”
He cuts me off before I can finish and waves his hand in dismissal. “No worries, my pet. You have been caged, punished, and loved for weeks now. Perhaps my not locking you up was a way to give you some relief. Like you said before, some time to yourself.” He doesn’t say any more, turns, and walks away.
“But, My King!” I call after him, but he continues walking away with no acknowledgment of me. And then, he is gone. For the first time since I returned to my coven, I feel alone.Is he losing interest in me? Did my asking for some alone time offend him and now he is giving me a taste of what he felt?
Two more weeks pass, and I have barely seen Claus. We have encountered each other in the halls a couple of times with just a hello and a good-bye. No conversation, no sex, and none of his blood. He even stopped sleeping in his bed.I miss him. I love him.I feel like I am losing him, and I feel desperate. I can’t lose him. And in that moment, nothing else matters to me than the two of us living together. We can work out our differences. I know we can. He has left me feeling scared, alone, and weak.Is this his intent?
