Chapitre 12: Chapter 12: Holding Down the Fort

Ariana POV

Dimitri, her Dimitri, was out there risking his life while she was stuck inside. She had never been good at just waiting, so she sprang into action.

"Elina, get all the medical supplies we have. Does this villa have any medical facilities?"

Elina blinked. "Yes, I showed you--"

Ariana bustled about, heading to the medical facility in the villa. A state of the art space, it had blood IV drips, extra bags of blood in a large refrigerator, a whole drugstore worth of cures for vampiric ailments, as well as a maternity room.

"Get every cure we have and send some to the city. There's no telling what these Rostovs might do. And what is the deal with the Rostovs and their feud with the Lyunovs?"

Elina hesitated. "The Rostovs live within the borders of Merak. They are a proud clan that once occupied the throne."

Ariana organized vials and pill bottles and syringes and blood bags in a large basket. "Ahhh. And how long ago were they on the throne?"

Elina smiled wryly. "Let me put it this way. Men wore curly, long wigs like Louis XIV."

"And they're still resentful and bitter?" Ariana shook her head. "Why can't they get over it?"

Elina coughed. "They still haven't agreed to leave Trenholm in peace. That may be a more recent development, but it's been going on for centuries as well."

"So, vampires hold a grudge."

"We're experts at it," Elina confirmed. "We live hundreds of years, and we have perfect recall. Not a good combination."

"If I lived centuries, I don't think I'd want to recall everything. Lucky I'm a mortal."

Coughing again, Elina said, "But you'll live longer than most mortals. Blood companions often do."

Ariana flushed. "That would have been nice to know."

"You just got here, and besides, it's His Highness' responsibility--"

Recognizing that Elina was trying to be a good friend and helper, Ariana put a hand on her shoulder. "It's alright, Elina. He and I will have words when the city is safe."

Elina finished packing the basket, her hands flying, never still, like a hummingbird's wings. She handed it to one of the servants. "Take this to the battlefield."

Ariana spoke impulsively. "And come right back, and whatever you do, do not let anyone get through the gates. No matter who it is."

Approvingly, Elina smiled at her. "We should also make some coffee, soup, and tea for the non-vampires in the city. A few of the vampires would appreciate those comforts, too."

Ariana suggested, "Maybe hot chocolate too?"

"Oh yes," Elina said enthusiastically. "Let's go to the kitchen!"

Keep busy. Ariana knew how to do that. It would stop her from doing something crazy ... like running to Dimitri's side.

He'd abducted her. Made her his toy, his mistress. Blackmailed her into being his submissive. But he saved her life. She owed him something for that.

In the spacious kitchen, Ariana started making a pot of hot tea and a pot of coffee while Elisa thawed jars of soup. Impressed, Ariana said, "What is that, vampire chicken soup?"

Elisa snickered. "It might as well be. It's most like Greek lemon chicken soup--very hearty. It'll keep our fighters' and the citizens' spirits up."

Relaxing, Ariana brewed the pot of tea, poured it into a hot tea dispenser, and then did the same to the coffee. She made more coffee and tea, trying to keep her mind off Dimitri and the battle he waged, even now.

The aromatic coffee and tea filled the room and she felt soothed by the smells and the feeling of familiarity. When Dimitri came home, alive, he would need tea, and soup.

* * * * *

Irina POV

The vampire Princess Irina Razumikhin of the Kingdom of Lammas faced her intended, Prince Dimitri Lyunov. Gorgeous man, so refined, beautiful silver hair.

He'd run off with a human pet, but in a long, long life, every vampire had at least one indiscretion. So he pitied the weak and inferior creature. It wouldn't last.

She smiled, her ruby red lips soft and inviting. "You're not happy to see me?"

"Go away."

"This hard-to-get routine is amusing, but I wonder how long you can keep it up."

He scowled. "Call off your friends, the Rostovs."

She smirked, thrusting her ample bosom out. "That comes at a price."

"Marrying you? Too rich for my blood." He whirled, his long pewter-gray cape fluttering. "I'll take my chances fighting the invaders."

Watching him stride off toward the bloodshed, Irina felt a surge of pride and affection. He looked every inch a prince. He'd be right at home in the royal palace of Lammas. When Luc suggested that Dimitri would make a fine addition to Lammas, Irina jumped at the chance.

She marched off after him. "Dimitri ... wait. Can't we discuss this?"

"Call. Them. Off."

She rolled her eyes, adjusting her tall hat. "You'll have to agree to my terms."

"I'm NOT marrying you."

She called out, "You can keep your little human, bring her to Lammas."

He spun around on his heel, hesitating, then squared his shoulders. "NO. We both know that wouldn't work."

"DIMITRI. Are you really willing to ruin our betrothal for--"

He flew at her, gripping her shoulders with a cold fury that she felt in her bones. "We are not and never will be betrothed. That was my family's idea. That was your family's idea. That was NOT my idea."

She stared at him with disdain and lifted her chin haughtily. "And who are you going to marry? This human who is as good as dead?"

His eyes narrowed. "That's none of your concern. Now, leave. I have work to do."

Arrogant, bewildering man! He smelled divine, like bath oil and blood. He looked majestic. And he commanded those around him. Why couldn't he see where his destiny lay?

He tore away from her and marched back into the fray, raising his sword and fighting the Rostovs. Even when he fought, he was all male. Who fought with a sword in this modern age? She wouldn't let him jeopardize their future.

When he had faded out of sight, swallowed up by the battle, she turned on her heel and walked up the hill to Dimitri's villa.

It was time she met this human, this Princess Aurora or Amanda or Amalia or whatever her name was. It was time she made the human understand her place in this world.

The human princess would be Dimitri's toy, at least for a while. And then the other nobles at court could have her if they wanted.

And finally, the human princess would be sacrificed, just as she was supposed to be.

Pausing before the heavy wrought-iron gates with fleur-de-lis patterns, Princess Irina smoothed her dress and spoke into the intercom, imitating Dimitri's voice. "It's Prince Dimitri. Please, let me in."