Dominik sat in his favorite armchair of the drawing room, gazing out of the window as he took a long drag from a cigarette. The air didn't seem as peaceful as usual, but he couldn't place a finger onto why. Only two hours prior he'd been part of a meeting debating what to do about the poverty in the area and how it had been affecting the crime rates. Nothing that Dominik actually cared about, but he bluffed his way through and the minors left with content expressions. He blew out the smoke just as a knock came to the door.
"Come in."
A short, teetering fellow, clutching a small scroll, carefully opened the door and cleared his throat. "The king wishes an audience with you, Lord Tragavisson. The Queen has been murdered."
An odd kind of smile curled on Dominik's lips, half thinking that the messenger's words were a joke. "Of course, I'll arrive promptly." he disposed of his cigarette butt in an ash tray on the table beside him as he rose out of the armchair and nonchalantly made his way out into the hallway. The butler, Ames, quickly turned his attention to the Lord, patiently waiting for his command.
"Ames, we are taking a trip to the palace. I don't know for how long, but it's best we pack for at least a week's stay."
The butler bowed silently then pivoted on the balls of his feet. He knew exactly what he needed to do.
(I know I can't join again at this point, but may I stalk?)
James found his way into the castle entryway, stepping through the doors with quiet movements. His silence was quickly broken when he called out. "Hello, I do hope I came at the right time." Of course, he did come at the right time, he was never late. James was simply saying that out of courtesy and ass a way of making his presence known.
A shadow detatched from a corner on the ceiling. "Well," it said, "there was hardly what one would call a schedule."
"Mr. Bram," James bowed his head in greeting to the other. "There is always a schedule, whether or not one knows it is a different issue." He straightened his head once he spoke, eyes examining the rest of the room.
Cambria stood outside of the council room, hesitating for some reason. For the first time in a long time, she felt a flicker of fear. Of course, war was no stranger to her, she was birthed on a Gaulish battlefield, and yet the feeling lingered in the back of her mind. Something dark and violent was afoot here. She could almost feel it breathing down her neck. Now was the time to protect her family above all else. This, she knew in her gut.
She knew that the other families would want to make a grand entrance, displaying their power for the court to see, despite the current misfortune of the Queen's death. Nothing like this had happened in centuries, she was sure. Not since the marriage of the Queen and King had ended the last of the feuds between families. Now there was no guarantee that they would not start up again. She would have to secure her lands in preparation and move her family to a safer stronghold…
She straightened her shoulders and pushed through the doors, head held high. Enough. She was the Heir of House Voccorix, she would be afraid no longer. "Good evening, gentlemen." Cambria intoned mirthlessly as she sat in one of the high-backed chairs.
Dominik arrived at the palace with Ames. They had been to the palace plenty of time to know where they would be gathering.
The heir strode into the council room with something of a proud glare, Ames silently followed behind him. The lord took his place on a comfy seat directly beside Cambria, his butler stood loyal by his side.
"You needn't look so terrified," Dominik whispered to Ames with a soft chuckle.
The butler didn't respond with words, the glimmer of doubt in his eyes told Dom everything. Dominik scanned the room, he personally knew a few of the others present, including Cambria and James, however there were a few individuals with whom he had yet to become acquainted with. He'd have to keep an eye on those ones.
"Miss Voccorix, it is wonderful to see you again."
A much warmer greeting than James' greeting to Mr. Bram, but still cold.
James found his way to a chair, sitting next to Cambria. She was one of the more tolerable ones, possessing intellect as well. Debates with her were always a pleasure, though he doubted there would be any pleasure in this trip.
When Dominik and his butler arrived, James also inclined his head towards them.
"Despite the circumstances, it is a pleasure James." Cambria agreed on a soft note, nodding to Dominik as he sat down beside her. It was always interesting to see who exactly would be showing up to events like these. Power was always shifting within the nobles and it certainly kept Cambria on her toes.
Quinta threw the grand door open, her fingers and arms glittering with ornate rings and bands. Her silky gown brushed against the floors like a whisper, rippling with her curvy form. “Quinta of House Caecilius has arrived,” she declared. She honestly didn’t know if the other families knew of her existence, so she had decided to play it safe. Sauntering over to her family’s seat, Quinta slid into the chair as smooth as oil, propping her legs on an armrest. She didn’t look at the reactions of the others, but figured she had made a solid impression.
Fio arrived quietly, slipping inside the room. As he sat down, he introduced himself. "Fio, House Alleva." he said, that soft-spoken, gentle voice hiding the emptiness inside. He sat, hands resting on his knees as his eyes flashed around the circle, taking everyone in silently. He didn't care what their reactions would be to him. He knew they could not be, would not be, positive.
Victor dropped from the ceiling, his crouch catching all the impact of the fall. "As I am sure you know, my house still remains a mystery." He stood up and moved towards the others. "But here I am nonetheless. These times can be…" he paused. "Interesting. I decided it would be wise to witness."
"Obviously you are of noble blood, else you would not be here." Cambria said with an arch of a red brow. "The question is: which house?" She looked about the ensemble within the room, her eyes twinkling with mischief. Not only was it rare to have an unclaimed vampire about, but a bit embarrassing for the House to blame. Similar to having an illegitimate child. "I suppose we will find out." She murmured as an approaching wave of anger and power seemed to filter through the room. Seemed the King was finally going to grace them with his presence.
Kasiya arrived at the palace finally. As his gaze climbed the great expanse of the building through the car's window, he murmured a dismal thanks to the driver before climbing out of the vehicle. It sped off barely a second after his other foot hit the pavement, and he watched it go with a snort. Time to face the lion's jaws, his thoughts drawled as he rolled his eyes and strolled across the walkway, not looking forward to this meeting. I usually call myself blessed to be free of magic, with all the harm it's done to me and my life, but now I suppose it's a curse to be so woefully unarmed in the hyena's den.
His footsteps were light as he walked to the doors, and he made himself as quiet as possible while not being sneaky about his entrance. It'd be pointless to pretend he didn't exist in a meeting like this. However, he didn't announce himself as his dark eyes scanned the current attendees while he walked straight to his seat. If they asked, he'd answer, but for now, it was best to stay quiet, even if his tongue itched to cause some trouble. Kasiya adjusted his jacket casually, then sat down with his long legs sprawled out in front of him, not bothering with proper posture and all that nonsense. The noble life wasn't one he was interested in.
"And that question is one we would all like answered, Lady Voccorix," he muttered. "But," he said a little louder, "being unclaimed," he looked around iritatedly, "is not without its benefits."
"Yes, yes, this meeting is not about your unclaimed status," James said tersely, mouth set in an irritated line. His hands were clasped in his lap, but quickly unclasped to pull a leather notebook out of his bag along with a fountain pen.
Victor rolled his eyes but stayed silent.
(we're missing a character—Pyro…?)
(Sorry. I've been busy. I'll be on more often.)
Celeste ignored all of what was being said, and tapped her nails on the table. She didn't really care who any of them were, although she recognized some of the sigils of the major houses. As she wasn't here willingly, she didn't really try to participate in the discussion.
Cambria leaned back slightly in her chair, taking on a more relaxed position, even though she was anything but relaxed. Each vampire that stepped into the room made her want to step out of it. They were all familiar faces, but no less dangerous. During the feuds the Voccorix family had stamped it heel aggressively onto other houses, Cambria had no allies here. At least…not yet.
She tapped her long pointed nails onto the table, eyes fixing themselves onto the throne before them all. Empty. For now. When the King came she knew his anger would fill up not only his throne, but the very room around them.
The throne room was as still and quiet as death, Cambria wanted to scream to break the oppressive silence. Not a greeting, not a smile passed between any of them. They were all there. The Great Noble Families of the vampire race.
Waiting. Not even breathing.
Waiting in a vast room that may or may not become their tomb.
Cambria remained still as the stone beneath her feet as a secret door opened behind the throne and the King stepped into the room. His gaze flicked over each and every one of them, as if they were nothing but dust. No expression showed on his one handsome face. It looked as if he had aged drastically from the occurring events. Youthful features now haggard, rough, and cold. The King sat upon his throne before them, silent as he continued to stare. The rumble of his power a brewing storm threatening to break over them all.
Finally he spoke taking them all in. "One of you have done this." He hissed, bearing his fangs at them all, voice promising a gruesome death. "One of you have taken my wife from me. One of you, traitorous leeches would plunge our world once more into war and violence after I have given us peace!" He was shouting now his eyes glowing as red as the blood he consumed. Leaning forward and slamming his hands on the arms of his throne he roared, "I will have all of your heads if the traitor does not come forward! How dare you betray me."
James looked at the king, eyes unblinking. "I have been at my Academy for the past months, you can ask any of my students, teachers, administration, or even my husband if you wish." He said simply, keeping his notebook out and open to an empty page, he would gather information. If someone killed the queen, they would go after the king next, then any of the advisers or anyone loyal to him. He could be considered a third party, since he did serve the prior king, however, one could never be too carefull.
Victor said nothing, though fear was building rapidly within him. The man was insane.
Kas knew he should bite his tongue, knew that he should lie low and keep himself out of the King's wrath, but he couldn't help himself. He didn't shrink with fear as the King roared in fury and made threats, though he made no move to straighten up from his semi-slouched posture. "A killer doesn't reveal himself to the public unless they adore the attention," he drawled, tongue lazily running along the inside of his bottom lip, "And killing us all will get you nowhere, only the majority of the families angry with you. What's the point of revenge if you aren't even sure of who the wrongdoer is?" Kasiya shrugged and finally sat up, crossing his arms over his chest and returning to leaning back in his seat.
Quinta fixed her posture as the king strode angrily into the room. She shot a surprised look at the vampire who had spoken to the king in such a way. Did he have any regard for his own life? “My liege, let me assure you that House Caecilius had nothing to do with this terrible act, and we’d be honored to assist you in finding the culprit any way we may,” she said smoothly, hoping her voice sounded strong and confident.
Dominik covered his mouth to oppress a laugh that was trying to fight its way to the air. He hadn't seen the king this furious for many years, it was somewhat amusing to him. However, deep down, he knew the king meant business. Dominik cleared his throat, rising from his seat to address the king. "Your highness, how can you be so sure that one of us had killed the queen? What evidence do you have that would point your suspicion in our direction?"
Fio crossed his legs, not bothering to get up. "I can assure you that House Alleva had nothing to do with this murder." he finally said, tipping his head to one side as he studied the king. Madness indeed. He thought, pressing his lips into a fine line. "And like has just been said: how can you be sure it was any of us? Was a symbol of a house left behind?"
Victor gave the most genuine smile he could muster. "My lord, I would like you to realize that I am alone, and powerless to commit such a heinous act."
"House Sanguinem has much respect for her Majesty," Celeste said smoothly, hoping that she sounded sure of the fact. "We would never commit such a terrible crime." She schooled her features into a bored calm and tapped her nails on the table. "How do you know the murderer is one of us, anyway?" She paused. "Your Highness," she added after a moment. She tried her best to hide her disgust at the man, who was once a great leader, but had been reduced to this.
(Leaving a bump here just in case)
