Page 19 of The Princess’s Pet (Soul Match #1)

My throat burned with an intensity I had not experienced before, a mixture of hunger and pain. My nose was assaulted with the lingering scent of many others, and I was aware that Amelia was near me.

“Selene, are you awake?” Amelia asked beside me. Her voice held apprehension.

I opened my heavy eyes and turned to look blearily at my cousin.

“Why are you here?” I asked her. She should not have been at the castle. She was staying in the city for her protection. If my mother and father were not safe in the castle walls no Borealis was.

“You have been unwell Selene. Close to death,” she told me, leaning over the bed and taking hold of my hand.

Was I ill? I could not remember falling ill. I searched my mind for my last memories and all I found was Percy, my pet, safely within my hold.

I looked around the room and scented the air. It took some effort, my senses evidently weakened by my illness, but I deciphered the scent of my pet, of her blood. Why had her blood been spilled?

“Where is she?” I demanded sitting up and shaking my hand from Amelia.

“Selene, calm please, you need to rest, to heal,” Amelia pleaded and had the bravery to push my shoulders down when I attempted to get up.

“Where is my pet?” I demanded again, unable to control the growl that rumbled in my chest and scratched my throat painfully.

“Percy is fine,” Amelia reassured but she was always a terrible liar.

“Do not lie to me. I smell her blood. Where is she?” I was becoming panicked. What had happened to her?

“I promise you; she is alive and safe. Selene, have you listened to me? You were near death, you should by all known magic and science be dead. You need to rest,” Amelia demanded sternly.

“What happened?” I asked her, noticing the dark circles under her red eyes and cheeks as if she had been crying and had not slept in days.

“You were poisoned with Hades’ Delight,” she told me.

“If that were so, I’d be dead,” I replied. If I had been poisoned it could not have been by Hades’ Delight.

“I saw the purple veins myself, Selene. I also had your last bloodbag tested and confirmed it contained traces of Hades’ Delight,” Amelia told me huffing.

“Then how am I alive?” I questioned her.

“It seems your pet knew of a cure. You have been unconscious for two days and nights. I wouldn’t have believed you were healing if I hadn’t watched you myself and witnessed your improvement.” Amelia’s words shocked me. There was no cure for Hades’ Delight, if there was, I would surely have known of it.

“What cure was used?” I asked cautiously, and became aware of the taste of Percy’s blood lingering on my tongue, as well as in the air of the room as my senses began to come back to me.

Amelia hesitated before answering, “It was not without sacrifice.”

“Explain,” I demanded, feeling my chest constrict at her tone and words.

“The cure is surprisingly simple, if difficult to acquire. Wrath, Poseidon’s Wrath to be exact,” She told me.

“Explain to me how it is difficult to acquire Poseidon’s Wrath, cousin. Is it not a common poisonous weed?”

“It is, but the plant must be alive when it is administered and it wilts and dies almost instantly when uprooted. Percy was able to keep it alive,” Amelia told me waiting for my understanding.

“She touched Poseidon’s Wrath barehanded?” My voice was only a whisper. My foolish pet had touched one of the deadliest plants without any protection to use her magic. “Why would she do such a thing?” I questioned.

“She must care a great deal for you,” Amelia answered softly.

“Where is she now?” I asked again and worried of her answer.

“She is alive but in a poor state cousin,” Amelia told me. I growled at the revelation of my pet’s health and that once again Amelia had not answered my question.

“Where is she?” I demanded again, pushing her hands away as I stood from the bed. My legs were weak and unsteady for a moment before I found my balance and walked toward my closet .

“She is being cared for in the servant quarters,” Amelia said hovering behind me. “Selene, much has happened that we need to discuss,” she hissed at me and I turned to glare.

“What?” I questioned impatiently and continued to select my clothing.

There was nothing of more importance than going to my pet, than ensuring Percy was alive. The stupid, damn near insufferable little witch, was all I cared for. If she was to die, if I was to live only to lose her; I would burn the kingdom to the ground in fury. I was livid, my anger a fire in my very soul.

Percy was MINE. And she was injured because of ME.

I knew there was danger within the castle and still, I could not stand to part from my pet and brought her with me. The hold she had over me, the intensity with which I craved her, was the greatest danger to my innocent soul match.

How ironic that I once thought that she was a danger to me. That she could be used against me. In a moment of paranoia, of selfishness, I plucked her like a flower from her life to keep for myself. Now she paid the price.

“Uncle Nyx has named Vasilios as King Regent,” Amelia interrupted my internal self-chastisement.

I whirled around to face my cousin.

“What?” I hissed low.

“The council confirmed yesterday. It was a true declaration. Though I have my doubts, I have not been granted access to visit your father,” Amelia told me, her face serious with concern.

“This is further confirmation of what we have suspected,” I told her and she nodded gravely .

“My head gardener has been arrested, charged with your poisoning. Before he was taken by the guard at Vasilios’s command yesterday, he revealed that Lady Sana has been growing Hades’ Delight and other poisons including those that can manipulate the actions of others. Your Percy enlightened him with her knowledge,” she told me.

I looked over my cousin carefully listening to her steady heart, a flash of distrust running down my spine.

“Your gardener, that you have loaned to Lady Sana every month for the past year?” I questioned. “Am I to believe that he did not know the danger of Hades’ Delight to a pureblood vampire?”

“Please Selene, do not look at me like that. He believed the plant was grown for its painkilling effects, to be used for the servants. He did not suspect foul play,” Amelia defended. “He helped administer the cure that saved you.”

“And why was he arrested; what evidence does Vasilios claim to have?” I questioned, trying not to allow my unrest over Percy’s health to cause me to unnecessarily distrust Amelia. She had never betrayed me before.

“Only that other than Lady Sana herself, he had access to the Hades’ Delight grown in the greenhouse,” Amelia told me. If Lady Sana was in league with my uncle as I suspected, my cousin’s poor gardener was an easy scapegoat.

“Who of the council was witness to my father’s decree naming Vasilios as regent?” I continued as I got dressed.

“Lady Sana and Lord Antoniou were both present, as well as Vasilios himself,” Amelia answered.

“How convenient. And where were Baros, Creel, and Halkias when my father was lucid enough to make such a decree, do you know?” I asked Amelia, she was excellent at gaining information and I had no doubt that she had her spy’s already at work .

“They were in discussions with representatives from Rabina concerning fishing treaties.”

I hummed in response. Baros, Creel, and Halkias were not concerned with personal gain. The good of the kingdom was their top priority and an ailing king or dying princess was not cause enough to sway them from their duties. It was why I trusted them.

I left my room and was surprised to see Obscurum guards in their black armour, standing to attention along the corridors of my wing.

“Amelia, why does it appear that your husband’s house has stationed itself within Borealis walls?” I asked and turned to my cousin.

“I sent your personal guard to watch over Percy. They did not question the order.” She looked at me accusingly. I only nodded my understanding and did not reveal that my personal guard have taken blood oaths to protect Percy’s identity as my soul match and to protect her from those that would do me harm. I was pleased they had enough sense to follow Amelia’s orders in my absence.

“Vlad was concerned for our safety once Vasilios was named regent. My father-in-law sent his guard for our protection. Vasilios turned tail when met with the Night Guards of Obscurum and has not attempted to visit with you since,” Amelia explained.

“This could easily be interpreted as an act of war my cousin,” I told her mischievously.

She smiled deviously and winked. “Vasilios may be regent but our generals would turn against him if he were to demand an attack on Obscurum guards, guests in Borealis. The traitor has made a grab for power but it is in title only. My husband’s men are a reminder of this. ”

My cousin liked to make an impression, preferably one that stung an ego. Amelia was quite entertaining. Vasilios would be raging, licking his wounded pride.

We walked, Obscurum guards as our chaperones to the servant quarters, to my pet.

It was easy to find where Percy was being cared for. My personal guard stood strong at the entrance of the servant quarters and outside of the room which held her.

My guard bowed and opened the door to Percy’s room for me.

I was not prepared for what met me. Syngeneia witches sat by the bedside obstructing my view of who I knew was Percy as her scent permeated the room heavily.

The growl of warning that left my lips was ferocious, my pet being kept from my sight by witches angered my already upset possessive instincts.

The oldest of the two witches stood and bowed respectively but I paid her no attention when I was able to see my pet.

Percy lay atop the bed, her small frame weak and skin deathly pale. She looked dead. I watched the blood magic of the witch that clung to her wrist spread through her veins and body.

“Percy,” I spoke her name quietly as I approached the bed and took the empty seat. I reached out to caress her face, she was cool to the touch.

“What are you doing to her?” I asked and for the first time noticed that the witch still working on my pet was the Syngeneia witch from the Academy.

“I’m keeping her heart at a rate just above death,” she answered .

“Why?” I asked, my eyes returning to Percy her chest rising so very slowly.

“Poseidon’s Wrath administers a toxin that the body can theoretically extract,” the other older witch replied. “By keeping Percy’s heartrate at the minimum possible for her survival we are increasing the time her body has to eliminate the toxin.”

“And you are?” I questioned without taking my eyes from Percy. Why had she done this to herself? For me? What had I done to deserve such an act of devotion?

“I am Piper Syngeneia, Ana’s Aunt,” Piper replied and provided me with the name of the girl I had not concerned myself with learning before.

“How long until my pet recovers?” I questioned and ran my thumb along her delicate jaw.

“She may not,” Piper answered simply. I turned to her, her words ripping a hole in my chest. “If she were not of Flores blood, I would say that her chances were entirely nil. Being that she is of Flores blood perhaps she may recover, perhaps not. It has been two days and she has not succumbed.”

“How will we know if she is recovering?” I asked carefully, controlling my voice to keep the true extent of my concern concealed.

“If she regains consciousness in the next couple of days,” Piper replied.

“What happened to her hands?” I questioned. They were wrapped and I could smell the dried blood beneath the bandage.

“Poseidon’s Wrath burns on contact. It’s one of the reasons why the weed so rarely kills. One touch is enough to discourage most from interfering with it. Percy’s prolonged contact resulted in severe burns. The damage should not be permanent and will heal if her body can eliminate the toxins of Poseidon’s Wrath first,” Piper explained further.

Despite the audience of Syngeneia witches I leaned over my pet and pressed my lips to hers. “You must recover Percy,” I told her as I pressed my head to hers. The coolness of her skin was jarring but her scent was calming.

“I will return to check on my pet. Do all that you can to save her.” I stood to address Piper. “Anything necessary in her recovery is permissible. If the law stands in your way, I will remove it,” I told her.

“We are doing all that can be done, my Royal Highness. The rest is up to Percy,” she replied.

“If my pet survives you will be rewarded, simply ask for what you want.” I would give this witch and her kin whatever she requested if they could bring Percy back to me.

“Friendship requires no reward. I am here on behalf of my niece’s request and my niece is here on behalf of friendship shared with a fellow witch,” Piper answered diplomatically.

“Very well.” I nodded. Witches and their friendships were not to be questioned. They grew bonds with each other that made them dangerous foes, especially if those bonds crossed bloodlines. It was not surprising that my pet, so kind and caring would form such a friendship within a short while. All that was necessary to fall for Percy was simply to experience her company.

With one last look at my fragile pet, I left her room and returned with Amelia to the castle.

I would find Vasilios and kill him.

I was certain he was behind my mother’s death, my father’s illness, and my attempted assassination. It was his actions that led to Percy currently lying, cold, unconscious, and close to death .

He would pay in blood.

“Selene, what are you planning?” Amelia asked me when it became apparent I was heading to the throne room.

“To kill Vasilios,” I answered.

“Selene, think about this carefully. We need evidence. You need to recover,” Amelia pleaded.

“I don’t need evidence to challenge him for the crown as is my right as heir,” I replied.

“You’re recovering from Hades’ Delight! You’re the only pureblood vampire to ever survive such an attack and within only a couple of hours of being on your feet, you decide to challenge for the crown. Have you lost your thinking?!” Amelia sounded frantic.

“I am fine,” I told her. While I could feel that I was weaker, my anger would not allow me to leave Vasilios alive, sitting on the Borealis throne.

We reached the throne room. The guards were confused and apprehensive when we approached with the night guards of Obscurum.

“Give me your sword,” I commanded one of the guards on the doors. He hesitated. “Now!” I demanded and he released his sword and handed it to me. “Open the doors,” I continued and he complied.

The doors opened to reveal the throne room, the long tables were empty apart from the king's table before the throne. The council was gathered with Vasilios at the centre.

“What is the meaning of this? Why do you march in here with Obscurum guard at your back?” Vasilios shrieked looking at me with wide startled eyes .

“What’s the matter Uncle, you look like you’ve seen a ghost?” I asked as I walked steadily closer.

“What are you talking about?” he hissed standing from his seat, the crown upon his head tilted and blue Royal Borealis robe billowed.

“You tried to kill me like you did my mother. You had my bloodbag supply contaminated with Hades’ Delight. But it is not so easy to kill a true Borealis,” I told him as I reached the king's table.

“That was Amelia’s servant! How can you accuse me of such treachery, of murdering my sister, of attempting to take your life?” he hissed indignantly but I heard the tremble in his voice, the way his heart spiked in panic.

“What does a gardening servant have to gain from my death? How would they have had access to my mother’s meals or my bloodbag? No, I am right to accuse you. You and Lady Sana conspired to gain the throne for yourself. I believe Lord Antoniou has helped you also,” I replied calmly.

“Where is your evidence for these accusations?” Lord Antoniou shouted. I turned my gaze to him sharply.

“Evidence?” I asked amused. “I will have your confession by the end of the day, Lord Antoniou.” He scoffed and I turned my gaze from him dismissively and back to Vasilios lifting my borrowed sword to point it across the table.

“I challenge you for the crown as is my right as heir,” I made my statement of challenge.

“Ha! Don’t be ridiculous, Selene. You are weakened from Hades’ Delight. You are no match to me now.” He laughed, the way his lips trembled, and throat bobbed he was feigning confidence, poorly .

“I am strong enough to end you and that is what I intend to do now, here, before the council,” I replied calmly my sword still raised. “You cannot refuse this challenge,” I reminded him.

“The Princess is correct you cannot refuse a challenge for the throne from one who is next in line,” General Creel said standing from his seat and moving to my side. “I’ve had my suspicions about the three of you for some time. It makes no sense why our king would name someone of Ardens his regent.” He turned to me smiling. “I for one want to see how my Royal Highness’s sword skills have developed since I last saw them at play. Get over here Boras, you too Halkias, you want to be on the winning side of this challenge.”

“If you two dare to move, when this is over, I will hang all three of you for treason,” Vasilios yelled, spitting as he did.

“You make a good comedian Vasilios.” General Creel cackled beside me smacking his thigh.

“Vasilios, please,” Lady Sana pleaded and placed her hands on his arm. He shook her off violently.

“This is your fault!” he accused angrily. She stepped back as if physically struck.

“Please don’t,” she begged.

“You said there was no cure for Hades’ Delight!” he continued. “If that is so then why does my bitch sister’s daughter stand here challenging me!?” he shrieked loudly his voice an octave higher in pitch.

Lady Sana paled, all colour leaving her face and she wobbled leaning against the table for support.

Vasilios was a coward. When challenged he turned against his co-conspirator and gave himself up so easily. General Creel cackled beside me, laughing so hard he bent over coughing .

“Is this really a laughing time?” Noblewoman Boras asked tensely while whacking her hand against General Creel's back.

“I’m going to commission a bard to write a song about this moment,” General Creel spluttered as he got his coughing under control. He turned to me. “Did you hear how high his voice was?” he asked, tears of laughter running down his cheeks to his bright red beard.

I couldn’t suppress my grin. General Creel was a fool, who lacked any sense of decorum, but he was always entertaining, a master swordsman, and the best war strategist alive.

“I heard,” I answered simply.

“I had no knowledge of this, I swear,” Lord Antoniou cried stepping away from Vasilios.

“No, no, I’m going to commission a playwright, this will make an excellent farcical comedy.” General Creel was laughing and wheezing again.

“Lord Antoniou, I would be careful not to step closer. I will cut you down where you stand if you dare to get within range of my sword,” I told the man as he rounded the table and walked towards me. Perhaps he thought that physical distance from Vasilios would save him.

“Where are you going ?!” Vasilios shrieked again. “You swore yourself to Ardens, to me! You traitor.”

“Oh, shut up you fool!” Lady Sana shouted finding her voice and slapped Vasilios hard across the face the sound filling the room.

The action seemed to calm my mad uncle. He looked around as if only now seeing the predicament he was in.

“They, they made me do it. They tricked me. They told me there was no choice after your father became unwell. They convinced me it was best for the kingdom, that you were too young and inexperienced to rule. I tried to save you by offering Valen’s hand in marriage. I could have acted as regent in his place while you completed your studies. But you refused. There was no other option. It was for the good of the kingdom,” Vasilios spoke, his voice no longer a screech.

I had grown irritated by the sound of his voice, by the ridiculous excuses. How was it possible that such a sorry lot had managed to cause so much damage to my family? Was my father no longer capable of ruling? It took Amelia and I, all of two days to discern their betrayal. Unquestionable proof would have taken a few days longer to collect had I not been poisoned. Even then Vasilios was quick to condemn himself when confronted with a show of power.

“Silence,” I commanded. “Vasilios step forward and meet my challenge. Have some dignity and die on your feet.”

“This is unnecessary my niece, my family. We can settle this some other way,” he pleaded.

My patience was gone.

I stalked towards him walking around the table. Vasilios backed away at my approach. When I reached Lord Antoniou without pausing in my pursuit or removing my eyes from Vasilios; I swung my sword back right, slicing through the middle of Lord Antoniou. I heard the squelch as I pulled the blade free, felt the blood spatter hit my boots, and saw the terror on Vasilios' face as I continued my approach.

Lady Sana attempted to run from the room. I heard her screaming and General Creel’s laughter when he apprehended her but I did not remove my eyes from Vasilios. The traitor wearing Borealis colours, my crown sat on his head. I growled loudly as he continued to step slowly backward, knocking into and toppling a chair as he did .

“Draw your sword,” I demanded. He would have a chance to defend himself, if only for my mother’s sake. I would avoid being accused of removing the Marquess of Ardens without proper respect.

His shaking hands grabbed the hilt of his sword and as he drew the weapon a sense of madness must have overcome him and he lunged forward with a high strike. I blocked easily swiping his sword aside and stepping forward in the same motion, swung low left cutting through to the bone of his right shin.

He collapsed, dropping his sword and laying on his side screaming, his hand gripping above the wound.

I kicked his hand away and swung my sword down again severing the lower half of his limb. His scream died to silence his mouth open wide but producing no sound.

My bloodlust was ignited by the pool of red liquid that gathered around my feet.

Vasilios looked at his severed limb in horror. He did not see as I brought my blade down again aiming for the arm that propped him up. It took but one swing to sever his upper arm. Blood sprayed dramatically as he fell backward, covering the side of my face. I licked my lips and spat. He tasted like shit.

One armed and one legged, unevenly balanced, all he could do was lay on his back and look up at me as I stepped over his body.

“Goodbye Uncle,” I spoke before swinging my sword down a final time and removing his head.

I bent down and picked up his head turning to my audience and placing the head on the king’s table. Once I was sure all eyes were on me, I removed the crown tangled in his bloodied hair and walked to the throne.

All in the room fell to one knee apart from Creel who held a screaming Lady Sana to his chest .

I lifted the bloodied crown high and placed it upon my head.