The Replacement: A Culling of Blood and Magic, page 16
They stayed up late and ate way too much chocolate. Chelsea recounted each of the women’s screw ups from their Scottish etiquette practice with amazing accuracy. Even Flora joined in on the fun, poking fun at Emery’s epic butchering of the Scottish language. Emery laughed at the way the two women put August’s binder to shame. If he thought his information was thorough, he was greatly mistaken. Chelsea and Flora had given her enough gossip filled truths to fill at least two more.
The trio didn’t settle into the comfy queen size bed until the wee hours of the morning.
“Thanks for letting us stay. I don’t think I could have slept alone tonight.” Chelsea yawned, fighting her eyelids to stay awake. “It was fun.”
“I can’t remember the last time I had this much fun,” Flora chimed.
“Me too. We should do it again.” She meant it. Even if Chelsea was a bit high strung and not entirely her cup of tea, Emery was happy to have her as a friend. Flora wasn’t what she expected, but Emery could see why people underestimated her. That was a grave mistake because the tiny blonde had a fire within her just waiting to be tapped. Emery was happy to have her as a confidant within the castle. It felt good to have someone other than the princes to share her secret with.
Girls night had been exactly what she needed to unwind and even become comfortable in her new surroundings. Mostly it was what she needed to avoid thinking about what had happened in the garden.
She was torn between her heart and her brain. She couldn’t be his. Witches, even defective ones, were as good as dead in the hands of a vampire. Her mission to find out what happened to her sister was almost complete since Flora’s admission. A few more details needed to slide into place, like why on earth someone would want a young woman dead in the first place, and she’d be on her way out of the castle.
A pang shot through her heart. It forgot what August was, choosing to see the man and not the monster. Believed he was different than his family, and clung to the notion that the intense attraction between them could defy the logic of history.
Her eyes welled and tears began to silently fall. She bit her lip, failing to hold back the sobs.
From the middle of the bed, Flora stirred and scooted closer to her. Wrapping an arm around her, she held Emery.
When she stiffened, Flora gave her a squeeze and whispered softly. “I knew you were different from the moment you arrived because of your strength. Well, that and your sarcasm. But it’s okay to not be okay sometimes.”
Emery released a chuckle laced sob. “Thank you.” But you’re wrong. She only knew how to fend for herself, fake it till she made it and only allowed herself to fall apart when she was alone.
One full day in the castle had reduced her to tears multiple times and made her question everything she thought she’d known about herself and the world she lived in. She’d given up so much of herself to be there, only to realize she’d have to give up so much more in order to leave.
Chapter Eighteen
Sleep evaded her. And not just because she shared the bed with two of the worst blanket hogs.
Emery tossed and turned, and when sleep finally came, it brought with it nightmares of August. They’d started off as a replay of their time at the fountain. Just thinking about it made her stomach drop and tighten with need.
She’d been fine with those images. It was the way her subconscious twisted the events after that caused her chest to constrict in fear.
Instead of melting her core with his promise to ruin her for any other man, he’d taken her then and there with anger in his eyes. He thrusted into her, again and again, his hands tightly woven around her neck, restricting her breath. Even still she couldn’t shake the sound of his voice calling her a dirty whore witch and a deceitful liar who didn’t deserve his time or his love. He reveled in taking her virginity, ensuring she couldn’t be used against him by the witches in one of their sacrificial spells. Emery wasn’t even sure that was a thing, but coming from August’s mouth, it hurt, nonetheless.
After the third time Emery woke gasping for air, she’d gotten up, leaving Chelsea and Flora in her bed and headed to the women’s dining room to wait until breakfast.
The silence of the castle in the early morning embraced her. While she hadn’t found Sloane’s journals yet, she did find an empty notebook in her room. She’d brought it with her hoping to find clarity through writing.
Snuggling into the window seat of the dining room, Emery followed in her sister’s footsteps, pouring her feelings onto its pages.
It was cathartic. Still, she found she could step back and view her emotions with fresh eyes. Even if she wasn’t any closer to understanding them. Of course, she’d left out any indication of being a witch. The last thing she needed was someone finding the notebook and outing her to the royal family.
“While I am in complete agreement, my eyes are quite sexy, I am disappointed you still find me terrifying. We’ll have to work on that.”
Emery jumped at the sound of August’s smooth voice. Pushing up from the window, she found herself under the full weight of his gaze.
“You scared the crap out of me. You can’t just sneak up on people like that. Also, this is private. You have no right to read this.”
His eyes narrowed on her, and his voice lowered to an octave she found downright sexy. “I’m the crown prince and you are a member of my Culling. I have every right.”
Emery hated what his voice did to her. The way it slithered down her spine and sent electric shocks through her lower belly.
“On second thought, I think I like that you are a little terrified of me. Especially if you keep looking at me the way you are right now.”
Behind August, a few of the other Culling women trickled in for breakfast, their eyes on the prince.
Emery smiled and played her part, happy to no longer be alone with him. “How can I help you, Your Highness?”
His lips parted slightly and tipped upward. “You can join me on a date today.”
“Nope.” The word flew out of her, and she shook her head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Interesting. I detect truth in your words, but the sweet arousal surrounding you tells a completely different story.”
Her cheeks reddened.
“Your Highness?” One of the footmen approached with a folded sheet of paper. August snatched the note, and his brows furrowed as he read it.
“Excuse me. I’ll return in a moment.” His eyes narrowed on Emery. “We’re not done discussing this.”
That’s what you think.
Emery clutched the pen and notebook to her chest and scanned the room to see who else had arrived. Amelia filled her plate while Annie and Marigold giggled in the corner. Odds were good when August returned, she could pawn one of them off on the prince. There was no way she would have it out with him in the middle of the dining room.
Before she could finish formulating a plan, Jessi stepped into her sight.
“What was that about with the prince?” She popped her hip and rested her hand on it in a classic power stance. Her fire engine red body con dress dipped between her breasts, leaving little to the imagination.
Emery blinked, her eyes widening slightly at the onslaught of bitchiness so early in the morning. “Oh, our conversation? Not that it’s any of your business, but he asked me on a date.”
Just because she didn’t plan on attending said date didn’t mean she’d pass up the opportunity to rub it in Jessi’s face. Even if it’s not what Sloane would have done.
Her face scrunched in disgust. “Are you serious? That’s not even fair.”
Emery shrugged. “Yup.” She emphasized her answer with an exaggerated lip pop and side stepped around Jessi, ready to be done with the conversation and get the hell out of there.
“You know he only asked you out this morning because you’re nothing but a whore.”
There were a few audible gasps, and the room went silent, all eyes on them.
Emery stopped and slowly turned to face Jessi. “What did you say?”
“I saw you in the gardens last night seducing Prince August.” Jessi pulled a scrap of fabric from her pocket and threw it at Emery. “I’m sure he just wants to sample the goods before he sends you on your way. After all, he has no use for a slut as his queen.”
Emery didn’t need to unravel the scraps to know it was the underwear August had torn from her body the night before. Tears welled in her eyes, as Jessi unknowingly twisted the knife embedded in her heart by the August of her nightmares. She waited for Jessi to continue and call her a deceitful lying witch, even though she knew there was no way for her to know what she was.
Emery looked around her, all of the Culling women present waited to see how she would respond.The heat of their judgmental stares were almost too much for her to handle.
Her throat tightened, and she struggled to find words. “W-what happens between the Prince and me is just that. Between us.” The image of Jessi under August reignited the fire within her. “It’s not my fault he’d rather use me for my body than only for my blood, like he does you.”
“At least he sees me for the queen I could be and is saving taking my virginity for our wedding night.”
Blinking back her tears, Emery tried to come up with a witty retort, but nothing came.
Appearing from out of nowhere, August stepped between them with a sigh. “What’s going on here?”
Jessi, responded in her sickly sweet tone. “Nothing, Your Highness. Sloane was just offering to let me have her date slot today seeing as she interrupted our time together last night.”
August snapped his head toward Emery, his eyes locked on hers, and she didn’t need words to know he was pissed.
“Is this true? Did you give up your time with me, Sloane?”
She could say no. Could unravel Jessi’s ploy for attention and call her bluff. But that’s not what came out of her mouth.
“Yes, Your Highness.” Emery averted her eyes. She didn’t want to spend time with August right hen, but that didn’t make the hurt and anger in his stare less of a heavy weight on her chest.
“We’ll discuss this later.” He looked around the room at each of the women. “There has been a change of plans for today. As a reward for all your hard work during etiquette training in preparation for the Scottish delegation’s arrival, today there will be none.” Applause, giggles, and sighs of relief filled the room. “There will be no individual dates today. Instead, throughout the day, I’ll be going on a walk with each of you through the gardens to get to know you a little better.”
Excited whispers erupted, each of the women likely excited to spend their time with the prince. Meanwhile, she stood there wishing the ground would open up and swallow her whole.
Using the excitement and commotion of the women as a distraction, Emery slipped out.
Once more, she fled, knowing August could find her if he wanted to. She needed space. Primarily the all consuming gaze that made her stomach drop and stirred up feelings she didn’t think were possible in the short time she’d known him.
Yet they were real, so very fucking real, and she couldn’t stand it.
Running with no destination in mind, the castle walls blurred as she sped by. She needed to retreat and restore the walls she barely managed to keep up.
What was it about him? He was just another man. No not a man, a vampire. She should hate him. How many times could she talk herself in circles before she spiraled out of control? She couldn’t afford to lose it. Not in a castle where, she was his enemy.
Emery stopped running and clutched her chest, the beginnings of a panic attack threatening to constrict her lungs. Her eyes darted around. Nothing looked familiar.
Shit.
Of course, when she needed stability the most, she’d managed to get lost.
She forced air into her lungs, and closed her eyes. Wrapping her arms around herself, she ran her hands up and down her upper arms, trying to bring her from the edges of panic.
Breathe in. I’m safe. Well, relatively.
Breathe out. They don’t know what I am.
Breathe in. I will survive this.
Breathe out, I’m stronger than my circumstances.
When she’d finally calmed herself enough to keep moving, Emery opened her eyes and noticed an open door ahead of her. She moved toward it and hoped someone was there who could point her in the right direction.
The contents of the room sent an unexpected jolt of excitement coursed through her, instantly replacing the previous moments of panic with joy.
It was a room dedicated to music. Well-lit from skylights above, each of the walls were insulated and designed for premium music creation. Where there weren’t acoustic panels, breathtaking art of musicians throughout the ages lined the walls. To the left was a sound booth and recording area Emery could see August making full use of.
Emery barely kept herself from running to the grand piano. Instead, she slowly walked into the room allowing herself to absorb every detail.
She’d just discovered her new favorite room in the castle.
Shifting her focus back to the object that drew her in, Emery made her way to the piano. She ran her hands over the sleek black exterior admiring the craftsmanship. She’d always wanted a grand piano. They had an upright at her uncle’s club that sparked her joy of playing music. While she always had a love for music, creating music was different than listening. Even as a young child, Emery was able to create melodies where words failed her. Learning the way notes worked together became a way to voice the emotions she was forced to keep hidden away. It became the one thing no one could take away from her.
She took a seat at the bench, and closed her eyes, allowing her hands to roam over the weighted ivory. When they found their home, she played the first chord.
The notes were chaotic at first, tapping into the emotions lurking just beneath the surface. The melodies slowed as she weaved them from within herself, reaching the place where she kept her secrets. Her wants. Her desires. Haunting refrains gave way to hopeful choruses only to find their way back to a melancholy verse. Each note a reflection of her journey to that moment.
Lost in the notes, Emery’s heart swelled as the music she created grew. No longer echoing the journey in the castle, but instead the notes pulled from her imagination, painting images of her future. It was fueled with passion even she didn’t understand, only realizing it was locked within her, begging for release. Longing for her embrace.
Emotions swelled with the crescendo of her melody as she slammed the keys. Tears streamed down her face as feelings pulled from deep within her and the same vibrating sensation that came when August was near overtook her.
Only that time, it was different. It wasn’t in reaction to him, it was as if the music entwined itself with her soul, pushing from within, begging to reach the surface.
Emery breathed heavy as she reached the end of her heart’s song. As quickly as the vibrations started, they halted with the music. She leaned forward, resting her head on the top of the piano. The release was the equivalent of an emotional marathon, and damn, if it wasn’t liberating.
She wanted to stay in the realm of music just a little longer, but a little girl with beautiful blonde ringlet pigtails appeared beside the piano, startling her from the peaceful interlude.
Thea, August’s sister, ran her fingers along the piano’s body with a broad smile on her face.
Emery smiled and pointed at herself, then signed love and twirled her own hair within her fingers, hoping Thea would understand what she was attempting to communicate.
Thea's face brightened and she smiled as signed, “Thank you.”
Emery patted the piano bench and the tiny royal jumped up to join her. Thea played as any six-year-old would, which was more of a free for all banging on the keys.
When she was satisfied with her melody, Thea reached out and took Emery’s hand and placed them on the keys. Emery played the first few notes of one of her favorite jazz tunes, and Thea’s eyes widened, locked on Emery’s fingers as they danced over the back and white keys.
Her heart clenched and she wished this sweet little girl could hear music the way she did.
The memory of something Emery’s uncle used to do when she was a child gave her an idea. She stood and closed the cover, then reached out to Thea. The princess hesitantly extended her arms, and allowed Emery to pick her up. She placed the smallest royal , and objectively the most loveable, on the top of the piano. When she was safely seated, Emery smiled and placed her ear, and the palms of her hands, on the cover. Thea mimicked her action.
When Emery began to play again, Thea’s face lit up. She pressed her little hands more firmly onto the top of the piano as Emery played lilting triplets. Thea tapped her fingers to the beat and smiled each time Emery would play a fast-moving phrase.
“There you are,” a woman gasped from the door, ending the first sweet moment Emery had since she’d arrived. “I have been looking for you everywhere.”
The moment Emery realized who stepped in, she stood abruptly and curtseyed. “Your Majesty, I’m sorry I didn’t know Thea was missing, I would have brought her back to you immediately.”
The Queen’s concern eased when she caught sight of Thea smiling on top of the piano. Emery’s heart swelled, then sank to the pit of her stomach at the Queen’s maternal display of worry. She’d never had anyone look at her like that.
Blinking back tears, Emery did her best to explain why she’d put a priceless young royal on top of a piano. “She likes the vibrations.”
The Queen smiled and Emery was struck by her beauty. Her soft green eyes were welcoming but seemed to hide an air of mischief. “Well then, by all means don’t stop on my account.” She turned and made her way across the room to the seating area near the recording studio.
Emery played through a montage of her favorite piano pieces ranging from jazz ballads to modern melodies.
