“Amelia, you could have been killed! What if those Lycans realised who you were?” His brown eyes grew dark as he paced in front of her, trying to control his anger at having failed to protect her. He did not anticipate that she would leave the mansion without telling him first.
“Don’t be so dramatic Mátayás. It does not suit you.”
“Well, I suppose you’re going to have to do a better job of it, then. No?”, she teased in a low polished voice, as she walked through the marble corridors with Matayas in tow.
“You are the last Elder left, your own rules decree that an Elder should be accompanied everywhere by a contingent of Death Dealers or in your case, your Highness by your Royal Guardsmen.”
“However, as much I appreciate your respect, the truth is that I have not ruled over our beloved Magyar Koztarsasag for over 800 years. You are relieved from calling me your Highness or Princess.” Mátayás eyed her and nodded. “Of course, Princess, as you wish.” His eyes were now tinted with glint of rebellion. Utmost respect? Of course. A subtle yet strong defiance in the defence of chivalry, always. “Now, we must get back to the matter at hand.”
She waved her hand dismissively. “I’m fine, am I not? Nothing out of place, not even a hair. Besides,” she began, suppressing a small smile, “I was very well protected. I had a vampire hunter with me…or Slayer, she called it.” Amelia could hear Mátayás stop in his footsteps and swore that she could hear his heart pound harder in is chest. This was somewhat amusing to the Elder. She turned back to look at him.
“My Lady, I am glad that I am impervious to death, otherwise you surely would have just given me a heart attack. A Slayer?”
“Oh yes, a Slayer. One of many she said, but do not worry, this one means our type no harm. Did you know Mátayás, that there are other species of vampires?” Obviously, this meant that she had to have run into one to find out, which further served to aggravate her guard. “They are nothing like us. They are wretched creatures, soulless …and their faces, horribly disfigured. Monsterous.”
Crossing his arms, he glowered at her through his brooding dark eyes. “Is there anything else you wish to tell me, Princess Amelia?”
She touched a delicate finger to her lips as if in thought, when in fact she was toying with him. “No, no. I think that’s about it for now,” she said, feigning seriousness. Turning on her heel, she continued to walk down the hall before stopping. “Oh right, did I mention that I ran into Selene again? At the Opera.”
His interest was peaked. “And?”
Amelia shook her head. “Would you believe that she apologised?”
Mátayás raised an eyebrow. “Seems a bit late for that.”
“For immortals that can wait an entire eternity without hearing those words, do you ever think that it could be too late?”
It was not in his place to argue with her. “So all is forgiven?”
Amelia shook her head. “Oh no, my dear Mátayás. Far from it. But I have not survived this long as an elder without knowing which one of my battles to choose wisely. Let us say that it is a start. We are both civil to each other, almost as if an informal truce has been announced. That is surely best for the coven right now.”
Mátayás nodded.
“She has requested an audience of me and I will be meeting her in a night’s time.”
“Did she say for what purpose?”
“She did not and I did not care to ask at the time.”
“It could be a trap Amelia.”
“Somehow I doubt it. In any case, she is meeting me on our own territory so-to-speak.”
“The Lounge?”
“Yes. Obviously I cannot bring her here yet.”
“No. Indeed.” Mátayás thought for a moment. “I know that you wanted to keep her presence in LA quiet for a little longer. Therefore, I will not ask the Death Dealers to go with you. However, the Royal Guard will accompany you. Lothoro, Thasos and I will be present.” There was no arguing with him and she knew it. Instead, she blew it off nonchalantly with grace. “No, no, Mátayás, if it pleases you, I would most happily extend the invitation to you as a Royal Knight, but it is unnecessary and will cause alarm if all three of you come along.” It was shame, really. How spectacular the vision of an entire royal entourage would be once again. However, things were much more low-key now. Survival took place before all pomp and circumstance.
“Very well, Amelia.” Mátayás conceded. He was about turn to leave but instead seemed for a moment to hesitate. Instead, he walked toward her, his demeanor a little less formal and reserved. He stopped a few inches away from her, much less distance between an elder and another vampire than was customary. He held her gaze without wavering and she felt as if a giant spotlight had been placed on her. His dark brown eyes allowed her no escape. “Amelia,” he began, his voice deep and urgent. “I don’t need to convey to you how unacceptable your demise would be to the well-being of this coven.” The words meant one thing, but the tone of his voice and the way his gaze landed on her said something entirely different. Something like, ‘how unacceptable your demise would be to me’.
Silence, a silence quickly turning uncomfortable.
“No, you don’t.” She said quickly, her tone very business-like and her eyes unfeeling. “I am not going anywhere Mátayás, so you may rest your concerns. Good day.” It was time to retire. Without another word, she turns and walks away, trying very hard to calm her racing heart.
Leave the past buried.
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