Chapter 3 - Meeting Royalty

Blayne had presented a lot of information to me, and the ride back gave me some much needed time to
digest it. Not that it was a long ride, even if he kept our speed under 80, mostly. Now that I understood a
little better the badness of what Blayne had done turning me, it amazed me that Anneke had spared us.
Blayne was valuable to her, either because she really cared for him, or he was very good at what he did.
Or both, I suppose.
After a few moments of reflection, a question popped into my head. Without thinking, I started to blurt
out, Blayne, how...? and then realized that the answer was right there in front of me. I wanted to know
how long hed been a vampire. Those dates that circled the left bicep on his jacket - they had to be birth
and death dates. XVI and XLVIII. 16 and 48. He wasnt so anachronistic in his talking and actions that
it would be the 1800s, so it had to be 1916 and 1948. That fit. Quickly, I changed my question. ...long
have you been doing this work for Anneke? When was she elected?
Been doing it for as long as Ive been a vampire. Even before that I guess, but just by a little bit. He
avoided the real answer by continuing on, She got elected by the Conclave last Christmas. So a year and
change. And everything that happens between now and the end of year thirteen - Things are going to be
counting every slight, every mistake we make and every favor we give away between now and then. On
that day our real fight begins. Things? I could see Blayne tense up, as if he thought that last day was
tomorrow. That was apparently a very raw nerve that I just accidentally stepped on. Why would he have
such a visceral reaction?
Of course, that made me curious about Annekes age as well. Since she had so much power, I thought she
must be pretty old. Still, maybe not a question I should ask just yet.
As we got closer, I realized that I wasnt sure what I should do with myself while Blayne was off doing
whatever it was Anneke wanted him to do. Plus I was actually a little curious about what he did. And his
friends. I remembered Brendan, covered with my blood after apparently helping to save me. That spoke
well for him, although his manner in Annekes parlor was very odd. Are Brendan and Alexander also
Toreador? Somehow, that didnt feel right. But then, neither did Blayne. I couldnt see him hosting
parties. Perhaps hed lost the creative part of himself. If so, that was unbelievably sad.
No, theyre both different Clans. Different from us, different from each other. Alexander is a Brujah.
The Spanish word for witch. Theyre thugs. A lot like me, just without the winning personality,
Blayne grinned, taking a stab at himself. Brendan, hes Malkavian; theyre all crazy. Insane crazy, not
the fun watch me jump from the roof and into the pool crazy. Their creation, Embrace, drives them
mad. He shook his head so very slightly, trying to brush it off, but I could tell that it bothered him.
Cautiously, I probed, This thing youre going to do for Anneke... Do you think it would be okay if I
tagged along? Im not sure if I could help, but if it wouldnt hurt, Id like to try. Or at least see some of
what you do.

Maybe. Ill need to see what it is she wants. We don't talk business over the phone. Ill be getting the
details back at the museum. Before long, he was swing the car back into the museum parking lot,
gliding the BMW into an empty parking space. Blayne climbed out of the car and started coming around
again, but I opened my own door and got out. This manners thing was cute, but not really necessary.
Seeing me exit the car, he turned and lead the way to the stairs, Taking them two at a time, Blayne pulled
the door open, then stood aside so I could go in ahead of him. I could see that the manners thing, most
likely just related to women, was just who he was and there was little point fighting it. Besides, it was
nice.
When we reached the second door, I found that it was locked. Motioning with his head, Blayne instructed
me to knock. I gave the door a couple solid raps, knocking loud enough to be heard through the
intervening hallway and parlor doors. After a moment, quick steps could be heard coming down the
hallway and the door was opened by a new face. The moment he said, Ah, its the new Ms, though, I
recognized the voice from Blaynes phone conversation as Williams. And...Mmm, he started,
probably going to say Mister, but a strangled noise came out as he applied the brakes to a deeply seated
need to be professionally polite and managed to change it to just, ...Blayne.
One other thing I instantly noticed about William - he was Human. I could hear his heart beating. See the
pulse in his throat. And the smell...was enticing. Luckily, for both William and myself, I encountered
him after Blayne gave me blood. Even though I was still hungry, I could control myself. If Id met him
in the hall earlier, it might have been a different story.
Willy, Blayne greeted him, placing a friendly hand on his shoulder as the two of us passed him by.
William closed the door and chased after me, attempting to be the picture of a perfect butler. He
introduced himself, extending a hand, Im William Finger, I tend to the daily needs of the House. I heard
we had a new addition. Its a pleasure to meet you. I hope the upstairs accommodations have been
adequate? William was a tall man in his mid 40s, graying at the temples, wearing a neatly pressed suit.
He looked like he might be part of the museum staff.
Thank you, William. I was quite comfortable. Perhaps later you might be able to help me with where to
wash up and acquire some more clothing? I couldnt keep going around in this dress. Certainly it
wouldnt be suitable for everything. And though I was clean, I felt the desire for a nice, hot shower.
William smiled, nodded, and made a quick, slight bow, then straightened.
Anneke was sitting on the couch next to the fireplace, where I had sat listening to Blayne not too long
ago. She had apparently been relaxing, reading a book, and having what looks like a glass of wine, which
sat on the coffee table. She gracefully folded the book closed and set it beside her on the couch. As I
turned from talking with William, her gaze slid across the two of us. The thing that Id become, that piece
of my brain that was irrationally terrified of sunlight and fire, flicked its tail nervously when she looked
directly at me. My instinct was to flinch, take a step back, but I held still, held my ground. I thought
about the things Blayne had told me. Fear, uncertainty, these were weaknesses, not things to show to any
Kindred. And really, there didnt seem to be any particular emotional undercurrents in the room that
would call for such a response.

William continued on, The Mistress didnt mention that she had planned on adding a new member to the
family. Realizing what hed said might be taken as criticism, he quickly added, Not that she needs to
clear anything with me of course. You mustve made quite an impression on her. Mistress? Normal
people don't talk like that. William nervously, looked to Anneke and back to me, seeming to make sure he
hadnt offended anyone. I didnt think Anneke had paid much attention to him.
Blayne strolled over and plopped onto the couch next to Anneke, practically catapulting her off of it as he
landed. Her book launched up, but Anneke deftly caught it one-handed and laid it on the table. He leaned
over toward her, Jules has my bike. He waited a beat and said conspiratorially, ...and my helmet.
Her normally placid features broke into a brief, amused smile, and just as quickly, it slipped away.
Without looking at him, Anneke ordered politely, William, would you excuse us for a few minutes
please.
He instantly left off his nattering at me. Yes maam, and headed out the doors that led to the
stairs/museum.
Anneke waited until she heard both doors close, and the three of us were alone. Jonathan has requested I
send someone to meet him. Max and Tricker are occupied or Id send them, as your current
responsibilities are more pressing.
Gone was the brief joke she and Blayne had just shared and back was the very composed Anneke. On
one end of the scale, Id seen her completely at her wits end with Blayne, then the very tiny almost
human moment they had just shared, and finally on the other end was the marble stillness of a statue,
where it seems only her eyes moved. She seemed unable to have small emotions. Things were all the
way up to 11 or down to zero. Was she typical? Was that what I had to look forward to, near
uncontrolled emotional swings? And a hunger that will never go away completely? The threat of
becoming a monster? None of the Kindred youve met so far have seemed very monstrous. No, I
couldnt generalize like that. Certainly Blayne didnt seem that way.
Okay, Blayne agreed, not looking at her, obviously having another internal discussion. Ill bring
Mariana with me.
Who? She asked.
He looked my way, Mariana. Youre new Childe.
Anneke looked at me, her eyelids narrowing, giving me a hooded hawk-like stare, assessing. Measuring
me against some unseen yardstick. I think that is unwise at this particular juncture. I must have come
up short on the yardstick. I didnt know who Jonathan was, but somehow her low apparent opinion of me
rankled.
Blayne said straight, though it was an obvious attempt at levity, I can shoot while she drives. It wont be
a problem. At least I hoped that was a joke.

Looking down at the floor, so as not to seem too aggressive, I insisted quietly, I can handle it.
She held up a hand, Do not antagonize him, Anneke instructed. She seemed to be looking at Blayne,
but I couldnt tell if it was supposed to be addressed to both of us. Do as he asks. We live here. It
would be easier for all if you behaved. And I would speak with her alone. Go see William; he has
procured what you asked. Based on the last part, she had to have been talking just to him. Jonathan was
someone Anneke deferred to, though she was at the top of the ladder here. I figured that he had to be the
Prince of the City that Blayne had mentioned.
Blaynes eyebrows arched in surprise at being dismissed. He stood up, gave me a small, low-handed,
sideways wave goodbye and he too headed out into the museum, to find William.
Anneke sat looking at me silently while Blaynes footsteps echoed his passage away. I stood still with my
hands folded in front of me, alternately looking at her and the floor, waiting nervously.
Mariana, look at me, Anneke ordered. It reminded me of the first time I saw her, dealing with Blayne.
I looked into her face. She smiled, perhaps aware of the intimidation factor. Mariana, thats a nice
name. Did you remember that?
No, I havent remembered much. Blayne and I came up with it. I decided not to look into my past just
yet. Figured it would be easier to adapt without all the...baggage. Anneke raised her eyebrows a bit,
then nodded.
Getting to the point, she explained, Well, youre here now because this is My House, and I wont have an
unbound Kindred in it. Did Blayne explain about blood bonds? she asked. I wondered if that was a test,
see if I was paying attention.
I nodded. I was going to explain further, but stopped, unsure whether Blayne was supposed to do what he
did for me earlier. I didnt want to get into trouble. So, I just said, Yes.
Anneke coolly ordered, You will drink from me, now, and you will be bonded to me. This wont mean
you dont have a will of your own. Itll just help me, well, be more sure of your loyalty. Are you ready?
I thought for a few seconds about what she wanted. I had done this earlier tonight with Blayne, and I
suppose it seemed reasonable, in this fairly paranoid society. Well, if the backstabbing was real, I guess
you couldnt truly call it paranoid. Blayne had warned me to be very careful about this. However, when
he talked about Anneke and this household, Blayne said Us, He may hold himself apart from other
Kindred in general, but these people were family.
I told Anneke, Yes, Im ready.
The experience was similar to before, but with two main differences. Since I wasnt quite as hungry as I
was earlier, I didnt lose control. And, after the initial pleasure at the exquisite taste of the blood, stronger

even than Blaynes, the burn I felt in my throat was much worse. It was almost enough to make me stop
drinking. Weird, Blayne didnt mention that this would burn. Maybe it was a defense mechanism, to
keep Kindred from being literally at each others throats? Id have to ask him later.
A third difference was, when done, I felt content. The hunger was barely noticeable for the first time. Ah,
that was what it felt like to be satisfied. What a relief, not only to be almost completely free of the
hunger, but also to know that it wouldnt always be like that. Maybe this whole thing wouldnt be that
bad.
I had knelt to drink from Annekes wrist. She hadnt needed to stop me, and as I straightened, I looked up
at her face. It was impassive, and not noticeably paler than before. Anneke raised her wrist to her mouth
and licked the wound closed.
Blayne will be waiting for you in a vehicle out back. You may go and join him, Anneke gave
permission. But remember what I said to him. Prince Frost is important in this city. Be respectful.
*********************
After a brief stop to talk William on some little details and get a coat, I exited out the back and found
Blayne waiting in a completely different car. He was sitting in the passengers seat of an old, black
Dodge Aspen, circa 1977, with a red racing stripe down the side. Ah, this had to be the Mace Blayne had
requested. What the heck was that? The window was rolled down, and he puffed absently on his cheroot.
Hmmm, he must be preparing for something that he didnt want to risk Juliannas nice car for. Whatever
the Prince wanted him to do, probably. And, apparently, he wasnt kidding about me driving. I hoped he
was kidding about the shooting part. He opened his car door when he saw me, but I whisked myself in
the drivers seat before he got out.
Ready, I said. It felt so good to be full, I found it hard to contain myself from bouncing.
With a look, he said, Youll need to drive, while I load up.
No problemo, I responded, turning the keys that were already in the ignition. Immediately, 80s rock
music blasted out of the radio. Blayne smiled, apparently liking that. He gave me instructions on turns as
we drove through the city. The music made the ride less quiet than the last, more relaxed, and I found
myself getting into the music, particularly when a female singers rock ballad came on. Without really
meaning to, I sang along with the refrain.
After a couple of stanzas, I had that feeling you get when someone is staring at you. I glanced over to
Blayne to find him looking at me with an open mouth. What is it? I asked, wondering if I had broken
some taboo or something.
That..., Blayne started, then swallowed. That was very good. Sing something else, he told me.
Self conscious now, I asked, Like what?

He looked at the radio and pressed a few of the presets until he came on a Celine song. You know that
one? Try that.
I knew it, liked it, in fact. Okay, I cleared my throat, unnecessarily, and sang along. After a few
seconds, Blayne turned off the radio, and motioned his hand for me to continue. I sang on, a bit confused,
for a minute or so, then stopped. Blayne, what....?
He grinned at me. Oh, youll fit in just fine as a Toreador. That was incredible.
Maybe he was teasing. Really? I hadnt realized I could sing, and it sounded fine to me, but I didnt
know what the big deal was. But then, for all I knew, I could have been a singer before. I thought about
it. No, I didnt think so. That didnt feel right. Though if I was decent now, maybe I would be able to fit
in a bit with the Clan, as Blayne had said. Least I hoped not to be an embarrassment to them.
Yeah, he said, simply. Really.
We were coming up on the downtown area, with lots of tall buildings and a few skyscrapers. Blayne
pointed to one made mostly of glass - the Prudential Center. Frosts offices are up there. Then, Head
on down a bit further, were going to park somewhere else.
So this is the Prince, right? And his name is Jonathan Frost? I asked.
Oh...yeah, Blayne confirmed. Forgot I didnt tell you his name. Use Prince Frost unless he says
otherwise. Only things he needs to know: youre Annekes new Childe, and she picked you for your
singing. And Ive been thinking, when he asks, give him a last name. Most real Toreador do have full
names. Theyre not like me. He muttered to himself, Thats why someone else should be teaching you
properly. I dont think he really meant me to hear that.
He reached into a small black duffel bag at his feet and pulled out a very cut down shotgun. Not much
more than a foot in length, it was all short barrel and just enough wood to hang onto as a grip. The
woods finish was worn in spots, but the metal of the barrel was well maintained and glistened with a coat
of gun oil. My eyes flicked between the road and him. Wow, that was a serious weapon. I knew
Blaynes job would include violence, but somehow I hadnt pictured a gun being all that useful. My own
ignorance, I guessed. He pushed a lever with his thumb, and the shotgun broke in half to be loaded. He
put two black, plastic shotgun shells into the chamber, snapped it shut, and set the safety. He set the
shotgun on the console between us.
As Blayne started wrestling off his coat, I asked, bewildered and a little worried, I dont understand.
Well be dealing with other Kindred, right? What good is a shotgun? You told me only fire and
beheading...
Blayne explained as he continued getting ready. Oh, guns can still cause damage, even if it isnt mortal
damage. You spatter enough of someone around a room itll slow them down, require time to heal. And

if we need them, there are also special rounds. He stopped there, as if unwilling to say more just then.
While he was talking, he pulled a holster rig out of the bag. The rig had an empty loop for the shotgun
and held a wicked, sheathed knife that looks more like a curved short sword. My eyes opened wider at
the sight of that, but I held my tongue. Beheadings, right. Uggggg. Blayne strapped the rig on so that the
shotgun would be hanging on his side, under his left arm. He slid a strap over his head and under the
other arm so the knife hung on his back, all of it now hidden under his jacket, as he wiggled back into
that. He shifted back and forth a little to get it all to settle into place. Finally, he pulled a handful of
shotgun shells out of the bag. I could see two more of the black ones and a bunch of red ones. He placed
a fistful of the red ones into his right pocket, then rolled the black ones back and forth a few times in his
left palm as if weighing them. After a couple of seconds, he dropped those back into the duffel and
zipped the bag up. Apparently Blayne wasnt kidding about shooting someone, despite Annekes
warnings.
Over there, he said, directing us into a public, outside parking lot. I took the ticket at the entrance,
parked the car, and looked over at him, expectantly. He stuck the shotgun into the holster under his jacket
and said, Lets go.
From there, we crossed the street and headed on foot into the underground parking lot under the
Prudential Building. I was glad I took the time to grab the long coat I had, which just served to cover up
the long dress Id been wearing since yesterday. I wished there had been time to change. I felt foolish
walking around downtown Boston in this get-up, like Id just come from a play. I hoped William would
have been able to obtain some options for me for tomorrow night.
Umm, Blayne? I broke into Blaynes thoughts. If his offices are up there, why are we meeting the
Prince in the parking garage? It seemed an odd place to meet such an important figure.
He shrugged, Beats me. But we'll find out shortly.
The two of us walked into the sparsely occupied parking deck, my steps echoing hollowly on the
concrete. Blayne kept his head constantly swiveling around, watching the pieces of the upper levels and
lower levels that pass as we strode down the ramp. Like he was expecting an ambush. Perhaps he was.
If the truth about my Embrace has leaked out already.... Killed in a lower level parking deck, never to be
seen again. After what had just happened, I didnt believe it was with Annekes approval. But it could be
without her permission, which has different ramifications. Perhaps Brendan or Alexander....Or it could be
just what it seems to be, a meeting in the middle of the night in an empty underground parking lot.
Maybe paranoia was contagious.
As we turned and started to head down a second ramp, a large brown box truck came into view, sitting
with several expensive looking BMWs with blacked out windows on an otherwise completely empty
level. There were four men standing in a circle, smoking and chatting. All about the same height, dark
hair, a few days stubble, black suits, black ties, white shirts. Completely interchangeable. Concentrating
a bit, I could hear several hearts beating among them. They were all alive.
Blayne shifts from my left side to my right, placing himself me and the suits and cars we were

approaching. Before we finish closing the distance, he whispered, These are some of Frosts flunkies,
ghouls. Uggg, all these stupid, new terms. It was almost like learning a new language. What the hell
was a ghoul?
Blayne nodded to one of them, saying, Channon. and got a similar acknowledgement in return,
Blayne. That one word, presumably the name of the man, rang with challenge. All four ghouls
looked from Blayne to me.
Whos your friend? Channon asked.
With his usual deflection tactic of asking a question instead of giving an answer, Blayne asked, Wheres
Frost? One of Frosts men reflexively glanced over toward the parked procession of cars. In response to
some unseen signal, the driver got out of one of the vehicles, walked around to the rear passengers side
door, and opened it. Out of the back seat stepped the Prince of Boston. A few words flitted through my
mind there in that garage, the first time I saw him: handsome, imposing, regal. Dark slicked back hair
with a distinguished trace of gray at the temples, five foot ten, custom tailored suit, he looked every inch
of a corporate raider. In a smooth voice that is used to giving orders and having them obeyed, he
corrected, with some annoyance, Thats Prince Frost to you, Blayne.
Treading a dangerous line, Blayne just asked flatly, What did you want? The question neither
acknowledged the correction nor disobeyed it, but avoided it altogether. A fine line, indeed. Anneke said
you needed someone and here we are. Lets get on with it.
The Prince looked as if he might want to push this etiquette matter further, but instead allowed himself to
be distracted. He looked at me and smiled. It was a smile that exuded charisma, designed to charm.
Blayne, where are your manners?
Gruffly, Blayne responded, At home in a box. I didnt think we were having an ice cream social.
Prince Frost walked past his security and past Blayne and extended his hand to me. Jonathan Frost. If
my heart still beat, it would have skipped. His presence was forceful, but smooth, a little dangerous,
without being truly frightening. And his magnetism was electric. I extended my hand to place it in his,
and he brought it up to briefly touch it with his lips. Trying for a modicum of steadiness, I introduced
myself. A pleasure to meet you, Prince Frost. My names Mariana. Realizing suddenly I hadnt yet
come up with a last name, I continued with the barest of hesitation, Mariana...Franco, adding a little dip
of a bow. The name had popped into my head suddenly. At first I thought maybe that was my real name,
remembered, but a flash of memory corrected that thought. Franco American spaghetti. I smiled slightly
wider, and only I knew it was in response to that thought. Id just named myself after one of my former
favorite meals.
My amusement at myself was short-lived, though, as I looked into the Princes eyes. They were almost
hypnotic. I really wanted to make a good impression with him. If I had been explaining it to Blayne, I
would have said it was because of the Princes position, Annekes words, and maybe to cover Blaynes
blatant gruffness. But truthfully, I couldnt help but be attracted to the man. It took me a moment to

notice anything else. Such as the fact that none of the bodyguards were looking directly at him at the
moment. They seemed almost cowed in his presence at the moment. And next to me on my right, Blayne
stood, gritting his teeth, closing his left eye, as if someone were shining a bright light in it.
I didnt want to lie to the Prince, although I knew how important it was to do so. So I temporized, Im
new. Anneke... brought me into her house. It was true, if misleading.
Im showing her the ropes, Blayne interrupted.
That is unfortunate. countered the Prince. Then to me, he said, Perhaps you should ask for someone
more suitable, Julianna perhaps. Before either Blayne could get indignant or I could defend him, the
Prince clarified, While Blayne is good at his job, Julianna, he looked over to Blayne, we both know, is
far better suited to be teaching her the ways of your Family, than you are.
The box? Blayne asked, ignoring the dig. The Prince gestured towards the box truck. A gift for your
mistress. Tell Anneke that Jonathan sends it with his regards. There was a familiarity there, no titles
needed.
Yeah, no problem. Blayne obviously wanted to get this over with.
The Prince kissed my hand once again, Ms. Franco. I hope your Introduction happens sooner than I
expect. Good evening. My presentation, right. That would be when this little learning period was over,
and Anneke presented me as a full-fledged member of the Kindred society. I wondered how far in the
future that would be.
Prince Frost and his crew departed, leaving Blayne and I with a big box truck with Cool Moves Moving
Company stenciled on the sides. Blayne unlatched the rear door, and yanked up on the strap, sliding the
rolling door up. He climbed into the back of the truck, which contained a wooden crate maybe ten by
eight feet and a foot and a half high. It was securely strapped down and covered in blankets to protect the
sides. Impatiently, Blayne started pulling off blankets and untying ropes.
Making sure the whole entourage is long gone, I stood by the end of the van and inquired curiously,
Blayne, is there some special reason you dont like the Prince? I mean, I can see hes not the type of guy
youd probably hang with, but you seemed really...hostile.
Im. Always. Hostile. Blayne jerked hard on the securing ropes, emphasizing each word. I couldnt
help chuckling. Maybe he was with others, but so far, he hadnt been with me. Blayne had this image of
himself, but I just didnt believe it. Relaxing a bit, he asked, Hop up here and give me a hand. I dont
want to break anything. I took the hand he offered and leaped lightly into the back of the truck, feeling a
thrill of pleasure as I did so. It felt incredible to be so...graceful. Following Blaynes lead, we dug our
fingers under the ends of the top piece. The wood groaned a bit and the nails shrieked in protest as the
two of us pried the crate open. With Blayne at the head of the crate and me opposite, the giant piece of
pressboard was lifted and tossed aside, banging against the other side of the trucks interior. Inside,
whatever-it-was was covered in brown paper. Godammit, Blayne growled in annoyance at this new

layer, and peeled the paper back. The gift was a massive wall portrait of Anneke. While her face seemed
identical to the one I knew, she was dressed far differently. The clothes were medieval, expensive and
ornate looking.
Wow. Even though I told myself I wouldnt ask, I couldnt help myself. Just how old is she?
Blayne craned his neck till it popped, and rubbed the back of his neck twice, the way he did when he was
frustrated or troubled. Anneke was old when she made Jewel, and that was a long time ago. Then, as if
reconsidering, he expanded, 1170 or so to now, 2000, so 830 years give or take. He closed up the
portrait, pushing nails back into place with his thumb, taking the opportunity to instruct me on how I
could use blood to pump up things like my strength or speed.
Lets get this back to the museum.