Page 13 of House of Darkness
“I’m willing to invite a Fjällräv lieutenant of your choosing to work alongside my general of war and publicly acknowledge your wartime prowess, in addition to my other offers.” My tone went flat. No point in sweet-talking now.
Ylva’s tail twitched with excitement. She had been fighting to have a seat at our war table for decades. After all, their customs focused on their war prowess. Enso would be furious, but I knew it was the only way to move past the human hunting events.
She glanced to Erik, who nodded. Bile rose in my throat at the thought of enduring him at my home, but I choked it down. Ylva turned back to me. “Alright. We’ll back you, Tsarling. Let us host a ceremony tomorrow to celebrate.”
Chapter 7
ESTRELLA
Gilded light filtered through white arched windows and soft sage curtains, revealing rolling hills beyond. Nestled in a massive four-poster bed, I was enveloped by an array of soft green pillows and blankets. The sensation was so luxurious that I almost wished to remain there forever.
“I knew it was only a matter of time before you failed.” Matei’s harsh grin emerged from the shadows.
I leapt from the bed as if it had burned me. Being caught sleeping in could be disastrous. I needed to be presentable at all times, which meant rising early. Clad in the same gown from the previous night and with makeup caked onto my face, I needed to bathe before anyone came for me.
The bathing chambers boasted a pristine white tub set into the floor. With a nozzle and actual plumbing, it was both elegant and modern. As I turned the nozzle cautiously, steam billowed, and hot water streamed over my hand. The luxury of a hot bath was something I had never experienced at the academy, and I was excited to try it. Stripping away my clothes, I lowered myself into the scalding water, hoping its warmth would soothe the chill in my heart.
I scrubbed my skin with a bar of soap until it turned red, thendunked my head beneath the surface. A small, desperate voice urged me to stay submerged, but I forced it away, lathering my hair with a creamy solution until bubbles formed. There was still hope, just like my sister said. The heat relaxed my muscles, easing some of my discomfort.
Once the water began to cool, I emerged, wrapping myself in a plush white towel before heading to the dresser in my room.
The sight that greeted me was breathtaking. Rows of exquisite dresses, unlike any I had ever seen, were displayed with delicate artistry. Skirts and bodices crafted from breathable cotton and lace were arranged in an array of colors. A voice within me stirred at the sight, admiring the beauty for its own sake.
I selected a light yellow gown, carefully working it over my head and fastening the silver buttons up the bodice. The gown’s silhouette swept gracefully to the floor, fitting snugly yet comfortably. The color matched the midday sun’s glow.
Yet the beauty of the gown was starkly contrasted by the bruise on my cheek and the abrasions on my wrists. I had hoped the yellow would bring out the blue in my eyes, but against its vibrant hue, they appeared a hollow gray.
I approached the windows, appreciating the view of rolling hills and lush greenery, an improvement over the dreary gray of the academy. Leaning against the window, I savored the quiet solitude and warmth. Living here couldn’t be too bad, with everything so wonderfully bright—if only I could keep the tsar’s favor.
A sudden knock at the door startled me. I glanced at my reflection, adjusting my gown and regretting not attending to my hair and face. I quickly brushed through my hair before hurrying to the door.
On the other side stood a short, curvy vampiress. She was stunning, with caramel-colored skin and long black locks cascading to her plushhips. Her body was adorned in a simple smocked dress that hinted at her role as a servant, though I wasn’t sure. “Good morning, ma’am,” I greeted with a deep curtsy.
Her lips curved into a warm smile. “It’s been a while since I’ve been called that. My name is Isabella, but you can call me Bells, dear.”
“Estrella.”
“I know,” she winked. “I thought I’d escort you to breakfast. It’s easy to get lost here.”
I followed her down the hall, hands clasped behind me. The white marble floors shimmered beneath the light streaming through the arched windows. We descended a grand double staircase to the entry, where the Koraki House crest loomed. The silver raven watched over us, a reminder of who now owned me.
Isabella led me into an opulent dining room, its glass wall looking out onto the lush front gardens. The sight was mesmerizing—fields of jade dotted with vibrant flowers. Captivated by the garden’s beauty, I moved to the window.
Bella joined me. “Beautiful, isn’t it? Roman built it with his mother when he was a boy.”
“Does the tsar require all his servants to call him by his first name?” I inquired, noting her familiarity with him.
Isabella laughed, a bright and hearty sound. “No—I mean, yes, he does ask the employees to call him Roman. But I’m not a servant, dear. Though I sometimes feel like one with how hard I work!” She turned to me, her expression bright and inviting. “I’m the general of the interior, managing the Crown. I’ve been doing that since my acolyte days.”
A part of me felt guilty for assuming her position. It was a horrible offense to assume such a low ranking of a general of the Crown. But something else she said quickly caught my attention. “You were anacolyte?”
She nodded. “For Leonidas. Strange how things change, isn’t it?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Isabella’s gaze lingered on my face, and I felt a twinge of embarrassment at having called her “ma’am” out of habit. She brushed her hand lightly over my cheek. “I remember feeling like everything I did was scrutinized. I know you might not believe me, but that isn’t the case here.”
I lowered my head. She was right; I didn’t believe her. “Thank you, Bells. I do feel comfortable here with your hospitality.”
