Moonbloods Season 1
Outsider

The air outside was crisp, fresh and forever smelled of fresh pine. It was a lovely change from the salty, fishy smell of Summercrest. I could get used to this. It was beautiful here. Not just the air or the atmosphere. Everything about Vendera called to me in a way that Summercrest never did. I'd spent the first few days inside the library, pouring over herbal medicine and remedies for anything from a minor burn to dark curses. It was a lot to take in and I needed a break from it.

When Emris announced that Hiram would be coming to the Vendera fear had flooded through me. Hiram had already tried once to undermine Emris by trying to have me killed before I could reach Vendara. But for what?

Why would Hiram want me dead? Realization washed through me.

He wanted Summercrest. And since I was the last born female of my family, it automatically passed to me upon my parents death. And Hairam, my mothers brother wanted it for himself. I was the only thing standing in the way. If Hiram got what he wanted... he would get Summercrest, passing it to my cousins, Lady Kenna Crast and Lady Helena Crast. I didn't look forward to seeing either of them again. They would have surely have come home by now that I was gone. Hiram had insisted they stay at other Crast holdings since I arrived when I was seven. On the rare occasions I did see them, they hardly ever spoke to me. Hiram told them to avoid me like the plague. I sighed aloud, my breath coming out in a bright puff.

My thoughts circled and circled as I absentmindedly followed the trail around the parameter of Castle. I wasn't sure how long he had been following me before I noticed him but Emris was roaming the grounds, the castle. I first noticed him through a window and then by a door to the stable, where he was talking to the stable hand. I felt a twinge of annoyance ripple through me when I saw her.

Lady Yesmina, her white gold hair was thinly braided, down her back, adorned with beads and feathers. All the woman in Vandera seemed to have adopted this hairstyle.

I didn't miss the odd looks that most of the woman at Court were giving me odd looks. Almost smug. I frowned. Emris seemed to scare everyone away when he roamed the grounds. When I returned to the stables, the stable boy was gone and Niko had been called away for a border patrol. I heaved myself from my horse and began unbuckling the ropes and and straps attached to the saddle.

"Did you enjoy your ride?"

I spun around to see Emris standing in the archway of the stable. It had started snowing outside and his long thick, black hair was sprinkled with snow, his reflective green eyes locked on my face. Had he been that tall before?

"Emris." His name left my lips in a startled whisper. I watched his lips curl into a smile. "I didn't mean to startle you. I know Niko was called away."

I turned back to my horse and heaved the saddle off her back. "You should let the Stablehand do that," he told me, filling his hands behind his back.

I heaved the saddle over the side of the stable door. "I know how to clean a horse, Your Majesty," I assured him.

Emris pursed his lips as I turned away from him. "We leave for Starhill in two days. When you return to your rooms a Maid will be there to take measurements. Your new wardrobe will be ready by tomorrow."

I didn't turn to face him. "Thank you." Hiram hadn't bothered to have any winter cloths made for me so I suppose Emris did have a point.

"There is a feast in your honor, tonight," he continued. "To begin at sundown." I sighed and nodded. If it were to begin at sundown, I didn't have much time. Tailoring took time. I dropped the brush I had been holding into the box to my right and turned to face him, my cloak sweeping the ground at my feet. I bowed my head respectfully as I passed him but Emris held out his hand stopping me.

"Have you nothing else to say to me?" he demanded in a low growl.

I looked up at him confused. What did he want from me?

"I'm sorry, I don't understand."

Emris sighed and dropped his arm. I didn't move, staring at the falling snow. Emris sighed and reached up, brush his thumb along my cheek bone. "Hiram is not welcome at my Court. He will never see you again."

I shook my head. "What do you mean?" I asked him confused. His palm pressed gently to my cheek.

"I know what he did to you," he told me. I felt the blood leave my face.

"I-I don't know what you are talking about!" I told him and jerked my face away. I stepped away from him and headed out into the snow.

Emris turned to follow me. "Don't lie to me!" he snapped, causing me to stop in my tracks, now fully exposed to the snowed. I herd his heavy footsteps fall behind me but I couldn't bring myself to turn and face him. I herd Emris breath out a sigh, his breath brushing my hair.

"I saw the marks he left on you," he reminded me. "I saw them then as I see them now. I know he hurt you."

I sighed in discomfort. That was the biggest understatement I had ever herd of. Emris reached and gripped my wrist, pulling my arm up. When I realized what he was doing I jerked my arm away. Emris' fingers her quick to lock around my arm and wrist. I watched as Emris pulled the sleeve of my cloak up, exposing the ugly, angry red scar on my wrist.

"He hurt you with Eaglefire."

I watched as his eves lingered on my exposed skin. It was almost like he was fascinated by what he saw. An odd look over came his face as he reached forward, ready to touch my skin. It was embarrassing to have him just stare at my scars like this. I tugged at his hold on my wrist.

"Please, Your Majesty, I should be going. As you said before, I should be being fitted now!"

Emris froze before his skin could make contact with mine and dropped his hands immediately, his fists balled at his sides. "Yes," he agreed stiffly. His face had turned hard and stony. I lowered my gaze respectfully and curtsied.

"Your Majesty."

I turned quickly, not giving him the chance to protest as I hurried away from stable and into the Castle.

I frowned at the dozens and dozens of different fabrics spread out before me. Red. Blue. Rose. Teal. Gold. Wine. Purple. Green. Every color you could think of.

And in the box to my left, patters, to be woven into the dress. Animals. Flowers. Stars. Runes. You name it. I was supposed to match the ones I liked best with the fabrics I liked best. I wasn't really in the mood anymore. I'd been at this for over an hour and for some reason, my mind kept wandering back to Emris and the look on his face when he had seen the scar in my wrist.

I looked down and slid the silk sleeve slowly over the ugly, red bumpy skin of my wrist. I handed that wrist. I loathed it. And I hated Hiram for doing it to me. I sighed.

Hiram.

If what Emris said was true, Hiram would never set foot in Vendera. Ever. He said I would never see my uncle again. At the time I didn't know how to feel about what he had said but now... now I could say I wouldn't be bothered if I never saw him again. As far as I was concerned he was dead. Never to be hers from again.

But deep down I knew that wasn't true. I had watched Hiram over the years as he manipulated his way in and out of this dangerous situations and always seemed to come out on top. I had questioned it till now but I wondered how my Uncle seemed to have a much more higher income then most Lords or Ladies of Azga.

"You look troubled, Princess?"

I looked up to see a Maid, fastening as gold trim to a beautiful blue and black dress.

"What is your name?" I asked her.

The maid blinked at me, confused. "Skavi," she answered and I felt my heart drop a little. I glanced around the room. Skavi we're making my dresses. I should have known that.

The door behind us opened and a Niko stepped in. "Prince Emris to see you, Princess."

I sighed. Why couldn't he leave me alone? I watched as everyone cleared the room, including Niko and Hali. I was left sitting in a chair surrounded by fabrics and sowing supplies. Is stood to my feet, dusting my dress a little just as Emris walked into the drawing room. "I have just received word from your Uncle. It seems your brother has returned from the Capital." Emris handed me the small folded piece of paper. I read it quickly. It only stated that Jon had returned from the Capital and would be arriving with Hiram in two days.

I felt my heart stop.

My brother? I hadn't seen him since I was five years old. The day my father and mother passed was the last day I had seen him. We was seven at the time.

"We will not be here when they arrive," Emris reminded me.

I looked up at him from the note. "I haven't seen my brother in thirteen years...he is a stranger." My heart seared painfully as I tried to picture my brother. I couldn't. Too much time had passed and I couldn't bring my mind to create the image of what my brother could look like.

"He is welcome to to stay here at Court, but Hiram will be turned away before he reaches the Vendarien woods."

I blinked. Emris smiled a small smile. "I told you," he reminded me. "You are protected here l. No one will ever harm you again."

We stared at each other. Was he only protecting me because I was to be his wife? Why not just let Hiram take me away. Emris had never really outright said whether he wanted this marriage or not. I couldn't imagine why he would. I was a low standing Lady. Beaten, abused, mocked... deformed.

Emris sighed and walked to the window, his heavy boots stomping dully on the wooden floor.

"We meet for dinner in an hour. Return to your rooms to be dressed."

Emris didn't say another word. I watched him sweep from the room and vanish down the hallway. Hali appeared at the doorway before I could reach it. "I have your dress ready for you and a bath waiting."

I was scrubbed, polished, moisturized and oiled in less then an hour. Now Hali was dressing me in a white and blue dress, backless, longed sleeves with glittering decor that shimmered when I moved. My long black hair was braided down my back, adorned with beads and white feathers. The dress came with a black feathered shoulder pelt that warmed and protected my chest and shoulders from the winter air.

"You look half way decent,"

Came a voice from the doorway. Hali and I spun around to replace Yesmina standing in the doorway, dressed in a long brown dress, the patters of beaded runes and symbols were imbedded with silvers threads and beads. "One could even think you were nativ Vendarien."

I turned back to the mirror on the wall. For some reason her words offended me. I wasn't Vendarien. And everyone here knew that.

"You will have to earn your place here, Princess."

I turned back to face her but Emris had appeared beside her. "Leave us!" he snapped at her.

I watched Yesmina and Hali leave the room and Emris closed the door behind them.

"The Lady Yesmina is a bit... arrogant at times." he said.

I nodded, not sure what to say. Emris suddenly seemed to be everywhere I went. "What else did she say?"

"Nothing," I assured him.

I watched as a scowled spread across his face almost immediately. "Don't lie to me!" he hissed.

I sighed and turned away from him. "She made some comment as to how I am not Vandarian looking enough-"

Emris shook his head. "Of course not," he agreed. "You are from the West. Are you ready?"

I nodded.

Emris didn't offer me his arm or wait to see if I was following him. He swept from the room, leaving me to hurry after him.

My booted heels clicked on the stone floors as I walked behind him. The halls were filled with people as we walked. The fur around my shoulders warmed me as we walked through the cold Hall.

I sighed. I began to stress over what the day would bring. I didn't know anyone here. My only trusted ones here were servants. I needed people on the inside. I needed people here, at Court. I needed to establish my self socially. I needed this. If I was going to survive. So I needed information. I gathered my courage and took and deep breath.

"What is expected of me tonight?" I asked him. Emris looked down at me, his face curious.

"What do you mean?" he asked me.

I sighed. "Last night all I did was sit there. Am I supposed to be doing something?"

Emris shook his head. "The Ladies of the Court are away at their estates at the moment. They won't be here until tomorrow. You will have to make due with me."

I lowered my gaze, suddenly wishing I hadn't asked. I should have insist I was unwell or tired. It wasn't that far fetched, really. I sighed. "Yes, your Majesty."

Emris frowned at me. "Come."

I followed him through the double doors and down a long hallway.

"The library is upstairs to the left, the training rooms downstairs to the right. Use them as you see fit."

I nodded. "The library sounds interesting," I admitted.

Emris smirked at me. "A woman who reads is a dangerous one," he warned me. I looked up at him.

His lips curled to a smirk. I wasn't sure if his comment was meant as a compliment or an insult.

"What about one who can fight?" I challenged him. Emris sighed and held a door open, offering me to go first. His face was thoughtful as I passed him and into the room.

"She would be deadly," he admitted as he followed me into the room, only a breath behind me. I felt his hands glance across my hips as he pressed past me and into the dimly lit room.

I stepped though the door, the cool air turning warm. There was a table in the middle of the room, set for two. I looked up at Emris, confused.

"I'm not oblivious to the challenges you will face here, My Lady. I wish for you to have an easy transition."

I raised an eyebrow.

"An easier transition would have been to leave," I said.

As soon as the words left my mouth I felt my heart drop and the blood drain from my face. "I-I'm s-sorry!"

However, much to my surprise, Emris smiled and held out a chair for me. "Have a seat."

I frowned. What was he up to? Everything I had just said could end this engagement right now. By law, Emris would be required to return me to Summer Crest. To Hiram. I remembered the promise I made myself. I would not dock the island alive. Emris poured me a glass of wine and then walked to the other end of the table where he poured himself some wine and then took a seat. We stared at each other.

"It bothers me not that you have no interest in this arrangement. It is what was decided for us."

I nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty."

Emris narrowed his eyes at me. "But it bothers you?" he asked me. I looked up to see him staring at me.

I sighed. "I did not have the proper upbringing as a Lady. My uncle is mean drunk with a bad memory and temper! So I'm sure you understand my reluctance."

I clamped my jaw shut. I didn't know Emris well enough to smart talk my uncle to him. For all I knew, Emris could ship me back to Summer Creat and then what? Not that I intended to arrive in Summer Crest alive. I made that promise to myself years ago.

"I'm sorry!" I said quickly, looking down at my foster hands in my lap. "I know it is bad karma to speak ill of others! I didn't mean what I said!"

Emris laughed at me now and I risked looked up at him. He was now leaning forward, his elbows on the table, his glass of wine dangling between his fingers. I watched as all humor slowly drained from his features as he stared at me, realization taking its place.

"You fear him."

This wasn't a question. I couldn't bring myself to answer so I remained silent, looking back down at my fisted, white knuckles.

"Hiram no longer has any rights to you." Emris reminded me as he swirled his wine slowly. "You are no longer a Lady. You are crown Princess and my wife!"

I stared at him for a moment, my mouth having gone dry. I wasn't any of the things he just said. I wasn't a Princess, I wasn't a Lady and I certainly wasn't his wife. Yet. And I knew I would only be his wife for a few hours. Once he went to bed me...

Emris was in for a rude surprise on our wedding night. If I made it that far. I didn't want to die, but I didn't want to live either. I sighed. "I may not be what you expected, My Lord."

As we stared at each other I suddenly felt compelled to be honest. I felt this overwhelming, compelling urge to tell him the truth. But I held my tongue. "Oh, I'm counting on that," he said and I felt my heart drop. What was that supposed to mean? Emris looked down at his wine glass and sighed.

I felt the blood drain from my face once more. I couldn't tell him that without telling him the whole truth of it. If he already knew ....

"That does not answer my question though, Princess," he reminded me. "I asked you weather this arrangement bothers you?"

His voice had turned soft, soothing almost. I felt sense of calm wash over me and I looked back up at Emris. His green eyes were bright they were fixed right on me, watching the every move and change in my expression.

"As you said," I told him. "It is not what either of us wanted."

Emris sighed. "No, it is not."

I felt my heart sink.

If Emris, a powerful Demon Prince didn't want to wed a half breed, then what was keeping him from abandoning this arrangement altogether?