Jaden

Chapter 48

Memory Lane

“What? What the hell! Why did you stop?”

Adrian stretched his limbs and pretended to yawn, looking at his wrist he smiled at Jaden.

“It is getting late lovely, should you not get ready for bed? Come, I will tuck you in.”

The look on Jaden’s face was priceless and Adrian liked teasing him, the glare he got from him was so adorable that he almost cracked up laughing. Jaden could not pull off angry even if his life depended on it. He was just too cute and sweet and Adrian loved getting him all riled up just to hear what he would say.

He shot up on the bed and ended on his knees, his arms waving about him as he shouted.

“Are you freaking kidding me, tuck me into bed. What am I, five? Oh hell to the No!” Jaden began to scramble around looking on the floor. “Where are they?”

He found one of Adrian’s slippers and held it up.

“Aha!! “

Adrian held his lips together, to keep from losing it as he looked at his slipper with innocence in his merry eyes.

“I am not sleepy yet, I still got about an hour and half left. If you don’t tell me what happened next…. Then I’m holding your pink bunny slippers hostage. You can walk around bare foot on the cold floor and freeze your little piggies off.”

Adrian grinned up at Jaden and crossed his legs at the ankles; his hands went behind his head looking very comfortable and relaxed.

“You do realize the floors are covered in thick plush carpeting, I do not think my little piggies? Will be freezing anytime soon.” Adrian replied.

Jaden looked around the room and dropped the slipper, he let himself fall down on the bed next to Adrian crossing his arms over his chest and pouting.

“Crap”

Now Adrian did laugh, he could not help it. He turned over on his side and hugged Jaden to him, kissing his cheek.

“Oh lovely I am sorry, I am teasing. I cannot help it you are so cute when you pout.”

Jaden rolled his emerald eyes and pretended to be insulted.

“Hey, I don’t pout. What your seeing is a pissed off look. And this is a very dangerous look, so I watch it if I were you.”

They both stared at each other as a smile threatened to show, and then they gave in laughing at each other.

“Did you enjoy having fun at my expense?” Jaden asked.

Adrian giggled and shook his head up and down.

Jaden smiled, “Great, you know pay back is a bitch?”

They both turned to their sides facing each other; Adrian smoothed back an errant lock of hair out of Jaden’s eyes.

“Oh yes lovely, I am sure it is.”

“So are you going to finish your story, or do I have to keep your bunny slippers. Tell me what happened next, what was in the letter? I mean document, letter.”

“Of course lovely, now where did I leave off? Ah, yes as I was saying.”

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Gautier Moreau could feel the blood in his body drain, shivering as cold sweat washed over him. While he read the document he became paler by the minute, but what frightened him more was the signature and the official royal seal on the bottom of the page.

He stood up fast kicking back the chair, with his one good hand he crumbled up the paper extending it towards Philippe’s face.

“This is a lie!” he shouted. “Who would dare accuse me of such things? I am loyal and devoted to my king!”

He almost jumped back when Philippe slowly stood up and came around the desk; Gautier quickly gave up the document when the younger man took it from him. He watched as slender fingers and well manicured nails placed the document back on the desk, smoothing out the creases.

His eyes followed the motion of his hand as it stopped and pointed to the bottom of the page. Since Gautier saw him he has kept silent until now, Philippe’s soft voice sent another cold chill down his spine.

“Signed and sealed by his majesty himself, I can only imagine how angry he is with you. Everyone knows that he has clerks to take care of tedious tasks as this. I cannot even fathom the amount of disgust and fury the king has for you, Papa.”

Gautier froze; he knew that voice he slowly turned to look at Philippe. Not only did he look, but now he saw him, he knew those deep blue eyes, it was the only thing his son had from him. As he stared at the young man he now saw Corinne, Philippe’s mother. He always did take after her and he killed her when she tried to escape with their son.

He was supposed to be dead; he made a little gold selling his useless broken body to a stranger. It was so long ago and he should not be alive. His one good hand balled into a tight fist and he punched a crack on the cheap wooden desk.

“Damn you Philippe, this time I will make sure you are dead. Give your mama my regards when you see her.”

His large hand grabbed Philippe by the throat, and he smiled broadly thinking now he had him. His smile soon faded as he realized he was not hurting his son, his neck felt like stone and he could not choke him. Seeing the smug look in his son’s eyes sent him into a blind rage, he pulled Philippe closer and screamed into his face.

“Die damn you, die!”

There was shouting and loud pounding on the door, suddenly the door was broken down and his majesties royal guards all stomped in and quickly apprehended Gautier. While his men beat him into submission the captain read off the offenses and made it quite clear that he was arrested for crimes against the king.

His face was swollen and bleeding from the punches he received and looked in shock as the captain turned to Philippe, addressing him respectfully and asking if he was hurt. His arms were painfully pulled back; cold metal clasped his wrist together and the sickening sounds of locks finalizing the truth. He was no longer a free man.

He was completely in the dark and he had no clue as to how this could happen, he screamed obscenities at all of them and was soon beaten by the guards. The captain had enough and ordered his men to take him away.

Gautier pleaded and cried, he demanded to be heard. One of the guards was going to hit him again when the captain held up his hand; he looked at Gautier in disgust and spit on the floor in front of him. With one eye swollen shut Gautier looked at him in surprise.

He could not believe the captain looked at him as if he were a worthless slave; this man was one of his best customers. He pleaded and begged with the captain that this was a mistake, the accusations from the king’s document is not true and if he really wanted to know the truth he should question his son.

The captain’s face became red with anger and he punched Gautier in the face almost making him loose his balance and fall, the guards held him up. The captain reminded him that he never had a son, and to stop lying he was not a fool.

Through it all Philippe stood there watching the whole event take place in complete silence, when Gautier insistent that he is his son the captain turned towards him and apologized for even asking. Philippe merely smiled and walked over to his father and stood next to him, he even put his face closer to his father whose face swelled from the beatings.

There was utter silence when Philippe addressed the captain, “You tell me Monsieur Capitaine, do I look anything like his son?”

The guards laughed and the captain shouted at Gautier and told him to stop lying, everyone knows he has no family and enough time has been wasted. He knew he had no son and that he should show respect for this man who has helped him.

Gautier stared at Philippe in disbelief, helped him? He cursed Philippe and told them that he is responsible for discrediting him; this so called gentleman that he shows respect to is nothing but a worthless whore who orchestrated this whole fiasco. If only they would listen to him it can all be cleared up.

The captain became enraged and hit him again, Gautier should be honored that a dearest friend of the king spoke up for him. How dare he insult this nobleman on insisting they are related, it was quite clear there is no family resemblance here.

“You ungrateful cur, his majesty wanted you executed. You should kiss Monsieur Belen’s boots had it not been for him you would die.”

Gautier heard the captain but it was not until hours later when he was thrown in a cold small cell in the king’s dungeon, would he realize the ramifications of his fate.

The king wanted him executed but Philippe who has somehow become a dear friend of his spoke on Gautier’s behalf. He could hear the captain recite word for word what his son or now known as Monsieur Belen said to the king.

“My Lord King and my most gracious and noble friend, surely this man’s death will be an insult to you. His offense does not justify death, which would be a blessing to him. Why not let Gautier live? Teach him to become an honorable man, teach him the errors of his ways. Make an example of him and in the end he will sing your phrases of a good and fair king.”

Gautier actually laughed and he saw his son in a new light, if only he knew that his son would have such a gifted tongue, how far could he have gone. With his beauty and sharp wit he could have talked anyone out of their wealth. He cursed miserably under his breath; if he ever got the chance he will kill him.

He didn’t know for how long he was imprisoned it seemed like an eternity, which was really only a week. He cowered in the corner of his cell nursing his wounds and tired body, he turned slowly when he felt eyes on him and saw his son Philippe standing there on the other side of the bars looking at him.

He managed to crawl over to him; he grimaced in pain as he moved. His whole body ached, but his feet were swollen from working the fields without protection of shoes.

“Does it please you to see me like this, beaten and broken? A mere shadow of the man I once was. “

Philippe laughed softly and reminded his father that he was never truly a man to begin with. Gautier spit on the floor and looked away from him.

His soft voice seemed to fill the air around him as he spoke, and he wished he was indeed dead when he learned what Philippe had been up to.

“By order of his majesty, your brothel was burned down to the ground. All of your worldly goods were given to your slaves, who are now free citizens of the king’s land. Every piece of gold, every insignificant thing that was of value to you now belongs to them. Is this not wonderful news papa? To know that you have spent your entire life to obtain a small cache of wealth is now all gone in a mere matter of minutes.”

Gautier cursed his son, he reached out between the bars to grab him but of course Philippe leaned back out of his reach. “I WILL KILL YOU!” he shouted. To be here now and this condition was unbearable to him, to be filthy and smell like a dead animal. He did not deserve this and he ordered Philippe to tell them the truth.

Philippe smiled and shrugged his shoulders as his body slowly seemed to float backwards, his soft voice loud in his father’s head. “I am pleased to share this news with you, does it not bring joy into your heart papa?” and then he was gone from sight.

Gautier lost it; he began to scream at the top of his lungs. Crying and begging anyone who would listen claiming his innocence. He became a raving maniac and caused the other prisoners to start shouting; crying and throwing anything they could get their hands on against the bars. The noise was deafening.

The guards all rushed in and silenced all of them, when they learned it started with Gautier, they took great pleasure in teaching him the rules of obedience. For the rest of his miserable life, Gautier would learn what true pain is, he will suffer one misery after another, and he will learn humility until the day he died.

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“Holy crap! Life in jail what the hell did he do, or didn’t do?” Jaden asked.

Adrian let out a soft sigh, “With Ignatius help, a rumor was spread throughout the land that Gautier insulted the king. It was said that Gautier claimed the king to be an idiot that he knew nothing about ruling a kingdom, he is a coward and he is best suited to work in his brothel spreading his legs for ever wanted it, because that is truly where the king’s talents lie.”

Jaden could not believe it, “Whoa, he’s accused of insulting the king and calls him a bitch whore and he got thrown in jail for that? Not that I’m complaining the bastard deserved it. Way to go Philippe, but for insulting a king, really they put you in jail for it?”

“You must understand Jaden, those were barbaric days. The laws or lack of it, anyone who insults a ruler would face dire consequences, those with power and wealth ruled without question. If you stole a piece of bread you would lose a hand, if anyone looked at the king crossed eyed they lost their sight. And no one was stupid enough to insult a king. Philippe merely took advantage of a greedy and conceited king; he knew his majesty would order
Gautier’s death. However, Philippe had other ideas. He wanted his father to suffer the life of a slave and suffer he did.”

Jaden smiled, “You know what, I like Philippe now. That was great he got even and gave all of his father’s money to the slaves and got them free. I have a whole new respect for him.” for a moment Jaden looked sad. Adrian caressed his face to get his attention.

“You know what Adrian I can understand why he didn’t want his father to die, it’s got nothing to do with love. Death was too good for him and I bet the bastard begged to die. So for the rest of his miserable life he paid for everything he ever did to his son and to others. I can relate to Philippe’s pain we kind of went through the same thing only I didn’t get even.”

Adrian hugged Jaden, he understood where Jaden was coming from and now he regretted telling him the story of Philippe’s past. Up to now he never let anyone know that he has seen the CD of Jaden’s torture and wished he kept his mouth shut about anything that would remind his little brother of it.

“I am sorry lovely; I should have never said anything. I understand your previous life was difficult and this has brought up bad memories for you.”

Jaden shook his head and lay back facing his brother.

“Naw it’s ok, really. I’m fine, in a way I envy Philippe cause he got even in the best way possible. I bet his dad was shittin bricks every time they came for him. So that’s why Philippe is so in love with the Ignoramus, cause he helped save his life?”

Adrian let out a small laugh; he loved how Jaden called Ignatius ignoramus.

“It is not love that keeps Philippe with Ignatius Jaden; it is a deep sense of gratitude and loyalty. Although Philippe once believed he loved him in the same way you and I love our mates, he has long since realized it was never truly love. He loves him as he loves any dear friend, for Ignatius his feelings run a little deeper. But he has given up on the fact that they will ever blood bond and he has not warmed Ignatius’s bed for years.”

He explained that Ignatius was different, the fact that he is self-centered never changed. But if Jaden could believe that at one time he was a bit kinder more gentler master then he would understand why Philippe stayed and cared for him.

“Ok I can see it, I mean why Philippe may have fallen for the jerk. But what’s the deal with you, why is the ignoramus such a shit with you and did you come in after he and Philippe stopped sweathin the sheets together?”

Adrian shook his head and sighed deeply going down memory lane was never easy for him. He could see Jaden’s curiosity in his lovely green eyes and smiled. It had been so long ago and he found it easy to talk with his new little brother. Plus he didn’t what him thinking that he is the cause for Philippe and Ignatius not being lovers anymore.

Once Ignatius got his fill he discarded his bed warmer like yesterday’s news. However, with Philippe it was different. With him Ignatius seemed to have warmer feelings for him and he even tried to blood bond with him. Of course it has never taken, and Philippe knew that Ignatius has always taken a new lover to his bed. It was not done to taunt him, it was always that way with Ignatius and he never stopped or changed that part of his life.

Adrian believed that when Ignatius would take a new lover to his bed he could see relief in Philippe’s eyes. As long as the partner was willing Philippe did not care one way or the other. At first it did hurt Philippe and he and Ignatius had many fights about it, but with time Philippe had realized his true feelings for Ignatius and he soon accepted it. Philippe loved Ignatius more out of gratitude than anything else.

“So it was like an open relationship?” Jaden asked.

Adrian nodded; it was for Ignatius but not for Philippe. Philippe was damaged by his father and he never really enjoyed the sex with Ignatius. It was something he did to please his master and believing if you love someone then you just endure the less pleasant things in life for him. Philippe never really had a chance to heal and after awhile he did not mind when his master roamed.

Philippe was only too happy to give up sex, thanks to his father’s brutal care of him. So for years the only man who was allowed to touch Philippe was Ignatius, and when Ignatius left him alone he was even more grateful to him. He himself never roamed and Ignatius liked it that way, thinking that his lovely beauty worshipped him and accepted his affections whenever he felt like giving it to him. Which is why when Philippe wanted something, Ignatius never denied him.

“Alarica?” Jaden asked.

“Yes” Adrian agreed, “Alarica”

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Ignatius was not always master of his own house; he served as First to Master Isis who created him. Ignatius was bored and was ready to move on his own. He wanted his own house or covenant as it was once called. He noticed how everyone favored Philippe and listened to every little request he made, even Master Isis was pleased to sit with him and listen whenever he offered valid council that helped to resolve house issues without trauma or violence.

With Philippe at his side his house would be better and more profitable than Master Isis. As for Master Isis, she could see her First’s reluctance to remain within her house. Where Ignatius goes so will Philippe, not that she would mind ridding her house of Alarica, but she valued Philippe. Ignatius’s boredom got him into hot water on numerous occasions and Philippe was always there to soothe ruffled feathers and resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

She liked that in Philippe and could see others will try to leave if he left with Ignatius, being Ignatius’s master and creator gave her a little more hold on Ignatius. She was cunning and more powerful whereas Ignatius was brute force and commanded his men well to protect her house. She would not lose her solders all were created by her. But she did want to keep Ignatius in order to have Philippe.

There were certain parts in Rome that was her territory, one night she walked with Ignatius to talk with him. They came into a small tavern, filled with humans. Men and solders all laughed, ate and drank the night away. They paid no attention to the newcomers who preferred to sit in the back of the tavern as they watched the humans go on about their menial lives.

They pretended to sip ale and sat peacefully watching them; Master Isis was a cunning woman. Her sharp mind always kept her ahead from others. She is a master vampire who ruled her house with an iron but fair hand. Ignatius was hers, she created him and she intended to keep him within her house.

She sat peacefully in her seat, content with the silence between her and Ignatius. She watched him, and followed his eyes to see what would strike his fancy. She noticed him staring at a young boy, the son of the tavern’s owner. He appeared to be about twelve or younger as he went about his work. He smiled beautifully as he cleaned up the tables and brought more ale to the customers.

Isis could see that Ignatius admired the boy’s beauty, thick reddish brown hair and amethyst eyes that shined brightly in the darkened tavern. The child was happy doing his work as he minded his father without complaint whenever he was given a new task to do.

“Such a lovely little morsel that one is.” Isis’s voice dripped with honey watching and waiting for the right moment, to strike.

Ignatius made a face and sat back in his chair, he too was waiting for Isis to know what she wanted of him. He knew this little late night stroll was not for shared companionship. He hoped she would not send him out on another boring expedition. He hated it more and more when she requested stupid and useless service from him.

“It is merely an observation, Master Isis. My interest is in the child’s beauty and the way he carries himself.
He reminds me of my younger days, I was never so agreeable towards my father when chores needed to be done. This child relishes in his father’s pride of him, he does not complain. At this hour of the night he is here working just as hard as the others and he smiles. If it were me, I prefer to be in my nice warm bed asleep.”

Isis smiled and watched the beautiful boy, “He certainly does not take after his father or his brothers, and they are tall strong with muscles. The boy is more like his sister, small delicate in frame. Had I not looked closer I would swear it was a girl.”

Ignatius remained silent; he looked at his surroundings and wondered what the master was up to. Their own guards remained outside waiting for when it was time to return home. Long slender fingers rested lightly on his arms and Isis’s voice clearly heard in his head.

{You desire this one, you want him?”}

Ignatius scowled and shook his head; he remained still when the beautiful boy approached their table. He looked up at them smiling.

“Good evening my lords, my sister made a fine stew with fresh baked bread. Can I interest you in a nice hot meal with a glass of red wine? It is fine wine my lords, my father makes it and the king himself has highly praised it. Every month we deliver a case of wine to his castle.”

The child was indeed beautiful and Ignatius was able to better appraise him, smiling down at him he placed gold coins on the table and ordered a bottle of their finest. The boy tried to give back some of the gold to Ignatius saying he was paying too much. Ignatius merely smiled, pushed the money back into his small hands and sent him on his way to fetch the bottle.

Isis smiled; she had him where she wanted him. {I forbid you to touch him, he is within my territories. This lovely child is adored by his father and siblings. See the look his father has given you, already he takes his son out of the tavern and sends him off to bed. It is the same with anyone who shows more than a passing interest is his son. He protects his child well; the people in this village respect this family as does the king. This family is well known and well liked by all. And, they have my protection as well.}

Instead of the boy returning with the wine it was his father, he places a tray with the bottle of the wine and two wine glasses. Ignatius notices that the father also placed three gold pieces of coins next to him. His voice is gruff and stern, he is a man of honor and he could hear the warning in his voice.

“As my son explained my lord, you are paying too much for the wine. Please enjoy, the tavern will close in twenty minutes. Perhaps you will enjoy its delicate flavor in the comfort of your home.”

Ignatius smiled graciously at the father, the message was received loud and clear. Little did the father know that he had no such intentions toward the child, he just admired his beauty. There was nothing sexual about it. It was a misunderstanding on the father’s part, and already his other two sons had stood next to their father ready for anything if he made the wrong move.

Not wanting to cause any trouble, Ignatius turned towards his master. The elegant Isis stood up and smiled at the three humans, the look in her eyes seem to melt the tension away. She engaged in friendly conversation commending him on the fine job of raising a small child on his own. She soon had all three men calm and relaxed, laughing as she thanked them for the fine hospitality. Taking Ignatius’s arm they left the tavern in peaceful harmony. They left the wine and gold on the table.

Back at Isis’s castle, Ignatius paced back and forth. They were in the smaller parlor with Isis sitting comfortably by the fireplace as she continued to work on her needle point.

“May I ask why you needed to embarrass me, what have I done to incur your displeasure in my service to you, why did you allow that idiot of a father to believe that I would fancy his son?”

She never looked up at him as she admired her artwork.

“Did I not defuse the situation to your liking?” she waved her hand as if dismissing his concerns. “No matter Ignatius, nothing came of it.”

He stood there looking at his master, and decided it was not in his best interest to pursue this line of conversation. So he decided to move on to something else that he has wanted to discuss for some time.

“I am ready Master Isis, it is time.”

Isis understood, it was why she took him to the inn. There comes a time when vampires feel the need to move on, to build their own houses.

“One hundred years Ignatius that is all I ask. That will give me enough time to find a suitable replacement to my house. Give me one hundred years more of your faithful service and I will not only support your house with a strong alliance, I will give to you as a gift that lovely human whom you admired so much.”

Ignatius was appalled by her request and it showed on his face, as for Isis she merely shrugged her delicate shoulders in indifference and continued with her needlepoint.

“A hundred years from now that child would not exist; even if you gifted him to me now I refuse. You as well as everyone within this house know that I do not care for children; I have never taken a child to my bed. Furthermore, I have no such interest for one so young. “

Isis sighed softly and placed her work aside; she stood up and walked slowly towards Ignatius. Her long red hair hung unbraided down her slender back almost touching the floor. She wore an ivory beaded gown with an empire waist and lace that seem to drip over the shoulders with sleeves just above her elbow.

As she moved the beads glittered with the reflection from the candles and fireplace an ethereal beauty that many admired. And when she did move it was more like floating a few inches from the floor she glided, she mesmerized all with her pale green eyes, even Ignatius was not immune to her alluring charms.

She looked up at Ignatius as her warm delicate hands rested on his shoulders; she smiled up at him and said.

“There are many who believe a boy of twelve is already a man, and this particular little man is an absolute beauty. Deny it if you like, I however know you better then you know yourself. Your interest in the man that he will become is already peaked. You will keep an eye on him and when he is older you will want him.”

Of course Ignatius tried to deny her accusation, reminding her that he is a child of which he finds distasteful. He may have done unspeakable things in the past, but never with a child. If there ever was a redeeming quality in Ignatius is that he never harmed a child. Perhaps that is why Alarica remained with Philippe untouched, she may be an adult. But she is truly an innocent child in her soul.

Before he could say anything else Isis placed a finger over his lips, her warm sweet breath soothed and calmed him. She placed a chaste kiss on his lips and slowly glided back still looking at him, smiling.

“You can refute it all you want Ignatius, but even you have to admit that the child will indeed become an exquisite beauty as he grows older. I have seen his mother, a lovely combination of Spaniard and Roman blood. In six years time Adriano will be in his eighteenth year can you imagine what he will look like, that hair and his eyes? Oh my, even I am tempted to keep him for myself.”

Ignatius had to admit his master knew him well, yes he intended to look into the boy as he grew up just to see what would become of him. And if he did indeed keep his beauty he most certainly would be interested.

It is a rare combination of masculinity and feminine beauty mixed into one person. His Philippe is beautiful whereas he is masculine and tall, Adriano will be smaller and soft. What a lovely way to start his own house with two perfect beings at his side, faithful and loyal only to him.

Master Isis’s soft voice pulled Ignatius out of his quiet musings; she did not have to read his mind to know exactly what he was thinking of. She slowly turned to go back to her needle point as she made her point clear.

“I have come to admire your Philippe; he is charming with the mind of an old wise man. What separates him from your average politician is his compassion and honesty, he is a thinker. Not resorting to violence unless it is necessary, qualities that I value for a First of my house. Do not get me wrong my friend you are and have been an excellent First, it will be difficult to find another just as efficient as yourself.”

When she proposed an exchange the human for Philippe of course Ignatius refused, he too also appreciated the value of his charge and he had no intention of ever giving him up. Of course Isis had to honor the fact that Philippe is made by Ignatius, she could ban him from her house but she really could not take Philippe at least not without force. It would only lose her the respect of her house.

And now that Ignatius was ready to move on, a master vampire in his own right Master Isis understood this. The lovely human child would be a perfect bargaining tool to keep Ignatius a little longer with her in the hopes that Philippe would choose to stay on with her voluntarily.

“What is one hundred years Ignatius? It is nothing, six years is a blink of an eye for our kind. Grant me this small little request my darling and when the boy is truly a man he is yours a gift of my love and gratitude.”

Ignatius laughed softly, six years is definitely nothing. If this human turned out the way he knew he would, he would most certainly want him. To make the offer sweeter, Isis offered to help fund him and she would open the doors of her house if anyone wanted to follow him they could. A strong and profitable alliance would be forged between them.

She also reminded Ignatius that if he planned on having Philippe as his First then this was a great learning opportunity for him if Ignatius allowed his young charge to stand in for him. For the next one hundred years who better to learn from if not Ignatius?

To seal the deal Master Isis slit her wrist and offered it to Ignatius, he smiled at her as he went down to one knee and accepted her gift.

So it was agreed, in six years the human will be his if he wanted him and when his service to his master was completed he would allow Philippe to stay if he wished it. Ignatius had no problem agreeing to the terms, one

Philippe would never leave him. Two, he would get the human and three his alliance and support from Isis would make him not only powerful but very rich as well. It appeared he had the better bargain.

Or so he thought he did.

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“Adriano is your real name?” Jaden asked.

“Yes lovely, but I go by Adrian now.”

“So when you were eighteen she gave you to him?”

Adrian smiled sadly as he remembered what happened, with his hand he brushed the stubborn lock of hair out of Jaden’s eyes.

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For six years Ignatius did indeed keep an eye on Adriano (Adrian)and when the human did grow to become even more beautiful than he expected. He wanted his gift, but for some reason Isis refused and she warned him not to go against her wishes.

Once again he found himself in his master’s private room and she was knitting as he paced back and forth watching her take to her new hobby. While she knitted one and purled two, it appeared Master Isis was ignoring her First. In fact, she kept a watchful eye on his every move.

He could not believe she would go back on their agreement, he watched his master knitting what looked like a twelve foot scarf. She used every color she could find and it was hideous, who could she possibly make this for a one eyed Cyclops?

“Master I do not understand, I am here. I have served you faithfully for centuries and I will complete the next ninety four years as requested. In the end if Philippe chooses to stay I will give him my blessing. But why refuse my request? You were right this young man is beautiful and I want him. Why am I being denied now, have I not always complied with your rules?”

Master Isis admired her work thus far, she made a slight jerk of her head acknowledging that her knitting project is not exactly a work of art. Tossing it aside she leaned back in her sofa and looking up at her First.

“I ask that you indulge me with your patience my darling.” Her voice did not come out sweet nor soft, it was matter of fact and slightly cold. The look on her face clearly indicated that she did not have the patience she required of him.

“As you well know now is not the time to think of personal pleasures, I have to move our house preferably out of Florence.” Flipping her hand out in irritation as if she was swatting a fly out of her face.

“The people are dying, this so called Black Death is causing a severe deficient in house funding. We have to move and it is your main priority to make the proper arrangements. Everywhere I look there is sickness, disgusting refuge of discarded bodies. How can I possibly hunt in such a depressing environment? It is beneath my house to continue to live here.”

“All is arranged my lady even as we speak my Philippe is taking care of the final details, he has a villa on a private island. Somewhere south of France, not as grand as this but it will have to do for now. Let me have Adriano master, now more than ever is the perfect time to take him away from this misery.”

Master Isis waived away his request, “No my First, already the poor darling lost his siblings to this annoying illness. Adriano and his father are now safely behind castle walls under the protection of their king. To take Adriano now would only create more problems and he will hate you forever.”

Even thou Ignatius protested Master Isis’s word was final, she stood up and quickly left the room motioning towards Ignatius as she passed him.

“Come along Ignatius my darling First, there is much to be done. Give me two more years, if Adriano is still alive then he is yours to take. For now house matters comes first, as for this island villa I wish to know more about it. I expect to return to my home as soon as possible, after all I cannot be expected to live in pathetic squalor now can I?”

As for Ignatius he was furious, but what Master Isis wants Master Isis gets. He felt betrayed and trapped and wished he never struck the bargain with her. He pledged his service and loyalty to her and it would be a big mistake to back out now. He had to live up to his reputation as First so that becoming Master of his own house can become profitable.

Two years, two more years before he can claim his prize. Two years is nothing he will wait, however if Adriano dies then the deal was off.
The two years had come and gone, Master Isis had her castle back and all is right in her world. The Black Death it seemed to come and go over the years throughout Europe, but it would take about 150 years for the European population to recover.

There was so much to be done with the move back home, had it not been for Philippe’s impressive sense of organization Ignatius would have killed anyone who got in his way. Lately he verged on the threshold of madness. At least that is what was being said about him behind his back.

Philippe worried about his master, on several occasions Ignatius was short with him and just plain rude. He had hoped that once the dust settled after the move that his master would also settle down.

As far as Isis was concerned it was business as usual now that she was back in Rome. She found a new hobby, painting. She sat proudly in her painters dress, brush in one hand and a palate of colors in the other.

Beautiful male and female vampires sat around the room in various poses while she painted them. Naked except for various flowers and silk fabric covering them in strategic places, some poses were innocent and sweet. Others were not so innocent.

But no one complained as it was a break from the chaos of having to move from one country to another. As for Ignatius he stood in the doorway watching his master paint, it looked more like someone threw up on the canvas. He could make out various limbs but the rest of the body parts were distorted, sometimes he truly wondered how Isis saw the world.

“Ahhh Ignatius my darling, do join me. Would you like to pose for me? You may not believe it but I am actually quite good at this.”

From the evidence on her canvas he knew better regarding her so called talent for painting, he cringed at the very idea of posing for her and he hoped she would not insist. Tilting his head in respectful fashion he politely declined her offer.

“Actually my lady I have come in search of the border guards. I need for them to report to the commander, unfortunately there is still much to be done. Please forgive me, but I am needed elsewhere.”

Pale green eyes stared at Ignatius, everyone in the room felt the air thicken with tension. No one dared to move or say a word, some even stopped breathing. As for Ignatius he just stood there, strength and confidence in his stance while he waited on his master’s whims.

A small smile crept across her lips and she put her brush and palate down, standing up she clapped her hands like a teacher calling her students to attention.

“Come now my sweet little darlings, off you go. I thank you for your time my pets, but you are all needed and I have been remiss in helping you neglect your duties.”

At this moment they were all too glad to return to their work, instead of walking they practically ran out of the room. Leaving the Master and her First behind, as for Master Isis she seemed lost in thought as she admired the firm backsides of her models as they each disappeared through the door way.

“I really do enjoy painting; it has a soothing effect on me. Do you not think so Ignatius?”

Ignatius bit his tongue to hold back what he really wanted to say, eight years he has waited and now his master acts as if the agreement never took place. At the risk of incurring her wrath he cleared his throat to get her attention back on him.

“What, did you say something Ignatius?”

While she busied herself cleaning up her paint brushes and closing her little pots of paint Ignatius tried again to get her to listen to him. Since they returned she had managed to be preoccupied to spare anytime for him.

“It appears my lady that I have fallen out of favor with you.”

Master Isis turned to stare at her First, with hands on her hips she frowned at him. She brushed back the loose strands of hair from her face and stepped up closer to Ignatius, tilting her head to one side with false contrition in her eyes.

She reached up and placed one hand on the side of Ignatius face, what passed for a sad face she smiled at him.

“Nonsense darling, you are and have always been my most precious favorite. Do not think that I have forgotten our agreement, why each passing moment that you are here pleases me to no end. I only want is best not only for you, but for Adriano as well. After all soon he will become a member of my house and I want to ensure his happiness here.”

When his master is being sweet and soft it somehow put him in a calming trance, Isis can be very convincing when she wanted to. But hearing the last few words from her struck him cold and he pulled back to put a little distance between them.

“A member of your house, what do you mean? When Adriano is changed he will belong to me and it will be in my house that he will live in not here. It stands to reason that I will be the one to change him.”

Master Isis looked at Ignatius as if she were dealing with an unruly little child, she even laughed softly as she shook her head at him.

“What manner of gift is that my dear? When the time is right, I will change him; my blood will birth him into his new life. When the time is right and only when the time is right, that is when I will gift him to you with my blessing.”

He wondered if vampires could be infected with the Black Death, because right now there was a burning sensation rolling in the pit of his stomach. If she changed him, Adriano will belong to her. She can keep him with her indefinitely always dangling it in front of his face but never letting him have what he wants.

Trying to control his anger he whispered low to come off as composed and non-confrontational.

“My dear lady if Adriano is to be mine, is it not best that I change him? That way he will…….”

She raised her hand up interrupting him in mid sentence, “Of course not darling, you cannot gift yourself my gift to you. It is as if I did not live up to my end of the agreement, and I simply cannot and will not have that.”

Master Isis rolled her eyes as if saying “Duh?” turning away from her First she went back to her paints.

Ignatius stood there watching his master, he could not argue with her he will lose. He fisted one of his hands letting his nails dig into his palm and welcomed the pain; it helped to keep him centered.

Keeping his voice calm and even he asked. “Master, my lady when will be the right time?”

She never turned around as she kept cleaning up and wiping her paint brush.

“I know you think I am horrible Ignatius and I cannot blame you, I did ask you to wait until now. However, have a heart my dear do be patient. His father is very ill now and I cannot see him being taken away at a time like this and I must admit that I sympathize greatly with the dear boy. After all I was not there when my father died and it has plagued me for years.”

There was silence as she tapped her bottom lip with her finger as if lost in a sad memory, she shook her head and waived her hand dismissively as she continued to talk.

“Well to be honest not years, however I did require a little time to heal from my loss and within a week’s time I was myself again. That is all I am trying to do Ignatius, I am trying to spare the poor thing he is going through a very difficult period right now. Allow him to accept his father’s passing and enough time to heal from his pain.”

Ignatius closed his eyes and took in a deep breath, damn it he told himself he never wanted the cursed child to begin with. He took in a cleansing breath one more time just to make sure his voice would not give away the fact that he was getting angry with her.

“Very well master, you know what is best within your house. May I respectfully ask how much more time the boy will need?”

Master Isis smiled and turned around to look at her First, she could see the strain in his eyes as he tried to hide his anger from her. As if Ignatius were a child being rewarded for good behavior she held his face in her hands and gave him a kiss on each cheek.

“Oh my sweet Ignatius such a patient darling, especially when I am being so cruel to you. I can be quite trying am I not? Oh no need to answer I know what you are thinking, yes quite a hardship I am.”

Ignatius pressed his lips together and gave her a quick nod.

“Of course not my lady, never a hardship always a pleasure.”

Master Isis smiled broadly she knew he did not believe it anymore then she did. She took him by the arm and led him over to her easel gesturing for Ignatius to sit down.

“Master, how much more time will the boy need?” Ignatius asked trying very hard to hide the irritation in his voice.

She stood behind him patting his shoulders, leaning in close she whispered in his ear.

“You should take up a hobby my darling, for example painting. I find it has a very soothing and forgiving effect on me. It will free your mind and soul as you lose yourself in creating something beautiful.”

Ignatius stared at her painting; it did nothing to calm him. This discombobulated mess of colors added to his frustration. What kept him from ripping it apart was the soft sweet sound of his master’s voice as she kept telling him about the rewards of making something with her own hands.

He watched hazily as she removed her own work of art and replaced it with a blank canvas, urging him to try his hand at painting. Wrapping her delicate arms around his shoulders she kissed his neck and whispered her answer to him.

“Give the poor dear five years, surely that is enough time for him to mend his broken heart?”

And then she was gone from the room, leaving Ignatius alone to contemplate what he heard her say. He sat there staring at the blank canvas and he did not even realize that he snapped the paint brush in half. She was stringing him along, she had no intention of ever letting him leave to start his own house. She wanted Philippe which he himself had no intention of letting go.

In his mind he screamed every obscenity he knew at her, he could see himself grabbing her by that long mane of red hair and ripping it off her scalp. As he stared at the canvas all he could see was red, blood red. Her blood pooling all around her, her death. He could see her begging him to let her live and he decided at that point in time it was enough.

Ignatius stood up slowly and placed the broken pieces of the paint brush on the table, walking over to a mirror on the wall he checked himself making sure he looked presentable. From his pocket he took out a leather cord and used it to tie back his hair in a loose ponytail.

As if nothing happened he slowly walked out of the room, in the hallway he found Philippe quietly talking with the house manager as they went over the final details regarding the placing of furniture. Ignatius took him by hand and led him away.

“Master Ignatius?”

Ignatius held Philippe at arms length so that he could admire his beautiful face, his hand caressed his thick silky hair as black as midnight and deep blue eyes. He loved how sincere and honest those eyes always were, he loved his soft sweet voice.

He is beautiful, nothing feminine all masculine. But there was softness within his soul that made Philippe more beautiful and alluring. Why couldn’t he love him? He cared for him, found him very useful and he enjoyed his beauty. However, he never did experience that all consuming passion of love.

It was the same with Adriano, he wanted him yes. Love had nothing to do with it, the fact that he could own another beauty entreated him. Perhaps he reasoned that with Adriano he will find that love which had eluded him for so long, perhaps. If not, then he will become a lovely addition to his collection.

He embraced Philippe and could feel him stiffened in his arms, ahh yes the poor dear is still afraid of sex. So sad really, he did appreciate the small sacrifice his young charge made for him really he did. Too bad he could not love him. He kissed him gently on the lips and let him go, there was confusion in his deep blue eyes.

Giving Philippe one last caress to his face, Ignatius smiled and then turned to leave the castle. Leaving a beautiful confused vampire behind.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Adrian stopped talking so that he could stretch out his arms and legs, it felt good to work out the kinks in his muscles. He turned back to see Jaden anxiously waiting for him to go on.

“Um Adrian did your dad die from that black stuff that was going around?” he spoke softly; Jaden felt badly if his father died in his arms.

Adrian shook his head and made himself comfortable facing Jaden. “No lovely, on the night Ignatius came for me I was with my father at his bedside. Papa, my father died of Consumption.”

He sighed sadly as he remembered his father’s suffering. “The human race endured many diseases, some ending in death and Consumption even today is widespread. My poor papa was infected and suffered until the end.”

Adrian lay back staring up at the ceiling as he remembered that horrible night.

“Papa could not sleep that night, his breathing was so labored. I am ashamed to say that I wished for his death only to end his suffering. Never in my life have I prayed any harder for either his cure or a swift peaceful death. Papa received neither one and to add to his misery he witnessed my abduction.

That night I heard someone break into our home, I was so frightened to see this crazed man staring at me. There was anger and madness in his dark eyes, I tried to fight him off but it was useless. I had no idea who or what he truly was.

My poor father cried out in vain, he fell off the bed trying to help me. I have always kept a weapon on my person a small blade. Somehow I managed to break free from his hold and slashed him across his face with my knife.

To see his flesh mend in a mere matter of seconds sickened me, I realized that what I was dealing with was far from human. Papa watched in horror as this wild animal took away my knife breaking it in half and throwing it away. He lunged for me again grabbing my arm and hitting me so hard across the face that it cut the inside of my mouth.

That hurt he told me and the only answer I gave in return was a mouthful of blood that I spit out in his face. He laughed at me as I tried to free myself, I kicked, I punched him and pulled his hair anything to cause him pain and to get him to release me.

When he had enough of playing with me he hit me again and I spun around losing my balance. The last thing I remembered seeing was my father crying and begging this mad man to let me go.

I do not know for how long I was unconscious, but when I awoke I was greeted with excruciating pain throughout my body. He was on top of me, inside of me and dear god I was mortified. I cried and begged him to stop, it was so painful. He would beat me if I complained and continued to rape me; I closed my eyes and prayed it would end soon.

It seemed to go on forever, but thankfully he found his release and emptied himself inside my body. Never in my life have I felt so ashamed to lose my virginity to a monster, the worst part was the hunger. He changed me during the rape and I had to plead and beg to feed from him. It all happened so fast, for more than a month he kept me hidden away, imprisoned in some godforsaken hell buried deep in the earth.

On the last night he started to be nice, I did not wake up to the same nightmare he has forced upon me night after night. He mumbled something about the Blood Bond not taking; he cleaned me up and dressed me in the finest clothes I have ever known. And then, he took me out of that hell.

I was presented to his master, never have I seen such beauty and anger in pale green eyes. His master was furious and I noticed how heavy the air became that I was forced to kneel on the floor before her. I looked around and could not believe that among the human race this species existed.

How was it possible no human knew of them, there were rumors yes of demons, the undead. But it was nothing compared to this horror. At least for me at that time it was a horror. The rage in Master Isis was felt by everyone; I could see them shrink back as if afraid to be too close to their master.

The fear in their eyes actually made me feel sorry for them. It was as if they knew what would happen next. Before Ignatius could even react, his master sent him flying clear across the grand ballroom to crash against a huge mirror on the wall. Shards of broken glass exploded and rained downed on some of the poor unfortunate ones standing too close.

Ignatius did not fall he remained plastered on the wall, his master stood up from her chair and actually glided slowly across the floor to stop and look up at him, my god he was at least eight feet high. Everyone turned to look up at him as if he were crucified to the wall.

That mad man actually laughed at her and screamed about an agreement she never lived up to. As for his master she only smiled and ordered her guards to surround me and claimed me as her new pet, I was trembling so hard and so afraid. My mind was racing after what I had been through with Ignatius I could only imagine what terrors lay before me with his master.

A shouting match ensued between Ignatius and his master, how dare she take one created by another master and that she had no right to do so. It went on and on and I covered my head and screamed so loud that I had no idea I was even capable of it. I just wanted it to stop to end it all.

I looked at Isis and begged for death, to release me from this nightmare and allow me the freedom to be reunited with my family if the heavens will accept me.

She laughed at me, it was cruel and cold, it was right there that she offered me up as the house whore. Anyone could have me if they wanted, anyone she shouted, except of course Ignatius. I was stunned, to be used as a common whore? Somehow I was able to stand and ran to the nearest exit.

Only to be caught by Philippe, there was sadness in his eyes as he held me. I pleaded with him to let me go, he hugged me to him and I broke down crying. A beautiful small petite little woman put her arms around my waist and had me sit down next to her in the chair she occupied.

What could I do? I was trapped in this endless nightmare. Through watery eyes I watched Philippe approach Master Isis and he went down to one knee, everyone gasped when he offered to take my place.

“Why would I do such a thing Philippe? You have done no wrong.”

“Exactly” Philippe replied. He then stood up and pointed in my direction. “Nor has he my lady, you are not known for punishing the innocent; you have always been fair but firm. I understand your anger towards my master, I believe at this moment the entire house is equally angry."

I could hear the others murmur their agreement to Philippe’s words. Ignatius himself hissed in anger as he tried to stop Philippe from doing anything. Master Isis’s hand came up and Ignatius was unable to speak again. He remained a hanging mute on the wall.

Master Isis walked over to me and ran her fingers through my hair, I was so afraid of her that I lowered my head down in an effort to hide from her. I could hear her laughing softly and then I heard her walk away to face Philippe.

“You belong to Ignatius; therefore this lovely child will belong to you.”

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief including Philippe, but Isis raised her hand to stop anyone from celebrating prematurely.

“He is yours Philippe only on two conditions.” She said and the look in her eyes told him there will be no negotiating involved.

“If you refuse Adriano will be granted his wish to die, or I may still keep him as our house whore. Agree to my terms and no harm will ever come to him.”

Ignatius was fighting to free himself from the wall it was almost comical to see him struggling, in my heart I hoped his back was hurting from being pressed so tightly against the broken mirror. I was indeed hopeful it hurt as I could see his blood trickle down the wall.

I heard Philippe agree to her terms before she even spoke them. No one agreed to anything with a master vampire without knowing what they will get into. Philippe was unafraid; he smiled at Isis and kissed her hand which pleased her very much.

Master Isis turned and looked up at Ignatius with a cold smile on her lips.

“Adriano is yours Philippe; you can do as you please with him. You see I have not taken him away from his master. However, his master is not allowed to touch him for as long as you live within my territories. Ignatius is to complete his service to me, since Adriano is with you and that is the same as belonging to him.”

Behind Isis Philippe stood and obediently answered her with “Yes Master Isis, as you wish.”

She smiled from ear to ear still looking up at her frustrated First.

“When Ignatius has completed his service to me, he is free to leave and go wherever he likes, build his own house if he so desires.”

Ignatius stopped his struggling and waited for the other shoe to drop; he knew it could not be that easy.

She turned to face Philippe now and placed a hand on his beautiful face.

“You Philippe will agree to remain with me and replace Ignatius as my First to the house.”

“Yes…Master Isis, as, as you wish.” There was indeed sadness in his voice, but he agreed just the same.

Master Isis slit her wrist and offered it to Philippe; he knelt down one more time and drank from her sealing the agreement.

I was so confused and really did not understand what had taken place, but Philippe saved me and for that I am grateful. I only hope that he would not be cruel to me and as soon as I can escape, I will.

Master Isis returned her attention back to Ignatius and from the look of his face I could tell she was not in a forgiving mood.

“And as for you, you ungrateful slug I am very disappointed in you. I never thought that my dear friend would ever betray me. I kept my end of the agreement; you on the other hand did not have faith in me. Not only will you commit to complete your service to me but you will be demoted. I am sure our house manager can find something useful for you to do.”

The poor house manager looked green in the face when he heard that now he will oversee Ignatius.

Isis walked closer to the wall and Ignatius began to slide a few feet down so that she could tap him on the toe of his boot. I must admit I was delighted to hear him groan in agony as glass and splintered wood scraped against his back.

“Refuse me Ignatius and I promise you a slow and painful punishment, I will bury you deep in the catacombs and leave you there to rot for all of your miserable existence!”

Everyone froze and stopped breathing, to be buried alive I could not even fathom it. No, death would be better.

She was about to leave and stopped to look at Ignatius again.

“Considering that is was you who broke our agreement I am no longer obligated to keep my word. When you are free to leave you can build your own house, there will be no alliance between us. For the next ninety four years I strongly suggest you keep yourself occupied and out of my sight. If I ever lay eyes on you again………”

She did not bother to complete her words it was clearly understood that the next time it would be the catacombs. She turned on her heels and stomped out of the room, everyone else wisely followed their master.

As soon as she was out of the room Ignatius was dislodged from the wall and fell face down on the marble floor, he was such a bloody mess. I watched him as he slowly got up and walked over to Philippe; he grabbed him by the nape of his hair and shook him hard.

“How dare you.” he hissed angrily in his face.

Philippe grabbed his arms and pulled him closer, “How dare you master, when were you going to tell me about this agreement? Do you not see she had planned this all along, she had played you for a fool and now the agreement is in her favor and you are left with nothing.”

Ignatius released Philippe and turned to look at me, dear god I had hoped that he would forget all about me. He could see I was very much afraid the beautiful woman sitting next to me put her hand over mine and looked at Ignatius as if daring him to do anything.

He snorted in disgust and slowly walked away, “Well I suppose I should report to Galan, the poor thing almost fainted when he heard I am under him now.”

Philippe ran over this his master, “Ignatius wait, I am sorry but I could not let her punish this child, he has no fault in anything. What is going on what have you done?”

Ignatius patted Philippe’s face and kissed him on the forehead.

“Do not worry my angel, I will make it right.”

I was left behind with Philippe and the beautiful woman whom we now know as Alarica and it seemed that Ignatius had indeed had forgotten all about me.”

“Holy crap.” Jaden whispered that was one cold bitch. So you guys were stuck with her.”

“I became an assistant to Philippe and followed him everywhere, if I was not with him then I spent my free time with Alarica. As the years past I grew to love them both with all of my heart.
There was talk of a council forming and most houses did not agree, I went to Spain with Philippe to attend one of these meetings. It was there I met and fell madly in love with Victor Drakar`. Actually Philippe arraigned it so that we would meet.”

Jaden laughed, “Oh my god, don’t tell me you ran away with him?”

“Actually lovely before the council was ever formed things were done by ancient laws, which meant that Victor challenged Master Isis for me. Of course she refused and tried to kill him, it was the biggest mistake of her life. Victor is a seasoned warrior and Isis had always been a politician, I suppose I do not need to tell you who won. And with her death that left Ignatius to re-claim his position and become the new Master of the House with Philippe as his First.”

“All right Victor! My man, um no your man. She fought Victor she didn’t have soldiers to fight him?”

Adrian smiled as he remembered that day, “She did, but they were no match for him. When he finished with them, he took care of her. He really did not want to kill her, however she forced his hand and she died.”

“Way to go Vic. So that’s why the ignoramus is so pissed. If he tried to force you to stay, Victor would have kicked his ass too.”

Adrian tried to suppress his laughter; sometimes Jaden said the funniest things. “Exactly, Ignatius knew better then to challenge Victor.”

“Sorry you went through hell with that animal, but I’m so glad you’re with us.” He tried to hide a yawn but Adrian knew better.

“I am glad too lovely, come let me tuck you in.”

Jaden did not argue in the end he will fall asleep whether he wanted to or not, he hugged Adrian and asked if he would stay with him.

“Of course lovely, when you awaken your Marcus will be here to greet you.”

He lay next to Jaden and not that he needed to anymore but he allowed himself to doze off; he actually slept the day away. At early evening he was awaken when he felt a very familiar presence and quickly got out of bed securing his robe and walking barefoot out to the main room.

His heart skipped a beat.

His breath hitched and he hugged himself as golden blonde hair and icy blue eyes of his mate stood there looking at him.