‘But I just?—’
‘And I will remind you, again, that you are not just going to be ruling humans. Like it or not, at least half of your subjects will be vampires. They deserve the same consideration.’
‘Do they?’ I mutter.
‘What was that?’
I know she heard me. She just wants me to repeat it. ‘Do they? Deserve the same consideration? Because if that’s the case, I guess I’d better herd them into towns where they aren’t allowed to leave. Where they have to give up their lives, their choices, their very blood, just to be safe. Then it will be equal for everyone, right?’
‘That’s not?—’
‘I know it’s not what you meant. But when there’s such glaring inequality, surely the focus needs to be on raising people up, rather than knocking them down? Me checking how humans enter and leave this house is just a small thing, but it could make a difference. Not just to them. To our own safety.’
She presses her lips together, but her expression softens.
‘I don’t want to argue,’ I continue. ‘I feel like we do enough of that. I know you and Father are helping me, and I also know I wasted a lot of time when I should have been learning. But that can’t be changed. If you want me to rule, you need to let me try things.’
My mother nods. ‘You’re right, of course. To a point.’ There’s a flash of warning in her eyes. ‘Come. Let’s sort out those gowns of yours. Image is as much a part of ruling as anything else.’
* * *
Just before sunset I hurry down the flight of steps at the front of the house. Our huge travelling coach is parked on the curve of gravel drive, silhouetted against the fading sky. A second coach waits behind, to carry guards and blood dancers for our journey. There are human drivers on both coaches, as we’ll be on the road during the day. I cannot wait to get out of here.
The coach door opens with a hiss, the steps unfolding. I haven’t been inside it for a few years. It still smells the same, like perfume and violets. Still looks the same, all gleaming chrome and soft velvet, plush cushions and carved timber, gilded with the faint gleam of candle lamps. It’s massive, with a second storey and sides that extend outwards, all sealed against daylight.
The flight of narrow stairs at one end leads up to two doors, one of which opens into my room. It’s small but comfortable, with a bed against one wall, a built-in wardrobe and dressing table with a gilt-framed mirror, a TV on a stand and an en-suite bathroom. All done in velvet and tapestry and carved timber, the peak of luxury.
I drop my bag on my bed. There’s not much in it, just my notebook and a few old documents to read through, my jewellery box and toiletry bag. I unpack, putting everything away. My trunks have already been loaded, my gowns hung up, shoes lined along the shelves, glittering and shimmering.
You have more privilege than you know.Kyle’s words, spoken in a darkened room in the Safe Zone, twist through my mind. He wasn’t wrong. I didn’t know. But now I do. And I plan to weaponise it, to use it to speak for others like me.
Outside the sky is dark navy, a few stars starting to appear. My parents are on board now; I can hear them below, talking to Varin. I open my jewellery box, lamplight sparking from the small pile of jewels. There’s a small wooden acorn, nestled amongst the gleaming gems, the leaf and dimpled cup perfectly rendered. My heart clenches. Michael bought it for me at one of the night markets in the Safe Zone, after we’d been dancing. Something about it feels real, warm compared to the icy glimmer. I hesitate, then pull out my phone, my finger hovering over his number. Maybe I should just message him, make sure he’s all right. Or maybe I should let him go.
I put my phone down and head out to the small landing, telling myself it’s for the best. I need to move on. There’s movement behind the other door, which leads to the driver’s cockpit. On impulse, I knock on the door then push it open. ‘Hello?’
Inside are two padded leather seats, plus a dashboard covered with dials and switches. The windscreen curves above me like a bubble, open to the road and wide sky. A young woman clad in a black and silver Raven uniform is kneeling by the dashboard, fiddling with something. A long red braid snakes across one shoulder.
At my entrance she turns, her blue eyes wide. ‘Oh!’ She stands, wiping her hands down her uniform. ‘My lady? Can I do something for you?’
‘Sorry, I don’t think we’ve met before. You are…?’
‘The driver. Uh, Sophie.’ The young woman blinks, as though surprised at my question.
‘Nice to meet you. Uh, so—’ I gesture towards the two seats, feeling awkward ‘—I was wondering if I could sit with you, while we’re travelling during the day?’
‘Of course. Whatever you like.’ There’s a line between her brows, though, despite the brightness of her tone.
Right. I’m still her boss. The thought briefly deflates me. I don’t want to push myself on anyone. ‘Well, it’s also what you like. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.’
She grins, her face lighting up. ‘The only thing making me uncomfortable is that it’s dark.’ She glances out the window. ‘We need to get on the road, if we’re to make our schedule.’
‘Emelia?’
I stick my head out the door. My mother stands in the curve of stairs, the pale oval of her face turned up to me. ‘Are you coming down?’
‘I might stay up here a while.’
‘Of course.’ She smiles. ‘Come when you’re ready.’
