It had been a few days since Stormey’s arrival. She sat in the chair and allowed her newly appointed vampire attendant, Cici, to do her hair. This was something Stormey had to get used to. She had not been comfortable having someone waiting on her hand and foot, but she was informed it was expected of her. She hadn’t wanted to insult Cici by refusing her services.
It would seem that she was the first human Cici had ever served. She was hired specifically to assist Stormey. She was a young vampire woman with pale skin, and large brown eyes that were odd for a vampire. She was tall and lean with deep auburn hair. She’d immediately greeted Stormey with a wide grin which had made Stormey feel comfortable around her.
“I love how thick your hair is. It is so easy to braid,” Cici murmured. Her fingers were like magic.
Stormey felt relaxed and calm as Cici ran a comb through her long hair. It was something Stormey took great pride in. Not having many friends to experience life with, she enjoyed taking care of her hair. She was proud that her thick hair was down her back. She had been growing it out for the past few years and only used natural substances in it. She couldn’t afford the haircare products that were sold in stores.
“Thanks,” Stormey murmured. As much as she wanted to enjoy this, she couldn’t help be worried about the first meeting between her and the princess. Hegna Riskel was known to be a hardened woman who was deadly in combat. She was a fierce vampire who protected her people.
“Almost done,” Cici said.
Her gentle tugs were enough to almost send Stormey back to sleep. A yawn escaped her. She glanced over at her bed and secretly wished she could crawl back in it.
“Are you still tired, mistress? I’m sure it’s hard to acclimate to the nocturnal life.”
“Just a little, but I should be okay. I’m anxious to learn more about the castle.”
Cici had started giving her tours around the building. She’d introduced her to many of the employees, human and vampire. Her favorite so far was the chef, Val. Stormey had thought she’d had good food before, but she was wrong on so many levels. Val’s food was an experience. She looked forward to seeing what he had cooked for her today.
And Cici was correct. Stormey was having a hard time getting used to the nocturnal life. She was sure in a few days she would be fine. She wanted to make sure she would be a nocturnal being once Hegna returned. Worry filled Stormey at the thought of meeting Hegna. She had read as much as she could about the matings of humans to vampires. In the castle was a jaw-dropping library with an endless amount of books and even a computer with the internet.
Stormey had been like a child in the candy store the moment she had sat in front of the computer. Before she had come to live in Black Hollows, she had to travel about five miles by public bus to get to the only city library that had survived the war. Now she had not only many books at her disposal but access to the internet a few floors under where she slept.
“All done,” Cici announced.
Stormey jumped up from the chair and walked over to the floor-length mirror that rested on her bedroom wall. Three days in Black Hollows, and she was already in love with her private living quarters. It was much larger than the tiny home she had lived in. A king bed with a plush mattress and fluffy pillows that had her getting the best sleep she’d had in a long while. She had awoken on her second day and found her closet filled with clothes sized perfectly for her. Stormey felt like a modern-day princess.
The bathroom and all the amenities it came with held everything Stormey had ever dreamed of. A large soaking tub, a shower that was encased in glass with multiple showerheads, a vanity that held makeup and more products that she would ever use. She’d taken advantage of the shower this morning and the bath the night before. Stormey was so used to conserving her resources such as water so her bill wouldn’t be high. Here, she wouldn’t need to worry about that. Her shower today was a long twenty-minute one.
“You certainly are talented,” Stormey breathed.
Cici had placed intricate braids and created a crown around her head. Her neck was free, and she really liked having her hair off her neck. She stared at her reflection, barely recognizing herself. The castle could be a little drafty, so she had chosen a thick red sweater that had a V-neck, jeans, and a pair of nice leather boots.
“I’m glad you like it.” Cici beamed from behind her. “Come, mistress. We’ll stop at the kitchen first so you may break your fast.”
Stormey didn’t need to be told twice. She spun around and followed Cici to the door. They were met with a guard standing outside her room. This was another thing she had to get used to. Stormey had never felt more protected.
“Good morning—evening, Desmond.” She smiled at her guard.
He was an extremely large vampire. She had to crane her neck back to meet his gaze. He, like most other of the vampire guards, appeared lethal, stoic, but respectful to her.
“Evening, Miss Jaymes.” He gave a slight bow of his head to her. Desmond was dressed in his royal guard uniform; the patch with the Riskel family crest was purple.
Stormey knew from her research that each warden had their own banner colors. Purple for Hegna, Lethia blue, and Velika red with the king’s colors of gold.
“Mistress, we will let you lead to see if you remember how to get to the kitchen,” Cici said.
“I’ll be able to get there.” Stormey laughed. She paused and glanced at the room across from hers. She was told that it was Hegna’s personal living quarters. Her smile slowly faded. The princess had been gone on official royal business. “Do you know when the princess will be here?”
“The last word I received was that the princess would be returning soon,” Desmond replied.
Stormey was not going to question any further. She turned and headed toward the wide staircase. The castle was a few hundred years old and was full of history. She breathed in deeply as they took the stairs. They would have to go down two floors to reach the dining room and kitchen. The walls were stone, with long windows that were currently blanked out by the steel coverings that kept the sun out. The handrail was a thick mahogany wood, smooth to the touch.
Once on the first level, Stormey headed into the direction of the dining room. The hallways were lengthy, and she took a few turns and successfully arrived at the dining room. She pushed on the tall double doors and entered. It was a grand room with high ceilings with two chandeliers made of pure crystals and gold. The table was long and could easily seat twenty people. It was decorated for a ritzy party. Flowers, candles, and ancient china dinnerware. The walls held sconces with fires burning. Again, the windows were concealed with the steel. Soon they would be rising once the sunrays were no longer a danger to the vampires. Stormey stared at the table but didn’t want to take her meal here. It would be lonely and cold.
“Excellent.” Cici clapped and came to stand next to Stormey.
“I want to eat in the kitchen at the island,” Stormey announced.
