During Kya's Maiden's Blood, Arcen and Luca both took care of her needs; while unorthodox by human standards, nothing seemed to please them as much as claiming her monthly free-flowing blood. The day it ended, Luca once more summoned the dressmaker, who arrived promptly the next morning to Cairn Baden in her carriage, with two wagons of chests containing clothing and fabric samples.
"My lady Baden, a pleasure! A pleasure!" Madame Jothgar dropped into a deep curtsy, her black silk pooling around her with a swish.
With a haughty tilt to her chin, Kya, in her guise as Celeste, acknowledged the Dressmaker. "You are the one who made the adorable costume for the dolt?"
"Celeste..." Arcen warned. "Kya is not a dolt. I hold her in very high esteem." It was said in part for benefit of the Dressmaker, who would gossip about the Baden princes' pet. It was also said in part to remind Celeste that Arcen preferred Kya as herself.
Celeste rolled her eyes, while the Dressmaker answered. "Yes, it was my privilege to craft a costume for the Lords' honored pet."
"As lovely as the pet's clothing is, I require a higher standard. I would like a motif with my gowns for socializing... black embroidered roses and thorns. Subtle and dangerous. On black gowns, charcoal gray embroidery."
"Of course, my lady Baden! Have you shades you prefer?"
"Oxblood red, indigo, and jet black are my favorites, although I think amethyst compliments me as well. What do you think, Cousin Arcie?"
With a deep breath, Arcen replies. "You were lovely in amethyst, Celeste." While Kya had worked on her Celeste persona, it irritated Arcen because Luca made it a mission to claim the redhead all for himself. That as much as Luca enjoyed Kya as is... there was something intoxicating about Celeste that tested his restraint. Almost predictably, Luca entered the Blue Salon and watched Celeste on the pedestal, clad in black silk underpinnings so sheer they hid nothing. As the Dressmaker's assistants pulled forth black and red garments, Luca watches with a smirk.
Flicking his eyes to Arcen, he says low, "The Margrave sent a courier for you, Brother."
"Ah, then I must leave you to Luca as I go attend business." Arcen withdrew from the salon, hiding his irritation. There is no courier. There never is. It's just a way to tell Arcen to get lost so Luca can spend time with Celeste. Breathing deep, Arcen instead goes to his chambers and prepares for an evening with Kya.
Sweet, sweet Kya... Arcen opened a hidden door in his bedchamber and entered, magic making the stonework above glow bright white, illuminating the space. From a cupboard, he pulls out three flat, square boxes, each containing a gemstone jewelry set, of a necklace, bracelet, brooch, earrings and ring, all matching. Deciding between the ruby, the sapphire, or the amethyst, he chose the ruby set. With the box in hand, he made his way from the hidden chamber, carrying the jewelry set to his study.
Placing it gently on his desk, he put his hand on the box, infusing the jewelry with his magic... that whenever Kya wears these gems, she will feel his affection. Arcen resorted to using such measures when Luca made his claim on Celeste.
It was hoped that Kya and he would have ample time to get to know one another... but Luca's possessive tendencies means that any excuse he has to invoke Celeste's presence, he never hesitates to do so. Kya, sweet Kya, still learning to assert herself, yet as Celeste... so stunningly bold. It's like comparing the first bit of spring to the harsh bite of summer. One, refreshingly gentle and the other... brutal heat.
As Arcen lay his magic into the gift for Kya, Luca at on the sofa in the Blue Salon, watching Celeste try various corsets and waistcinchers, bloomers and knickers, and sheer peignoir and nighties in stark colors, making Celeste's skin appear milky white as the moon.
The freedom Celeste embodies, much to Kya's surprise, a heady elixir of privilege and attitude. Whatever she wanted, she got, an unofficial princess, rumored to be much in the king's favor, and scandalous to boot!
Luca addressed the Dressmaker. "Our pet needs something appropriate for a well-bred young lady for the Grand Ball. Again, in amethyst shades."
Celeste whirled around and asked, "And me, Cousin Lukie?"
Luca grinned. "All the ballgowns, day gowns, and nightgowns you wish, Celeste darling. All the delightful frills and silks and velvets your heart desires. Whatever you want, it is yours and Madam Jothgar shall see it done."
"Absolutely, my lady!"
One of the assistants held up a gown of black velvet with scarlet insets and a deep neckline. Celeste's eyes opened wide in delight. "I wish to try that on now."
The small army of assistants dressed her, tightening laces on the gown until it fit her curves perfectly. Luca's eyes narrow in pleasure at her appearance. Not caring about those gathered in the Blue Salon, he stands and approaches Celeste, studying her in the trifold mirror, before he pulls her into his arms and kisses the side of her neck.
"You are perfection." He flashes a look to the Dressmaker. "You have her measurements. Go. Now." The Dressmaker's eyes widen as she signals to her assistants to pack up with haste. It was said that the mysterious cousin held the men in her family in thrall, and it seems to be accurate! Luca turned his attention back onto Celeste, who studied him in the mirror's reflection as he returned to kissing her neck, shoulder, and then right beneath her ear. "You are so delectable like this."
Celeste grinned. "Obviously, if I get such a rise out of you, Cousin Lukie... look at you, straining at your breeches like a naughty boy spying on bathing maids." She reached out to caress the bulge in his trousers, butting against her rump.
Luca grinned and turned her head so he could kiss her lips as the Dressmaker and her army beat a hasty retreat from the Blue Salon. As soon as the door shut behind them, leaving Celeste and Luca alone, he pulled her skirt up and unlaced his breeches, sliding the blunt tip of him between her thighs before slipping into her silken heat as his hand works beneath the bodice, fondling Celeste's breast with vigor.
Arcen, noting the hasty retreat of the Dressmaker, returned to the Blue Salon to hear Celeste moaning and Luca's triumphant groan. Arcen steeled his jaw and opened the door to see Luca pulling out of a rosy-cheeked Celeste.
With a somber timbre, Arcen said, "Our carriage is ready for our planned outing."
Celeste removed the amethyst necklace holding the glamour and let it fade away, revealing Kya, smiling wide. "Oh, I can't wait! Let me go get changed."
Luca's eyes narrowed "Where to?"
Arcen smiled-- not quite reaching his eyes-- and replied, "The woods, for a picnic."
Kya addressed Luca. "I am told that the forest around Cairn Baden is hauntingly beautiful. Arcen is showing me his favorite place."
Luca raised his chin and replied. "Ah, I see. And when shall you return?"
With a small smile, Arcen replied, "Much later this afternoon."
"I'd like Celeste to accompany me to the theater tonight. Lady Ross will be present and I want to make a point."
Arcen's frown could carve stone. "Do you think that wise?" It's one thing to refuse to dance with one, and it's another thing entirely to bait one to act badly in public. Goading Lady Ross can't end well.
Luca only grinned with malicious delight. "Oh, absolutely. To see Celeste sharpen her claws on Lady Ross would be beyond delightful. She needs practice for the Grand Ball, after all... wolves will be present."
Kya's gaze flicked from one brother to the other, the undercurrent of tension impossible to ignore. "What's going on with you two?"
Their eyes landed on Kya and Luca said, "Merely discussing our division of your time, my dear."
Arcen's jaw tightened a moment, and Kya spoke again. "Is... is this going to be a problem?"
Luca's gaze narrowed as he asked, "Not at all, dear Kya."
Looking at the tension in Arcen, Kya responded, "After the theater, I shall spend the night with Arcen. And then he's taking me shopping tomorrow."
With a firm nod, Luca replied, "Very well. I suppose after the theater, my time with you is up for the week. That said, if you wish for my company, you only need to ask."
A blush darkened Kya's cheeks to Luca's delight. She asked, "Do I have anything even appropriate for the theater?"
Luca's grin grew wider. "Oh, indeed. Your dress with appropriate accessories will be perfect for tonight."
"What exactly is the Grand Ball?" Kya asked.
"The nobility from all three legs of the Trifecta 'mingle' for a night, each pretending that the others don't disdain them. I have no doubt that the king wishes to use you, Kya, to irritate the Munro." Luca replied.
"About that... the king has given dispensation for Kya and I to pursue something... meaningful." Arcen said with somber intonation, which only made Luca's eyes flare open in anger for a moment before cloaking his emotion.
"Without discussion, Brother?"
"Kya and I had discussed it at length the night of the masked ball. Of course, final say is hers, but the king feels that as a Baden bride she would be more of a thorn in the Munro paw than as a mere pet. As a pet to a vampire, she is considered degraded to Wolves. Giving her an honorable marriage, however, removes the stigma... and would be like salt in a wound to Jyla Munro." Arcen said. What went unsaid is that it was his idea to approach the King in this regard, as a means to help preserve Kya, once lay of the land became obvious regarding Luca's fondness for Celeste. If left unchecked, Luca would dominate, Celeste would never fade away and Kya would almost cease to exist. By approaching the King and asking for dispensation to wed his pet, Arcen assured as best he could to preserve Kya as herself and not as a glamour of anyone else.
Especially when Arcen mulled the situation, that it became clear Luca would use Celeste further the family in unorthodox ways.
In the six days since the ball, no less than twenty-two bachelors, four widowers, and two married men extended greetings to Lady Celeste, only to have their names noted and the letters destroyed. One letter, however, escaped destruction, as it wasn't addressed to Celeste, but Kya, and it was from no man; rather, it was a greeting to Kya from Lady Ykaterina Ross, extending an invitation to tea.
When Luca learned of the letter, he chortled over breakfast. "She only invites you, my dear, because she hates Celeste already. She thinks to pit you against Celeste, create drama, and then swoop in to oil the waters and make herself look good. Tell me, Kya, would you want to have tea with her?"
Kya shook her head. "Not really. I have the inkling she would be rather patronizing to me."
Luca's eyes narrow. "Let's just keep it as a potential option... Kya accepts, but Celeste takes over, like at the masked ball. Oh, I'd love to see Lady Ross hide her claws and utterly fail. That said, the King has invited Kya and specifically not Celeste to the Grand Ball."
Arcen reached out and took Kya's hand. "Would you like to go as my fiancee? Or as our pet?"
Looking deep into his emerald green eyes, Kya replied softly, "You honor me, Arcen. Truly."
As Luca looked on with a twinge in his heart, Arcen asked gently, "Is that a yes?"
Kya bit her lip and nodded. "Yes!" She threw her arms around his neck and hugged tightly; Arcen's arm wrapped around and pulled her close, his gaze never wavering from Luca's in silent challenge.
Arcen slid the ruby ring he charmed onto her finger before raising her hand to his lip and kissing it. "You have made me a happy man, Kya Dunfrith." The ring's magic seeped into Kya, letting her bask in the warmth of Arcen's growing affections. "Come, my lady, and let us get ready for our outing. Have no worry, Luca. I'll return her in time for the theater." With that, Arcen escorted Kya from the Blue Salon, leaving Lucarick behind.
As Arcen and Kya both changed, Luca retreated to his office and tried to tamper down his seething anger. Although the agreement was for 48 hours per week, Luca craved Celeste like a fish does water, chocking up 64 hours in the past week in Celeste's presence. That Arcen and the King schemed-- there is no other word for what was done without his knowledge behind his back-- is reprehensible.
While Arcen led Kya on a picnic, Luca rode hard for Poltaris, heading straight to Cairnbreen to talk to the king about this new 'arrangement.'
When King Glennic finally made it to his book-lined study where Luca waited, he couldn't hold back his sarcasm. "Did the little wench wind you around her fingertip as well?"
"No, but what is this about Arcen being permitted to wed her?" Luca's temper flared far brighter than he intended.
The King's eyes narrowed. "A torture of a thousand cuts to the Munro."
"I want dispensation to wed Celeste, then."
The King studied his eldest son before deciding. "No. I forbid it. Even if she were a legitimate vampire, she is inferior to you in both lineage and name. Why do you wish to wed her? Because Arcen gets the pet?"
Luca gritted his teeth a long moment before he answered. "Because I want her. She's a blood fever inside me."
The King slowly shook his head. "Your arrangement won't last if you force that girl to live two lives. Take your brother's wife as a mistress, if you must. But you will not wed the one called Celeste Baden. She is unfit for your queen."
"Because you nearly fucked her publicly at the masked ball and an object of gossip?" Luca's rage spills over to fill his voice.
"No. Because she's not truly a vampire. If, perhaps she had any vampire lineage... but she's human and singularity. You need heirs, and diluting our blood with human is to weaken our lineage. How can you force one who consumes no blood to drink a sanguine toast at your own nuptials? Don't be selfish or needlessly cruel. Enjoy your little diversion and seek a proper wife." The King counseled.
Fists clenched at his sides, Lucarick seethed. "Why did you give Arcen dispensation to wed Kya?"
The King turned and looked out the wide window before he spoke, observing his domain far beyond sight. "Because he wanted discretion... and you need his cooperation. You are my acknowledged heir. Thus you get the unavoidable trappings of state. And he promised, that if needed, he will sire a child on a vampire, if you're unable to produce a blooded heir. He will help your little pet fill that necklace with energy so you can benefit from it." The King turned his head and studied Luca before looking out the window again. "Are you jealous of your brother?"
That took Luca back. "Absolutely not. But we bought Kya together. That he gets to wed her... that he schemed behind my back to ask you for the dispensation... she's mine as much as his."
King Glennic raised his chin, his garnet red hair plaited into a long braid that whipped around as Glennic turned. "Admit it, Lucarick. That girl has you wrapped around her finger. You actually came here to whine that your brother took your plaything and wants to make an honorable woman out of her... and you're demanding more. Not even of her, but of her guise. Do you even realize that, son? That you want the fake woman, the mask, more than the real one? Do you understand how that can bite you on the ass spectacularly if she took a strong dislike to you?"
Luca sighed and stopped pacing. "She consumes my thoughts. Celeste is my chosen companion."
"Oh, I'm aware." The King retorted. "Ever consider that's the singularity blood at work? Which is why it's important for her to focus her affections on a singular person who isn't my chosen heir. The more you force her to wear the guise of Celeste Baden, the more you require her to act inauthentic for your amusement. Yes, she's delightful and gorgeous and wonderfully receptive... but the repercussions for her mind are something you truly do not want to deal with, especially since she isn't a mere human." The King stepped forward and placed his hand on Luca's shoulder in grounding support. "Celeste will never be yours the way Kya is Arcen's. I'm well aware of the agreement you both made and how you've already violated your terms... and now you come here and demand more. Be a worthy heir, my prince, and be a man of your word. At best, Celeste can only be your mistress, and we need to find you a wife. A loyal woman you can breed children upon."
Luca's eyes narrowed. "Is that what Mother was to you?"
Glennic steeled his jaw and said low. "You know she was my moonlit sky, my comfort and my joy. But even so, she was a loyal woman who gave me children. Be a son who makes her spirit proud, instead of acting like a spoiled little shit."
As he glared at his father, the anger of his mother's passing still ate at him. Silver poisoning is an agonizing way to go. "Is that why you wish to rub Kya in the face of the Munro at the Grand Ball as Arcen's wife rather than our pet?"
Glennic grinned. "Yes. Can you imagine how things will go for the Munro when their Alpha finds out her heir sold an untouched Singularity for twenty measly pieces of gold... who was claimed by the Baden and given appropriate stature as the mate of my youngest son? That will be entertainment enough for the ball as it spreads to all the gathered nobility that one- the Munro sell humans, and two- the Munro heir sold a Singularity for a pittance, which demonstrates just how clueless she is and how unfit she is to be her heir. The other wolf clans... well, if they decide to take a vote and replace the Munro after seeing how foolish their actions... I wouldn't blame them."
As Luca and the King discussed politics, Arcen rode his horse with Kya before him, weaving through the deep forest around Cairn Baden. Juniper, cypress, and cedar mingled with oak and beech. Moss dripped from branches and the nightlarks sang sweetly in the dark woods. Arcen reined his horse, stopping at a small, but well-built manor house. He dismounted before helping Kya down.
"I thought we were going for a picnic?" She asked with a smile.
"We are," he replied. "But this... this is my gift to you." He pulled a key on a green ribbon from his vest pocket and unlocked the door before handing the key to Kya. "This is our home, if you wish to stay here."
Kya's lips parted in shock. "Our home?"
With a soft nod, Arcen replied. "Ours. Away from the castle and prying eyes. A sanctuary for us." He holds her hand, lifting it to his lips and kissing the ruby ring on her finger, before releasing her hand. "I shall acquire a cook, a maid, and a lad to chop wood. They will be human. A safety measure if you should ever bear children." He pauses a moment and asks, "Tell me, truly, what do you feel for Lucarick?"
Blood floods to her cheeks as she replies candidly, "I like having the freedom as Celeste... he encourages that. But... his affection is for her. Not me... and I'm very aware of that."
His eyes search hers, seeking any hesitation or doubt. "Do you truly wish to wed me?"
Holding his gaze, she nods. "I'd be a fool to decline. I enjoy your warmth, Arcen."
"You do realize that this... this is upsetting to Lucarick."
With a huff, Kya replies, "Did he not tell me himself that if I wished for affection, to seek you? He set the terms; he cannot complain now."
That brought a wide smile to Arcen's lips. "Come, my lady. Would you like a tour of your new home?"
She grinned. "Absolutely, because I'm most curious where the bedchamber is... and whether we can test it now and later tonight."
Arcen pulled her close and kissed her lips oh so sweetly. "Absolutely, my lady."