“Sadly, no. Vampires are not able to harness that kind of Power.” She smiles apologetically to CK for the implied insult.
“So, no ordinary Vampire at all,” he says with pride. Although the dynamic of our relationship has changed dramatically, he still takes responsibility for me.
“You now have access to your true Powers, Aefre. Be careful with them. Do not allow them to corrupt you,” Tiamat warns me.
“Why now? Why all this prophecy and Power of One business? Why not just, you know…” I falter, not really knowing where I’m going with this. “Why was I born human and turned into a Vampire?” I carry on as the thoughts start to organize themselves.
She sighs, lowering Herself gracefully to the stony ground. We sit as well, still holding hands.
“I was cursed,” She starts. “Millennia ago. I was cursed to never bear a daughter. To never have an heir, as the Dragons are only ruled by females. However, as curses usually go, it is all in the wording. There was a loophole that, in short, allowed for my heirs to be born as humans. When Corinne was turned, I enlisted her and Ahmed to be my conduits to the Earth Realm. When she had her vision that she came to The Council about, she had come to me first with it and I knew the time was coming that my heir would be Chosen. That she would be turned into a Vampire was however unprecedented. When you came along in 996, I watched you. Watched you grow. Not able to directly interfere, I had to watch your human father pass you off to that monster. I knew your heartache and I couldn’t help you,” She says sadly. “I did the only thing I could, to give you the life you should have had. I had to wait until you were deemed an acceptable age to take on this Power. When you turned sixteen, I learned of the child. I knew I had to act quickly. That child was not destined, Aefre.” She purses Her lips at me, “I had to send you the strongest would-be sire so you could take your rightful place.”
“You sent CK and Gregor,” I breathe. “It was you who sent them.” CK’s hand tightens on mine at this revelation.
“I sent you first,” She says to CK to make that clear. “Gregor was back up in case you failed.”
“Well, for that I am grateful,” CK smiles. “Although, I won’t pretend to be happy about Gregor being there at all.”
“I knew she would fall for you. So handsome,” She pats his hand in a motherly gesture and it is very weird seeing ‘me’ do that. I realize that She must be so much older than even him. Thousands of years old, probably, and I go a bit awestruck again.
“What I didn’t account for was that awful Gregor also seeing you that same day and get jealous of you and Constantine. He told that husband of yours what you were up to. Hateful man,” She spits out. Unclear which one She is talking about, I nod anyway in agreement.
“I was horrified and unable to stop him from trying to kill you. Alas, you were turned in a barn instead of a church and I had to go back to the drawing board, so to speak.”
“Did you know what the numbers meant back then?” I ask.
She shakes her head, “No. After the disappointment in 1012, I had another look and did manage to figure it out, so when 1506 came around, I was desperate for you to make a Holy Union but again unable to directly interfere. When it looked like you and Constantine were going to stay together, I was about to give up hope that you would ever return to me when you two stubborn fools once again managed to destroy your happiness.” She frowns and we glance at each other, contrite at being reprimanded.
“Anyway, as it turned out you found Devon. Such a lovely boy. So clever and fun. He was just what you needed at that time, but once again, you were fooled by those two vile creatures, and again I was left waiting for you.” She sighs.
“So, by the time 1745 came around, I was anxious again and watched you. Oh, Fraser. He was such a good man, but it didn’t surprise me that he refused your request to turn him.” I inhale sharply and She has the grace to look ashamed for Her harsh words. “If I could have protected h
im, I would have. It’s important you know that,” She says then quietly.
I nod, my throat tight.
“Which brings us to this year and Cole. I knew he was perfect for you,” She gushes and this time CK’s hand crushes mine in protest. “I made sure that man at The Council got a copy of the prophecy. I knew it would finally be cracked and that Constantine would recognize the dates and come to you. I had Corinne shield you just long enough for you to be able to follow through. I couldn’t take any chances this time. It was my last chance to have my daughter. And here you are now.”
“You were protecting her? I did wonder why it took Gregor and Eloise so long to turn up. No wonder you wanted Aefre to kill them. Seems they caused quite the problem for you,” CK says wryly.
“Indeed. I’m glad they are gone. There is no room for them in our new World.”
“But I still don’t understand, why all the fuss? Why did I have to have a Holy Union? Why not just have Ahmed give me my Powers when I was turned? Or if I had to wait, why not in Monte Carlo?” I press for an answer to all this.
“The Prophecy was foretold, my dear. Due to the nature of your conception, you had to be powerful enough to handle these responsibilities. As a human born Dragon with no Powers and nothing to activate your birthright, the Fates required you to be something more. The only species to be ‘made’ and not born is a Vampire. Your Union had to be pure and strong.” She shrugs as if it is obvious. Well, maybe it is to Her, seeing as She has had centuries to figure it all out. But I’m a slow on the uptake. I can see CK nodding as if it all makes sense to him and think, yes of course it does. Clever SOB.
“As for the Power of One rites, you had to be tested, my dear. I needed to make sure you were capable of wielding the Power, it was like a trial run you could call it, and of course every ruler must earn the right to be respected. You are so strong. You have made this transition easily. Much more than I could have hoped for. You will be a great leader,” She says proudly, and I blush.
Tiamat stands and we copy. “Well, story time is over now, I’m afraid. You need to get back to your Realm. Time moves differently here, and your boys will be worried.”
“Wait, how do I get back here? If I want to see you again.”
She moves to stand in front of me and traces Her hand down my face. “You can only get here in your natural form, my daughter. You have only been allowed here today as it is a special circumstance.”
“Natural form?” I query. “I am in my natural form.”
She chuckles, as does CK, clearly in on the joke. “I think that Tiamat means your other natural form, my sweet.” I stare at him not following and then up, as he points directly above us to the swooping Dragons that are circling.
“Oh,” I say, feeling foolish. “How do I do that?”