Smoke And Mirror - S01 E17

Story 3 years ago

Smoke And Mirror - S01 E17

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 17

“Shapeshifter”

Daniel POV

Today was definitely not a wonderful day.

Pancakes, maple syrup and strawberries remained untouched on my plate. Weird because food was the love of my life.

The reason for this miracle were the four other people at the table.

My best friend was making googly eyes at the girl who tried to kill me.

That girl was busy giving zero fücks.

Said girl’s sister was feeding her boyfriend.

Said boyfriend was trying to steal my Rolex.

Breakfast was turning out to be a lot of fun.

“Ira,” I said, conversationally. “Do tell us how you murdered the vampire King. And while you’re at it, please ask your boyfriend to keep away from shiny things.”

“Not a thief, sire.” Cyril said, smoothly.

“Not her boyfriend, bästard.” Victoria added, moody.

“I don’t admit to doing anything, Your Highness.” Ira shot daggers at both of them.

I sighed.

“This is off record. You’re not going to get in trouble.” I said, calmly. “Your sister tried to kill me and she’s having breakfast at my table now. With her family.”

Gee, what does that say about me? Certainly wouldn’t make me a spineless coward now, would it?

“She’s your prisoner.” Ira said. “Cut her a deal and let her go. Then, I’ll talk.”

I thought about that. Technically, Victoria was Xavier’s prisoner.

I honestly didn’t care if she left.

I was just about to accept when I heard one loud resounding word.

“No.”

Xavier had been abnormally quiet all this time. He didn’t look up, his voice dangerously low. I couldn’t help noticing the nice, sharp knife in his hand.

“There are no deals here, sweetie.” The Prince said, deathly quiet. “You talk and I let you live. Welcome to the real world.”

Ira flinched.

“You can’t talk to her like that.” Cyril spoke up, trying to defend her.

“This girl killed the Immortal King of a country.” Xavier said, coolly. “Sorry to break it to you, but she doesn’t need you to be her knight in shining armour.”

“I didn’t kill anyone -” Ira began.

“Save it.” Xavier looked her straight in the eyes. “How much did you get?”

Ira hesitated.

“Tell him.”

The quiet voice came from the other side of the table. Surprisingly, Victoria was supporting Xavier. What was weirder was the look in her eyes as she saw him. It looked a lot like –

Respect?

I’ll be damned.

Ira sighed.

“Twenty million.” She said, looking Xavier straight in the eyes. “There’s a researcher in Bolivia who came up with a drug that renders purebloods mortal for an hour. It was pretty easy after that.”

“Smart girl.” He smiled, impressed. He turned his attention to her boyfriend. “So what do you do, Cyril? Besides playing at being Robin Hood.”

The boy rolled his eyes.

One moment he was sitting across me, the next a sleek black raven took his place on the table. It flew to Ira’s shoulder and rested there, an intelligent glint in his hazel eyes.

There was a collective ‘ah’.

D--n the shapeshifter. That was beyond cool.

“You know how to pick them.” Victoria muttered. “Four billion boys on the planet and my sister picks the one that can turn into an ugly äss bird.”

Cyril morphed again into a black snake, baring his fangs at her.

“Ok, we get it.” Victoria rolled her eyes. “Your boyfriend is a petting zoo.”

“Why do you hate me so, madame ?” Cyril said with a slight French accent, morphing back to a dark haired lanky boy in a black hoodie. His hazel eyes were mischievous, as he kissed Ira’s hand.

“Call me madam again.” Victoria threatened, shooting daggers. “And the only animal you’ll be turning into is roadkill.”

“And that’s enough death threats for today.” Xavier said, dryly. “You should probably save some for me, Shortcake.”

Victoria glared at him.

“Think you can get Ira someplace safe, little birdie?” Xavier asked Cyril. “She needs to disappear.”

“Yes, of course, sire.”

He seemed thrilled at the aspect.

Victoria? Not so much.

Before she could protest though, Xavier dragged her away and wished them a good flight.

Bless his soul.

That was my cue to leave. I said my goodbyes and headed to the car. Marcus gave me my usual list of appointments.

Only one name caught my attention.

Princess Adriana Azaria .

Because clearly my life wasn’t fücked up enough.

As the youngest royal, Lady Adriana would come by today to invite me to the King’s funeral.

I spent a good portion of my day thinking of what to say to her.

“I’m sorry your father is dead. On a side note, I just had breakfast with the chick who killed him.”

Yeah, I was really good at giving condolences.

Five hours went by faster than the speed of light. Soon, there was a soft knock on my door and I was looking for a window to jump out of.

“May I come in, Your Highness?” Lady Adriana asked in a demure tone.

I sighed.

“Yes, milady.” I said, adjusting my tie.

Lady Adriana and her bodyguards stood at the door. She took a slim envelope from her handmaiden and walked inside alone.

She gave me a small bow and held out the letter, her face showing no emotion.

“Thank you.” I said gently, offering her a chair.

“I-” Her neutral expression faltered a little. “I should leave, Your Grace.”

I looked into her otherworldly eyes.

“Do you really?”

“No.” She pursed her lips. “I mean, yes. Yes, I should leave.”

I gave her one last chance.

“Are you sure you’re fine?”

“I-” Adriana’s voice faltered. “I am.”

I should’ve opened the door and led her outside. I should’ve told her that speech I practiced. I should’ve done anything except what I did.

I went to her and held her in my arms.

She didn’t complain or fight. I felt her breathing become ragged and how fragile she truly was. Violent sobs racked her body. Tears fell on my shirt and her nails dug into my skin, drawing blood.

And it was alright.

I knew what it was like to lose someone you loved.

If you didn’t feel like your world was falling apart, you weren’t doing it right.

After a long time, Adriana wiped her eyes, hastily. She looked down and stepped away from me awkwardly.

“I’m sorry, Your Grace.” Her voice broke. “I shouldn’t have done that.”

“Hey.” I said, holding her shoulders. She looked at me, hesitantly. “Don’t be sorry. Your father was a good man. And he didn’t deserve what happened. I’ll find out who’s behind this, if it’s the last thing I do.”

And Haven help me, I was dead serious.

“Thank you.” She said, softly. “Your Grace.”

Adriana gave me a small bow and turned to leave.

“Call me Daniel.”

“What?” She turned to face me.

What the fück was I doing ?

“It’s my middle name.” I lied. I played it over in my head. Xavier Daniel Grigori . Not bad. “I – I just like it better.”

“Of course, Your Grace.” She gave me a small smile. “I mean, Daniel.”

I felt something warm inside hearing her say my name. My real name.

I also felt like a for lying to her, but I couldn’t d--n well tell her the truth.

I was screwed times infinity.

It was only after she was out the door that I realised that this amazing woman was still my fiancé’s sister.

***

Daniel : “COMMENT ON THIS FOR A FREE TOUR AROUND MY OFFICE.” XD