Chapter Six
Moving into the dorm room where the rest of the girls were kept later that night, Alice looked relieved when Lindsey rushed up to greet her.
“Your bed is over here! Did you like him? He’s sweet, right?” Lindsey beamed, taking the other woman’s hand and leading her over to a bed in the corner, by a small window that looked out over the manicured yards. “Are you going to marry him?” she asked softly, glancing over at a group of women in the corner.
“It’s a little early for me to make a decision about something like that,” Alice smiled softly, sitting down on the bed with a sigh and freeing her hair from the tail that Lindsey had trapped it in. “He was not the monster I expected him to be, though, so I have no reason to hate him except for my kidnapping.”
Pouting, Lindsey sighed and nodded, looking disappointed that Alice hadn’t agreed to marry the king on the spot. Sitting next to Alice, she leaned against her side lightly, much to the surprise of the witch. She didn’t push the blonde away, though, instead gently wrapping her arm around Lindsey’s too thin shoulders.
“You must be the new girl,” a silky voice said and a slender form slid into Alice’s peripheral vision. Glancing up with a sigh, Alice regarded the new speaker with a frown.
A vampire with alabaster skin, dark curls of black hair that cascaded down her face and curves that most women would kill for stood in front of her. Based on the small pack of humans, Fae, and vampires standing behind her, it was easy enough for Alice to determine that this was the woman giving poor Lindsey grief. She would have to make sure it was understood that the childish antics were done with as long as she was living in the coven.
“Alice, and you are?” Alice asked, moving to her feet and calmly regarding the woman in front of her. She made no move to shake hands, waiting to see if the woman wanted to be friendly or not. She was not going to play their little game.
“Veronica,” the woman said, eyeing Alice slowly and pursing her lips. “I didn’t think that the prince would be interested in a portly little thing like you.” She smirked, earning a chuckle from Alice.
“Unfortunately, I don’t know the prince well enough to know his type. Certainly, though, if he were into women without a little meat on their bones, it seems he would have already selected a mate.” Alice smiled back at the woman, retaining her nonchalant stance.
She had dealt with women like Veronica for years and she had learned that the best way to get under their skin was to stand firm and not give them any power. Veronica was clearly a young vampire and had none of the experience that the women at the witching academy had had. There was very little she could say or do that would get a rise out of Alice.
“And you think that he’s going to choose you?” Veronica demanded, her lips twitching in obvious irritation. Alice shrugged, sitting down on the bed once more and glancing out of the window.
“Whether or not he chooses me, it’s my decision. He’s already made it pretty clear that he’s interested in pursuing me,” Alice pointed out, glaring back when the woman in front of her glared and seemed to bristle with anger.
“Why would he ever want to marry someone like you? You’re a peasant; you’re useless,” Veronica spat, trembling as she glared at Alice, her companions tittering nervously behind her.
“Useless? Well, I don’t believe I’m useless.” Alice smiled, her hands on her knees. “Then again, you do not know who I am, so it makes sense you would make assumptions in order to make you feel better about yourself.” She sighed, looking up at the woman with a knowing grin.
Veronica’s eyes flashed crimson as she moved closer to Alice. Since her verbal taunts appeared to be having little to no effect, she was growing more and more aggravated. That was exactly what Alice wanted. The best way to conquer any society was to go for the head, and she was going to take Veronica down now before she ever had the chance to try to gain power over her.
“You aren’t welcome here,” Veronica glared, grabbing Alice and pulling her off the bed. Her fangs flashed dangerously, her mouth opening to bite down on Alice’s shoulder dominantly.
“Consto.” Alice couldn’t do much magic with the repressor around her neck, but she had enough power to do basic spells and put the brat in her place.
Instantly, Veronica froze, her body going rigid as Alice moved to her feet and pressed her finger to the terrified vampire’s forehead. Smiling as Veronica let out a muffled, terrified noise, Alice leaned in close to the woman.
“Now you listen to me,” Alice began, her silver eyes locked onto Veronica’s. “Your reign of terror is over. From here on out, I don’t want to hear about you speaking unkindly to any of the other women here. If you do decide to cross me and speak ill of any of the women here, I will make sure that you remember who is in charge.” She growled before pulling her finger away from the other’s forehead. “Eximo.” She pulled away as the woman slumped back with a gasp, the spell dissipating at her command.
“Y-you’re a witch!” the woman squeaked, letting her followers pull her back. Alice nodded, crossing her arms over her chest with a smile.
“That I am,” she agreed, moving over to the bed again and sitting down. “Now, I’ve had a long day. I would appreciate being left alone so that I can rest.” She smiled up at the terrified looking women.
“Of-of course!” Veronica gasped, rushing away from the bed and leaving Alice and Lindsey sitting alone in the corner.
“That was amazing!” Lindsey gasped, holding onto Alice’s arms. “How did you do that? I’ve heard about witches, but I didn’t realize how powerful they were!” Alice chuckled at the girl’s excitement, leaning back against the bed with a sigh.
“That was nothing. A quick spell like that is easy to use and maintain even with my powers as low as they are,” she explained with a chuckle. “One of these days, maybe I’ll teach you a thing or two. Magic is inside everyone; it’s just a matter of learning how to harness it.” Lindsey seemed thrilled at the idea and beamed as she hugged Alice tightly.
“I’d love that!” Lindsey said, pulling away from Alice before moving into the bed just across from her. “You should get some sleep. I’m sure the prince has something fun planned tomorrow to win you over.” She grinned, pulling off her dress before slipping into some silky pajamas.
Alice nodded, sighing at the idea of the prince going out of his way to woo her. She would give him one thing: he was persistent. Despite her misgivings after being kidnapped, she decided that she would give the man a chance. It wasn’t his fault that his mother was trying to find him a mate. She hadn’t been out on a date in years and it might actually be a nice change of pace to have someone attempting to win her over.
Curling up in bed, she was just pulling the blankets over herself when she heard a little scratch. Looking up, she frowned, only to beam when she saw who was sitting just outside the small window. Pulling it open, she allowed a damp, exhausted-looking Talon to leap into the room.
“You’re ok!” She pulled him into a hug and laughed as the cat let out a huff and nodded.
“Alive, but very sore,” he muttered, pulling back and shaking out his fur. Starting to vigorously lick himself clean, he looked up at the woman and hummed. “I’m glad that you’re unharmed.”
“I’m alright.” She nodded. “Things have been strange, but I’m not in any danger here.” She pressed a kiss to the top of Talon’s head and earned a huff from the exhausted cat.
“Great. I’m glad to know that I braved the wild just to find you relaxed and pampered,” he huffed, though he didn’t seem to truly be upset. Instead, he nuzzled against her shoulder and curled up in her lap.
“I’m so sorry. I’m just glad to have you back,” Alice whispered, trailing her fingers slowly through the cat’s fur. It was reassuring to know she had a friend to watch her back in the coven.
Talon didn’t respond. Instead, he curled up into a tighter ball and within a few moments had fallen fast asleep with his face pressed against her stomach. Smiling, Alice rubbed at his ears gently before lying back against the sheets and closing her eyes, allowing the quiet sounds of the harem to soothe her mind while she curled around her oldest friend.