Golden Hue by Zachary Stone Read Free Book Online Page B

walked on the décor became even more elegant and before long we reached a set of massive doors. Two vampires – already transformed – stood guard on either side. They opened the doors, and we found ourselves in a huge room. In the center was the empress sitting on an ornate throne. It was red with gold trim and had a high back. As she motioned for us to come closer, I looked closely at her features: blonde hair that was almost white, fair skin, green eyes, and bright red lips. She wore a red dress and long, red boots.
     
    “Welcome to my estate,” she said. “We’ve lots to talk about.”
     
    Cathy and Sarah bowed before her, and I decided to do the same.
     
    “It’s an honor to meet you,” Sarah said. “I wish it was under different circumstances.”
     
    “Don't be foolish,” the empress said. “Your mother was becoming erratic and dangerous. Her behavior was a threat to all of us.”
     
    Sarah stood up and looked at the empress.
     
    “What you did solved a problem for me,” the empress said. “I hereby grant you a pardon.”
     
    Sarah looked confused.
     
    “Thank you,” she said.
     
    “You don't look relieved,” the empress said. “I just saved you from a wide range of potential punishments.”
     
    “I just feel that even though I may have done the right thing, that there should be some kind of punishment for killing my mother,” she said. “I'm grateful for your mercy, but she was my mother.”
     
    The empress stood up and walked towards Sarah. She gently put her hand on her face.
     
    “The guilt you’ll feel for the rest of your life is enough punishment,” she said.
     
    She then walked back to her throne.
     
    “You’ll be expected to attend the Dance of the Night this Thursday, and be present at your ordination on Friday,” she said.
     
    “Yes, Empress,” Sarah said.
     
    “Now,” the empress said turning to me. “I want to talk to you.”
     
    Her green eyes stared into mine, and I felt a piercing power pass through me.
     
    “I hear that you’re something more than a vampire,” she said. “Come closer.”
     
    I slowly walked up to her chair; she continued to stare at me.
     
    “How much do you know about vampire society?” she asked.
     
    I studied her face before answering. She was certainly attractive -- her skin, lips, and hair were all flawless – but I found her far from likeable.
     
    “Not much,” I said.
     
    “Let me educate you,” she said. “Sarah is not only your mother, but your queen. Your allegiance and loyalty is to her. However, I am the empress and her allegiance and loyalty is to me. Therefore, you must respect me to an even greater degree than you do her. Do you understand?”
     
    “Yes, Empress,” I said.
     
    “Good,” she said. “So who are you loyal to?”
     
    “You, my empress,” I said.
     
    I wanted to barf at my words, but I knew I had to play along for Sarah and Cathy's sake.
     
    “So now I want you to pledge your allegiance to me,” she said.
     
    “What do you want me to say?” I said.
     
    “Say what you want, as long as you’re being honest,” she said.
     
    “I pledge my allegiance to you, my empress,” I said.
     
    “Good,” she said, before kissing my forehead.
     
    “Now, I have a request,” she said. “Would you transform for me?”
     
    I was angry. The fact I had to pledge my loyalty to her made me feel sick inside. If she wanted to see me transform, I was going to put on a show for her – even if it tore the room apart. Looking deep into my soul, I began to call forth the power written into my genome. As I began to glow with a white aura, I stared into her eyes. She was watching me closely.
     
    Pushing harder, I could feel a tingling all over my body as my skin turned golden. My fangs and claws emerged; I was transformed. I decided to take it further.
     
    With a primal scream, I called forth even more power. I could feel wind in the room; a vortex was encircling me. As I continued to dig