#4569 Penthesilea Madridoor -- The Palace
Quote: Originally Posted by Penthesilea *The meal over, he assisted her from her seat, taking the opportunity to run his hand down over hers, and escorted her out of the room. She half expected to find herself in some sort of love nest. Instead, they walked into a study. Sitting by the fire, sipping what had to be blood from a wine glass, was Angelique de la Sang.
*Penthesilea immediately controlled her alarm response and remained calm but ready. The situation might not be as dire as she thought. She wasn't holding her breath, however! Angelique put her glass down and stood up to face the Prince and Penthesilea.*
Prince Palamedes: Here she is, my love, just as I promised. *Angelique smiled and Penthesilea could see just a hint of elongation in her teeth. Lovely.*
Angelique: I'm pleased to finally meet you, Miss Steele. *She extended her hand. Penthesilea took it.* I am Angelique de la Sang.
Penthesilea: A pleasure, my lady. Your fame precedes you. *Penthesilea considered quickly and then continued.* If you wished to meet me, you had only to contact my publicist or The Ages management. I'm sure something could have been arranged.
Angelique: (amused) Wasn't the meal and the company worth the trouble?
Penthesilea: (smiling tightly) The meal was excellent. As for the company, if His Royal Highness doesn't stop groping me immediately, I will have to hurt him. *Angelique shot a sharp look at the Prince, who withdrew his hand.*
Angelique: You may have her later, my love. After we have finished our business. *Not without a fight, Penthesilea thought.*
Penthesilea: And what business would that be?
Angelique: The Prince and I have heard rumors that someone is planning to import Black Lotus into Madridoor. You are in a position to hear things. We want to know what you hear. *Penthesilea thought fast.*
Penthesilea: What I have heard, from his own mouth, is that a vampire named Keil is involved in the operation. He and the assistant manager of The Ages intend to use the club to distribute Black Lotus to select patrons of the club, probably those in positions of power. From what I heard, Dante is not involved. *Angelique smiled. Her fangs were definitely showing.*
Angelique: Excellent! You will be a good source of information. All that remains is to insure your loyalty. This won't interfere with your bloodbond at all and won't hurt. Much.
*Angelique closed for the strike. The Prince grabbed Penthesilea so, he thought, she could not escape. Penthesilea used the Prince for support as she lifted her feet off of the floor and kicked Angelique solidly in the midsection with both feet. The vampire staggered backwards from the blow. Penthesilea dropped her feet to the floor and became "dead weight." Forty years earlier, the Prince might have managed but not now. Taken by surprise, his grip slackened and Penthesilea slammed her elbow into his midsection. He "woofed" and let go. Free of restraint, Penthesilea dove away from them and looked for an avenue of escape. Angelique recovered her balance and, snarling with fury, when after Penthesilea. She didn't get far. Penthesilea heard a "thunk" and then a scream. She looked. A crossbow bolt was sticking out of Angelique's chest where it had shattered her breastbone. Penthesilea looked the other way. Standing only a few feet from her was Kodiak with a small, loaded crossbow in one hand and a sword in the other, looking more dangerous than she had ever seen him. His eyes were black...*
Kodiak: Make another move toward my lady, either of you, and you will die. *He glanced toward Penthesilea, just for a second.* Are you alright, my dear? * Careful not to block his shot should he need to make it, Penthesilea came to his side.*
Penthesilea: I'm a little rumpled, my love, that's all. They couldn't manage anything else. *Kodiak gestured to the Prince with the crossbow.*
Kodiak: Pull it out. I don't want her dead. At least not as long as she keeps her teeth out of my lady. *The Prince did as he was told. Kodiak and Penthesilea conferred quickly by inspeaking, agreed and Kodiak continued.* There are other powers who are anxious to keep Black Lotus out of Madridoor. We are agents of those powers. We can work together to save this city or I can kill you both now and my lady and I will do it alone. Decide. *It was the Prince who answered.*
Prince Palamedes: There is no need to kill us. Angelique sometimes forgets that coercion is not always necessary. We will work together. You have my word and that is binding on Angelique as well. *pause* Might I ask where you are from?
Kodiak: Perhaps later. When I trust you a little more than I do at the moment. *He inspoke to Penthesilea and she took his sword as instructed. He put his now free arm around her waist and pulled her close into his side. She put her free arm around him.* For now, we will be going. *With that, Kodiak took Penthesilea with him as he "stepped" and they were gone....*
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