+ Consort Bath +

Vali gently opened the massive bronze door, entering the lavish harem baths. Three eunuch trainees trailed him, their gaze fixed on the towels they held, unsure of their next move, especially upon seeing the unconscious woman in the tub.

The rose-scented water was now tainted with blood from the captive's injury.

Vali's lips pressed together in annoyance. "I instructed Cederic not to harm the females during capture. Such treatment tarnishes my reputation as the Head Eunuch."

"Should I summon the healer, Master?"

After a moment's pause, Vali responded, "Let's clean the captive first."

He gently lifted the woman, carrying her to the octagonal pool directly beneath the dome. The dome boasted diamond-shaped panels of colored glass, filtering in the soft morning light. The pool was spacious enough to accommodate numerous harem girls, providing a relaxing soak.

"Arries, Joseph, wash her hair with care. Use the jasmine and orchid scents, but remember, moderation is key. An overpowering scent can be off-putting to a vampire's keen sense of smell. Kyle, see to it that her skin is properly cleansed."

His assistants moved carefully across the dewy mosaic tiles, with fragrant steam enveloping the room. The new trainees seemed hesitant, eyes averted as Vali began to undress the woman. He had been in their position once, so he empathized. With time and exposure, their current hesitation would wane.

"Is she the last of the female captives?" Arries inquired.

"She is," Joseph replied, glancing over his shoulder cautiously. "I find it odd that Cederic delivered her so late. I trust him not, regardless of his childlike facade."

Vali nodded, "That's a wise sentiment, Joseph. As eunuchs, our primary duty lies in ensuring the well-being of the females. Only we are permitted to tend to the harem."

Arries, spreading honey through the captive's hair, remarked, "She's unique, with silver hair and eyelashes and a complexion resembling winter snow. Unlike any other captives we've seen."

Vali mulled over the observation. "She lacks the defining features of a faerie, were, siren, vampire, phoenix, or nymph. The high lords have particular tastes; they favor delicate, shorter consorts skilled in the art of pleasure."

He continued, "Moreover, Cederic mentioned she was troublesome. He's even suggested a lower rank for her. Remember, only virgins can be consorts. Experienced women are automatically ranked as High Consorts."

Kyle voiced a concern, "Cederic may have influenced her rank. Shouldn't we verify her status? What if Cederic, or others, took liberties?"

As Kyle's hand drifted lower, Vali promptly halted him, pulling his hand away from the woman.

"Before my time as a eunuch, I served as a soldier. Cederic and I have known each other for millennia," Vali began. "Though Cederic may appear as if he's…" He hesitated for a beat before continuing, "Well, I'd rather not put it into words. My life's valuable to me. But what you suggest is out of the question. The Vampire King trusts him for his competence. And from what I've heard, Cederic particularly dislikes virgins when seeking pleasure. I'll respect his request."

Kyle fetched a cake of brown olive oil soap and a sponge from a marble bench close by. Returning to the shallow pool, he gently worked the soapy sponge over her arms and neck. "It's been a decade since the last empress passed away. Is it true that the Vampire Council is considering selecting a new one from the Consortium?"

"Yes, it's true," Vali confirmed.

Arries, curious about the royal politics, inquired, "Did the King approve this personally? Or is this just another duke attempting to place a spy in a pivotal position? Perhaps she'll meet the same fate as Empress Fenech? Her betrayal was exposed, leading to her public execution. It's unbelievable that Duke Cyr escaped without repercussions, especially after he manipulated her."

"She brought it upon herself," Kyle interjected, lathering the soap over the woman's legs. "Maybe Duke Cyr enticed her with false promises. Sometimes, women can be easily swayed, especially if their affection lies with someone from the Vampire Court."

Joseph, lifting a clay pitcher of water, added, "Many in the harem would go to any lengths for power. Their seductive ways can manipulate the unsuspecting. Just imagine, using charm to persuade someone to release them." He poured water over the woman's silvery hair. "Has an Empress been selected from the concubines?"

"Not yet. The Dukes of the Vampire Kingdom will make their choices at the Blood Moon Banquet. Three will be selected from the High Consorts, two from the Consorts, and two from the Escorts," Joseph explained.

"And who are these chosen women?"

"Ladies Haiti and Ingrid are the Escorts, Ladies Marguerite, Hyacinth, and Catriona are the High Consorts, and Ladies Ophelia and Clarence are the Consorts."

Arries' grip tightened on the pitcher at the mention of Clarence's name. He struggled to maintain his composure as he recalled their shared past. "Clarence is included?"

"Yes," Vali replied.

Arries grappled with his feelings, thinking about the betrayal of his childhood love. He'd risked everything to save her, only to find she didn't desire salvation. Her capture by vampire soldiers from their village five years prior was still fresh in his mind. Kyle's words echoed—women could indeed be unpredictable.

Vali remarked as he rinsed the woman, "To vampires, women from the Consortium are merely tools. They seek nothing more than momentary pleasure." He motioned to his assistants, "Get the towels. Once she awakens, it will be time to introduce her to the Harem."