Word spread like shadows, stretching and creeping through Venice as the night wore on, whispering about the death of Angelique. There was mourning, of course. Mostly, however, it seemed that there was concern about what would happen now that the spirits she controlled were free. Adriana did not mourn. She was not concerned. Secretly, she celebrated. Finally, she was free of her mother’s overbearing control.
Arturo, her twin brother, and her mother’s favorite, had been distraught over the news, and demanded vengeance for his mother’s senseless slaughter. That is, until it came to light that it was Angelique’s own fault that led to her Final Death. Arturo raged, blaming everyone but their mother for this atrocity, until elders of the clan forced him to calm down and see the truth. He was ordered to focus on reclaiming the spirits she had once controlled, and had set off to do that.
Adriana, who was oft overlooked, learned from one of the servants about what had happened concerning her brother. As for her mother, an Elder of the clan had informed she and Arturo of the matter. Closing her eyes at the news, she took a steadying breath, thankful for her hidden acting talent that guided her through her mock mourning.
She knew her mother had been in the States, in a city known as Phoenix. She had been at her recent wedding to a man named Shiloh, but may as well have not been present, for all the attention paid her or drawn by her. Adriana made arrangements to fly out, but first she needed some details about the city. This task fell to Cristiano, a long-time servant of her immediate family.
They had grown up together, and when she was much younger, prior to her embrace, there had been talk of the two of them marrying, but it never came to fruition. Angelique had grander plans for her daughter – plans that failed to come to fruition, which in turn led to Adriana being called a waste of vitae, or being deemed generally incompetent. She truthfully was not, but her mother scared her, and it had been that way all her life. Adriana blossomed best when she was not under her mother’s thumb or supervised by her, but this was so rare that few knew the truth.
Despite being married to another member of the Rosellini family, Cristiano still quietly held a love for Adriana, though these days it was more platonic than it had been in days past. It was not difficult for him to come up with information on Phoenix for her, and when he handed her the information, she thanked him with a rare smile.
When Cristiano had gone, Adriana looked over the information he provided. It contained information such as the general hierarchy of the Camarilla city, and a rough idea of population, as well as known rules and edicts. A name caught her eye — that of her former stepfather, one Brandon Decacious. Pausing a moment, she closed her eyes and thought.
No, she decided, He deserves it. With a reluctant sigh, she gathered her jacket and keys, leaving the large house and weaving her way through the city until she reached a secure storage facility. There, she opened one of the smaller rooms, and wandered inside, and began going through some boxes.
Adriana may have not had much interaction with him, unless his care was pawned off on her, but she had loved her younger brother dearly. Sean had been such a vibrant, intelligent young man — full of life and promise. It had been out of petty spite that her mother had killed him. He’d been studying at Oxford, and she’d slaughtered him in his dorm room. Adriana still mourned, even though the death had been a little while ago.
The boxes contained what she had been able to salvage from both his dormitory, and his room at the house. She took a moment to sit on the floor, pulling out a sweater from one of the boxes, held it close to her face, and she inhaled deeply. Sean’s scent still lingered, and it was one that always made her think of warmth and happiness, as he always seemed to be full of life and good humor. Eventually, and with a sigh, she put the sweater back, and continued to go through boxes, eventually setting out a few things she thought would work.
“Can’t forget this.” she muttered, pulling out a small figure. Sean had taken some art electives in university, citing that he should learn the greats — an explanation that appeased their mother, as long as he kept his grades up. He’d made something, and kept it hidden from everyone but Adriana, until he had the chance to gift it to his father for the holidays. Tragedy left this undelivered, and Adriana felt that Sean would want her to ensure it arrived to its proper place.
Photos gone through, and a few things carefully packed later, she made her way home to pack for her trip to the States. Upon arrival, she found that Cristiano had set her luggage out for her, and she packed — being especially careful with Sean’s things that she intended to gift. The figurine meant for Brandon was something she would keep in carry-on, to ensure it didn’t get lost. It was a near fifteen-hour flight, even by private plane, and refueling would be needed. So, while there wasn’t much chance of her luggage getting lost, why risk it at all if she didn’t have to?
Cristiano helped her load the luggage into the car, and drove her to the airport, waiting until she was safely boarded before leaving. Adriana tucked her carry-on bag under her seat before removing a book, and she began to read, until it was time for sleep. The idea was to leave at six in the morning, to arrive in Phoenix by around midnight. She should, she surmised, be free of most of the jet lag since she’d already be asleep all day, but there was also no guarantee of that.
When she awoke, the plane was still midair, and she had received a text confirming her hotel reservation. Nerves had startled to settle in, and she had to keep telling herself that Mother would not be there to chastise her, or worse. By the time the plane landed, she wasn’t quite a wreck any longer, but was still nervous about being in an unknown city, with an unknown Prince. Her luggage was collected, a car rented, and she followed GPS directions to her hotel, getting settled in before once again looking over the information Cristiano had given her before she had left.
Elysium was in the Chase building, and if she remembered protocol correctly, she needed to introduce herself. She felt rushed, as she wanted to avoid trouble, yet she still took the time to review the Traditions of the Camarilla, as well as the addition rules and edicts of the city. Eventually, satisfied she understood them, she left her hotel room. Again with the aid of GPS, she made her way to the Chase building, and made her way inside, following the directions of the ghouled guards at the door, until she found her way to the main gathering area.
There were many faces, but none she recognized. Nor could she put a name to any of the faces of what appeared to be the hierarchy. Feeling small and lost, she tentatively made her way through the room. The only person she’d be able to recognize was Brandon’s, but he didn’t appear to be there, and she couldn’t discern who the Prince was. Biting her lower lip slightly for a moment, she steadied herself, and was about to take a step forward, when a hand touched her shoulder.
“New in town? You look…lost.” came a male voice.
She turned and looked up, finding a man of African descent, with white hair and glasses. “I suppose I am.”
“I suppose you’ll be wanting to meet with our esteemed Prince, then.” he continued.
“Yes, please.” she said with a shy smile. “Can you direct me to him?”
“Of course.” he smiled brightly. “I’m Thomas, by the way.” he said, offering her a hand.
“Adriana.” she said, taking it gently and giving it a brief shake.
Thomas smiled again, and pointed out a tall man with short, cropped hair, dark eyes, and n overall casual yet serious appearance about him. “That’s Adam. Come — I’ll introduce you.”
“That’s very kind of you. Thank you.” she said sweetly, giving a small smile once more.
Thomas offered her an arm, and after taking it, he escorted her over to the Prince.
“Excuse me sir, if I may have your attention?” he addressed the man he’d pointed out.
“Of course, Thomas, what is it?” he said.
“We have a newcomer who wishes to meet with you.” Thomas said, sounding almost cheerful.
“Thank you, Thomas.” he replied.
Thomas nodded, and gave Adriana a slight hand squeeze before letting her go. “Good luck.” he whispered, before wandering away. She watched him walk away for a brief moment, before turning her attention to the Prince, his expression now serious.
“Recite the traditions, as you understand them.” he began. Adriana nodded, doing her best to answer. Fortunately, she had a good memory, and could give satisfactory answers.
“Name and clan?” he continued.
“Adriana Giovanni, Clan Giovanni.” she said. She winced inwardly when his body language shifted, just enough to show caution and a sigh, before composing himself again.
“Given.” he said. “How long do you plan to stay?”
“Only as long as it takes to take care of business.” she replied, trying her best to sound confident.
“What is it you’ve come to take care of, then?” he queried, steepling his fingers as he studied her.
“I’ve come to try to make reparations.” she stated.
“What for, exactly?” he said. It felt like his eyes were boring into her soul at this point, but she tried not to think about that.
“For the strife my Mother has caused.” she replied.
“You’re Angelique’s childe?” he queried, an eyebrow slightly quirked.
“Daughter.” she corrected.
“What is it you think you can do?” he pondered aloud.
“I don’t know. But I want to try to correct things, if I can. She’s hurt people very badly, and they didn’t deserve her wrath.” she answered honestly.
“No, they didn’t.” he confirmed. “So, what is it you are willing to do?”
She blinked at the change in tactic. “Whatever I can.”
“Money?” he asked.
She nodded.
“Boons?” he offered.
Again, she nodded.
“What about your life?” he inquired.
“I’d rather not.” she said, her voice barely a whisper.
“You may stay, on one condition.” he finally stated, after several moments of contemplation.
“What might that be, sir?” she asked tentatively.
“Find someone willing to sponsor you.” he said, smirking inwardly, just a smidge.
“Oh… Umm… I might be able to do that. How long do I have?” she asked, an idea forming in her head.
“Present me with your sponsor by no later than ten tomorrow evening.” he stated.
“May I ask a question?” she said.
“You may.” he replied.
“Where might I find Brandon Decacious, by chance?” she inquired.
Surprised, but hiding it well, he answered her. “Thomas can give you that information.”
“Thank you sir.” she stated.
“Don’t thank me yet. I’ll be letting you know when you’re allowed to leave.” he cautioned.
Nodding, she took this as a dismissal, and turned to find Thomas. She asked him for the information, then chatted with him a spell about the city before leaving. Back at her hotel room, she unfolded the slip of paper that contained Brandon’s number. She had been told where his Elysium was, but she did not feel comfortable confronting him in front of others. She took some time to try to rehearse what she was going to say, before dialing the number she had been given.
“Hello?” came the somewhat familiar, seductive voice. Instantly, she could picture him.
“Is this Mr. Decacious?” she asked.
“Yes. I’m afraid I don’t know who I’m speaking with, however. How did you get this number?” he queried.
“Thomas gave it to me.” she explained.
“Ah, I see. Now, may I have the pleasure of your name, Miss?” he asked.
She could hear the sly, seductive tones. “My name is Adriana Giovanni.”
There was a long pause before he answered. “Adriana? Angelique’s daughter?”
“Yes, sir.” she responded.
“No need for the sir. Wonderful to hear from you. I gather you’re in town?” he asked.
“Yes, and I was hoping we could meet. Tonight, preferably.” she said tentatively.
“Of course, of course. Why don’t you head to my place? I’ll give the address.” he said. She could practically hear his smile.
“I can do that.” she said, and jotted down the address when he rattled it off. “I’ll be there shortly.”
“I look forward to seeing you.” he stated, and then hung up.
Gathering herself, she collected the small assortment of items she had chosen to bring for Brandon, then left her room and made her way towards his home. Pulling up the driveway, she noted that the large house was tasteful, yet impressive. After parking, she gathered the box, and walked up the front steps. She was poised to knock, when the door opened, and the butler answered. She paused, taking a moment to remember his name.
“Emilio?” she asked.
“Yes, miss.” he answered. “Please, follow me.”
She nodded, following him into the living room. There sat Brandon, dressed as impeccable as ever, reading what appeared to be a comic book. He looked up as they entered, folding the page he’d been on before setting the book down. He stood, and approached her with open arms.
“Adriana! Lovely to see you!” he exclaimed.
The two hugged, and gave air kisses to each cheek. “It’s good to see you again.”
“It’s good to see you too, Brandon.” she said.
“What brings you to town?” he asked.
“I want to make reparations for Mother’s wrongs.” she admitted.
“That’s really not necessary.” he said.
“I know. But she’s wronged so many, and I feel badly about it. No one deserved her behavior. You didn’t deserve it.” she admitted.
“Does Adam know?” he asked.
“Adam? Oh, you mean the Prince?” she questioned. Brandon nodded, and she continued. “Yes, we spoke. He says I need a sponsor, and that I’m not to leave the city until he gives permission.”
“Uncouth.” he said, and sighed. “Of course, I’ll sponsor you.”
“Thank you.” she said, sounding relieved.
“Have you brought me a gift?” he asked.
“Oh…yes.” she handed him the box. “I hope… I hope it doesn’t offend you.”
“Nonsense.” he said, and gestured for her to sit.
She sat, and he opened the box. His expression was one of initial surprise, but he quickly became difficult to read as he went through the contents. Eventually, he came to the small box that contained the figurine she’d carefully wrapped.
“Curiouser and curiouser.” he murmured, and opened the small box. Inside, contained a small, hand sculpted chess piece — a black king, with minor gold decoration. Slowly, carefully, he looked it over. “Exquisite.” he stated, before reaching into the box once more, retrieving a folded sheet of paper. It was a note from Sean, she knew, but she had never read it. Brandon removed the paper and unfolded it, reading it over.
After several long, awkward moments, he spoke. “I think I would like some time. I will meet with you tomorrow, Adriana.”
“Of course.” she said. “And… for what it’s worth… I’m sorry.”
“Thank you.” he replied, then got up and left the room.
Adriana stood, and left the house, making her way back to the hotel, worrying about Brandon’s state-of-mind.