Golden Hue by Zachary Stone

Cathy never left my side, and we spent a great deal of time talking together. Sarah and Lizzie were in the room most of the time.
     
    By Tuesday night, I was regaining my strength. I was out of the bed and walking around. The nurses and Cathy asked me to take things slowly, but I was determined to get back to normal. We’d been invited to eat with the empress and I felt well enough to join her tonight.
     
    “At this rate, you might be able to dance with me Thursday night,” Cathy teased, as we walked towards the dining room. “
     
    “Oh, the dance,” I said.
     
    “If you’re well enough, I hope we will be able to go,” she said. “Of course if you don't feel like it, I can just stay with you.”
     
    “I think I'll be better by then,” I said, as we walked along the red carpet that stretched down the corridor.
     
    Finally, we reached the dining room. A maid opened the door, and everyone at the table stood up.
     
    “Welcome,” the empress said. “I'm so glad you feel well enough to dine with us tonight.”
     
    The table before me was large and ornate and was covered with an intricately embroidered tablecloth, and set with exquisite china. About two dozen vampires sat around the table, and I was ushered to a chair beside Sarah. Cathy sat on the other side of me.
     
    “I want to say that I'm honored to have such a brave and loyal subject at my table,” the empress said. “This dinner is in honor of you.”
     
    “Thank you,” I said. “I'm honored to be invited to your table.”
     
    The empress made a hand motion, and her servants began to bring huge platters of food to the table. I could see platters of roast beef, ham, pork, and turkey. On one large dish, I saw what looked like a large beef liver.
     
    “Please, begin,” the empress said.
     
    Everyone began to fill their plates with food. Looking around the table, I realized that I didn't recognize most of the vampires. Other than the empress and Dr. Ellen, I didn’t know any of them.
     
    Before I could reach with my good hand to put food on my plate, Cathy was already filling it with various meats. With my left hand – my right hand was still forming – I took the fork and began to eat; the food was all delicious.
     
    I barely finished my first plate full of food before Sarah put additional servings before me.
     
    “Eat up,” she said. “Remember, it's doctor's orders.”
     
    “Sarah,” the empress said in a serious tone. “I have some news for you.”
     
    “What is it?” she asked.
     
    “I have received a telephone call,” she said. “Your grandmother will be attending the dance this Thursday night.”
     
    Sarah's eyes widened, and she looked shocked.
     
    “Don't worry,” the empress said. “She told me that she was looking forward to seeing you.”
     
    Sarah put down her fork.
     
    “Did she say anything else?” Sarah asked.
     
    “No, just said that she was looking forward to talking with you,” she said.
     
    “May I be excused?” Sarah asked.
     
    “Certainly,” the empress stated.
     
    Sarah quickly walked out of the room. Cathy followed her.
     
    “I hope you’ll stay a little longer, Eli,” the empress stated.
     
    I looked at the empress and noticed her green eyes were almost glowing.
     
    “Can I ask you a frank question,” I asked.
     
    “Certainly,” she said.
     
    “Sarah killed her grandmother's daughter and granddaughter. Don’t you think she’s going to be seeking revenge?” I asked.
     
    “All I can say is that she didn’t seem angry on the telephone,” she said. “And I won’t let any violence take place under my roof.”
     
    I looked directly into the eyes of the empress.
     
    “I just want everything to go smoothly this week and for everyone to get along,” I said. “I've been fighting ever since I was bitten, and I'm sick of it. All I want in this new life of mine is to marry Cathy, be loyal to my new family, and live peacefully as one of your subjects,” I