Sweetening the Deal

     "Now settle yourself in that chair behind my desk, Miss Charlotte. Lady Llwellyn’s chair is right beside it," the suave man said with a tender smile. He watched the delicate child as she regarded him silently for a moment, and then obeyed him, smoothing the ruffled skirts of her large doll before climbing into her own chair. From where he stood at the door, they were clearly visible. However, Ishmael knew that once he and his guests were seated at his desk, the little girl would be invisible. He had to control the smile threatening to break out on his face as he turned to the door of the antique shop. Some things were just becoming far too easy.

     "You certainly kept me waiting long enough, Mr. Cavendish," the elegant woman snapped as Ishmael opened the antique shop’s door. Her midnight black hair snapped out behind her in a bluish flourish, nearly matching her shimmering silk cloak in colour. Sapphire eyes, tinged with garnet, regarded the man evenly, and she folded her arms when he reached out for her cloak. "I despise being kept waiting."

     "Forgive me, milady," he said, his voice smoother than whipped cream as the vampire bowed low. His smile was utterly charming, and the light in his eyes would melt ice. Something a little more…sinister flickered behind his gaze, but it vanished the moment he looked up at her. "I had a bit of unfinished business which required immediate attention, and my assistant has gone home for the night."

     She huffed, but her arms slid to her sides. When Ishmael moved to remove her cloak, he nearly stumbled as the horrifically tall creature, utterly shrouded in a voluminous brown woollen robe, stepped past him. Black gloved hands reached out and slid the cloak from the queenly woman’s shoulders, and it stood motionless by the door. There was only darkness beneath the cowl, and Ishmael did not trouble himself to examine it further. Minions were minions, and he had more pressing matters at hand. Offering the woman his arm, he escorted her to the comfortable chairs set before his desk. She settled herself with a distainful flick of her skirts and crossed long legs indolently.

     "Don’t bother," she snapped as Ishmael reached for the teapot sitting nearby. "I’m not here for pleasantries, Mr. Cavendish. You made a bargain with my liege and I’m here to collect his payment."

     "Ah yes, your liege…" He trailed off, pouring himself a cup of tea. Smiling almost impishly, he looked at her over the teacup’s rim for a moment. "Pity about his illness, isn’t it? I hear the kingdom is becoming quite unruly."

     Her wine-red lips compressed, throwing the sharp angles of her cheekbones into higher prominence. "I am not here to discuss that matter, Mr. Cavendish." She hissed his name with vicious intent, and the hidden thing by the door shifted, its’ cowled head turning to regard them blankly. Ishmael smiled calmly, adding a lump of sugar to his tea.

     "Then I would suggest you find a civil tone, Lady Elaine," he said blandly, stirring his tea. He met her narrowed gaze evenly, remaining silent for a moment as he enjoyed his tea. Ishmael set the cup down, smiling kindly and leaned forward, resting one hand on the woman’s knee. The cowled figure stirred, but fell still when Ishmael began to speak.

     "Don’t think this is your lord’s court, little bitch. Your airs and pretensions merely amuse me. If you cannot bargain like a civilized woman, then I’ll send you back to your liege in an elegant box and he may try another person more suitable to our deal." His voice was perfectly calm, pitched low, but the look in his eyes, and the burning heat emanating from his hand, made the woman pale considerably. Ishmael smiled with sudden good humor and patted her leg, causing a wince. He sat back and reached for his cup once more. "Now, what was it your lord was speaking of when he wanted ‘something more,’ in addition to what I’m giving him?"

     Lady Elaine Delacour ni Eiluned took a deep breath, composing herself. She smoothed her skirt, trying to hide the trembling of her hands. "He mentioned a certain time piece that rumors indicate you possess. He authorized me to offer you whate-"

     Ishmael’s laughter rang through the store, causing the shrouded figure to shift itself once more. "Oh, dear lady. Does your master think me a fool? Do you think me a fool? I know very well what I hold, and I know what he offers. There will be a deal, but it will be the agreed upon exchange: no more."

     She sat back, a faint flush colouring her pale cheeks, and dropped her lashes over her eyes. The shrouded thing shifted once more, turning the cowled head towards the door. Ishmael looked up, and something savage glinted in his eyes as he rose hastily.

     "Now, my lady, forgive my haste, but I do have other business to deal tonight. If you would be so kind…" He held out his hand, fingers extended. The lady frowned, then fumbled at the neck of her gown. From within the placket of jet black lace she drew a fine silver chain. A sapphire dangled from it, perfectly spherical and gleaming unnaturally. It turned as she offered it, and for a moment, something within the gem blinked. It was only momentary, and Ishmael’s hand swiftly closed around it. He moved slightly, and it was gone. The vampire smiled, showing perfectly normal teeth, and swept his arm out grandly.

     "Your price lies this way, my lady. If you and your escort would be so kind…?&qu

ot; Ishmael stood back, allowing the sidhe woman to pace before him. He and the cloaked figure exchanged a…look? before Ishmael motioned it ahead. The thing walked with silent paces after its’ lady, and he turned to smile sweetly at Charlotte.

     "Be a dear and entertain Miss Claire while I’m busy, would you my darling? I won’t be long." With that smile which could, and possibly did, charm angels from the clouds, the vampire strolled after the sidhe woman and her escort. The back door shut silently, but the echoes of unspoken laughter seemed to ring softly until a knock came to the front door, and a woman’s voice called inside.

     "Ishmael? I brought scones!"