Chapter 18
Yvonne became the joke of the Dutch palace. She was not allowed to sit at the table with the privileged, and was forced to take her meals on the floor like an animal. There were some who would openly tell Debra to take her beast and return to Spain, but Jochem would not hear of it. He laughed with every joke, but did not tolerate any offenses to his dearest Debra. The privileged soon backed off, but the whispers continued. Even Angie and myself began to be shunned by the court.
Queen Debra took great care of Yvonne. She saw to it the girl was fed and given a proper bed to sleep on near her own. Debra would talk to Yvonne throughout the early hours and listen to her sorrows whenever possible. My sister often shed tears with the girl, and held her til she fell asleep. There were many nights Jochem was demanding of my sister's time, and the girl had to go without, but Yvonne was no pet Debra, even though Jochem treated her as such. He insisted on depravity, but my sister always found a way to nurture the vampire in her care. With the passing nights, Yvonne's strength increased, and her youthful beauty returned.
It was an evening in the palace when Debra took everyone by surprise. She had dressed Yvonne like a lady of the court and presented her to everyone as her child. The attendees were shocked, as was Jochem. Queen Debra was not finished. She declared with flowing grace her love for Jochem, and soon Yvonne was forgotten about completely. The ladies sat with anticipation on every word, and the men slapped Jochem on the back. When my sister was finished, she addressed the King and the Queen directly. Debra began with a curtsy, and then stated she was planning the most grand spectacle for the palace. It would be a dedication to her beloved, and constructed in a manner consistent with his own displays of art. She would need time, and a place of strict secrecy to carry out her practices. Jochem beamed with pride, and offered a place he had reserved for his own future use. My sister Debra approved, and everyone applauded.
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