My father and I look at Lily in mock shock. The rest of the room is just learning of her immunity to cyclops powers- but we already knew. But even we are not immune to the magic of contracts. My grandfather was once the most powerful gargoyle in history, and though he had passed the title of King to my father, and all the power that comes with the title, 1200 years of life results in immense power reserves.
So the magic binding the P-NDA from that interrogation all those years ago holds the same weight it did when it was drafted, despite his death. Although I was neither present nor a signee of that contract, there is always a clause that excludes my brother and I from being withheld, called the blood exemption, and thus binding us to it power. The moment the contract was finalized I knew everything my father and grandfather knew.
Gargoyles are the only creatures whose contracts are magically binding even after the death of the one who's magic bound it. Its one of the many reasons why we have been the keepers of magical agreements for millenia, and why nearly all gargoyles are lawyers now that humans laws require a law degree for legal filings. So often our dealings involve humans, so we have to play by their rules. And though we could just conjur up a piece of paper with credentials, it helps to be refreshed and stay in the loop as laws and policies evolve.
This is the reason I have not complained about being forced to go through undergraduate and law school twice every century. Fundamentals like reading, writing and arithmetic have not changed much outside of the evolution of language. We have been able to operate under the guise of 'private tutors' and more recently 'homeschooling' for grade school. But it is best not to fake this.
Humans now know that some paranormals live longer than 'normal' so we do not have to move around and hide as often as we used to. But Supernaturals do not know just how long our lives are in this family. One of our many secrets. So we do occasionally have to change our names and move. I intend to do away with that once I am King. as of now, only the Vampire Queen and the Supreme Alpha know anything about my family's secrets, and some of the truth of gargoyles. But, there is absolutely no reason not to reveal our royal status to other paranormals. All species have their own ruling families, so it is perfectly logical to assume gargoyles do as well. All ruling families across all species have special gifts, talents or traits exclusive to them, so it is logical to assume gargoyles do as well.
I do not intend to continue to hide the longevity of life we as the royal bloodline hold. With the UPU and other laws all changing soon, I see no reason why we cannot be more transparent. Obviously all other secrets are contractually bound to remain secret. But this one is more tradition than requirement. Born out of necessity from before paranrmals and humans lived in 'harmony.'
We are forced to reveal the truth of gargoyles to the Vampire Queen. Our only 'protection' is that we are only required to disclose our own age to her. Meaning next week she will learn only of my father's true age. I will not have to tell her until I am king. And by that time we will both probably be married. Hopefully whom ever she picks will bring her great joy. Though I also hope she chooses not to have a child so her reign will be long. She will be the perfect queen. She is selfless and kind, while also apparently having enough of a temper to terrify a room full of gargoyles, if her outburst is any indication.
Lily will not learn of this until her coronation, but vampire queens hold long life just as we gargoyles do. Should a Queen so choose, she would remain youthful, looking to be 21 for eternity, only resuming normal again when she gives birth to an heir. Lily knows part of this- knowing that upon their 21st birthday an heir would ascend- how ever she does not yet know she could reign for an infinite number of years if she bears no heir. So many secrets the gargoyle keep.
Since Dr. Jeffries dropped the bomb shell of her genetic differences she has sat in silence. I cannot tell if she is lost in though or in absolute shock. I cannot fault her either way. I too would be surprised to learn just how much of an anomaly I am. No sane person would receive that news with out some concern.
"... Your Highness- no creature has ever been able to use compulsion on a reigning vampire Queen- and our tonics have needed to be stronger and stronger to minimize her power. The good news is this process of increasing concentration levels while keeping dosing small and unnoticable has greatly improved human medicine. But the Princess has never known that she has been having her magic suppressed every day since she was brought home 16 years ago…"
Jill snaps at him, "Great job Jack- thank God there was no contract binding us to secrecy because you just spilled the beans."
"Spilled the beans, I did. Forgive me." Jack begs. He is very unlike himself today. He always spits facts like he is reciting an encyclopedia, but never have I seen him be hesitant in doing so or show remorse for sharing those facts. I have certainly never seen him in such a fuss that he over speaks. Shit must be serious if he is this frazzled- that level of unease is usually reserved for Jill.