Chapter Eleven

 

 

 

“You two are not sitting next to each other ever again,” Lord Cato snipped. He snapped his fingers at Lord Pippin and me and stood over us inside the private jet. “One of you, vacate your seat. I’m taking it.”

My chuckle was soft. “The press conference wasn’t that bad.”

Lord Xenon dropped onto the leather seat directly across from me. “You have to be jesting. The thing ran over by an hour. Neither one of you would shut up.”

Lord Pippin’s lips trembled, and his eyes danced with delighted humor. “We can’t help they liked our jokes.”

Lord Cato ground his teeth together. “The simple fact that you two made any jokes during that media frenzy still astounds me.” His eyes narrowed. “I swear, the world now wants you together. You’re the please-Lord-let-it-happen ‘it’ couple. They’re already shouting for royal babies. It’s fucking ridiculous.”

I kept laughing, enjoying his dismay. “Stay up all night reading blogs?”

My father peered down his nose at me. “No.”

Liar.

“The Queen’s reputation is now even better than before. They handled it very well. No one can say they didn’t. Crisis averted.” Lord Belshazzar strolled down the aisle of the plane, heading in our direction. He stopped next to my father and stared into his eyes. He lifted an expectant black brow. “Even if some of us are sleep deprived.”

Lord Cato snapped his mouth shut, and his black brows creased. “Perhaps I am tired.” He stopped hovering and took a seat next to Lord Xenon. He groused quietly, “I may be grumpier than I’d thought.”

“We hadn’t noticed.” I snickered quietly behind my right fist.

My father’s brown eyes narrowed.

I cleared my throat and controlled myself. No need to irritate him further. He’d finally shut up.

Lord Belshazzar’s attention turned to the lord sitting next to me. He snorted and shook his head. “You know that’s my seat and window. Move your ass.”

Lord Pippin rolled his eyes. “How many times do I have to tell you there are no assigned seats on our jet?”

“And how many times do I need to yank your ass out of my chair before you realize I don’t give a fuck about your little opinion?” Lord Belshazzar grinned. A shiver worked up my spine at his chilling expression. “Please. Move.”

Lord Pippin turned his head toward me. “Don’t let him fool you. Lord Belshazzar always gets this way before take-off.  He doesn’t like flying, and he has a thing about sitting backward on a plane. It makes him sick to his stomach.” He winked and pushed up from the chair. He swept a hand at the empty seat, with a shit-eating grin on his face. “It’s all yours, my lord.”

Lord Belshazzar grunted. But he didn’t comment as he took, apparently, his seat next to me. He stretched his long legs out in front of himself and pushed the curtains aside so he could see outside the window. Take-off was scheduled in fifteen minutes. The lord’s long, black hair shaded his face while he watched the comings and goings of the ground crew placing our bags into the cargo hold.

His fingers began thumping on his knee.

An unconscious nervous tic.

Lord Pippin winked at me again. He mouthed, Told you.

He was absolutely right. Astute observation.

Lord Pippin took a seat on the other side of the aisle next to Lord Otto. The other lord was already passed out with his seat reclined. Sleep looked good on Lord Otto, his surfer good-looks even more dashing in his relaxed state. Since he was sleeping, the ordinarily vocal—obnoxious—lord was blessedly silent. It would make for a more peaceful trip.

I sighed and relaxed in my chair.

Then the damn Original druid arrived.

Master Niallan strolled into the jet. His sharp green eyes constricted on all of us, fire lighting his scrutiny. “I know vampires are normally assholes, but you left me alone in the damn terminal! Do you forget we’re headed to my stronghold? Did you think you could get in without my permission?”

I swallowed down my laugh.

None of us opened our mouths, silent.

Like a bunch of school kids, we’d left him while he’d been in a bathroom. We hadn’t even discussed it. All six of us had stared at the bathroom door he’d disappeared through—without a word from him about security issues from deviating off course. Then we’d immediately continued on our way without him, all in silent agreement that he was a douche bag and deserved whatever happened to him.

Though, sadly, he appeared healthy and whole.

I stared at his broad shoulders.

Why the heck did the druid have to be so damn attractive? It was rather annoying. The outside shell was hot as fuck with his sexy looks, but the gooey inside was ruined with his cockiness. He left a spoiled taste in my mouth every time I talked to him about anything remotely serious. It still shocked me I’d enjoyed his behavior during our sexual encounter…

I sniffed and turned my attention away from him.

The man really shouldn’t look that good.

Master Niallan’s feet stomped toward us, the druid in a huff. “What? Now you’re all ignoring me?”

As if everyone should pay attention to him.

All. The. Time.

Lord Belshazzar lifted his hand in a stopping gesture, his attention finally moving from the window. “You are not allowed to sit with us yet, as you haven’t passed your Challenges. Only royalty sits in this section.” He flicked a finger toward the back of the jet. “You’ll sit with our guards during this flight. And if you pass your Challenges, you may sit with us on the flight back.”

Master Niallan’s green eyes narrowed. “Are you being serious right now? I had to deal with humans trying to find this plane.”

I scratched my nose, locking my muscles down.

It was so, so hard not to laugh in his face.

“Next time, you won’t break security procedures,” Lord Belshazzar stated, then another flick of his finger to the back of the plane. “And you breaking the rules has nothing to do with your seating arrangement. As I explained already, only royalty sits here. And you are not royalty.”

“I am royalty here. Or have you forgotten that, Lord Belshazzar?” Master Niallan ground his teeth together. He quirked a blond brow. “I somehow doubt that’s slipped your mind, though.”

Lord Belshazzar smiled, baring his teeth—no fangs. “Vampire royalty. You are not that.”

I did squirm in my chair.

I was currently between the most influential vampire and the Original druid, neither of them in good humor. I’d withstood just a sliver of Master Niallan’s power before, and it had almost brought me to my knees. And I’d seen firsthand Lord Belshazzar’s speed. I’d rather not be caught between them if they got physical. I was good, but I wasn’t that good. I’d end up as a mush of blood and gore on the ground if they went at each other’s throats.

As I’d told Harmony, a person needed to know when they were beaten and when to bring in reinforcements.

I cleared my throat and looked over at my father. “Lord Cato, why don’t you show Master Niallan where he can sit?” I turned my attention to the druid next. “I checked out the jet when I first boarded. The seats are all the same. You’ll be just as comfortable back there with the guards, and I’d wager a guess you’d enjoy their company more than ours.”

Master Niallan stared down at me, and then he suddenly laughed, his gleaming white teeth showing. “Fuck, you’re charming.” He bent at the waist and placed his face right in front of mine, only an inch between our noses. His brilliant green eyes sparkled. The druid purred, “But you won’t be back there with me. I’d prefer your company over all these men.”

I held his gaze. Didn’t look away.

I quirked one side of my mouth, whispering as if only he could hear me, “You should be focusing on your upcoming Challenges. Not on me.”

The Original druid placed his hands on the arms of my chair, boxing me in with his muscled frame. He brought his face a smidge closer. “I assure you, your majesty, I am well equipped with multi-tasking.”

“Yep, that’s enough of that,” Lord Cato spat. He shoved up from his chair and grabbed Master Niallan’s shoulders in a firm hold. He pulled him up and away from my person. Then he patted his back with a hard smack and pointed toward the rear of the plane. “Her majesty has enough media buzz right now. She doesn’t need to add any more to the mix. I’ll just show you to your seat, candidate.”

The druid chuckled and locked eyes with my father. “I can’t wait to see you enter my stronghold. Though I doubt you’ll have any issues with my people. You’re the most crooked bastard I know.”

Lord Cato lifted a black eyebrow, bored, and responded with much sarcasm. “I’m sure it’ll be thrilling.”

Master Niallan started strolling toward the back of the plane. His light laughter grated on my nerves. He barked with the dramatic gift of the bold, “Come! Show me to my seat, Lord Cato. Cape Argent awaits us.”

Lord Cato’s nostrils flared before a pleasant mien shrouded his form, his face, and his shoulders relaxed. He walked toward the rear of the plane to do what needed to be done.

My attention casually swung to the Overlord sitting next to me. I spoke calmly, but firmly, “My lord, I would appreciate the next time you’d like to have a pissing match with the Original druid that you make sure I’m not sitting between you two.”

Lord Belshazzar’s frosty eyes met mine, holding for a long second. His plump lips ultimately smirked. “Afraid of a little cat fight?”

“There would be nothing ‘little’ about a fight between you two.” I stared. “No shit slinging around me, please.”

Across from us, Lord Xenon snorted.

Lord Belshazzar’s amused smile held my attention.

I wanted to bite his lips. Lick them.

He leaned on his armrest and slanted into my personal space. Too quietly for the druid—with vampire power running through his veins—to overhear in the back of the jet, the Overlord alleged, “Master Niallan will never start a fight with me. He may be many foul things, but he is intelligent. You have nothing to fear if you’re by my side, your majesty.”

I lifted my left brow to hide any of my true thoughts on his words. “You’re very full of yourself today, my lord.”

“That doesn’t mean it’s not true,” Lord Xenon interjected into our conversation as he pulled out his phone that buzzed in his pocket. He stared at the screen and typed with his thumbs, his digits moving in a blur. “I’ve never seen Lord Belshazzar lose a battle.”

I turned my regard back to the lossless warrior. “Is Lord Xenon right? Have you never lost a fight?”

Lord Belshazzar’s head teetered back and forth in thought, still bent over his chair into my space. My hands twitched. I wanted to run my fingers through his dangling black hair. The soft strands brushed against my right arm like a caress.

He eventually stated, “I have been bested a few times in my life. My brother and I would fight, like siblings sometimes do. I would win. He would win. I’d say it was a tie, in the end, if you added up all of our squabbles.”

No one moved around me.

The Overlords were doing a shit job of eavesdropping in their shocked states. Lord Pippin froze in place while picking up a flute of champagne, and Lord Xenon’s eyes were wide on his face, his thumbs motionless over his phone. My father stumbled to a complete stop behind me on his way back to his seat.

I simply cleared my throat, still looking into his eyes. “I didn’t know you had a brother.” No one fucking knew that, my words redundant, the lord overly private about his life. My lips pursed as an awful thought occurred. I delved delicately, “Is he still alive?”

Lord Belshazzar snickered, completely tickled with my worried expression. His eyes tracked over my features in slow increments. “He’s as big of a bastard as I am. He’s not dead.”

Stunned, I muttered, “Why don’t we know about him then?” I was asking for the whole group, since they still hadn’t moved an inch, not wanting to stop this rare moment of insight. “There’s no record of you having a brother.”

Both his black brows lifted. “Should I be flattered or wary that you’ve done your research on me.”

I waved an irritated hand. “Everyone knows about you. Not to mention, I made it my business to know all about the royals during my training. Quit avoiding my question, my lord.”

His lips curved up at the edges, still entertained by my line of questioning. “I’ve never spoken about him before because I haven’t seen him in a long time.” He tapped a finger to his right temple. “But I’d know here if he was dead.”

My eyes darted between his, mumbling, “I’m inclined to believe you. Is he your twin?” Twins were occasionally linked. It could sometimes be eerie being around them if they were.

He nodded. “We’re two halves of a whole.”

Interesting. “What’s his name?”

Lord Belshazzar chortled quietly. “I think that’s enough for today. You’ve weaseled enough information out of me.” He leaned back in his chair and stretched his legs out again. His left hand twirled in the air. “Lords, you can stop endeavoring to be invisible. Pathetic attempt, really.”

The lords instantly morphed back into life.

Lord Cato flopped down into his chair. “It wasn’t great acting, but it wasn’t heinous either.”

I snorted. “The wishful thinking of that statement makes me embarrassed for you.”

His brown eyes flicked in my direction. He huffed in exasperation—and exhaustion. “Quiet. I just saved your ass from the green-eyed beast. Show some respect.”

I choked off the witty retort I wanted to spew. Because that second statement was fairly accurate. Instead, I sighed and changed topics. “I can’t believe we’re going to Cape Argent.”

“Believe it!” Master Niallan shouted from the back of the jet. “And I’ve made sure my people know to show you the same hospitality as your people showed me!”

My expression blanked as dread flooded my body. I hurriedly glanced at the lord sitting next to me. I hissed quietly, “Please tell me we didn’t actually starve him on certain days.”

“No, we did not.” Lord Belshazzar scratched his chin in thought. His lips eventually thinned into a straight line. “But we weren’t completely hospitable either.”

I slowly turned my attention straight ahead, not even seeing Lord Xenon in front of me. My eyes practically crossed at the impending doom we were walking in to. I grumbled, “Fuck me.”

Master Niallan hollered, “Okay! My room is at the top of the tallest tower. Come by anytime, your majesty. I’ll make sure your name is on the approved list.”

Shit. I probably needed to take him up on that.

I closed my eyes and groaned.

 

*  *  *

 

I yawned wide and smacked my gums as I nuzzled my head against my soft pillow. Fatigue tried to pull me back into the shelter of slumber. I let it pull me, floating in that sweet spot right before you fall back into sleep.

A hand landed on my shoulder and gently shook my frame. A voice I knew well muttered, “We’ve landed. You need to wake up.”

Sweet, sweet sleep wanted me. I wanted it.

With a swat at his hand, I slurred, “Too early, Pippy.”

Lord Otto’s voice. “Did she call you…Pippy?”

My eyes snapped open. A pair of familiar brown eyes glared right in front of my nose. I sat straight up in my chair, my gaze darting, taking in my surroundings. My chest heaved with huge gulps of oxygen. There were too many Overlords standing close by, and all were staring right at me. I rubbed at my eyes, and mumbled, “Huh?”

Lord Pippin straightened and ran his fingers through his hair. His brown eyes continued to scowl right into my blurry gaze. “Thank you, your majesty. I’ll never live that down.”

“Pippy,” Lord Otto stated thoughtfully. A cruel smile erupted on his face. “That has a certain ring to it, don’t you think, my lords?”

Lord Xenon even smirked. Not good.

“Fuck,” Lord Pippin growled. Then he pointed a finger at every single Overlord. “Not a fucking word from any of you. You owe me. I got you out of that jam with those activists in 1914.”

Lord Cato stared, and his words were slow and pointed. “You’re calling that debt in? Over a ridiculous pet name? I think you should take a moment and think about that.”

“I’m calling the debt in.” He shook his head hard, and his red locks brushed his cheeks. “None of you will ever repeat that nickname again.”

“Done,” Lord Belshazzar stated immediately. “Debt paid.”

Lord Cato’s gaze flicked to the eldest Overlord and then back to the youngest Overlord. His lips grimaced under the authority he couldn’t rebuke. “Well, that is that. Your only debt to us has been paid.” He shrugged a shoulder and sniffed. “Let no one say I didn’t warn you, though. You should have held on to that.”

Lord Pippin’s jaw clenched. “It was private. None of you should have heard it.” His scowl turned in my direction. “I’m never waking you again. Who knows what else will fly out your mouth. I’ll end up owing them debt after debt.”

I frowned and muttered quietly, “I’m sorry.”

I’d given him that nickname the night after we’d made love for the first time. He was right. It was private. I only used it when we were alone together, an endearment.

His jaw ground together, while he glowered.

I sighed heavily. “I said I’m sorry, my lord.”

Lord Cato scowled, his gaze tracking back and forth between us. “I really want to know how serious that relationship was between you two.”

Neither Lord Pippin nor I responded.

Lord Xenon was stuffing his arms into his suit jacket. “I looked into it yesterday. Athena’s contact wasn’t hard to find. The man stated they were extremely private and hardly left their estate. He didn’t have a lot of information to give on them except for what was already in the articles.”

Thank fuck. I started to get out of my seat.

Lord Belshazzar cleared his throat and lowered a glass of blood he’d been chugging. His voice was soft with hidden steel behind it. “I found another vampire in the area. She had more information to give. Athena didn’t look hard enough.” He took another long drink from his glass, not looking at anyone.

I paused, half in my seat and half out. Shit.

“And?” Lord Cato pounced on the lord’s words. “What did the woman say?”

Lord Pippin and I visibly tensed.

Lord Belshazzar placed his glass down on the bar, the crystalware now empty. His arctic blue eyes lifted and turned straight on Lord Pippin, cold and ruthless. “That they were planning to marry before Lord Pippin left her.”

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck!

Lord Belshazzar managed to find our one confidante there—from two hundred fucking years ago. And the apparent backstabbing bitch had blabbed.

Adelie hadn’t even known.

When Lord Pippin and I’d disappeared for seven years, we’d disappeared. Our relationship had been serious, very much so. It had been ours.

Now, it no longer was.

Our dirty laundry was aired for them to see.

Lord Cato’s shoulders tensed. He rounded on Lord Pippin. His brown eyes turned blood red and his fangs bared. “You fucking left her like that? Without a goddamn word? Not even a fucking good-bye?”

My shoulders drooped at this turn of events. I quickly finished pushing up from my chair and stepped between my father and Lord Pippin. I raised my hands into the air, and spoke softly, “I didn’t understand it then, but I understand his reasons now. As all of you should. You’ve been through the process of being crowned king before. You know the dedication it takes to rule.” I lowered my hands and shook my head. “I still don’t like Lord Pippin very much, because it affected me personally, but I won’t allow you to condemn him for it. That isn’t right considering what each of you has done for the crown. Our people are all.” My blue gaze snapped to each Overlord. “Or have you forgotten that?”

Behind me, Lord Pippin placed gentle hands on my biceps and moved me to the side. He stepped forward and met my father head-on. His jaw clenched, but he stated with respect, “The Queen and I have talked privately about this. I have apologized to her for my lack of judgment and cruel actions. As she’s stated, she understands. But I will apologize to you too, Lord Cato. I am sorry that I hurt your daughter.” He swallowed and ran his fingers through his dark red hair. His words turned quiet. “I also hurt myself with my actions. I have no one else to blame for my mistakes. It’s all on me. And I am sorry.”

Lord Cato’s fangs disappeared. His eyes gradually turned back to brown. His head of black hair cocked, and his eyes narrowed. “If I remember correctly, your little sister died in a tragic accident during the time of your Challenges.”

Lord Pippin’s jaws flexed again. “Yes, she did.”

My attention snapped to my father. “And if I remember correctly, my mother died unexpectedly during your Challenges, Lord Cato. You think I don’t understand what that means?” My nostrils flared. This whole damn conversation with my father was ridiculous. The man didn’t really give a damn about me—obviously. I hissed, “Can we all move along? We have more important issues to deal with.”

Lord Xenon nodded his head gradually. “I think to keep everyone within the bounds of our law, from saying anything they shouldn’t right now, that is the best course of action.”

Lord Otto stood blinking repeatedly. He mumbled, “I still can’t believe Lord Pippin was thinking about marriage.” His gaze landed on me, his fast-blinking eyes pondering.

Oh good Christ. I did not want to hear what he was about to say. Too bad he didn’t give two shits one way or another. The man had no filter from thought to speech.

With awe plastered on his face, he muttered, “You must be one hell of a fuck, your majesty.”

“Enough, my lord”—my nostrils flared—“unless you want me to make your life a shit storm for the entirety of my reign?”

Lord Belshazzar grunted. A small smile lifted his lips, and a malicious glint shone in his eyes. “And you know how long she’s going to be queen.”

Yes, he did. If I did my job properly.

Lord Otto’s mouth snapped shut. “All right. All right. Threat received and heard. You can all fuck off now.”

Lord Cato grinned in delight, a little fang showing. “My daughter just beat you, my lord. How did that feel?”

Lord Otto tossed him a saucy glance. “Please. Your daughter apparently has a pussy straight from heaven.” He tapped at his chin. “I wonder how I can rub against those pearly gates?”

Lord Cato’s head snapped back. His cheeks flamed.

I lifted my eyes to the ceiling and sighed heavily. I didn’t even bother to look down. “Well, you’ve succeeded, Lord Otto. You’ve made Lord Cato uncomfortable and regret his words. Will you please stop talking about my vagina now?”

“I suppose so,” Lord Otto hummed. “For now.”

“Wonderful,” Lord Belshazzar hissed. His patience was shattered and nowhere to be seen. His frigid gaze hit every one of the lords. “How about we actually do what we came here to do?”

Lord Pippin griped, “I’m all for that.”

Lord Cato sneered. “I bet you are.”

Lord Belshazzar pointed a sharp finger at the front of the plane. “Everyone, get the fuck out. Master Niallan’s friends have arrived by now, and our guards are waiting for instructions. Try to act like the damn lords you are. We are united while we deal with this. No arguments. No personal shit.”

I ran my fingers through my sleep tossed hair, attempting to look presentable. It would be hard since my clothes were wrinkled from a full day of travel, our only stop today to have our jet refueled.

The lords started walking to the stairs.

Except for one.

Lord Belshazzar was seemingly our current herder. He jerked his head to the front of the plane. His eyes were still narrowed. “You, too. Get going.”

My lips thinned. He was really angry.

I grabbed my coat, and grumbled, “I’m hurrying.”

He licked his teeth in irritation, his features pinched, while he watched me shove my arms into my jacket.

I flicked a cross look his way as I fiddled with my zipper, the damn thing stuck.

With the plane now emptied, he stepped right in front of me. His tall stature towered over my small height. His words were only for my ears, demanding, “Did you love him?”

I ground my teeth together and then kept my voice at the same level as his so no one else would hear this conversation. “I wanted to marry him. What do you think? Of course, I loved him.”

“And now?” His head cocked. “Do you want to stop our interaction together? Do you want to try being with him again?”

“No. To all those questions.” I jerked on my zipper hard. It still didn’t move. I dropped my arms to my sides and stared right into his eyes. “But if I did want to stop with you, what would you say?”

His cold eyes were so frigid, while a horrible little smile lifted his lips. Not a peep from him. He loomed even closer, his hard body pressing against mine.

I tilted my head way back and held his gaze. “That, my lord, is what I thought.” I lifted a black brow and showed some fang in my ill-humor. “So quit being a jackass and help me with my freaking zipper.”

Lord Belshazzar mirrored me, lifting his opposite eyebrow. A bit of fang showing too. “Say please.”

I licked my bottom lip and then growled, “Please.”

His eyes dipped to my mouth, and his hands slid between our bodies. My coat was zipped before I even took a breath. The lord’s blue eyes lifted to my blue eyes, his regard still ruthless and cold. Mysteries and truths lay hidden beneath that hardened gaze.

His stare wholly captured mine. “Work fucks are different than personal fucks, Gwen.”

My head snapped back in shock. What?

I babbled, “We’re going there?”

He scratched at the stubble on his chin. “I think so.”

“You think so?” I blinked.

He hissed, “Work with me here.”

I stood in stunned silence.

He waited. Patient. Or as patiently as he could.

“Um…” I shook my head slowly and tried to comprehend the magnitude of what he wanted and what it would mean. He would not be an easy lover. He already wasn’t. There was no doubt about that. But, damn, did he ring my bell just right. My black brows puckered. “Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“And it would go both ways?”

“Yes.”

I swallowed hard. Was I really going to do this?

My blink was as slow as the dawning of a new day.

I mumbled, “All right.” This would be interesting.

He lifted his right hand and ran his knuckles gently over my cheek. Sweet and soft. “If you touch Lord Pippin again—with affection—I’ll kill him right there. And no one will ever say a word.”

Definitely not an easy lover.

I raised my brows. “I told the truth. I don’t want him that way.”

“That doesn’t change the outcome.”

I was sure it wouldn’t.

I tipped my head to the front of the plane. “We should probably go. If we take any longer, they’ll be wondering what’s going on in here.”

“True enough.” He stepped back and peered down to button his suit jacket. His eyes trained on his working fingers. “You’re wearing the necklace I gave you?”

“Yes.”

Lord Belshazzar grabbed his own winter jacket, and his blue eyes touched mine. “Good. Let’s go.”

 

*  *  *

 

The forty minute drive from Qikiqtarjuaq to Cape Argent was quiet.

Except for Devin and Ysander.

Inside our limousine, Master Niallan’s best friends tossed files at him left and right, struggling to catch him up on the most important business he’d missed while being away. They were my entertainment. I watched their interaction with the Original druid and tried to decide which one he was going to kill during his final Challenge. The Overlords never confirmed TERMINATE was an actual Challenge for a King Novitiate, as it had been for the Queen Novitiate, but it was.

I kept a firm grip on my delight the entire drive.

One of them would be dead soon.

I’d have sweet dreams that night.

Master Niallan knocked his knuckles on the thin barrier separating us from the chauffeur. “This is it. Stop here, please.”

The human driver’s eyes flashed in the rearview mirror, squinting in confusion. “Are you sure? There’s nothing here.”

“I’m sure. Stop the car.”

The limo slowly rolled to a stop, and the driver opened our door. A gust of freezing wind rushed inside, and the scent of fresh snow tickled my nose. Fat, freezing white flakes swirled into the interior of the vehicle like they were rushing to us for their quick death.

I shivered inside my thick jacket.

Canada was fucking cold this time of year.

I yanked my hood up and followed our group outside into the frenzied weather. I tilted my head down as another gust of wind blew a flurry of flakes into my face. My hands were deep in my pockets, barely warm, and crashing waves beat at a shore, ricocheting in the darkness surrounding us.

The cliff we perched on overlooked the Atlantic Ocean. If it wasn’t white-out conditions, it would have been beautiful. This coastline was even more striking in the summer though. And during the day.

Blindly walking around during the middle of the night, when I couldn’t see through the snow, in enemy territory, wasn’t my idea of a safe bet.

I deliberately shuffled to stand next to Lord Belshazzar, hoping no one noticed. He’d said no harm would ever come to me if I was by his side, and when the advantage turned against you, you played smart. I wasn’t about to get taken out by a damn druid hiding in the snow piles surrounding us.

Plus, the lord was a tall barrier against the wind.

He shifted his stance—blocking the wind even further—and muttered, “Where the hell are we, Master Niallan. I don’t find this amusing.”

“We are exactly where we’re supposed to be, Lord Belshazzar. This vehicle won’t be able to drive on the roads we’d need to take. Get your bags. It’s a hike from here.” A wicked grin curved his lips. “But I forgot to mention one little fact.”

Lord Otto snorted. “What now?”

The Original druid cast his eyes behind us to the black SUVs pulling to a stop. “Your guards can’t come.” He shrugged his shoulders, and his green eyes returned to our stony expressions. “You didn’t allow me any guards in your stronghold. I won’t allow you any in mine.”

I sputtered, “That’s bullshit.”

“All from your people’s making, your majesty. When Ysander and Devin tried to see me at your home,” his eyes flicked to Lord Belshazzar and back, “a certain lord made it adamantly clear to them they were not allowed inside.”

I remembered the night Lord Belshazzar had been pulled away from the bed. We didn’t need to spend time out in the cold chatting about the details either. I could imagine how that conversation had gone—if any words were spoken. I only hoped there had been a lot of druid blood involved.

We were going in alone because of that now. To a place no vampire had ever been before. To a place of druid magic. There better have been a lot of damn blood spilled from the two druid assholes currently standing on either side of Master Niallan, each with a smirk on his handsome face.

Though, one stood a little closer than the other.

I was now betting he killed Devin.

Earlier, I’d decided Ysander.

My mind still might change.

But I hoped a miracle occurred, and it was both of them. A vampire Queen could dream.

Lord Belshazzar stuffed his hands into his pockets. He sighed heavily, and a puff of white air appeared in front of his mouth. “You’re set on this, aren’t you?”

“One hundred percent,” Master Niallan said without pomp. He wasn’t lying. “The choice is now yours.”

The lords glanced at one another. Silent.

“Fuck,” Lord Cato snapped. He pivoted and marched through the ankle-deep snow toward the waiting SUVs. “I’ll take care of our guards. Someone grab my bags too. I’d rather not be out here all night.”

Snow crunched under my boots as I walked to the back of the first SUV. I lifted the hatch and started grabbing bags. I handed them off to silent lords who reached for them.

With my teeth clenched, I stated, “We should probably leave one of you behind. That person could go back with our guards.”

Lord Pippin shook his head. “All living Overlords must be present for the Challenges. It is law.”

We moved to the next SUV.

I pulled out more bags, still thinking. “Are there any loopholes for that?” If all our royalty died at the same time, the vampire race would be in chaos. “There has to be something.”

Lord Xenon held two large bags down by his sides. “Our law is steadfast on this one. There are no loopholes for Challenges.”

My brows scrunched. I turned to face them. “What about me then? Do I need to be there?”

Our people were all, and to take a risk like this could be catastrophic if it didn’t absolutely need to happen. Want versus need were two very different things. The Secret may need to wait.

“The Queen must be at two of the King Novitiate’s Challenges. You can’t stay behind either.” Lord Otto stared with meaning. “We all have to go in there for his Challenges.”

This meant I still didn’t know everything.

If we needed to go into that druid stronghold, with the possibility of death for all of us, then I definitely didn’t know the whole story. This is where they needed to be instead of taking care of the Challenges elsewhere. Their plan was moving forward despite the risk. There was only one thing they’d kept silent about recently.

I grunted. “The attack?”

Lord Belshazzar cracked his neck.

The rest stayed silent.

Fucking law.

“Fantastic,” I muttered. I shoved the hatch down a little harder than needed and picked up my bags from the snowdrifts where I’d set them. The wind whipped at our faces without mercy. “Next time, a little heads up would be appreciated. I know you can manage that. You all talk more without words than anyone I know.”

Lord Belshazzar’s lips twitched. He played on his words from earlier. “That still wouldn’t have changed the outcome.”

I snorted, annoyed—and amused. “No, it wouldn’t have.” We were still walking in there. Guards or not. I tipped my head to where my father was now standing next to Master Niallan and his goons in this hellish winter land. “Lead the way, my lords.”

I may have given them the lead so I could sneak next to Lord Belshazzar again without anyone wondering at my motives.

I could sip on druids all day long and then walk on their corpses without breaking a sweat. But this snowstorm was messing with my vampire senses. All I could see was unusual darkness and thrashing snowflakes in front of my face. There had to be druid magic at work here, protecting against vampires, using our natural gifts against us. I wouldn’t be surprised if rocks suddenly appeared under our feet and attempted to trip us during our trek.

“Follow me,” Master Niallan ordered. He turned and hiked directly off the road, speaking over his shoulder. “If you lose sight of me from here on out, you’re fucked. So stay close.”

Knew it. Druid shit.

The snow grinding under our boots began to echo all around, obscuring our essential hearing. Our breathing charged the air like a banging on a warrior’s drum, the soft flakes turned to stinging pellets against any exposed flesh.

Irritated, I growled, “How far is it?”

Ysander laughed loud and clear. “Two minutes in with druid magic and you’re already complaining? You better hide in your room for the entire trip, your majesty. Lord Belshazzar won’t be around all the time to protect you.”

My eyes narrowed on his muscular back, aggravated my actions hadn’t slipped his attention. “Keep thinking I’m a coward. I don’t mind.” And neither did I move away from the lord’s side. Taunting didn’t work on me. “It’ll be easier when I rip your throat out.”

His gaze snapped back over his shoulder. The pleased smile on his face was still in place. “It would be fun to watch you try.”

My smile matched his. I didn’t need to respond.

Now, I was rooting for Ysander’s death.

All by his best buddy’s hands.

Devin could die later. I didn’t mind waiting.

I was a tolerant person.

He chuckled and turned back around. “Your majesty, you look just like your father with that look on your face.”

I knew about my father’s history. It was all part of my training. “Oh, yes. Didn’t Lord Cato find and then trap you in a hole for fifty years? I’m sad I missed that. I imagine shoveling dirt over your body was a true pleasure.”

Ysander’s back muscles twitched.

My father snorted behind me. Quietly.

Lord Belshazzar glanced down in my direction. Lifted a black brow. He droned, “I believe your father added an outhouse over that spot. It was used by our people on a regular basis. It was their favorite shit hole.”

A deep chuckle built up from my chest. It spewed out into the night, catching us both by surprise—considering our surroundings. My eyes sparkled with merriment. “I didn’t know that.”

His blue eyes zeroed in on my laughing mouth. The lord’s lips lifted in an amused grin. “It’s true. The outhouse even had a carving on it.”

This was excellent. “What was it?”

“Shit dropping down into an open mouth.”

I burst into laughter and clutched my bags harder with my fists. I wanted to swing the damn things back and forth and skip around and around the silent and fuming druid in front of me. I sputtered, “Please tell me his mouth was open when he was buried.”

“It was.” Lord Belshazzar turned his attention to the back of the druid’s head in front of him. “I always wanted to ask you, Ysander. When you awoke from your Rest, what did your mouth taste like?”

“Like dirt,” Ysander hissed grudgingly. “And roses and shit.”

My chin trembled. But I controlled myself.

Lord Xenon murmured, “I forgot about the rose bushes. Thorns all around. And the most beautiful blooms. It must have been a real bitch getting yourself out of there.”

“You have no idea.” Ysander tossed a glance behind him and stared directly at my father. “I still owe you one. I haven’t forgotten.”

Lord Cato chuckled softly. “You made it so easy to find your Resting place. I’m not that easy to find during mine. But you’re more than welcome to try.” He cocked his head of black hair, snow whipping his face. Little white flakes stuck to his curling eyelashes. “Wait. That’s right. You have been trying and have failed every time. Better luck next time.”

A root snagged my foot, wiping the smirk off my face. I stumbled over it but kept my footing. I looked back as I walked, studying the root’s placement. It looked natural enough and didn’t move or disappear. My previous thoughts weren’t coming to fruition. I’d merely been lax in my vigilance.

Time to pay better attention.

I huffed and looked forward again.

Lord Belshazzar scowled down at me.

I bared my fangs back. Then closed my mouth.

It was enough of a warning tossed at him.

I’d already figured it out. He didn’t need to remind me. I would be attentive from now on.

Our march turned uphill. A steep hill.

I used my bags—which were starting to get too heavy—as walking sticks. I shoved them down into the snow and then operated them as leverage to keep me on my feet. My fingers were practically frozen, but I didn’t stop until we crested the hill, not losing my visual on the Original druid.

Our group of powerful figures halted.

The three druids turned around to face us, but our eyes were stuck on the enormous brick castle standing tall in the distance. No lights were on inside, leaving the broken windows dark, and the structure itself leaned to the left as if it might tumble over at any moment. Vampires knew these castles existed and what towns they were in, but no one had ever viewed them before. We saw this one because the Original druid allowed it.

Master Niallan chuckled at our expressions. “It’s more than it looks like. Don’t let that worry your opulent asses.” He tilted his head toward the decrepit castle. “See that mound of rocks there?”

My attention zeroed in on the stones in front of the building where large rocks formed into an archway. “Let me guess. That’s how you really enter your stronghold?”

His blond head nodded, and his lips lifted into an amused grin. “The Arch of Sight is how you enter.”

Lord Otto asked, “What does that mean? Arch of Sight?”

Vicious flakes of snow battered our bodies while the Original druid stood silent, debating his answer.

We didn’t move. The druid could stand there all night long, and we wouldn’t move until he gave us an answer.

Master Niallan eventually explained, “The Arch of Sight will not physically harm you, though you may not enjoy it. It shows truth about yourself. Your free will is not affected.”

Lord Pippin questioned, “Nothing more than that? It’s just a mind-trip?”

“It shows truth. There is no mind-trip about it.”

My brows furrowed. “Do all druids go through the Arch of Sight to enter your stronghold?”

He nodded, unrepentant. “Yes.”

Lord Belshazzar grunted. His tone was furious. “No wonder your people are so fucked in the head. They go to a place of sanctuary, where they should be protected, but are met with cruelty before they’re allowed to enter?” His blue eyes lashed the druid. He spoke with vehemence shaking his tone—the first time I’d truly ever seen him livid. “That shit won’t fly if you’re crowned king of my people. Don’t even think of trying your tactics with them. I will fucking crush you.”

Master Niallan’s green eyes twinkled. “Promises. Promises. I think I heard that one a long time ago, and, yet, here I still stand.” His blond brows lifted at the lord’s narrowed gaze. “Are you coming with me or not?”

Lord Belshazzar took a large step forward and placed his face right in front of that of the druid. His lips curved up at the edges when the Original druid flinched. The lord stated quietly, “The promise I gave you long ago, and the promise I gave you just now are two separate promises. I am nothing but a patient man. You will pay for your crimes, all in due time.”

The Original druid smiled. It was malicious and harsh. “Perhaps. Perhaps not. And in the meantime, you will continue to grieve for your former life. I do enjoy watching you suffer, Lord Belshazzar.”

I held my breath. If a fight were ever to start…

We all held our collective breath.

Unexpectedly, Lord Belshazzar barked out a laugh. Right in the Original druid’s face. Rich and deep, full-bodied. He simply kept laughing like the druid’s words were the funniest thing he’d ever heard in his life.

He laughed. And laughed. And laughed.

I stared and wondered if he’d lost it. Truly. My brows puckered in worry. It wouldn’t do to have the most powerful vampire in the world lose his shit right now. I placed my luggage down, and stated quietly, “Lord Belshazzar, maybe we should take a break before we go in. The last few days have been exhausting—”

The lord lifted one of his bags in my direction, cutting me off, even while he continued to snicker in the druid’s face, his blue eyes never leaving a scowling green gaze. In his deep voice, he sputtered, “Master Niallan, do you really think I’ve been suffering all this time? If you do, you haven’t been paying attention. I mean, goddamn, your ego still astounds me. I fucking love my life.”

All right. He wasn’t losing his shit.

With relief, I lifted my heavy bags back up.

The Original druid took a step aside and clenched his jaw. “Unless you like standing out in this snow, then I suggest you continue to follow me.” He turned on his heel and marched down the other side of the hill.

Ysander and Devin tossed Lord Belshazzar a vile glance, and then both men followed after their ruler, their feet moving carefully through the snow.

“Well, that was fun.” Lord Otto snorted. His shoulder brushed mine as he passed, walking in the druids’ footprints for an easier trek. He called over his shoulder, “I’m sure he’d love to leave us behind now, so we should probably hurry.”

I put my feet into motion—because that was true.

We had to walk faster now. The Original druid wasn’t wasting any time heading for the Arch of Sight. His long legs walked at a fast clip, seemingly unbothered by the snow. The man didn’t even look back once to see if any of us had lost view of him. He probably hoped we would so we’d concede to his great power—all to make himself feel better after that verbal smack-down.

The Arch of Sight rose higher into the air the closer we traveled. It was much taller than it had appeared from the hill. The top reaches of the arch were at least four stories high.

I dropped my bags when we halted in front of it.

Those fuckers were heavy now.

“Bring too many shoes, your majesty?” Ysander chirped. “I’ll carry one for you. If you ask nicely.”

“Fuck you.” He wasn’t touching my bags.

“That’s a no,” Devin said. “Hey, maybe she wants to go through the Arch of Sight first? How about that, instead, your majesty?”

I eyed the archway. There was nothing else around it or behind it except for the snow. It looked very innocent.

“That’s a fuck you, too.” I waved a frozen finger at the asshole duo. “You go first. We’ll follow after you.”

“No, Lord Belshazzar goes first.” Master Niallan turned his impressive green eyes on the lord. “There’s nothing to it, and no physical harm will befall you. Just walk right under the arch.”

Lord Belshazzar grunted. “No physical harm?”

“None. I give you my word.”

“Like your word means shit to me.”

Master Niallan shrugged his shoulders. “It’s the only way in.”

Lord Belshazzar raised his blue eyes to the top of the arch, and then back down to the snow behind it. He cracked his neck and moved forward, his gait determined as he stalked through the shooting snowflakes. One by one, his steps took him closer. The Overlord passed underneath it, stopped and looked around, and then turned to wait for us.

Completely unaware he had changed.

Lord Belshazzar’s exposed skin was dark red, the color of pooled blood. Two black curling horns the size of my forearm protruded from the top of his forehead, curling around the hood of his coat to point behind him. The ends of his horns looked sharper than any sword. His fangs were bared when he opened his mouth, stating in a bored tone, “Other than I’m no longer being snowed on and I’m in a cave now, nothing happened. You’re safe to come through.”

I shut my mouth. I wasn’t surprised by this.

Lord Cato choked. “Fuck, he looks like the devil.”

The Overlord’s black brows puckered. “What?”

I pointed at my forehead. “You’ve got a little something right there, my lord.” Understatement. “And your skin may have seen a little too much sun.”

Master Niallan snickered under his breath.

Lord Belshazzar’s eyes snapped down to his fisted hands holding the handles of his luggage. His horns were on full display with his head lowered, a sight to behold.

Those horns were magnificent.

Long moments passed.

All while he stared at his hands.

His head eventually lifted. The lord stared right into my eyes. That intense blue gaze scoured my neutral expression. His brows puckered, but he quickly turned his regard to the shocked lords.

He stated calmly, “Whatever this is, it doesn’t hurt. Master Niallan’s telling the truth. Get your asses moving. It’s warm over here.”