I had listened patiently as Faren gave me a total rundown of the Bloodkeep’s defenses, vast riches, fortifications, escape routes, history, and even its pageantry. I had heard it all, but my thoughts kept straying to Elena. She’d been gone overlong.

The light of the suns was already fading into a serene twilight outside. Inside, there was a flurry of activity. The Darkwood vampires, along with the loyal keep-dwellers, had set about removing every trace of crimson from the keep. The effort would take weeks, if not months. But every so often, when a banner came down, the swirl emblem, highlighted in hues of blue and gold, was revealed. The symbols were etched into the immoveable walls of the keep.

Desmerada had only managed to cover over Priam’s legacy, not destroy it entirely. I would try to continue in my father’s footsteps, though the mantle of such a king was a heavy burden. Protecting the Bloodkeep was a monumental task. Defeating Menelaus and his demon horde was even more daunting. But with Elena by my side—I gazed around the room as the workers revealed more emblems by the moment—I could manage it. She’d brought me this far.

I couldn’t stop the smile that turned the corners of my lips when I remembered her calm decree back at my mountain home. How she would take the Bloodkeep. I had been a fool to have doubted her then and would be an even greater fool to do so now. We would destroy Menelaus, together, as it was always meant to be.

“My lord, it is almost time to greet your subjects,” Faren said.

“I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.” I was humbled at the thought of having subjects but wanted to reassure all vampires that the Bloodkeep was once again a safe haven. With the help of Elena, Faren, and Shildreth, the Bloodkeep could reclaim its former glory.

Faren cleared his throat. “Well, my lord, you, uh, you’ll need to change first.”

Paris looked down at his T-shirt and jeans. Not exactly regal. Faren was right.

“Not to worry, my lord. Shildreth found some things when she was down in the servants’ quarters doing her inspection. Many of them saved several items of your mother’s and father’s before Desmerada spoiled the keep. Made from the Darkwood spiders’ enchanted silk, they are just as beautiful now as they were during Priam’s reign. I think she’s found something more fitting for you to wear to your first audience.”

I rose, suddenly nervous at the thought of an “audience.” It was all so formal.

“You’ll do fine,” Faren said. “Just go make ready. I’ll have everything prepared so it should go smoothly.”

The captain’s confidence was a balm, though not quite strong enough to erase all my doubt. I found my way back to the cavernous bedroom. It was already more to my liking, the crimson touches all but gone. A blue robe with gold piping was laid out for me, along with a simple white button-down and dark slacks. But that wasn’t what caught my eye.

Elena stepped from the closet, freshly showered. Her hair was in damp waves, and a towel was wrapped loosely around her. The slightest tug would send it cascading to the floor. Gods, I needed her.

“Elena.” The only word I could get out.

She stilled and caught me in her emerald gaze that turned sultry. Without a word, she let the towel drop. Daring me to take her.

I needed no further provocation. I slammed the door behind me, making the room vibrate with the sound. I rushed to her and grabbed her up in my arms before tossing her to the bed. She laughed, low and sensual. I knew that sound—it played in my mind from our many nights together. I didn’t stop to think about it, didn’t care about the why of it. I only knew that she wanted me. Now.

She watched every movement as I undressed. When her gaze hung on my hard shaft, I could almost feel it. Her arousal was heavy on the air. My need for her on my tongue was unbearable. When she let her knees fall apart and bared herself to me, I was past all sense, all logic. I was a being of passion, and I existed only for her.

I stalked on top of her, pinning her beneath me, and claimed her mouth. Her core was so wet and so hot, I groaned as my cock settled against it. She opened her mouth to my searching tongue and answered my thrusts with her own. I palmed her breast—the tip already pearled into a perfect point. I sank down to it, sucking it into my mouth and teasing it with my tongue. Her hands ran through my hair, urging me on.

“Taste me there.” Her voice was throaty, erotic. I intended to lock her words in my mind and play them again and again.

I glanced up, unwilling to relinquish the bud. Our eyes met. She pulled my hair, goading me into following her command. Sweet gods, she wanted my bite. I struck, piercing her breast above the nipple. She moaned as I lapped at her. Honeyed sweetness poured onto my tongue. Her taste was my undoing.