Chapter 22

 

 

Turning over, opening my eyes I look around. I’m alone in the bed. Luc must have left when I was sleeping. Sitting up, I notice I’m still in the nightie that I wore yesterday. Throwing the soft comforter from my legs, I slip out of bed, making my way to the bathroom. Turning on the lights, I see that I have a new outfit hanging on the back of the door. Turning the shower on, I hop in and get cleaned up. My head is pounding. It must be from the wine last night. OK, so I did drink way too much, but, anyone would, and someone drugged me. I am almost positive.

Looking at the outfit Luc’s has out, it’s just like the other one but in red. Drying off, I slip it on. In the bedroom, I find the shoes and I slip my feet into them. Walking to the door, I slowly open it. There’s a hellhound there keeping watch.

“Who are you?” I send. He bows his head.

“I’m am here to guard you. Stayne sent me. You can trust me, my Queen. I’m called Noxx.”

Nodding, I head down the hall that I think takes me to the dining area. I hope no one is sucking on each other. After making a few wrong turns, I go into the dining room. Luc is sitting at the head of the table. I look around the room; there are not as many creatures in here. They all get up when I come in further.

“My Queen, so nice of you to join us.” Luc murmurs with a grin on his face.

He pulls the seat next to him out. Smiling I let him help me sit.

“I hope I haven’t kept you from eating.” I watch as a young girl brings me coffee and juice.

“No, not at all. We just sat down.” He murmurs, moving a piece of my hair out of my face. Stiffening up, I let it go. Noxx lays down at my feet getting comfortable, I pet him on his head. Luc starts talking to the guy next to him. I glance around the table while everyone seems to keep looking at me. Some glance, while the others openly stare. Lifting my chin, I can’t let them bother me. What I need to be doing is finding a way out of here and fast. I don’t care what the prophecy says; I’m not going to fall for him.

The food starts coming in, serving girl after serving girl, starts laying the trays down on the table. Luc gets served first. Then I do. I hurry to eat just so that I can get away from all these pigs. It’s disgusting how they all eat.

“My lord, may I leave?” I ask.

Luc stops talking turning to me. “My Queen, I was hoping that you would come to the throne room with me, so you could watch and learn how things are done down here.” He whispers in my ear. To everyone else, it looks like he’s kissing me. “I’m not asking.” He adds.

Nodding my head, I sit and wait for him to finish up. Everyone else is starting to leave. Thank God for small miracles. He stands up and reaches for me. Taking his hand, I walk with him down a few different hallways. Noxx isn’t too far behind me.

“Do those Hell Hounds have to always be with you?”

Looking over my shoulder, I hide my grin. “Yes, they do.” Hearing him grumble, I have to protect the smile once more. We finally come to, two dark red and shiny gold doors. A guard there opens them for us. Walking in, I can’t believe my eyes. Straight in front of us about thirty feet in is a raised dais, with two huge chairs. They are fit for a King. As I glance around, I notice it’s just a vast, empty, space decorated to the gills in gold and reds. Looking at the ceiling, it has red swirls that slowly move in a circle. Luc’s arm slips around my waist as he ushers us toward the daisies. The chairs are the same, and he motions for me to sit in the right one. Turning, I grab the arms and lower myself into the most comfortable chair. I look to the right, and there’s a window. Glancing over at Luc; he’s smiling.

“Afterwards you can look out. I find it relaxing.” He says sitting down next to me. Nodding, I turn just in time to watch the doors open. People are being ushered in by the guards. Other creatures are coming in as well.

“What is this? Why are the guards so cruel?

“Spring, there are things that you don’t know. A lot of these creatures are vile. Their crimes are the worst that you will see.” Grabbing my hand and squeezing it,” I pull away not understanding how anything deserves such treatment. One is in chains, so tight it’s bleeding.

Suddenly the loud room goes quiet as Luc stands up. He looks over at me extending his hand. Taking it, I stand next to him.

“Let’s begin.” He yells out. I watch the guards bring the one in chains forward. The guard kicks him on the back of the knees making him fall to the ground. The guy spits blood at Luc’s feet. The guard goes to hit him again.

“Stop,” I yell. The guard freezes looking at Luc. Luc nods ever so slightly, and the guard backs up. Looking at him, he’s giving me a dirty look.

“What is his crime?” Luc asks.

“He’s raped four women and killed their kids.” The guard murmurs.

“What would you have me do, my Queen?

Looking the guy in the eyes, I don’t think he’s even human. Shivering a little, I watch as an evil grin spreads across his face.

“It’s not for me to say, my King.” I murmured looking at the ground.

“Your sentence is death. Cut off his arms and legs.” Luc says in a loud voice.

The guards move quickly to him. They unchain him, replacing the chains with ropes. The guards hold them tight.

“Let this be a lesson. If you do this crime, this is what happens.” He nods his head to the guard. “Proceed.” Luc sits back down taking a glass of wine from the serving girl. Handing me one I accept it. Bringing it to my lips, I down it. Looking over at Luc, he’s grinning at me. The serving girl fills mine once more. Sitting it down on the little glass table, I wait to see what happens next.

The guards start to cut his legs off. The scream he lets out will haunt me forever. Blood starts pooling under him. It’s all over the guards; it doesn’t seem to bother them. Turning my head, I have to look away. I feel Luc lean closer, feeling his breath on my cheek.

“I will allow you this one time only, Spring,” He says moving back to watch the carnage in front of him. The screaming stopped, so it must mean he is dead. A look at the floor confirms my thoughts; He’s deceased. He has no arms or legs. The blood is everywhere.

A few hours later I’m allowed to go our room. Noxx pads next to me.

“My Queen, why does that bother you. What he did was heinous.”

“I’m human Noxx; I’m not saying he didn’t deserve to die. But I think Luc enjoys the torture and suffering.”

“It is Hell, after all, my Queen” Noxx runs ahead of me sniffing around the door. “It’s safe.” Nodding, I open the door and walk in making sure to slam the door behind me. Luc knows I’m not happy with him. I’m not pleased with all of this. I just want to go home. Sitting down next to the fire, it’s bizarre. It doesn’t throw any heat off; it’s cold. It’s cooling the room. It feels good against my hot, clammy skin. A male servant comes in making Noxx growl. He stops in mid-stride. Eyes as big as saucers. Noxx gets low to the ground as if he’s stalking his prey. Standing up, I grab the massive hellhound by the scruff.

“Down big boy.” I feel him shake beneath my hand. “What do you want?” I ask this male. He takes a few steps back.

“I’m here with wine and to see if you need anything, my Queen,” He murmurs never taking his eyes off Noxx.

“Wine would be nice.” I say, sitting down “Play nice Noxx.” He comes over and sits next to me. “But I can play, right?” He asks, looking goofy at me. Trying not to laugh. “Just don’t hurt him.” What harm can happen right?

“What is your name?” I ask him, watching as he fills my glass up.

“Jax, my Queen.”

“Are you human, Jax?”

“I’m a fairy, my Queen. If that is going to be a problem I’m sure the King can….”

“No, that’s fine, Jax. I’ve just never met a fairy.” Taking a sip of my wine, I watch him, move about the room picking things up.

“You don’t have to do that.”

“Yes, I do. Luc will be leaving tonight for two days. If I don’t keep this clean, he will kill me.” He says heading to the bathroom. I hear the water turn on.

“My Queen, let me help you in the tub before I serve your dinner,” He says bowing low.

“Ah, I think I can handle it myself, but thanks anyway Jax.” Standing up, I wobble a little bit. Damn it too much wine, again. Jax walks over and wraps his arm around my waist, helping me to the bathroom. Turning me, he unzips my dress if you can call it that. Inverting his eyes as it falls to the ground. Turning around I slowly step into the bath, lowering myself just as slowly. It’s hot. Once I’m covered with all the bubble bath, he’s put in it.

“It’s OK, to look I’m covered,” I tell him with a grin.

“Sorry my Queen, I know I was sent here to take care of you, I just didn’t want to embarrass myself.

Holding back a laugh, I just nod to him. He leaves only to return with fresh clothes and more wine.

“I love that wine.” Have you had it before?”

Oh, my no, it’s only for royalty. My Queen,”

In no time, I’m wrapped in fluffy towels waiting to get dressed. This time it’s a short tight dress, cut low in the front and back. Once I have it on, Jaz does my hair in an up-do. It truly looks cute. He finishes with my make-up. Looking in the mirror, I hardly recognize myself. Slipping on the heels, that match this dress I’m ready for dinner.

“Is there going to be a crowd at dinner?”

“Yes, my Queen. It’s always that way. They are all trying to get on the good side of the King. And yours as well.” He murmurs.

I wonder what that is all about. Where is the prince going for two days? He didn’t mention it before. Stayne should be back sometime in the morning. We have to try and get out of here. I’m sure that’s going to be the tricky part.

“My Queen, are you ready?” Jax murmurs, really looking at me.

“Yes, let’s get this over with.”

Walking out the door, Jax leads me through the long hall of this place. People are milling around, the closer we get to the dining hall. Keeping my head held high, I nod as we pass them. Jax slows down enough that he can talk to me softly. “It’s good that you don’t show fear, my Queen,” Looking over at him, he has a smirk on his face. “They are like vultures, for weakness.”

“Well, that’s good to know.” He stops in front of the double doors that lead into the hall.

“This is where I’ll take my leave; I’m just a whisper away if you need me. Just call.” He says, really looking at me, turning on his heel heading back the way we just came.

Looking down at my dress, it fits me like a glove. I don’t honestly know how my chest stays in it. Laughing at myself, who am I kidding, I’m an A if I’m lucky nothing to see. Looking around, Luc is talking to some men in grey suits. They look like they are human to me. Taking a deep breath, I head into the lion’s den. Keeping my eyes on the back of Luc’s head, I ignore the stares and whispers. He must notice the change in the room; he stiffens up for a moment before he turns around. His eyes land on me instantly. Grinning, he heads toward me. Smiling, I bow my head to him.

“My Queen, you look as lovely as ever.” He murmurs taking me into his arms gently kissing the side of my lips. The kiss just about takes my breath away. Shaking my head, a bit to clear my thoughts.

“Thank you, Luc, although, I’m sure you knew exactly, what I would be wearing.” Smiling I let him wrap his arm around me, slowly leading me to the three guys I saw him talking to when I entered.

“This is Reggie, Zane, and Toplen: gentlemen, meet the Queen of Hell, my soon to be wife,” Luc says standing tall. They all bow keeping their eyes on me. Shivering I move closer to Luc; he squeezes my waist ever so slightly.

“Gentlemen, it’s nice to meet you,” I say smiling. Never breaking eye contact, Reggie moves closer as if he’s smelling me.

“She smells scrumptious, Luc,” He says reaching out a hand, making like he was going to touch me, but stops short. Luc turns slightly, and his eyes are pure red. Taking a step back, he doesn’t let go of me. Stiffening a little bit, I look up at Reggie. Noxx pads over and plants himself by my feet, growling at Reggie as well. Absent-mindedly I reach down, grabbing his scruff. The other men that are with Reggie make ready.

“Noxx, I can handle this you know,” I send to him. “My Queen, do you know they are vampires?” Nodding ever so slightly, I take a closer step to Luc.

“Luc, you know you can’t keep her hidden. We all have a right to be with her. You are going, against…”

“You are guests here in my house. You will remember YOUR place. If I catch you sniffing around her, I will kill you.” Luc growls.

“You're brainwashing her, and I’m sure Michael will have something to say about it. I wonder what, do you put, in the wine? I invoke my right with her.” He says stepping up closer to me. Noxx stands up between us.

“What’s going on Luc?” He is visibly shaking with rage now.

“You can have your time with her tonight,” Luc growls, grabbing my arm he pulls me away from Reggie and the two other men. I let him take me over to the lounge area; people are watching as he leads me to our chaise lounge. The curtains are pulled back as he guides me in.

Sitting down, I wait for him to say something. His hand comes up to my face; he runs his fingers down the side of my face making me shiver. I stop myself from leaning into him and push him back a little.

“What’s going on?”

He doesn’t talk at first; he just stares at me. “You give me a taste, and I’ll tell you” He murmurs, shrugging. Who the hell does he think he is? I need to know what’s going on. I need to get out of here.

“Fine, but know you're, being an asshole.” I storm.

I move so that I’m more comfortable; I tilt my head to make it easier for him to gain access. He pulls me into him, grabbing my hip, he runs his hand up the side of my body softly grazing my breast. I feel his lips gently nibble my neck, and next is his tongue. His teeth sink into my tender flesh. He wraps his arms tightly around me, pulling me even closer. It hurts at first with the pull of my blood. My arms wrap around his neck holding him. I can’t seem to keep my eyes open. My heart starts beating faster, what’s going on?

“Luc stop…”

He slowly removes his mouth from my neck. There was something different this time. He licks my neck closing the puncture wounds, shivering I move away from him. There’s something different about him.

“You will be spending some time with Reggie this evening, and before you say anything, I cannot stop it. I’ve been keeping you to myself, and I planned on doing just that. Somehow, they found out about you being down here. It says in the scrolls that everyone will get a chance with you. I was just trying to bypass that part.” He murmurs trying to get closer to me.

“I don’t want to meet with him. I want to go home. This just isn’t going to work out.” I stammer, standing up, I try to leave. I watch as he nods to, two of the guards. They grab me by my arms.

“Let me go,” I tell them. Noxx prowls over to me. Two other guards come over with crossbows pointing them at Noxx, he growls.

“Spring, I didn’t want it to come to this, I didn’t. Those crossbows won’t kill your hellhound, but it will hurt like hell for a few hours. Either you go with my guards, or they will shoot him. It’s all on you here on out.” Luc says.

I glance at him his eyes are glowing red. What is happening here? I look around the room everyone is staring watching what’s going on. My eyes find Reggie’s he ever so slightly nods his head no.

“I’ll go, call them off Luc.” I whisper. I can’t take the chance of them shooting Noxx. I just can’t.

“Know that if you do this. We are done. I will kill you the first chance I get. “

He laughs. “I have no doubt you will try, Spring. It can be only that way,” He says standing, bowing low to me. Taking my chance, I step forward grabbing him by the shoulders and kneeing him a good one in the balls. I know it hurts because he goes down on his knees. The guards let go of me not knowing what to do. Taking the opening, I tackle Luc the rest of the way down. Straddling him, I let my fists fly. Connecting with his face, everyone moves closer, watching but not intervening. The three vamps are observing intently.

Luc grabs me by the neck, squeezing. Taking my precious air, from my lungs. I feel my power revving up; I let it run down my arms to my hands. I grab his arms making him let go of me. Standing up, I take a few steps back, ready for him to come at me. He does, he plows into me so hard we fly across the room slamming into the far side of the wall. The wind gets knocked out of me. I’ve never seen him this way; he’s pissed because I’ve shown him up in front of everyone.

I get backhanded making my head snap hard to the right. I feel blood starting to run down the side of my mouth. Taking the back side of my hand, I wipe the blood away. My body hurts everywhere. I hear Noxx somewhere ripping someone apart.

“Call him off Spring, or so help me I will force this issue between us.” He growls, smashing his hard body against me. “Once I do that, everything will be over.”

Out of the corner my eye. I see Reggie start to step forward. I look at him for a quick second, and he stops. I know when to back down. Noxx and I are outnumbered. I have to pick my battles.

“Noxx stop,” I yell toward the hellhound. He has one of the guards on the ground. There is blood everywhere. He lets go but is still growling. I look up to Luc; he has an evil grin on his face.

“You will let the guards take you to OUR room. You will not give them a hard time. Do you understand me?”

Biting my tongue, “Yes, my King I do.” I murmur keeping my eyes on him the whole time. What I want to say is go do a tug and chug under some bridge, but I don’t.

“Good,” He says letting my arms go. The guards walk up to me and grab me by the arms. My power starts to kick up a notch. They must feel it because they drop their hands quickly. Smiling, I follow them out of the hall.

“There’s nothing to see here. Go back to what you were doing.” I hear Luc tell his guests. “She will be dealt with when we are alone.” I hear some of the guests laugh at that. Keeping my head up, I walk out of the room. My eyes find Reggie’s. He nods his head at me hiding a smirk.

Once back into our rooms, I let my breath out. It feels like I’ve been holding it the whole time getting here. The guards leave the room without saying a word. The door opens up a few minutes later, and Jax rushes in.

“My Queen, I have to get you ready for the vampire prince. Oh, my God, look at your face and neck. What did that animal do to you?” He murmurs, walking over to me.

“I’m fine Jax, I honestly am.” I slowly make my way over to the bathroom where Jax helps me out of my dress. I wait until the water is ready, and then sinking down in its hot bubbly warmth. A quick look tells me what I already know that Jax is blushing.

“I’m sorry Jax.”

“It’s fine my Queen. You ARE beautiful. It’s just that I am not worthy of seeing you like that. My King would be furious at me.” He stammers.

“Wait why is that Jax?” Leaning back, I let him wash my hair. “I don’t understand everything that’s going on. No one will tell me.” I whine.

“My Queen, I will give you something to read while you wait. It did not come from me. The King will kill me if he finds out I have given it to you. But I believe you need to know,” He says. I let it drop because it feels incredible getting my hair washed, and up in a towel. Jax starts on my shoulders. Groaning, I relax a little more.

“Is this to your liking?” He asks.

“Yes, it feels amazing.” I murmur closing my eyes I let his hands work their magic.