“Issa Refeu, of house Alabsa,” Jexin murmured in her ear. Rachel froze; she didn’t know how to greet other royalty. Her uncle hadn’t expected anything special, but this Refeu might.
Jexin came to her rescue again. “He will bow and kiss your hand, Assa, greeting you by name. You return the greeting and wish him health.”
She nodded gratefully, trying to stand tall as the prince approached her.
“Assa Rachel.” He bowed low, scooping up her proffered hand, his kiss sending shivers through her. “I wish you health and good fortune.”
“Issa Refeu, I wish you health and good fortune,” she replied, relieved when he didn’t laugh at her. Apparently, she’d done it right.
“Your uncle told me I could speak with you. May I?” He glanced at Jexin and Tim. Jexin immediately retreated a short distance away – far enough to be out of earshot, but close enough to jump in if need be. Rachel led Refeu to a nearby bench and sat lightly on the edge.
Refeu’s formal expression dropped slightly and he smiled at her. “You’re a natural, Assa. No one would guess you haven’t been brought up in vampire society.”
A laugh of relief burst from Rachel’s lips. “That’s good to hear. I can tell you, though, I’m getting sick of everyone calling me Assa. Please, won’t you call me Rachel?”
“Rachel, then,” he agreed easily. “If you call me Refeu. I should warn you, only royalty dare to use first names with other royalty, so you’re unlikely to convince many other people to do the same.”
“I know. Trust me, I’ve been trying.”
Refeu laughed, a pleasant sound. “Perhaps I can help you in your efforts. Rachel, I’ve come to offer you my hand in marriage.”
She stared at him, expecting him to start laughing at any moment.
Refeu didn’t laugh but looked at her steadily.
“W-What?”
“It is common for vampire royals to marry in order to seal alliances between families. My Assa wishes an Alliance between the families of Alabsa and Cherki. I would be honored to be one of your husbands.”
Crap. What was she going to do? She didn’t want to cause some sort of diplomatic incident.
Refeu seemed to sense her panic, because he clasped her hands, giving her a reassuring look. “You don’t need to decide now. It is customary for potential suitors to stay in the palace for several weeks, until the woman in question decides. We can get to know each other, if you are willing.”
That, she could do. In the meantime, Rachel would have to figure out a way to tell him she was taken. Maybe Jexin could advise her. “I’d love to get to know you, Refeu.” It was the truth. Refeu seemed kind and open, and she could easily see herself becoming friends with him. “Maybe you can tell me more about royal customs. It seems I have a lot to catch up on.”
He kissed her hand again. “Bargain struck.”
Chapter Six
Tim
Their days were full, full enough that Tim could hide his turmoil. He wanted to be here for Rachel, but he was struggling. He knew now, from both Jexin and Refeu, that female vampires were rare – girls were rarely born to vampires, and women survived the change at a much lower rate than men.
It was customary for royal women in vampire society to have multiple husbands. Only one was unheard of. Of course, he trusted Rachel, and knew she loved him, but Tim also knew that their world was changing, and he had to change with it if he wanted to fit in here.
He struggled with the idea of sharing Rachel’s heart with anyone. Worse, he could clearly see that she had feelings for both Jexin and Refeu. She steadfastly refused to act on them, but he knew that there would come a point when she would ask his permission to, either for herself or because their new society required it. When she did, he needed to be able to tell her that he loved her and wanted her to be happy, even if that meant having multiple loves.
Right now, he couldn’t tell her that. Every day, Tim tried to bludgeon his brain into accepting that Rachel wouldn’t love him less just because she loved someone else too, but the stupid bugger was stubborn, and it was taking time.
Surprisingly, Jexin became a steadfast ally and confidant in this. Just as he helped Rachel transition from the human world to the vampire one, he helped Tim too. When Rachel asked, he always masked his thoughts. He wanted to have this sorted out in his head and not burden her with it.
As days turned into weeks, though, Rachel grew more and more withdrawn, and wouldn’t answer Tim’s questions about her wellbeing any more than he would answer hers. He worried about her; she seemed miserable, and she wouldn’t tell him why.
It was Refeu who did something about it. The vampire prince pulled Tim aside while Rachel was being dressed in a fancy gown by some attendants.
“Tim, your mate is not doing well. She is miserable. Why have you not done something about this?”
Tim stiffened. “You don’t think I would, if I knew what to do? I have no idea!”
Instead of getting angry, Refeu lowered his voice. “I think she needs some time away from all this, back in the human world, even if only for a few days. A holiday, of sorts.”
“Vampire royals can take holidays?”
“Of course. She is Assa. She can do whatever she wants.”
It was tempting. There was no doubt that Rachel would benefit from a holiday. Tim could sweep her away and help her forget about her troubles, at least for a little while.
Refeu was looking expectantly at him. “No,” Tim said regretfully. “I can’t take her. You or Jexin should do it.”
Refeu’s expression darkened. “You are her mate.”
“She’s enamored with both you and Jexin. I can see it clearly. I’m in no state to look after her right now. I’ve got too much stuff to sort out in my own head.”
The thought of Rachel alone with Jexin or Refeu was enough to make his blood boil with jealousy, but Tim forcefully pushed away the feeling. This was his new world now, and he had to get used to the fact that Rachel was going to have more than one mate. It was clear that Refeu and Jexin both cared about her, which helped.
Refeu still didn’t look convinced, but there was one point that no one would be able to counter. “Besides, I can’t protect her like you can. Vampires are stronger, faster, and have better senses than humans. If you’re right about the turmoil in the other royal houses, it would be foolish to send Rachel away from the safety of the palace with just a human for protection.”
“That is true. Jexin or I could protect her,” Refeu mused. “Jexin would never let her out of his sight, not so soon after finding her. Maybe he can take her. Tell me, what does Rachel like? Where would be a good place to take her to relax?”
“She likes the beach. Just make sure she remembers to wear sunscreen.”
Refeu’s face fell. “The beach isn’t a good idea. Remember, sun makes vampires weak. It won’t be pleasurable for her.”
Great. Just another part of Rachel’s life that she couldn’t go back to. “She likes ice cream. There’s a place near the college where we’d often go after class. There’s a small bed and breakfast we were saving up for, to spend a few days there. It’s close to the ice cream place.”
Tim was loath to share these details; after class ice cream was something he and Rachel had always done together. He swallowed his objections. Rachel was miserable and she wouldn’t talk to him when he asked why. Perhaps in a familiar setting, she’d talk to Jexin.
“I will tell Jexin this.”
Refeu hurried off. Rachel was currently walking in the gardens, with Jexin trailing her, as always. He was devoted to her safety, and Tim was sure that he’d keep her safe.
To his surprise, Refeu found him again after talking to Jexin. “Jexin will persuade Rachel to come with him, though she’ll likely need encouragement from you too.”
“I’ll tell her it’s a good idea if she asks. I hope she feels better.”
“While she’s gone, we must do whatever is necessary to make you feel better.”
“What?”
“I can see that you are struggling, just as Rachel is. She won’t be truly happy unless her mate is happy too. You’ve confided in Jexin; I see the two of you talking. I also care for Rachel. Maybe I can help, if you’ll talk to me.”
“I don’t see what good talking is going to do. Things are as they are. I just need to get over it.”
Refeu didn’t respond, but merely looked at him. Tim remembered that despite his apparent youth, for all he knew, Refeu could be thousands of years old. Vampires had an infinite amount of time to learn patience.
He finally broke the silence. “I want her to be happy. I know this is her world now, and I want to support her, but I struggle with the idea of her being with other men as well as me.”
“She loves you very much. If you asked it of her, she would remain with you only.”
“I know, but I see how she looks at you and Jexin. I don’t want her to feel she has to choose between me and anyone else. She’ll be happier with all of us than only me. I just need to get my head around it. Besides, the more of us there are close to her, the better she will be protected.”
Refeu clapped him on the back. “You are a good mate, Tim. All vampires grow up knowing that female royals have multiple mates. You didn’t have this, so it is understandable that you are struggling. Know that even if Rachel should choose other mates, her love for you would not diminish, nor would the amount of time she spends with you.”
“Wouldn’t it? If she’s in relationships with other people, she’d need to spend time with them too.”
“Of course, but there would be no need to see her mates separately. You haven’t seen it, as there are no female royals in the palace other than Rachel, but it’s typical for a woman and her mates to spend almost all their time together.
“The males almost always become close friends. Occasionally, the woman will go off to be alone with one of her mates, but more often, she has all of them in her attendance.”
That did help to ease Tim’s mind a bit, but he was still hesitant.
Perhaps Refeu could read this on his face, because he smiled as an idea came to him. “When Rachel and Jexin are gone, I will take you to the Alabsa palace. My mother is the Assa there. She has five mates. You will stay with us for a few days and observe. You can see how happy they all are together, and perhaps that will help you come to terms with Rachel’s new life.”
Tim wasn’t sure how he felt about that. He was slowly getting used to life in the Cherki palace, but another palace, full of vampires he didn’t know? The vampires here were committed to him because he was Rachel’s boyfriend. He didn’t know how well a human would be accepted somewhere else.
His doubts must have shown, because Refeu smiled and squeezed his shoulder. “Don’t worry, I won’t let any harm come to you. I would never hurt Rachel like that.”
He was a good guy. Rachel would be lucky to have him and Jexin both, if Tim could only accept it. “Then I guess I should get packing.”
He was nearly finished packing what few belongings he had here when Rachel came into their shared rooms. As she did all too often lately, she looked troubled.
When she saw him, a flash of panic crossed her face. “You’re leaving?”
“Only for a few days,” Tim reassured her. “While you and Jexin are at the bed and breakfast, Refeu is taking me to his palace.”
“Oh.” Rachel bit her lip as she looked at him. “You think I should go, then?”
“I do. You need a holiday. That’s clear to all of us.”
“Yes, but with Jexin?”
“Of course with Jexin. He can protect you much better than I can.” Tim didn’t point out that Rachel would get to spend some time alone with her guard, time she’d been avoiding but obviously wanted.
“If you’re sure…”
“I am. It’ll be interesting seeing other vampire palaces, and I like Refeu.”
Everything he was telling her was true, but Tim kept the true reasons to himself. He didn’t need to burden Rachel with his struggles, not when she was having her own problems adjusting. “Do you need to feed before you go?”
Rachel blushed and averted her eyes. “Yes. Jexin says the urges will die down in a few months, but all newly turned vampires need to feed at least twice a day. Mature vampires can go a week or more without getting uncomfortable, though that takes several hundred years.”
“You learn something new every day.” Tim held out his hand. “Come on, then. Let’s go see Bethany.”
“You don’t need to come.” Rachel still wasn’t meeting his eyes and she tried to tug her hand out of his grasp as he caught it.
“Nonsense. This is part of who you are now. You don’t need to be ashamed of it. Besides, I think Bethany likes me,” he teased.
That got a smile from her. “Well, I’d hate to disappoint her.” Rachel smiled gratefully and led the way, Tim’s hand still in hers.
Chapter Seven
Refeu
Tim was nervous, but the human did a good job of hiding his fear. He was a good mate to Rachel. It was hard for him, but he was trying, and Refeu admired his efforts. He also knew that should Tim disapprove of him; he would have no chance with her.
He’d first gone to the Cherki palace out of duty, to solidify the alliance between their two bloodlines. It had quickly become more than that. Even though it had only been a few weeks, Refeu cared for Rachel a great deal. He would be honored and delighted to be one of her mates.
He could tell she cared for him too, but she insisted on keeping Tim as her only mate, probably for his sake. Refeu hoped that this trip would help Tim realize that his life would be not only as good, but better than before if he shared a brotherhood with other mates to Rachel.
“Refeu! Welcome home, son.”
Refeu embraced his mother before turning to his fathers, who hugged him just as warmly.
“Mother, fathers, this is Tim. He is one of Assa Rachel’s mates. She is taking some time alone with one of her suitors, and I offered to bring Tim here so that he can see more of vampire society.”
“Of course.” His mother gracefully welcomed Tim, despite how unusual it was to have a human in a vampire palace. “It is an honor to meet you, Tim. Anything you need, you have only to ask.”
“Thank you, Assa.” Tim bowed as he’d been instructed, his eyes wandering from the queen to her mates with open curiosity.
“Alisa.” One of the servants came forward and curtsied to his mother. “Yes, Assa?”
“See that a tea is prepared for us. Our guest will want to clean up first, I’m sure. Show him to his rooms. Refeu, I’ll notify the feeders that you’re here; you must be thirsty.”
It had been a two-day trip, and Refeu was thirsty. “The feeders can meet us in the garden.”
She raised her eyebrow slightly, her eyes flicking to Tim. Humans were generally uncomfortable, to say the least, when witnessing vampires feed.
“Bring the feeders to tea.” Tim smiled and bowed his head. “I’m in your home. You don’t need to hide who you are from me.”
A slight nod of approval told Refeu that his mother was pleased. “Very well. Alisa, show them to their rooms.”
Refeu and Tim followed. Tim was put in a room close to his own. “Thanks, Alisa. You can go see to the rest of your instructions; I’ll show Tim around.”
He watched as the human stared around wonderingly. The rooms he’d been assigned were no different to the rooms he shared with Rachel at the Cherki palace, but having not grown up used to these things, Refeu could easily understand his awe.
The human’s first question surprised him. “Which one of your mother’s husbands is your father?”
“All of them.”
“Oh. I meant, which one conceived you.”
Refeu puzzled at him. “I don’t know. Does it matter?”
Tim seemed just as surprised at his answer as Refeu was at his question. “I guess not. There are paternity tests, though. You could easily find out.”
“I suppose so, but what would be the point? They are all mates to my mother, which means they are all my fathers. Who conceived me is irrelevant. I can’t imagine growing up with only one father. My mother is often busy with matters of rule. It was my fathers who raised me, at least for the most part.”
Tim nodded. “I see what you mean. For humans, when the parents are working, they will hire people to look after the children, but having multiple parents is a better solution, I think. They all looked very close. Are your fathers also… together?”
Refeu laughed. “Romantically? No, not in that way. They are all mates to my mother, which makes them brothers by vampire law. It is a very close bond. They would gladly die for each other.”
Tim shot him an evaluating look, possibly aware that if Rachel chose as Refeu hoped she would, the two of them would become brothers at some point. “I’ve never had a sibling. I always wanted a brother, but I’m an only child.”
“The same as me.” Seeking to assure him, Refeu spoke the truth. “You will be a good brother to whoever Rachel choses, Tim. I would be honored to share that bond with you, if she wants me.”
A small smile tugged at the human’s lips. “She wants you. I can tell. She’s just not used to the idea of being with multiple men. I’m still not, either.”
“You will be, don’t worry about that. Come, we should wash up, and then we’ll be expected in the garden for tea.”
Half an hour later, Tim was dressed in the same fashion as Refeu. He got a few strange looks, but Refeu had insisted on the royal garb. If he and Tim were to be brothers, he would have them treated equally.
Tim looked around as Refeu led him to the gardens. “Who are they?” He gestured to two donors, dressed in fine silks, strolling along the hall.
“They are donors. You know about donors, correct?”
“Yes, but… they look like royalty.”
“They are treated as such. Donors are honored and given every comfort that affords their high station.”
Her Royal Blood Page 4
