Vampire Princess of New York (Arnhem Knights of New York)

by Susan Hanniford Crowley

  “People are still arriving, my Prince.”

  “Then if you can get us out of here, two more times around park.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Chapter 21

  The cheers were deafening, when Noble and Donovan entered the foyer of Max’s house. Max and Evie met them first and hugged them. Then Laura and David.

  King Vladimir of New Jersey took Noble’s hand. “My dear Princess, please, forgive me for missing your wedding.”

  “Oh no, your Majesty. What happened?”

  “We tried to enter the church, but a voice said, ‘Evil cannot enter here.’ I confess that not all the bodies in Jersey are there because of the Mafia. Please, forgive me for missing the ceremony.”

  “Of course. Father, where is his Majesty sitting?”

  “At the second table next to ours.”

  Noble peered into the ballroom. “The tables are square. We could put the tables together.”

  “Yes, we could,” Max agreed. Instantly, Arnhem Knights moved the tables together and rearranged the chairs.

  “Your Majesty, please, come and sit with us.” She took Donovan’s arm on one side and Vladimir’s arm on the other and led the way to the table. Along the way, people greeted them, congratulating her and Donovan.

  Max, Evelyn, David, Laura, Donovan, and Noble were at one table and sitting next to her but at the other table was King Vladimir and his entourage.

  She mindtalked to Max. Father, was anyone else unable to come into the church?

  Everyone else had no trouble. Elves. Werewolves. Only the New Jersey contingency was unable to enter the church.

  Noble knew what she would do. It was important to have the best relations with allies.

  “Pardon, everyone,” Donovan said, “but it’s time I danced with my wife.” He offered his hand to Noble. She took it as he led her out onto the empty dance floor.

  David walked up to the microphone though most there could hear him perfectly without it. “It is my honor to present Her Royal Highness, Princess Noble and Prince Donovan, aka Monsieur and Madame Dupre.” The crowd stood and cheered.

  The violins played, and Donovan led her into a waltz. Moments later, Max and Evelyn were on the dance floor too and joined a minute later by David and Laura. Vampires, elves, werewolves and some humans joined the dance. For one dance, Noble could relax from the scrutiny of being princess. The music was slow enough for her to hug Donovan.

  He spoke to her mind. Noble, I know it’s bigger than we ever wanted but . . .

  Even though I’d rather face an aggressive board during a hostile takeover, I’ll get used to this.

  Feeling okay?

  You mean the baby?

  I mean you and Bébé.

  Yes, we’re okay.

  The music wound down, and Max stood beside them. “May I cut in?”

  Donovan put Noble’s hand into her father’s, and they danced.

  Evie, Betsy, and Laura worked very hard putting all this together, you know.

  I’m grateful.

  Max chucked. I know you are, Bless. I also know that you’re not into big productions. Thank you for going along with this.

  I know this was difficult to put on at the last minute, but I am grateful even if it’s not obvious.

  Max laughed and hugged her, as they danced.

  Bless, I know you and Donovan have to put off your honeymoon until he’s fully trained as an Arnhem Knight. Could you start giving your teleportation class on Monday?

  That’s in three days. What about Tuesday?

  I can live with Tuesday. I want the Arnhem Knights trained as soon as possible. I’m making a room at VMeer available for people to teleport into. I recommend having the class in your home’s ballroom.

  The new house has a ballroom?

  Yes. Evie and I have put in a temporary staff and some bedroom and dining furniture, so you can move in. Of course, you don’t have to keep any of it.

  Noble was astounded. You don’t have to do all this for me.

  Max kissed her on the forehead. Bless, it is my pleasure. You’ve watched out for my interests for centuries. It’s time I watched out for yours.

  Father, you’ve always watched over me, even from afar. I know.

  They both laughed.

  At that moment, Max was tapped on the shoulder.

  Vlad smiled and bowed. “May I request this dance with the Princess?”

  Max bowed and gave Noble’s hand to Vlad.

  “It will be my pleasure,” Noble replied.

  He swept her off into a lively two-step. “I was speaking with Prince Donovan. It made me think that perhaps somewhere out there is my lifemate.”

  “It is possible. It seems more and more vampires are finding them lately.”

  “It must be a cycle for our kind, to be alone for such a long time and then suddenly to have the chance for love and family.”

  “Perhaps. I hope, your majesty is one of the fortunate.”

  He laughed. “Ah, Princess, me too.”

  After that, one of the werewolves requested a dance. With every change in music came a new partner, until Veritas, the tall, blond king of the New York elves interrupted. “May I have this dance with the Princess Noble?”

  Noble curtsied.

  King Veritas bowed and swept her into a faster moving Viennese Waltz. Even at that pace, they talked.

  “Your Majesty, I cannot express my gratitude enough for your help in clearing out the remains of the society’s building.”

  “It was our pleasure to help. After your librarian was rescued the pain and fear she emitted decreased, and I was able to get closer to offer my help. I don’t think the Nat (supernatural) community really understands what we experience when humans are in terror and agony. It’s like an explosion building in our brains. On 9/11, we lost 17 elves and 8 elflings. I tried to build a bubble around the evacuees to get them out as quickly as possible. Even I became ill and spent many months on Hunter’s Mountain trying to regain my strength.”

  “That’s terrible.”

  “I know most of the Nat community doesn’t have any idea of how badly we were affected by the city’s crisis. We were shamed by our weakness,” Veritas whispered. “Many think we just ran away.”

  “That’s not true.”

  “I am glad you understand. When I heard the explosion and learned that it was the Arnhem Society, I had to come. Your father has always been a good friend to us. Of course, when I arrived your librarian was in danger. I could feel her fear and pain. The illness started in me and the other elves too. Not to the extent as when thousands were in terror. Then I heard Donovan call her on his cell phone.”

  “You could hear that?”

  “Yes. I heard him say he was coming for her, and immediately her terror lessened. She believed him completely. I felt his pain too, but at moments, he was able to control it. Then Donovan got her out of danger. He got her to David and the others, but . . .” Veritas closed his eyes a moment, as if the memory pained him. “Then I sensed him hug his daughter close as they tried to move faster than the stone sliding to crush them. I heard his mind in that moment . . . regret that Laura would die . . . but he was not afraid. He stood facing death with a strength rare and beautiful. I could not turn away. I was entranced by his courage. Then suddenly he was gone. Gone not dead. I searched for his thoughts and could not find them.”

  “I teleported both of them to me.”

  “Really?” With wide crystal green eyes, the elven king said, “A vampire has such powers? To teleport others to them?”

  “Apparently just me. But I’m going to teach it to the rest of the Arnhem Knights.”

  “That will be very useful.”

  They twirled around.

 
“You’ve been wonderful to us,” Noble said.

  “I’m doing what we can. When Max asked us to look for some particular things, some of the Arnhem Knights also asked.”

  “What kinds of things did they ask for?”

  “Photographs mostly. Some pieces of art. Some jewelry. Some were looking for diaries and journals.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry to put you through such bother.”

  “It’s no bother. I was surprised to find how sentimental vampires are. We did our best to sift through all the debris carefully to find as many of these precious items as we could. We are still bringing several full baskets to Max every day.”

  “Thank you so much.” They twirled around again. “I was thinking that perhaps our research department might be able to help you with that problem of hearing human agony—perhaps a different version of noise cancelling headphones.”

  “What an interesting idea! But how would you replicate human agony to test it. You can’t torture humans?”

  Donovan stood there. “I’m sure I must be hearing this out of context.”

  Noble looked at Veritas, and they both burst out laughing. The Elf King bowed and gave Noble’s hand to Donovan for the next dance.

  So you were talking with the Elf King about torturing humans?

  Of course. Noble couldn’t stop giggling. No, we were talking about how when humans are tormented and in terror of death, the elves hear them and become extremely ill and in some cases die. Noise canceling headphones might work in preventing that.

  I was thinking that too, but how would we test it? How could we replicate the human agony they hear? Ah, I know. Have them approach the most severe unit in a mental hospital. If they feel fine, they take them off. If the elves start to become ill put the headphones back on or teleport them out. You will need some strong healthy elves to volunteer for these tests, as well as some vampires who can take a passenger and teleport fast and accurately. You will want to ask the best of the Arnhem Knights that graduate from your teleportation class.

  She kissed him. You are brilliant.

  He grinned. Thank you, Sha.

  It was funny how she couldn’t get used to him calling her that. Heat raced through her veins every time he said ‘Sha’. Noble involuntarily shivered, as if her body directly answered to Donovan.

  He leaned forward and whispered in her ear, “Ah, Sha, it does. You’re mine. Remember?”

  They laughed with naughty winks and pokes. The band started a slower dance, and Donovan pulled her closer. She relaxed into the warmth of her lifemate. Their bodies even clothed melded to each other. She felt him relax against her. He was hers too. Noble loved the soft rumble of his laugh. He had heard her thoughts.

  If someone comes and taps you on the shoulder, tell them no, ok?

  Am I supposed to do that?

  It doesn’t matter. I’m all danced out. I just want to dance with you now.

  Noble felt a tap on her shoulder.

  Laughing, she said, “Would you like to dance with Donovan?”

  Donovan laughed. “I don’t want to dance with David.”

  Noble turned. Odd she hadn’t felt her brother’s presence so close.

  “I was blocking to sneak up on you, Bless.” David grinned.

  She punched him in the arm.

  He laughed all the more. “Anyway, Father thought you should know about the grand wedding gift you are receiving from some friends.”

  “From whom?” she asked.

  “Gustave and his family and friends are in the kitchen cooking your wedding feast as a gift, and they’re paying for the food, champagne, and blood.”

  “What? But they’re guests.”

  “Betsy Stenwood offered to pay them, and they refused. When Max went to pay for the food and blood, Gustave wouldn’t hear of it. He called all of his suppliers and said it was for Maximillion Vander Meer. Gustave and his staff have been here all day preparing.”

  “Thank you for letting us know.” Noble took Donovan’s hand and led him to the kitchen.

  As soon as they entered, the bustling crew stopped and cheered the newlyweds. Then the room grew quiet, and they bowed.

  Noble bit her lower lip to hold back the tears. Donovan hugged her from behind.

  “Gustave,” she said.

  He rose and approached her.

  “Yes, my Princess.”

  “Donovan and I want to thank you. Thank all of you for this wonderful gift you’re giving us. Thank you so much.”

  Gustave said, “Princess, you saved our lives and protected our families. This is such a small gift.”

  Noble was overcome. She couldn’t talk. Donovan pulled her to face him and held her, as she hid her face against his chest.

  Gustave continued, “I didn’t mean to embarrass the Princess.”

  “No,” Donovan said, “You didn’t. She is very touched by your gift. So am I.”

  Noble turned and smiling hugged Gustave then his wife Marie. She proceeded to hug and thank everyone in the room. Donovan followed close behind her, hugging and shaking hands expressing his gratitude to them all. They came to three children playing on the floor.

  Sitting down on the floor, she asked, “And who are these fine young ones?”

  “Our children,” Gustave said.

  “This is Zoe. She’s 3. Zila. She’s 5, and Zander is 7.

  Zoe giggled and sat in Noble’s lap. Everyone laughed.

  “Gustave, how long have you and Marie been together?” Donovan sat on the floor beside Noble. Zander handed him a crayon and a coloring book.

  “Thank you, Zander.”

  “We’ve been together for a hundred years. Only recently I found out that lifemates are warm to each other’s touch. Marie and I have always been warm. We just didn’t know we were lifemates.”

  “That’s wonderful!” Noble replied.

  Looking over at Donovan, she chuckled. “You’re doing well staying within the lines.”

  Next thing he knew, David came in and joined them on the floor with the children. “I hate to break up your fun, but Father’s looking for you.”

  Donovan got up. Noble hugged and kissed Zoe. Then she allowed Donovan to help her up. As they exited the kitchen with David behind them, Noble wobbled and reached out to a wall for support.

  “David, ask Max to give us a few minutes.” Donovan pulled her close. “Are you all right?”

  “The room swam.”

  Marie came out of the kitchen and held out a glass of Shuma Moot. “Princess, you look shaky.”

  “I’m fine. Just a little dizzy. Weird thing is vampires don’t get dizzy.” She took the Shuma Moot and drank it down then handed back the glass. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. I’ll make up my special box of tea and biscuits for you. You’re going to need it when the nausea hits.”

  “Vampires don’t get nauseated.”

  “The rules change when a vampire gets pregnant. I’ve given a similar box to Queen Evelyn. She tells me it helps her morning sickness a great deal.”

  “Thank you,” Noble said. Then moving away from the wall, she steadied herself and took Donovan’s arm. “Let’s go see what Father wants.”

  They walked to the table. Donovan held the chair for Noble and then sat beside her.

  Max stood up. “Don’t get too comfortable, Bless. I have a surprise for you.” He went over to the middle of the dance floor. The music stopped and the dancers returned to their seats. When the room was quiet, he began.

  “Welcome to all our family and friends. Today we are celebrating the wedding of my only daughter, Princess Noble. She recently changed it from Noblesse. I’m very proud of her and happy that she and Donovan have found each other. Finding a lifemate is a blessing.

&
nbsp; “I have ruled a long time even by vampire standards. In reality, Noble has ruled. In all the times when I’ve been away, sometimes for years, Noble has kept VMeer Industries growing and the Arnhem Society strong, with the help of her brother, David.

  “As many of you know, this wedding was beautifully put together at the last minute by Betsy Stenwood, my wife Queen Evelyn, David’s wife Laura, and many of our friends. I am grateful and I know Noble and Donovan are too.

  “Because of the quick timing of their wedding, Noble’s other brothers were not able to celebrate with us. They all have promised to be come soon to see her. I spoke to them regarding succession to my crown.”

  The room filled with people whispering now went dead quiet.

  “All of her brothers agreed that Noble should succeed me in the event that something happens to me or I decide to step down.” He gestured for Noble and Donovan to join him. Donovan rose and extended his hand to Noble who took it. They walked together to stand with Max, the whole time Noble mindtalking to him.

  Father, you’re not stepping down, are you?

  No.

  Good. You’re not leaving, are you?

  I’m not. If anything, I will be here most of the time. Evie wants to stay mostly in New York to be near our family. I agree with her. While there will always be business trips, my home is here.

  Why all this?

  To show our allies that it’s not just Max Vander Meer ruling New York, but the Vander Meers, the royal family.

  I get it.

  Donovan nodded and smiled. She realized he was in her mind and heard the whole conversation.

  Max took Noble’s hand and raised it over her head. “I give you, Her Royal Highness, the Crown Princess Noble Vander Meer Dupre and the Prince Consort Donovan Dupre.”

  The crowd stood and cheered. Max signaled the musicians to play, and Donovan and Noble led the dance. In a moment, they were waltzing, floating, over the dance floor.