Aetas’ eyes lowered to Marko. “Do you solemnly swear and promise your loyalty to me, your leader, the one who bestows this title upon you?”
“I solemnly swear and promise.” Marko answered.
“And do you solemnly swear and promise with this title to make the best judgement according to the laws I have governed to our kind?”
“I solemnly swear and promise.”
Aetas stepped from the high members at his sides and came closer to Marko. “Do you solemnly swear and promise to relinquish all rights to this crown and to your title if betray your vows.”
“Relinquish?” Confusion masked Marko’s face.
“That’s right. New law,” Aetas said, firmly. “If you betray me, your title means nothing. You will lose it, whether it be your death, or mine.”
Marko’s hands jerked at his tie and he let it fall to the floor. “I solemnly swear and promise.” The jacket followed and he unbuttoned his white shirt, dropping it to the ground as he stared up at our leader and extended his arms out to the sides. It was a sign of surrender, of loyalty to the death.
Aetas’ claw shot down. “So be it.” His arm rose and he cut across Marko’s forehead. Blood ran down his face, racing over the bridge of his nose and eyes. He didn’t so much as flinch as Aetas moved to his chest and began to cut an intricately shaped symbol I’d never seen before. I knew it was a crest, and a new one. One that would be Marko’s and mine. The swirls and jagged lines made my pulse race faster. Both Aetas’ and Marko’s powers combined, growing and making it hard to breathe. With as close as I was, standing the arms’ length away, my body was trembling at the vibrations.
“Since your powers are merged with the Black Princess, I do believe we have Black Fire. Turn around and show your gift to our curious onlookers. Show them black fire, by yourself. If you can show them what I witnessed during my arrival, I will crown you.”
My eyes widened at Aetas words. Marko couldn’t do that by himself. It was our merged gift. Yes, he held both powers, as I did, but he’d never tried alone. Not that I was aware of, anyway. And it all started with my gift. With my black smoke.
Marko licked his lips, swallowing hard as his eyes locked with mine. Slowly, he turned to face the large room. Vampires looked on in fascination, waiting for what I knew would never come. My heart was breaking, regardless that I had been upset at this outcome. But I knew how much Marko had wanted this. And now he was going to lose it before it ever happened. Right into front of everyone—rulers and commoners. Aetas had done this on purpose. As a lesson for his greed.
A deep exhale left Marko as his hands rose to cup in front of him. Concentration took over his features and he stared into the emptiness within. In quick movements, I gazed between him and the smug expression on Aetas’ face. The look our leader cast me had me throwing him a glare as I turned back to Marko.
Sweat was mixing with the blood as seconds passed. His brow was creased and a slight tremble took over him as he drew his hands in closer. Darkness flickered within his palm. It faded in and out, disappearing as if it never existed. He shook his head, his features turning hard as his eyes shut through the anger I could see appearing. When his lids opened, an odd expression appeared and he dropped his arms.
Black took over his eyes and smoke seeped from his full lips, swirling as it crept into the air before him. His hands rose again, circling around the increasing fog. A smile burst on to my face as he molded it and pushed his own gift inside. Bright blue flared within the black, followed by orange and yellows. It came alive inside the darkness, pushing the smoke out to grow in size. Larger it became, until it was bigger than his own towering frame.
Aetas’ lips parted as he took steps forward. The shock was written all over and there was no hiding it. But he wasn’t the only one. His members gathered closer, their eyes filling with amazement and something I knew all too well. Fear. What Marko was displaying was something that had never been done before. Something that was going to change things forever. It was our beginning, both his and mine. If he could do it, someday, I would be able to, too.
The large weapon Marko held withdrew, disappearing into his palm. Anger reappeared as he spun toward Aetas. “I believe that was satisfactory of a king?”
Aetas straightened, waving his fingers to the members behind him. A woman with short brown hair rushed forward, bearing the satin pillow that held the crown. Aetas didn’t turn around as she came to a stop at his side, lowering to her knees. Instead, his hand rose, and with it, the crown levitated, rising between him and Marko.
“King, Marko Delacroix. The Black Fire King.”
Marko and Aetas kept their eyes locked as the dark crown, so similar to mine, came to rest on my husband’s head. The shockwave that rushed through me and the others was like nothing I had felt before. We all fell to our knees, not only as a sign of respect, but because our vampires didn’t have a choice.
“Long live the king!”
The shout came from somewhere in the crowd, and the mantra quickly began to echo around us. Marko’s bloodstained body turned to face the room and I slowly rose at the upward flicker of his hands.
“Long live the king,” he repeated. “And long live my queen.” He turned and held his hand out to me. A smile stretched across my face and I walked forward, so proud of what he had proven to them all. I knew his powers were great, but what he had shown was far beyond what I thought him capable of. He deserved this—to rule, and to be king.
I came to stop at his side, smiling bigger as he brought my hand up to his lips. When he pulled me in and wrapped his arm around my waist, the crowd exploded with shouts and clapping. Our city was thriving, and so much happier than I had seen them in a long time. What Marko was given wasn’t just a title, but an honor. It spoke for not only him, but for every one of us. Our city would be set apart from the rest. Feared by the other leaders, but craved by the commoners who would no doubt want to become part of something so grand. We would give the appeal of greatness. Of protection from a king. The only king aside from Aetas.
“Let the festivities begin!”
Aetas’ voice once again rang out and the sounds of the tables mingled with the remaining cheering. Marko turned us to face Aetas and his members, who held steady behind our leader. Even Hunter had moved in from the spot he’d taken up at the very back of them.
“This is a day to celebrate,” Aetas said, coming in to wrap his arm around Marko’s free one. As he began to lead us to the large table where our own members usually sat, he lowered his voice. “We have had issues in our past, but I’m no fool. You are a king, Marko. You have been blessed with not only your true gift, but with falling in love with the princess. The merge of the two of your powers couldn’t have been any more perfect. That you have been able to control both as you have, shows exceptional strength, worthy of the title you carry. I want to give you a gift to express this new beginning for the two of us.”
“A gift?”
Marko glanced over. I felt his suspicion, but I felt my own as well. This didn’t seem like Aetas. Was he truly wanting to put aside their past?
“That’s right. Tonight you feed from me. And I will feed from you.”
Marko jolted us to a stop. “You want to tie with me?”
A smile stretched across Aetas’ face and he narrowed his eyes at me before turning back to Marko. My blood turned cold. He knew … and he was doing just as I had. He was keeping his friends close, but his enemies closer. Where I used Hunter’s innocence to tie so he could never turn on me or our kind, Aetas was using my exact plan, only with Marko. And he wouldn’t need more than one exchange to know Marko’s true intentions, whatever they were. He was too powerful for that.
“We tie in front of everyone. They’ll see our loyalty to each other. They will know my support of you.”
Marko, let out a deep breath, but nodded. “I will tie with you, if that’s alright with my queen, of course.”
“Queen Tessalyn?”
Aetas’ eye
brow rose as the smile turned to a smirk. I looked between the two of them, glancing over at Hunter before bringing my focus back to the two men who were awaiting my answer.
“I think it would be an honor to tie with our leader.”
“Excellent.” Aetas led us forward again and I couldn’t stop the sickening feeling that was taking over. “This is going to be a great alliance between the four of us,” Aetas continued. “You and I will tie, and the queen and Hunter will do the same. All four of us will come together and the three of you will dominate our world. It is a great partnership.”
“Wait.” Marko’s pulled his arm free of our leader as we stopped at the table. “Tessa and Hunter?”
“Of course,” Aetas said, firmly. “Hunter is my only creation. He is part of me. He will most certainly rise to the top when his powers develop. That is fact. In time, the three of you may be my top members at headquarters. For all of us to be close is essential, wouldn’t you agree?”
Marko’s stare left Aetas to settle on Hunter. The hatred was evident on both sides as the men locked eyes.
“It’s time to forget the past and move forward. You are king, and Tessalyn, you’re queen. I’ve explained that to Hunter and it may be hard for him to understand now, but as he grows older, he will come to accept this and find his own concubine. Then there will be no more feuds. No more jealousy. We can make this work.”
Still, Marko kept his sights on Hunter. I cleared my throat, turning to Aetas. “You talk as if we are not in a war. As if behind these walls, the humans aren’t planning another attack on our city. Are you saying you will stop this impending battle? Will we all go back into hiding and forgotten from human minds?”
The members around us stopped talking, turning their attention to our leader. It was enough to even have Marko and Hunter focused on Aetas.
“We will not speak of such things during Marko’s celebration. Besides, we have plenty of time before we have to worry about war.”
“Do we?” Marie closed in at my side. “Do we have time, Your Highness? I don’t feel as though we do. The very fabric of human society is unraveling and if we close our eyes to it, I’m afraid it may be a mistake on our part. If you ask me, we’re already there.”
“Someone’s suddenly become brave.” Aetas’ head cocked to the side as he peered into Marie’s lowering face. Her eyes darted up through her lashes, but she wouldn’t meet his stare.
“I’m sorry if I spoke out of turn.”
“No, no,” he whispered, reaching to bring her face back up. You’re close to the king and queen. They trust you. Perhaps there’s a reason.”
Marie glanced over at me.
“She is to be trusted. Her visions are very powerful and their accuracy is usually dead on.”
“Are they? I am in need of someone new.”
Aetas’ voice was almost silent as he whispered the words. Alarm flashed over Marie’s features, but she straightened and met his gaze head on. For seconds they were silent and I knew Aetas had breached her walls and was breaking through her memories and predictions. When he blinked and turned to me, I barely caught Marie’s falling form.
“I’m impressed, even if she is a bit … delayed. I’m sorry to take her, but it is vital she move to headquarters and associate herself with my members. To prepare.”
“Prepare?”
Aetas nodded. “Her gift is only given to a few and she needs to strengthen it. Right now she’s the strongest alive. It’s best if I keep it that way. She’ll become part of my circle.”
The shock hit me hard, but Marie, harder. Her hand clutched to my bicep as she tried to stay steady on her feet.
“I’m … honored. I …” Her eyes flickered to me and I quickly shook my head, reading her thoughts from our tie.
“You will not apologize or worry for leaving us.” I smiled, brushing back the dark curl that had escaped the pins holding her hair back. “You’re going to show them who you are, and you’re going to wow them with your gift. This was meant to happen, Marie. This is your path.”
I leaned forward, pressing my lips against her cheek.
“It wouldn’t be if it weren’t for you. You,” she said, lowering her voice, “are destined for great things, but you know that.”
“I believe we all do,” Aetas said, cutting in. “Let’s sit, shall we. Everyone that is, but our queen. She will be our first entertainment for the night.”
The slight grin on my face fell. “I’m not sure I understand.”
“You will sing for your king. For all of us. I do believe you know how.”
“But … I don’t sing anymore. I mean, not since my change.”
“A waste. Please, let us hear you.”
Chairs slid out as everyone began taking their place. My pulse was pounding and I wasn’t sure why. The passion I held dear to me was gone—as dead as the human version of me.
Marko paused just outside of one of the chairs at the head of the table. Two were positioned next to each other and I knew the other was Aetas’.
“I’d love to,” I forced out.
As I walked to the far back of the room, I took deep breaths to push away the sudden anxiety. I could do this. I’d done it a million times before. The only thing different was my lack of joy at the thought of using my voice. Had I lost myself so much? The reality left my steps slower.
I had. I wasn’t even sure who I was anymore. Ruler—not the ruler. I was weak now.
The vermin were already waiting as I approached. My hand had a slight tremble to it as I rose, pushing my fingertip into the violinist’s temple. “I want this played slow. Make it beautiful.” I moved to the next, taking my turn as I gave them clips of the song I wished to sing. The lyrics were half French, half English. But the violin was more important than any of the words of love and loyalty. They spoke a language of their own. Played the right way, the tune had the ability to lure and capture all who focused in on the sound. And I wanted that. I wanted the vampires and other rulers to remember this night. To remember a king who was going to be so great that they told the story of this night to anyone who would listen. King Marko Delacroix. The Black Fire King.
Chapter 12
Hunter
The first note of the violin drew in everyone’s attention. Everyone but mine. Although the need to take in the princess was there, the overwhelming hatred I felt for Marko was outweighing it. A king. He wanted something I would never have and he got it. He had everything—the woman I wanted, a higher title, and now a tie with our leader? It wasn’t fair. I may have disliked Aetas, but my vampire knew what Marko’s entitlements meant. He’d be more powerful than I would. I couldn’t stand it.
“Do you know this song?” Aetas was leaned in toward Marko as they both kept their attention on Tessa.
“I don’t believe so. It’s beautiful though.”
“Indeed,” Aetas’ whispered, leaning in closer. His eyes closed and he inhaled Marko deeply.
My fangs thickened in my mouth as they battled with whether to come down or not. My maker was desperate to taste Marko. Why? I didn’t understand it. I didn’t understand anything. It drove me crazy. What was so good about him? His power? His taste? The queen fed from him, too, and she obviously liked it.
“Are you opposed to completely bonding?”
Marko blinked heavily, turning to face Aetas. “You want to bond with me?”
Aetas rotated in his chair, frowning before he leaned back in. “I do.”
“Why would you want to do that?”
The violin continued as our leader went through multiple expressions. “I’m feeling your energy and the power you project even when you’re calm. I think the match would be a good one—you and I. You have some of Black King’s blood in you from Tessa, you have yours. Combine those with mine and that’s one hell of a combination for both of us.”
“You hate me. Why be completely bonded? That puts me in your mind and you in mine. It makes us equal, minus your experience and age. Who’s to say even o
ne tie will work? Your blood is probably so strong that it’ll cancel mine out. Perhaps you weren’t meant to bond to anyone.”
A grin pulled at Aetas’ lips. “Only one way to find out. I happen to think your blood stands a chance. Mine might even welcome it. I’ve never tried to bond before.”
“You know what that’ll mean for me and Tessa if you and I bond.” Marko’s brow furrowed, but I knew nothing else as the queen’s voice broke through the nearly silent room. The power behind the soft tone carried and echoed against the walls, tugging at some internal trigger in my mind. Flashes began to blind me. Ones I’d never seen before. It was of me and Tessa. We were human …and I was sitting in what I knew was a church, listening to her sing. I was in just as much awe as I felt now. I was in love. So deeply in love with her.
From my peripheral, Aetas leaned forward, watching just as Marko was doing now. The violin drew out, matching the pitch of her voice. The two together were one, and yet, two completely different life forces. My heart was increasing in rhythm. Of an anticipation I couldn’t even begin to decipher.
The lyrics switched to French and even though I could only decipher a few of the words the queen was saying, I pieced the meaning together as if I spoke the language fluently. I was being given a promise with her verses. She was singing of something so great that it was undeniable to question whether or not it was going to come true.
Praise was whispered throughout the lands.
The pain of time slipped through his hands.
His blood-stained sword, his name and word.
His tale, his legend, would be heard.
Marko’s hands flattened on the table, drawing my attention as he slowly stood. He was entranced. Hypnotized, just like the rest of us as Tessa let the violin finish.
“Thank you. For our king,” she said, bowing.
Marko was already walking toward her at a fast pace. The deep kiss he presented her with had blood filling my mouth. I rolled my eyes to Aetas, who was staring ahead at them just as love-struck of their presence as every other sap in this place.
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