by L. N. MALONE
L Malone
Redemption
Queen of Souls
First published by Independently published 2021
Copyright © 2021 by L Malone
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.
This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.
L Malone asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.
Designations used by companies to distinguish their products are often claimed as trademarks. All brand names and product names used in this book and on its cover are trade names, service marks, trademarks and registered trademarks of their respective owners. The publishers and the book are not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book. None of the companies referenced within the book have endorsed the book.
First edition
ISBN: 9798720233464
Cover art by Parvez Ahmed
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Contents
1. Chapter One
2. Chapter Two
3. Chapter Three
4. Chapter Four
5. Chapter Five
6. Chapter Six
7. Chapter Seven
8. Chapter Eight
9. Chapter Nine
10. Chapter Ten
11. Chapter Eleven
12. Chapter Twelve
13. Chapter Thirteen
14. Chapter Fourteen
15. Chapter Fifteen
16. Chapter Sixteen
17. Chapter Seventeen
18. Chapter Eighteen
19. Chapter Nineteen
20. Chapter Twenty
21. Chapter Twenty-one
22. Chapter Twenty-two
One
Chapter One
Armand POV:
Rain pours down as I walk through the cemetery thinking how I still cannot believe it has already been two days since my daughter Julianna was buried. I am still so very raw and angry which is never a good thing for a vampire let alone the King. My daughter, Julianna was so vibrant as a child and even though she was a human in a world full of vampires, shifters, and all sorts of others. She had this amazing ability to make whoever met her fall in love with her to some degree. My second in command Mirella was no different. Julianna my tiny human daughter had melted Mirella’s cold heart with in only an hour of meeting her. I look back and see Mirella walking just behind me. She keeps her distance knowing how volatile I have been these last two days. When I get to Julianna’s headstone, Mirella stands next to me in a quiet trance of sorts. Both lost in our own thoughts about the past and the present. I begin to think back to the little girl with wet blonde hair clinging to her neck sitting on my lap laughing in a white summer dress as the drops hit her face. “People say when it rains that means God is crying. Do you believe that daddy?” she asked full of curiosity and smiles. The images of her in my mind bring a slow smile to my face. I loved you so very much my Julianna I think to myself.
“For as long as we have been alive, you would think we were not affected by death anymore.” Mirella says pulling me out of the images in my head and my brief trip down memory lane. I look toward her and think about all the history she and I have. Mirella has been my second ever since I found her nearly 140 years ago. I found her the night she first shifted she was scared out of her mind not knowing what was happening to her. I am still unclear as to how she came to be there that night and she refuses to speak of her past still to this day. We have wandered the earth together ever since. She has become my most loyal and deadly friend as well as being bound by a blood oath to me. “Hmm.” is all I can say as I struggle to keep myself and my emotions in check. She must have understood my hesitation because she slightly bows her head and walks to the limo leaving me to my thoughts.
Looking at Julianna’s headstone my mind wanders to Julianna’s smile as she ran through the fields by the mansion. Always outside, she was, and always dirty from climbing trees, much to my dismay of course. Even as she grew up, she had this carefree spirit and she had to be outside and like a wild mustang running free. Many times, I would find her strolling back in the castle with her dark blonde hair full of mud and her dress feathered with whatever earthly thing she had managed to get into. Her mother was a beautiful woman who I shared time with. Julianna had her spirit for sure. Her birth father had passed away from cancer two years before leaving Julianna barely just an infant at that time with only her mother to provide for her. Julianna’s mother started working in the castle as a feeder and she eventually became a trusted friend of our house as well as myself personally. When she got sick, she begged me to take in Julianna before she passed. I had already grown attached to the little beauty, so it was an easy yes.
I raised her as my own for nineteen years before that a horrible night took her. I watched her grow into the beautiful smart young woman she was before she was taken from me. It was not unusual for my kind to adopt a human however it was rare. Most of immortals want to stay with their own kind and keep power and magic within the bloodlines. It was even more rare for a human to be handed a position of power and unheard of to be crowned as royalty. However, I loved Julianne like a daughter, and I knew she was strong and extremely intelligent and had a way with people, humans, and others alike. I knew she would do extremely well, and the public would love her, so I had spent the past five years grooming her to take the throne as the Princess of Obscurite’. I knew the tragedy of her death would affect me for years to come. Taking a deep a breath as I close my eyes and try to focus on what was next to do. I slowly make my way to the car head held up high and aggression pouring out of me in waves to be felt by everyone who gets near me.
“What does King Darin say?” I ask Mirella as I slip into the limo sitting in front of her.
“He requests a meeting. He wishes to seek redemption for his youngest sons’ actions.” She says low and calm, for my benefit I am most certain. I try not to imagine Julianne laying in a dirty alley left dead by the human king’s coward of a son. Jayson the coward he was had lost control but instead of staying and taking responsibility he ran. They had started dating a year ago much to my dismay. He had a reputation of being a ladies’ man and I was worried for Julianna’ s heart. Julianna, however, she adored him and always defended their relationship trying to convince me of all his good qualities. Even so I still did not agree with the relationship, however I also knew that the more I would try to push her away the more she would I want to be with him. I decided to let the relationship take its course and have faith in my daughter’s decisions. If I had known what the outcome of her love would cost her. I would have made different choices. I suppose it is too late to contemplate that now.
“Have our investigators come back with the report?” I asked.
“Yes Sir. Apparently, Jayson and Julianna were at the pub where Jayson was extremely inebriated. It was said he alone had been there since midday and Julianna came in just after dusk to meet him. A newly made shifter named Tristin was also there by then and approached Julianna. She was polite and spoke with him about his new transformation. Tristin told the investigators that she was kind to him and even bought him a d
rink. Jayson, however, was not happy about the conversation and made a bit of a small scene before grabbing Julianna by the wrist and leaving the pub. It is still unclear what the argument fully consisted of however, Tristin was worried, so he followed behind just to make sure she was safe. He lost them for a bit due to the crowds on the street.”
Mirella paused and took in a hard breath before continuing. Her eyes moistened a bit before saying “Tristin saw Jayson smash Julianna’s head into the wall over and over. Tristin said he called out however Jayson was lost in whatever rage he had going on in his head and did not acknowledge he had an audience. Tristin then went running in and tried to stop him, however Jayson overpowered him and then Tristin blacked out trying to shift for only the third time.”
“It is hard for a new shifter to change on demand, especially while being faced in a situation of fear. It is commendable for him to at least try.” I acknowledged.
Mirella nodded in agreement then proceeded “Jayson then left them both there alone in an alley where a homeless man found them. Tristin had luckily gone back to human form however he was still discovered naked and out cold. Julianna, however, was covered in blood and dirt. The top of her dress was half ripped down toward the hem of her dress. The human police were called, and after a look at the scene Detective Boone called King Darin. King Darin arrived at the scene at 2:34am and made calls immediately to the shifter King as well as to you.” A single tear fell from Mirella’s eye as she bowed her head letting me know she was finished.
My mind swirled with a mixture of emotions and thoughts. How scared she must have been. How hurt her heart must have felt knowing the man she loved was doing this. How could he leave her in such a state? What a coward and a disgrace. As the sadness and confusion turns to anger Yet again, I clench my fists trying to keep composure. As Vampire King I must remain calm for my people. My people will expect justice but there is a fine line between justice and vengeance. I must not let vengeance come over me the way it has in the past.
“I will meet him in an hour at the House meeting building. Set it up. I will be feeding and will meet you there” I say as we pulled up to the castle.
Mirella knew not to ask questions at this moment. Darin will do as I ask to try and save his son’s life and prevent a war. Humans and vampires have not always lived in peace as we could, and our alliance is sketchy at best. King Darin though always seemed a fair Leader and respected by his people for the most part. I have not seen him lose his temper and honestly, I am kind of fond of the way he controls his people without use of fear and force like the Kings before him. I have seen his family lead for generations and by far King Darin seems to be the most honorable of his past generations. I wonder what will happen when it is time for his son to pay for his sins. The love for a child is the hardest thing to overcome and use logic about. I know because of the current situation. Jayson, however deserved to be punished for not only his crime but also for the cowardly way he left her to die.
The feeling of anger started boiling out of me again as I thought of Julianna and how precious to me, she was, and the coward stole her then left her. Clenching my fists trying to control my rage a rapid a stream flowing out of me ready to take over. I need to feed now! I say to myself. I head to my room where I knew Julius my house assistant already had someone waiting for me.
* * *
An hour has past and here I am standing in front of the meeting room door on the North entrance waiting for Mirella to tell me the location is secure. This place has 4 entrances North, South, East, West. It was designed that way for the 4 High families. Vampires, Wolves, Humans, and Witches. The world had to divide up after the war of death as it is currently called. That was 75 years ago, and I remember the scenes of blood and decay and families burned to death still to this day as if it were right in front of me. Humans had learned of our existence and as history told us they feared what they did not understand. Killings of any magical creature was done without care or worry. It was a dark time for all involved. Leaders from the main factions came together to try and stop the war. That is how the House Treaty came into effect. Each house was responsible for the actions within each house. Beings of any kind may choose to enter other houses upon approval from the house leader, however they would be responsible for said beings’ care as well as their actions and punishments if necessary. Relationships and houses may still be uneasy with each other however the treaty has acted as a law of sort allowing for very few conflicts. This is the place the kings and queens of the underworld come to meet to resolve immortal issues.
“All Clear Sir. The room consists of the King, Queen, and the eldest Princess. Jarvis is not with them.”
“Akasha is with them? She has not been seen in years. I am surprised they brought her out in the open. I was under the understanding they had been keeping her out of the eyes of the public.”
“The intelligence department has two specific rumors. One is that she was being hidden from the world to have a more dramatic entrance for her coming out. She will officially be twenty in two days and her father has been looking for possible suitors. The other is that she contains magic and is being trained in private. However, each is possible I would assume she is being prepared for marriage since she is human after all and the unlikeliness that she possesses magic is slim.”
“Interesting.” I say. My interest now piqued a bit. I remember the red headed girl with amazing green eyes and wonder how much she might have changed. Unlike the rest of her family, she was always so quiet and put together. I remember thinking on numerous occasions how odd it was for someone so young to be so well refined. I take in a deep breath that is not really needed and brush the thoughts away to focus on the meeting ahead.
I nod and walk through the door with darkness following and release my anger slowly so they can feel my turmoil on purpose. Dark energy buzzes from my power circles around everyone like a swarm of bees. I want them frightened and scared of what I may do. Looking around I see everyone shift in their seats with nervousness and fear. They are questioning what I will do and how I am going to react. This is a situation that has everyone uneasy and on edge. Everyone is sitting around huge, elegant table made of white marble with hand carved chairs, enough to seat twenty-five people, along with matching chairs that sat to the side waiting to be needed. It is a huge contrast to the gray metal walls that surround us; however, this place is bare for a reason. There is no need to dress it up since none of the four leaders ever stay here longer than an hour.
I briefly look around and see that next to my seat is Mirella as well as Luke my main guard with a scowl on his face. Across the table is King Darin along with is his wife Madeline both look the same as I remember them. They both had blonde hair with blue eyes and freckles. I always thought they looked more like siblings than husband and wife with how alike they were. Right next to them was their oldest daughter Akasha. She slowly lifted her gaze and sudden shivers crossed my already cold skin. She was breathtaking with her red hair laying down her slender back and shoulder in both tight and loose. The deep red color of it brought out her unusual green eyes that were surprisingly as green as mine. It was strange to say the least, so strange that I struggled to take my eyes of hers. I walk directly to where King Darin is now standing, and we shake hands and take our seats.
Darin starts the conversation by saying “Armand, you have our deepest condolences. I know she was important to you and…” I slam my hand down and shake my head trying to control my anger. He immediately stops and all eyes turn to me with bleak and anxious expressions. “You wish to seek redemption for your coward of a son, you want to save his life and keep a war from starting.” I finish his sentence as his right eye begins to twitch slightly. I continue “I understand, and your worry is valid. Julianna was a daughter to me. She was to be turned on her twenty fifth birthday in just a few weeks. She was to rule beside me as Princess of the House of Obscurite’. Her kind soul was loved by many with in all four house factions and your son beat he
r then left her to rot as if she was a common street rat to die! How exactly do you plan to redeem him from that I wonder?”
Darin exhaled loudly visibly trying to control himself. “I can only imagine what you are feeling and the anger you must have. I am terribly sorry. I also was not aware you were to be placing her on the throne beside you.’
“It was not well known. She and I decided to keep it under wraps for her protection.”
“I understand. Her death was tragic and has been heartbreaking for all four factions. She was well loved by all. I cannot give her back to you as much as I wish I could. Jayson has been punished and is currently working in the caves and is to remain there until the time I see fit. Her death even though it was an accident was tragic but avoidable and the state she was left in is a disgrace to my people. I want to make this right Armand, the best way I can.” He says with pain in his eyes. I can see his sympathy and I know this is not his fault, however I cannot help the anger that is raging in my body.
I look around and hum to myself for a second while I contemplate my next move. Then looking at Darin, I say “The treaty clearly states that as far as House Leaders the law of Vala applies. I could kill him at any moment legally.”
I see Madeline gasp and hold her breath. She was a mother who was worried for her son however, I also knew how much she grew to love Julianna for that alone I could not let her suffer anymore.
“Darin, I have much respect for you as well as your wife. That reason alone is why I will not let you feel the pain of watching your son die.” Relief flooded Darin and Madeline’s eyes. They were about to say something when I put my hand up to silence them.
“Retribution is still required from your house for this offense. So, to make this right you must replace what was taken. I will require a vow that you will never pass the throne to Jayson. He is much too volatile and must never lead the humans! If he does it will mean immediate war.” I said firmly.
