by L. N. MALONE
“I am sure you have more important things to do than to be a nursemaid for me,” I say. He gives me one of his grins as he says “nothing this important or as beautiful. I can promise you that.” I feel my face heat up and I am sure I am blushing, so I look away quickly trying to hide it. He instantly touches my chin with his finger guiding my face to look back at him. “Please do not hide from me. Your blush is adorable and knowing I am the one to help put it there makes me extremely happy.” Which of course makes me blush harder and he chuckles lightly. The sound is intoxicating, and I cannot help but laugh.
“Oh, dear listen to that beautiful music. Your laugh is wonderful. It is the first time I have heard it. Now I must hear more.” He gives me a playful look and I cannot help but giggle softly. When did he become playful? I have never seen this side of him in my life. I have seen him over the years and his dark serious demeanor was always a constant growing up. In all honesty I grew up with a huge crush on him, he always seemed so confident and strong. This side however I could fall in love with. I inwardly groan as I realize where my thoughts are headed.
“Now, would you like to tell me what happened?” he asked in a very calm and collected manner.
“If you are talking about what happened with the vampire who believed she was supposed to marry you and not I, well then you will need to ask her. I had no idea I was getting married to you anyhow, so it was as big of a surprise to me as it was to her.” I say with a noticeably short tone. Why am I feeling jealous? I have no ties to him. Ugh this place is making me crazy; I think.
“Lissette and I were never getting married. Ever. I am not sure why you would think otherwise. We have used each other for comfort from time to time, however there was never any commitment.”
I roll my eyes at him and say “She does not have the same view of the relationship as you do. “
“I have spoken with her already and cleared up any misunderstanding.” he said then paused before continuing with “I want to apologize. You are correct I should have spoken with you first.” He says without any further explanation. I cannot be mad anymore, honestly, I do not have the energy.
“Thank you. I do understand your reasoning for marriage and I also think this union would benefit both species. Just next time please inform me before I must go rounds with women who are fawning over you. I may need to prepare.” He looks up at me with surprise and even what looks like humor on his face. “I was not expecting you to agree so easily. You are full of surprises Akasha” he says with a chuckle.
“Please do not forget that I am also a princess. I worry about my kingdom and my people as you do yours. Jayson has created a huge mess, I can only assume to get my father’s attention and because of this, my people are in dire need. I know an alliance could be prosperous for both kingdoms and I am not opposed to marrying you. I am however opposed to having a one-sided marriage. I have a voice and I will use it and want my opinions to matter. I have never wanted a throne just given to me. It is important that I earn that right on my own.” I say firmly. I do not think I could marry anyone for anything less.
“A marriage is a partnership. I have no desire to be a dictator. We will run our kingdom together.” he said without hesitation.
“That is a lovely concept. However, why on earth would you be willing to agree with that? We barely know each other. Is this some sort of backhanded way to get back at Jayson? I promise you; Jayson could care less if you tortured me every day for the rest of my life.” I said and curious when I saw he clenched his hands. What could have upset him so visibly as a show cause, I wonder?
“You and are destined to go through this world together. So, no Akasha. It has nothing to do with Jayson. I am not as heartless as I have been said to be. Jayson may be a murder and a disgrace, however, that is his own downfall, not yours. I would not punish you to punish him.”
I fidget with my hands as I always do when I get nervous. “I do not understand, I guess I am just surprised. I did not mean to upset you.” I walk to the window to try and gather my thoughts. As I look up, I gasp. The shadow man is here. I was not expecting him to be here. I figured he was attached to my home. I thought however it seemed like he was attached to me. I must have gasped loud enough or maybe I had a strange look on my face. However, no matter the reason, soon I heard Armand ask, “What is it?”
“Oh nothing, just a shadow,” I replied. Still not taking my eyes off the shadow man waiting in the dark. I wonder why he follows me. What is his reason and when will he stop? “It’s time your majesty.” I hear in my head a voice that is not my own.
“What did you say,” I ask Armand with a startled voice. He looked at me confused,
“I have not said a word. Are you still feeling unwell?” He asked with his eyes now showing concern. I shake my head and scream within it I am now hearing voices; no, I am not well! I must be losing it. I look over to him before saying, “I am alright. Just a little overwhelmed. I’m sure it will pass.” He nodded as I turned back looking out. The Shadow man has disappeared. I wonder who or what it is and why do I keep seeing him.
I turn back to Armand and ask quietly. “What did you mean it was destined?”
“You are my Chosen Mate of the Mother Queen” he simply said.
My eyes widened hoping he was not saying what I think he was saying.
“What?” I asked in a whisper.
“You are my Chosen Mate of the Mother Queen.” He said in a firm voice not showing even the slightest bit of doubt.
“I am human, and you are not a shifter,” I said with a hint of unease in my voice.
“You do not need to be. Vampires and humans can also have mates however it is much rarer. Each of us is destined to have a specific fated mate. One that is to be the other’s perfect balance and match. While one is dark the other is light which in turn helps balance each other and the fates of those around them as well. It is not uncommon for a vampire to be mated with someone of my lineage. However, that is not what I said we were. We are chosen mates which is a bit different. A chosen mate is said to be handpicked by the Mother Queen’s spirit. The connection is a thousand times stronger and extremely difficult to deny.”
“WHAT?! This is crazy! I do not even have my powers under control how am I supposed to lead others?! How can you be so calm about this? You cannot be okay with this?” I asked with a little shock and aggravation in my voice. I started to think about all the people I knew who were mated. They loved each other dearly. The love bond between the two fated mates is supposed to be so strong, not even the strongest of spells will stick to someone who is fated. They matched each other perfectly in every way. Where one is weak the other strong, where one is low the other is high, destined to always be at each other’s side. This love is so rare nowadays that when someone finds their mate a celebration across the world happens. It is a special occasion all species can share together. However, this does not sound like Armand and me and to imagine being mated in an even stronger bond scares me completely. I hardly know myself much less him. How can this truly be. How can I completely understand this? Armand comes over and takes my hand in a way that shows he is trying to comfort me. The moment our hands touch the tingles and sparks began again. That is when the truth of his words hit me. He is my Chosen mate of the Mother Queen. No matter how much I try to deny it, I can feel it in my bones.
“Why of course I am alright with this. I have known you since you were a young girl, and even though you have been secluded the past five years I can see you have not changed much. You are still exceptionally smart and kind. You have grown into and incredibly beautiful woman, however most of all, you care for your people as I care for mine. Why? Are you not okay with it?”
“I hardly know you. You hardly know me. Yes, we knew each other when I was younger, but I was just a child then. An arranged marriage is one thing. Mate is and entirely different thing.” I said with a sigh.
“I see. So, what would you suggest? Do you want me to court you?” he asked, and I coul
d tell he was being serious. I sigh and exhale a long breath trying to gather my thoughts. If I am his Chosen, then I must act for the good of both my people and his. Arranged marriages happen all the time and what could be better than being in love and mated to my future husband. I have seen how he loves his people, how he handles himself and his land. Father always had nice things to say about him. I suppose I could try. I can do this; I just need to be practical. So, I said
“Truly neither of our courts will gain from a long courtship. It also seems as though we both have been wearing a mask if you will. We are showing our best sides as we should, however, that will not always be the case. I have learned that when people marry, they struggle at the small things. As an example, I can be a bit of a pain, I am very bull headed and will argue until I get my way. Most people do not know that, they see what I allow the outside world to see.” Then I had an idea. “You and I should be locked in together for forty-eight hours.” I said then realized how corny it probably sounded. I quickly formulated a more solid plan and sounding noticeably more confident I continued “What I mean is we can be locked in together no electronics, no interruptions. Just you and I getting to know each other as future husband and wife as well as chosen mates.” I could see the surprise on his face when I clarified my idea.
“That does sound intriguing however, it does not sound safe.” He said showing concern. “I do not dislike the idea however we would have to make sure we had some way to notify my people in case of emergency.”
“I can agree to that,” I say thinking how easy it is to work with him. I am quite surprised.
“We leave tomorrow evening,” he commanded.
“I would prefer to leave in two weeks. I have a lot of work to do in the library and would like to spend more time there if possible. Plus, I obviously need help in controlling my powers. How about we leave in three weeks’ time? Nadia told me about the fundraising Gala we need to attend, how about we leave straight from there?”
He nods and says, “Alright princess, however mandatory lunch dates every day.”
“Deal” I said with a soft chuckle. “You know. I always heard you were a hard negotiator. Never bending. However, I do not see that. You seem rather flexible to me. “I tell him with a grin on my face. WTF Akasha, why are you flirting. You do not flirt. YOU SUCK AT IT REMEMBER!!
He smirks at me as he walks towards me until he is right in front of me. I look up at him for he easily looms over me. He bends down and whispers in my ear. “I can be flexible and hard at the same time. I know how to get what I want as well my âme sœur”
I shiver as he grins again and slowly moves away back to where he was previously standing. “What does that mean? I do not speak French remember?”
“Soulmate” is all he responded.
I am at a loss for words. How does one reply to that? We hardly know each other and here he is calling me soul mate. I know the Mother Queen has joined us. I cannot deny it as I can feel it every time our skin touches. However, I am not ready for this. I never wanted to be a Queen as I had already told my father that years ago when he asked years ago, however it seems I have no choice now.
“What about Jayson?” I ask, desperately trying to change the subject.
“We are concerned about the magic he is wielding when he is not supposed to have any. Did your father adopt him too?” He asks.
“No, it was just I. He does not have magic, for that I am certain. How do you know he is wielding magic?”
“We have reports from trusted advisors who saw him with their own eyes, as well as on camera. He was not shy with what he was doing at the time. Now how powerful he may have gotten is what I would like to know now.
I do not know how to respond so I just agree with a nod.
“Also, any additional information on the prophecy? Is there something you would need from me?”
“How nice of you to ask a princess, however not now. I have my men looking into it and if something needs to be done, we will handle it.” he says with the same confident and commanding voice he always has.
I nod before trying to make it known politely that I needed to be alone as I said, “I should get prepared for tomorrow. Thank you for an… adventurous day.” Suddenly his amazing jaw and beautiful hair are whipping back, and Armand is roaring in laughter. I step away from him as he is too fast for me and blocks my walkway. He is still grinning when he leans his head down and brushes a soft kiss on my cheek. Slightly he moves his head toward my ear then in a husky whisper says, “I will be looking forward to learning you inside and out âme sœur. Until dinner.” When I opened my eyes (not realizing I even closed them might I add), he was gone. I let out a deep breath. I must have been holding in and clenched my thighs at what he realized was completely unsettling. I gather myself and decide to write to my family before meeting for dinner in a few hours. I wrote to my father and explained the marriage and how wonderful it would be for our people. I kept the letter upbeat and made sure to weave excitement throughout so he would not worry. I knew if he thought I was excited he would worry less. For my mother I wrote a letter similar to my dad’s only with a few more personal concerns. I asked if she had any advice to pass down to help prepare for my new life and my new husband. My next letter was to Raine. This letter was the hardest because I missed her so much. I explained the wedding but kept my mention noticeably short. I did not need to bore her with duty, she already would know my reasons for marriage. Instead, I told her some of the stories about the Vampire world and castle. I explained how lonely I was without her and then joked about forcing the chambermaids to have tea with me in hopes of making them my friends. Needless to say, that did not go as planned. For I ended up exasperated as they kept trying to serve me when I invited them. It was sweet of course, just not what was planned. By the time I finished my letter for Raine and sealed it up, I realized the time and that dinner was in about ten minutes.
Ten
Chapter Ten
Akasha POV:
I rushed to clean myself up a bit, and quickly brushed through my hair so it no longer looked like a tangled mess. I am surprised that Nada has not come for me. However, I shrug it off and decide I better head down myself I do not wish to be too late. So, I followed my now more familiar path to the dining hall, of course hoping I did not get lost, just as I was about to reach the stairs, I saw Lissette. Oh, donkey’s butt what does she want? I ask myself silently to release my frustrations. “Oh, hello little human I am sorry to have stolen Nada, but then again I figured no matter how much she cleaned you up you will still reek of human trash.” She said with what looks to be a proud smirk. Little did she know I was in a really bad mood. Missing my sister, finding out I am getting married to a very sexy partial stranger, moving, losing my family, my last few days have been incredibly stressful. So naturally, before I knew what I was doing or hell how I was doing it. I leaned forward. Grabbed the front of her sequin dress, before reaching back far with my right fist and letting go with all of my might. Suddenly Lissette was thrown back and on the floor with her hand covering her now bleeding nose. I just turned away and walked toward the dining area ignoring her screeches and name calling.
I walked into the dining area and noticed it was not just going to be Armand and I at dinner this time. I look around the massive dark table that hosted twelve seats with Armand the Vampire King obviously at the head of the table. As I continue to look, I see the only two chairs left were one in the middle and one opposite the head of Armand at the other end of the table. So, naturally that is the seat I took. The moment I sit down I hear an audible gasp come from around the table. Everyone besides Armand went rigid and immediately looked to him to see how he would react. In our world the two heads of the table are equal. So, by seating myself there I was stating that I believed I am equal to the king. Armand threw his head back and laughed and not just any laugh, but a deep belly jiggling laugh. This of course made everyone gasp again this time in surprise. Seems the mighty Vampire King does not laugh mu
ch, I said to myself as I inwardly rolled my eyes. Armand stops and looks directly into my eyes while he speaks to the whole table in his firm voice. “Akasha, my equal and my soon to be Queen.” That was his way of introduction while the way he looked at me seemed like he was also making it known that he was content and proud with my seating choice. Just as he was going to say something the door burst open, and Lisette rushed through bleeding still from her nose as I rolled my eyes knowing she was going for the dramatics. She raced over to Armand who was glancing back and forth between the both of us in a curious glance. “My King, this human has dishonored me. She insulted me and then raised her hand to me. She must be punished Sire.” I sigh, and while rolling my eyes said “You’re a Vampire dear. You can heal yourself no need for all the dramatics.” This of course made her even more upset as she narrowed her eyes at me before turning back to Armand with fake tears in her eyes. She was whispering to him so low as to I could not hear. I have never been easy to anger but every second that seemed to pass my anger kept building. Then she reached out to grab his hand and before I knew it, I stood up almost knocking my chair over with the force. “You do not lay a hand on MY KING,” letting a bit of my magic release to enforce my anger and power along with it. It was like my body and mouth had a mind of its own and apparently my body did not like anyone touching Armand. Her eyes widened into a shocked look and I can see Armand smirking as if seeing this side of me made him happy and of course me confused.
