by L. N. MALONE
Mirella stands and says, “We have a meeting with King Darin soon and we need to make arrangements. Bassel is back and will need to introduce to him. This may become awkward so everyone will need to handle the situation with caution. We are needing the alliance with humans more than ever before.”
“They also need the alliance just as much if not more. I know my father will agree as well as my sister.”
“Jayson has burned more and more property and what he has not burned the darkness is consuming. As of now he has kept to the human land however our entail hints at him soon coming into our land.” Luke says. Everyone starts talking amongst each other about how to execute the meeting and how to handle Jayson. I am hugely impressed how quickly the large group comes to decisions, while all having an equal say. I notice Blane look down at his phone and quickly walk out of the room. I wonder again where Armand is. It is unlike him to miss a meeting unless it is of high importance. Maybe, he found out more about Bassel and the rebellion or found a way to track Jayson. I let my thoughts wander just a bit when I am startled out of it. The door busted open, and Blane ran in with the look of death and fear on his face. “King Armand was taken.” Within a matter of seconds my world twisted and anger, longing, and power I have never felt before consumed me.
Fifteen
Chapter Fifteen
Armand POV:
Opening my eyes, I see black everywhere. I am surrounded by darkness and moisture. My head is throbbing and feels as though someone has split it in two. Vampires heal quickly so the pain should have subsided already, yet it has not. I try to stretch out then I realize I am chained to some sort of old brick wall. The bricks are large and moist which remind me of the brick walls back from years ago in a castle I shared with Lissette. All at once the memories of what happened start coming back to me in a flash.
I had just left Akasha’s room on my way to my office. Her scent still lingered on my skin and I loved it. She smelled so amazing. I was still awe that she told me she loved me and even more blissfully happy that her soul accepted mine.
Although we did not complete the claiming my soul felt complete. I felt more power within me than I had before. I could not help but chuckle to myself and feel excited that even after I was gone, she was still thinking about me and our connection. Her words interrupt my thoughts:
“I feel more power within me than I had before.”
“That is the soul bond âme sœur. It has strengthened both of us and our power. You should contact Mirella to train after you speak with Iris.” I answered her thoughts for her.
“Maybe I like you in my head.” She teased and I could not resist teasing back.
“Maybe I like you everywhere.”
Then I heard a familiar female voice call out my name and knowing who it was gave me the sinking feeling I needed to block Akasha from my mind. So, before I answered the voice, I sent a message through to her.
“Oh, Akasha. I love you.”
Then I blocked the connection. I had no idea where this was headed but I did not want to upset Akasha. “Lissette, what are you doing here?” I asked confused on how she got in Akasha’s wing of the house in the first place. “Well, I had to see it for myself. The King is now pussy whipped by a human. How quaint,” she said too calm for her. “Lissette, I am unsure what you are doing here or how you got here but you need to leave now.”
“Don’t worry, I will sire, after I get what we came for.” she said with a disdain and my internal alarm hollered at me. “What do you mean we?” she smirked then nodded her head behind me and said. “Me and him.” Before I had a chance to fully register what was going on, I turned and briefly saw Jayson was standing behind me. I went to move and suddenly everything went black.
“Lissette” I said in a tone I have not used in centuries. How could she turn on me? On our kingdom? Was she really that jealous of Akasha to turn against her own kind? I have so many questions running through my mind I do not even notice I am not alone. That was until I heard his evil chuckle.
“King Armand, how lovely to see you awake. Lissett has been begging to play with her new toy. However, you and I have some things to discuss before I can give you over to her.”
“What could we possibly have to discuss Jayson. How you murdered my Julianna and left her like a coward.” I spit at him.
Even as confident as he would like to appear, I saw the flinch at the mention of Julianna. Well at least she meant something to him, or her name would not have affected him.
However, he quickly schooled his emotions. “Ahh, Julianna, she was a beauty. Unfortunately for her, the night she died I found out some interesting information. You see that night I found out who Akasha was.” I inwardly groaned as an evil smirk crossed his face.
“I hear you have met my lovely sister Akasha. Or should I say my adoptive sister. Her beautiful red hair and stunning green eyes and do not forget a body of a Goddess. Tell me Armand, have you felt her perky full breasts yet? Felt the wetness between her legs?” He asks with a disgusting look on his face.
“You will Die” I ground out with power seeping out of me.
“Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Do not work yourself up King. You are going to need your energy. I may take a while; however, I know soon I will be reunited with Akasha and she will bow at my feet along with everyone else. Including you.”
“You have no idea what you have done Jayson. The humans will all perish because of your foolishness Jayson.”
“You always thought you were smarter than everyone. Well, you are not, I know about the darkness Armand. I know that it is spreading because of me. That little demon Akasha has for a true brother put souls in me that do not belong instead of giving me the power I was promised. He is not as evil as everyone seems to think. He has a bit of a soft spot for his long-lost sister. One I plan to use to my advantage after Akasha gives me what I want.”
“What could Akasha possibly give you.” I must keep him talking I think to myself. The more he speaks of his plan the better I can warn my love and my people.
He laughs, “Oh how humorous! King of all Vampire is still ignorant as to who his possible future Queen is. Well, Akasha is more than just a pretty face and nice tits Armand. In fact, she can remove the souls her brother placed in me.”
“Then you will go back to being human without magic. I’d not see how that would please you when you destroyed every relationship you ever had to get the power in the first place.”
“It is simple really. Dargon wants his sister unharmed. He has tried several times to go around me and get her. Lucky for me you have tight security, and beasts that are particularly good at protecting their masters. If it weren’t for Lissett wanting you as bad as she did my plan would have taken much longer to accomplish.”
“What makes you think Akasha will help you remove the souls? Better yet, just because Dargon wants his sister unharmed what could he possibly offer you? He is the reason you are in this mess to begin with.” I say showing interest just so I can keep him talking.
“First, Akasha has such a sweet and soft soul. She will want to save her poor dear brother Jayson from destroying himself.” He says with a smile that makes my stomach churn. “As far as Dargon, well his soul is not so sweet however, for his sister unharmed he will give me anything I ask.”
“Oh, I see. You are going to trade your sister and for what exactly? More broken souls?” I chuckle.
He straightens, takes two steps closer to me. Stares me in the eye and an unholy smile crossed his face just as he says, “No King Armand, I will not need souls to give me magic and make the world bow to me. Dargon and the world will all bow to me, because I will be taking Akasha as my bride.” Rage exploded within me. I lost all sense of control as I thrusted and whipped trying to get free. “YOU WILL NEVER TOUCH AKASHA.” I scream allowing my power to take full effect. The walls started shaking, bricks I was chained to started to come loose. I was seconds away from being free before a large crack and pain exploded from the side of my head. Then I w
as consumed by darkness yet again.
That time I wake and up I had no need to remember anything. My memory was full intact. Keep Calm Armand. I said to myself. I know the moment my emotions rise it opens the connection with Akasha and she needs to focus right now. Even though I have no idea how long I have been here, I know they are already aware of my disappearance. Surrounded by darkness, even with my vampire sight I am unable to determine what is around me. I am sure they have me in the dungeon of the castle Lissett and I once shared, however that was so long-ago things surely have changed. I hear a door open to my right and the nauseating familiar perfume smell hits my nose. “Ah, Lissett, I was wondering when you would show up. What a pity I cannot see you since you went through all this trouble to bring me here. I am surprised you brought me back to the old castle. I thought you sold it centuries ago.” I say trying to show as little emotion as possible.
“Oh, Armand, how could I sale something that holds so many memories.” I can hear the clacking of her heals on the pavement as she walks toward me. One by one candles were lit providing light to the room. YES! I thought to myself. ‘There you go Armand. Are you happy you can see me now?” She must have taken my silence as a yes because she walked up shaking her hips as came closer. When she reaches me, she lifted her hand and ran her fingers through my hair then yanked my head back so she could see my face. “I have missed you Armand. It is a shame I must keep you chained. However, I remember you and I having lots of fun with chains, as well as whips and various items.” I could hear her longing of the old days in her voice as she speaks.
“You know this is not right Lissett. Why would you join with him? He cares nothing of you or our kind.” She sighs with a bit of frustration in her voice she says, “Do you really not see. You care nothing of me either. That human came and you threw me to the side as if I were nothing. You let her humiliate me like I was never anything to you. After all of our history do you not see how I belong with you?” I am shocked by how blind I had been. How did I not see how attached she had grown?
“Lissette, I truly apologize for the misunderstanding about our relationship. I thought you understood.” She laughed a humorous laugh. “It is alright Armand, I have you now. Jayson wants you as bait to get your human here, however after that you are all mine. You are my payment for my entrance into the vampire kingdom.” She comes a little closer and leans into my ear and whispers, “We are going to have so much fun. I have learned lots of tricks since the last time we tangled together.” She twists her head just a bit and licked the tip of my earlobe and followed down my neck before jumping back with anger. “Why do you smell of the human? Her scent is all over you. The transfer of scents can only be done between fated …” she trails off and her eyes gets wide in realization. “No.” I hear her whisper in shock and her knowing eyes filled with anger yet again. Her little plan of keeping me would not work and she now knows it. Akasha’s scent will be with me for eternity so every time Lissett is near me it will be a constant reminder of how I will never be hers. I could not help but laugh as she spins around and stomps out of the room. She was so consumed by her frustration and anger that she forgot to blow the candles out. I smile a genuine smile for the first time since being here. I survey my surroundings and take note of the placement of everything around me. I may be week because the lack of feedings, however I will be ready when it is time to move. So, I settle myself as best I can against the wall and wait for my next visitor or my âme sœur and my circle whoever comes first.
Sixteen
Chapter Sixteen
Akasha POV
“IT HAS BEEN A WEEK!” Mirella yells slamming down her fist onto the circle table. Tempers have been rising day after day since Armand went missing. I have been in a downward spiral ever since I found out Armand was missing. Second guessing myself every step of the way and I cannot count how many times I have frozen the furniture because I let my emotions slip. Chastising myself for being selfish and not completing the claiming. However, now is not the time. I am to be their Queen act like it and deserve it. I say to myself. Looking around the room I know that the circle is in disarray. My father is to be here in fifteen minutes for the meeting Armand had set up and he cannot see us at war with each other. I stand and with power in my voice as I have seen Armand done many times, I command silence. “QUIET!” Everyone stops and looks up and I can see the surprise looks on each of their faces. They are astounded that I used my power to command them. I keep the confidence in my voice as I address the room. “We are all aware the King is gone and finding him is our top priority. However, we also have a kingdom to run as well as other issues we need to address. My father will be here in a matter of moments. While I am aware that you all have a rocky relationship with the humans. I do not. We need to conduct ourselves as if we are not waging an inner war amongst each other and have a united front. My father is a reasonable man however he is like a hound and can smell fear. That will not help us find Armand.” I pause letting my words sink in before continuing. “King Darin has an exceptionally large army, but more importantly he has a small group much like yourselves that are fearless with powers of their own. Given the circumstances he can help us locate Armand and help bring him back to us. Now everyone sits down, and Mirella tell me what we know.” I finish and take my seat while everyone clears their throats in surprise and settle in their seats.”
“We now know that the king was last seen with Lissett,” she says lowering her head a bit as if an apology was in order. “No need to be concerned Mirella, I know Armand and know his heart is true to me and only me. Has anyone seen Lissett since?” I ask. Glances from everyone across the room at each other tell me the answer is no. “I see. Who is her closest confidant within the kingdom?” I ask. Jin stands and says, “a very young vampire named Lily, your highness.”
“Bring her to here please and let it be known if anyone sees Lissett she is to be captured and brought to me at once. If Lissett was the last one to see Armand it stands to reason she would have information. What else do we know?” I ask as I see Jin step out of the room probably to locate Lily.
“As of now we do not know much else. Whoever took him is good at covering his or her tracks.” Mirella states then takes her seat. I nod my head, “Armand, is alive. He has our connection blocked but I felt his rage just a few days ago. He may be blocking me; however, I can feel his soul running through me. If he were gone for good, I would know. I hope that gives you all a small bit of comfort.” The door opened and Jin walked in with a very petite young vampire who looks as if she was turned at the age of eighteen. Her dark hair and dark eyes were deep and shiny however filled with anxiety. Jin introduced the Lily to the circle and then took her seat leaving the poor girl standing with fear clearly “written on her face. “Lily, my name is Akasha. Do you know of me?” I ask in a gentle tone. No need to scare the poor girl more than she already is. She nods a yes words clearly caught in her throat. “Child there is no reason to fear me or anyone in this room. I just have some questions I need answered. Will you answer them honestly? Please remember I can sense emotions and lies along with others in this room.” She nodded again. “Have you seen Lissett in the past week?” she shakes her head no. “You can use your words girl.” Spade spit with a hit of annoyance. I narrow my eyes at her in warning. With a shaky voice the girl answers. “No, I have not. She said she was going to her castle that holds many memories.” I nod in appreciation. “Do you know where this castle is? Did she say anything else?” I ask her and saw a tremor run through her body. She knows something and it the fear of the knowledge she has is eating at her soul. I can feel the turmoil within her. She closes her eyes, and I can see the first tear drop down just as she proceeds with her quick story. “Lissett was the one that made me your highness. She kept me secluded for the past four years so I could be close with just her. Only this past seven months have I been allowed on a longer leash. She has been preoccupied with a strange smelling man. He has blonde hair and bright blue eyes. She never int
roduced him to me and always told me to stay far away from him. So, I did, but one day I did catch glimpses of him in passing.” She opens her eyes and looks at me and I can now see the determination in her eyes. Lissett wronged her and now she was using this as her time to get out from under her. Good for you girl. “A week ago, she came into my room just before dusk. She said she was leaving the for the castle with the man. I asked if he was a new romance since she had been spending so much time with him. She told me no, with a look of disgust, and then said she will be gone a while. That she had to remind the King of their connection. I did not understand what she meant until I found out he was missing and by then it was too late. Even then I did not think Lissett could have overtaken the king I assumed it was unrelated since he is so powerful. I am terribly sorry your highness.” She lowers herself to the ground and bows her head deeply and spoke. “I am ready for the punishment of death your highness.” All eyes in the room moved to me wondering what I was going to do. This girl knew about the possibility of where Armand is and did nothing, however I could not help but feel sympathy for this young vampire. “Stand Lily” I said if a firm powerful voice. She stands, I walk towards her and use my index finger to lift her head. Her eyes are filled with tears and sorrow. Softly I say, “Lily, you will not die today by my hands. You are also a victim of Lissett; I can understand that pain and fear. However, your actions do have consequences. You are bound to the castle land. You will learn a trade within our kingdom for no less than a year. After that time, we can re-evaluate your options. You may leave and prepare your things. I will have Nadia move you into your own room. I will send for you once I am done.” She nods quickly and shock is clearly written on her face before she quickly recovers and bows before leaving. As Lily was walking out a housemaid came in and advise us of my father’s arrival. “Send him in quickly.” I tell her and make my way to my seat and wait for my father, King Darin.
