She was still mourning the death of all those poor people who’d died in battle and she was still beating herself up over the fact that no matter how hard she tried, her healing ability just wouldn’t work. She hadn’t been able to help them at all and the killed her inside.
Her hands shook a little as she started braiding her hair, threading flower through the strands as she listened for her lover’s emotions. He was trying to keep them quiet, obviously not wanting her to realize just how worried he was. Ha…It was a little late for that now. She knew this was important. His worry told her that this might be their last chance for help. If this went south, they were going to be on their own.
When Daemon emerged again he smiled and offered his arm. “Are you ready?” He asked softly.
She nodded and took his arm, holding her head up high and tried to look as regal as possible. As the moved through the halls, a thought came to her. Mariska had been stuck on this same thought since the werewolves attacked.
“Daemon…Why did not the Taltos warn us about the attack?” She asked softly.
“They did not see it coming.” He said simply.
“But they have the gift of foresight.”
“Elso has the gift of foresight. When she gets a vision she broadcasts it to the rest of the Taltos…”
“Well…How could she not see it coming?” Mariska asked, feeling very confused.
He sighed and shook his head back and forth. “They have done something to her…I don’t know what but they have hindered many of her powers. We’re still trying to figure out how.”
Mariska’s brows furrowed but she did not push the subject as she came to the gardens where Elso sat with Holt. He was a large man with golden hair and a deep rumbling laugh. He had to stand at least six and a half feet tall with broad shoulders and muscular arms that had clearly seen a lot of battle time. Scars littered his body, telling stories of successful raids and conquers. It was absolutely amazing to see him in all of his glory. So this was a Valkyrie. She’d never heard of a male Valkyrie and was impressed at his sheer size.
He turned his icy gaze towards her and smiled a surprisingly warm smile. “This must be the fabled empath I’ve heard so much about.”
His swell of confidence and cocky attitude was more than a little infectious. She found herself standing taller and far more confident. She offered him a grin and bowed just a little.
“Hopefully only good things. I’d hate to have to throw my husband off a balcony for slandering my name.”
Holt laughed a deep, hearty laugh that echoed through gardens, causing birds to fly from their nests as if a clap of thunder had scared them.
“Not to worry, sweet thing. He’s told me nothing but good things.” He promised.
Elso stood and smiled between them. “Shall we take a stroll through the gardens?”
“Yes! It’s such a beautiful day. We should take advantage of it.” Mariska insisted.
The four of them started down the path way, soaking up the sun and enjoying the silence for a moment. Finally, Daemon spoke up.
“I hate to ruin this wonderful walk, but we need to talk business.”
“Yes, yes. I know.” Holt said, sighing. “You want to hire my army to fight your battles.”
It sounded so negative when he said it like that. It actually made Mariska wince a little. Daemon sighed and nodded.
“I suppose if you must put it like that, then yes…That is exactly what I want.”
Holt sighed and glanced over at Daemon, the pelts he wore swaying in the wind and slapping the back of his leg.
“You realize you’re asking for a lot, don’t you?”
Daemon hesitated but nodded. “I do…We don’t expect you to do this at no cost. We know you’re putting the lives of your men in danger and we’re ready to pay for your services.”
“What will you pay with? I’m not interested in your money. We have plenty of that.”
Mariska’s chest tightened in response to comment and she was not sure if this was because of her own anxiety or if she was feeling Daemon’s. She knew there was a secret hope that they would except money or gold and be on their way, though they knew it was a long shot.
“We want the knowledge of the Taltos.”
Daemon stiffened, though Elso did not react at all. She remained cool and collected through the entire conversation.
“I can’t give you access to the Taltos’ libraries.” He said almost sharply.
“Then give us a Taltos.”
My eyes widened and so did Daemon’s. Elso just glanced at the man, looking him up and down, clearly taking him in, judging him like a slab of beef. Daemon ran a hand through his dark hair, trying to keep from getting angry.
“I can’t give you a Taltos. They are not my property. They are their own entities.” He said quickly, trying to defuse the situation before it got out of hand.
Holt crossed his arms over his broad chest and shook his head back and forth. “That is what I want. If you can’t give it to me then so be it, but that is what I’m asking for.” He grunted.
“They aren’t a form of currency!” Daemon said quickly.
“Daemon…Calm down. You do not speak of the Taltos. I do.” Elso said simply. She turned to Holt and looked him up and down. “Why do you want one of my brothers or sisters?”
“Isn’t it obvious? We would have the upper hand in any battle.” He said simply. “They have the knowledge of every battle that has ever been waged. I want them as an advisor to war.”
Elso set her mouth in a thin line. “I will be willing to give you a Taltos during times of war. They would not belong to you but they could be used anytime you wish.”
“No. I want one on hand at all time.”
“If you accept my offer I will be able to make the deal even better for you.” She said softly.
“How so?”
“I will be your military advisor. Not only will you get the oldest and wisest of the Taltos…You will get the only Taltos with the ability to see the future.” She said, putting a hand on her hip.
Holt’s eyes widened and he stared at her. “You’re the one?” He asked, his voice breathless and hardly believing her.
“I am…And I will provide you with my services whenever you request them if you will help keep us safe.”
Holt still looked hesitant but at least he seemed to be considering the offer. Mariska chewed her lip rubbing the back of her neck as she tried to figure out the best way to convince this guy that he should help.
“Listen, she’s not going to stop with us.” She said, turning to look at Holt. “If she defeats us…It is only a matter of time before she comes for you too and when she comes for you she’ll have the Taltos and Elso.” She said simply. “No matter how many men you have and no matter how many troops you send out…She will defeat you…She’ll have knowledge that no one else could possibly have and she’ll tower all the Armies in the land. This isn’t…This isn’t just about us. It’s about everyone and it’s about stopping her.”
Holt ran his hands over his beard. After a moment he sighed and looked away. “Fine…I will assist your cause…If I get access to your lovely Taltos here.” He said, motioning towards Elso.
“I accept.” Elso said softly.
Daemon did not seem happy about it but sighed and finally nodded. “Alright…it’s a deal then…” he said softly, offering his hand to Holt.
Holt took his hand and gave a firm shake, clapping the man on the shoulder. “Good man!” Holt sang. “When will you need my troops?”
“As soon as possible. We need a small group to go after the Wolf Queen and we need some soldiers to stay here and protect the citizens. We’ve already lost so many.” He said sadly.
Holt nodded “The armies will come by plane. I will give you a total of five thousand men. They will be at your discretion and they will have strict instructions to follow your orders. I will send them over the course of a week.” He said softly.
Mariska did not lo
ok very happy that she’d have to wait a week but said nothing. She was just happy this man who wore fur pelts was up to date and willing to use air planes.
“Thank you.” Daemon said.
Holt nodded. “I believe this will be a very…Fruitful relationship. For both of us.”
Mariska turned to look at Elso, grinning and ready to congratulate the Taltos on her wonderful negotiating. Just as she turned her face fell as dark red liquid dripped from her nose and down her pink lips, staining the front of her robs.
“Elso…”
She reached up and touched the coppery smelling liquid, seemingly surprised by its sudden appearance. “What…Is…” As she spoke her words fell short and her whisper faded into silence as she stared at her blood stained fingers.
She looked up at Mariska and opened her mouth to speak but her eyes simply rolled back as her legs gave out and she collapsed on the ground with no explanation what so ever.
Chapter Ten
“Elso!” Mariska screamed, running over to her and wrapping her arms around the unconscious Taltos.
A few guards rushed over, having seen what happened. Daemon was already giving orders, telling them to take her to the Taltos’ library so that she could be given care. Holt seemed confused but stayed out of the way, a worried look on his face as guards hoisted the tall woman over their shoulders and carried her away.
Mariska followed the swarm of guards and was soon joined by a very worried looked Jamesson. “What happened?! What’s wrong with her?!” He asked, his eyes wide and wild with fear.
“I don’t know! I don’t know! Mariska said quickly, sounding just as desperate. “We were talking and she just…She started bleeding!”
“What?!”
“She got a really bad nose bleed and she passed out!” Mariska said, tears in her eyes.
Daemon was right behind them as the doors to the library were thrown open. “Make way! Elso has been hurt!” One of the guards called.
The small army of Taltos’ scampered around, a mess of limbs and desperate murmurs in a language Mariska couldn’t understand. She’d started to notice that in times of stress the Taltos would speak in what she could only assume was their native language. It was a beautiful sing song sounding language and she wished she could appreciate it now instead of being terrified for her friend.
The Taltos brought a cot over and helped lay Elso on it. The library was the safest place in the entire castle. It was defended with magic, not to mention walls that were five feet thick and made of pure iron. If Elso was going to be safe anywhere…it was here.
One of the elder Taltos walked over to Elso. His eyes were unseeing and a milky white color. His blindness gave him a gift, though. Without sight he could tap into the life energy of creatures and Elso was no exception. A deep hum rumbled from his throat as he ran his hand over her still body, his fingers brushing her olive skin. It wasn’t until this moment that Mariska realized Elso was starting to turn a sick grey color.
“What…What’s happening?” She asked desperately, gripping Elso’s arm.
“She’s being poisoned.” The healer whispered.
All the color drained from Jamesson’s darkened skin and he started at the wisest of the Taltos. “How is she being poisoned? How did they get poison in the walls?!”
“They didn’t.”
Jamesson’s hands were starting to shake. “Stop speaking in riddles old man! What’s happening to her?!”
The man hesitated, though he didn’t seem angry. He understood that Jamesson was scared and in love. The old Taltos shook his head slowly.
“They are using her father.” He said simply. “They’ve realized just how much damage they can do using the traitor. They want to weaken us…They want to weaken our forces so that we are easier to take. The Wolf Queen…The Taltos named Amira want’s the rest of us under her rule. She will not stop until she has the knowledge of the Taltos.”
“What will getting rid of Elso do? Why is she targeting her?!” Jamesson demanded, his voice starting to crack just a little.
“You fool! She can see the future! If they can get rid of Elso they will have the upper hand and we’ll lose our greatest defense!”
Mariska finally stepped forward. “Stop fighting and get out of the way! We aren’t helping her by yelling at each other!” She snapped, stepping over to Elso and putting her hand on the woman’s chest.
She stared down at Elso and took a deep breath, closing her eyes and trying to focus all of her energy and drawing the poison out of Elso’s body. She wasn’t sure if she could use her healing power at will be she knew she needed to at least try and save Elso. Not only was the Taltos their greatest weapon against Amira…She was Mariska’s friend and the love of her best friend. She couldn’t let them down. Not this time.
When she closed her eyes she could see the faces of all those poor people she hadn’t been able to save. She saw the face of the poor child whose parents had been killed right in front of her eyes. She was confronted with what she considered to be her greatest failure.
This only fueled her and she focused her energy. The air around her was electrified and her hands shook as she tried to draw the poison out of Elso, trying to distribute it through the air. There was a sudden bright flash of light and Elso shot up, gasping as air filled her lungs.
Mariska’s eyes shot open and she gasped. “ELSO!”
She threw her arms around the Taltos but was only able to enjoy her success for a few fleeting moments. The world began to spin just as Elso wrapped her arms around Mariska in return. She felt a sudden dizziness and then wetness began to drip down the inside of her thigh. She looked down, blinking and surprised to see a small puddle of blood pooling between her feet.
It was the last thing she saw before the world went black.
CHARMED BY THE VAMPIRE GUARDIAN
Vampire Prince Series Book 4
By Rachel S. William
Chapter One
Mariska hit the floor hard and everyone around her went down with her. Elso was up on her feet in a matter of seconds, Mariska wrapped in her arms. Elso wobbled just a moment and Jamesson caught her, his eyes full of worry. One minute the love of his life was going under and the next it was his best friend. Elso took a breath and looked up at Jamesson.
“T-The baby…We have to help the baby.” She whispered, pushing forward towards the infirmary.
Daemon was hot on her heels, reaching over and snatching Mariska from her arms. He was afraid that the weakened Taltos might drop her. They carried her down the long marble hallways, their footsteps echoing through the long corridors.
The Taltos were behind them, following quickly. There were healers amongst their ranks and they knew that only one of their witch doctors could help Mariska now. There just wasn’t enough time to find a human doctor.
Daemon laid her out on the bed and cupped her cheeks, his eyes wide and terrified. He knew this was bad. He gave her a little shake, trying desperately to wake her up. Elso glowered at Daemon and pushed him aside.
“Stop that. You’re only making it worse!” She grunted, laying Mariska down on the bed.
She turned and started speaking to a few of the other Taltos in hushed tones. Daemon was wringing his hands, glancing over at Elso. “What…What are we going to do?” He asked, chewing on his lip.
“I need you to be ready, Daemon…You may have to change her.” She said, glancing over her shoulder at Daemon,
“What do you mean?” He asked, brows furrowed.
Elso slammed her hand on the bed, turning her head. “How dense are you?” He was the prince and she knew that she owed him more respect than she was showing, but right now she just could not believe how incredibly stupid he was being. “The baby is draining all of her energy and sucked all of the poison that was in my body into hers. If we don’t do something she’s going to die.” Elso said quickly.
The other Taltos ran back into the room, carrying towels and basic first aid equipment. One of them rolled a h
eart monitor in and Elso went to work hooking her up to it. She started to strip Mariska until the woman was left in her undergarments. A few of the other Taltos were starting to provide first aid care, but Elso gently shooed them away.
Daemon’s face had paled and he was looking between Mariska and Elso. “She’s going to die?”
Elso hesitated but nodded slowly. “We can’t save her and allow her to remain human. If we don’t turn her, she will die.”
“But she-“
“She gave you permission to change her, did not she? You made her aware of the consequences of a human bearing a vampire’s child, did you not?”
He nodded slowly, his brows furrowed. “She did…But…”
“But what?”
“I…I wanted her to be human as long as possible.”
He knew it was a selfish reason, but he’d only anticipated having to change her when she was giving birth to their child. He liked her warmth. He liked the things that made her human and he did not want those things to go away, but he knew that if he did not change her now he was going to lose Mariska forever. The look in Elso’s eyes told him so.
“How do we change her?” He whispered, looking down at the love of his life. Her eyes were closed and her face was pale.
“We’re doing our best to stop the bleeding but…It’s not going to stop. She’s hemorrhaging and the baby is taking every drop of blood it can. Soon she was beginning to pass to the next life and while she is in limbo, you will need to change her.”
He nodded slowly, reaching out and taking her hand. He’d been hoping her eyes might flutter or that she would say something to him. Instead, she just slept. She looked so peaceful despite her fate and despite all the blood. Even as she passed through death she looked graceful.
VAMPIRE:Vampire Guardian Series: Paranormal Mystery Vampire Alpha Male Romance (New Adult Contemporary Paranormal Royalty Fantasy Romance Collection)) Page 14
