The Kingdom Journals Complete Series Box Set

by Tricia Copeland

  “You’re angry.” He slides his arm from my grip.

  A couple of our warriors stand behind me, and I collect my thoughts. “Your diversion may have saved several of our soldiers. Thank you. Go home and make sure your family is safe. We need to attend to our lost tonight and tomorrow. I will talk with you when our mourning is over.”

  Emmett shakes his head. “These are my people too. I would like to pay my respects.”

  “Make apologies to your parents for tomorrow night and join us for the funeral pyres at sundown.” I jump to the ground, leaving him standing there.

  I look to the spot where Mambi last lay. She’s not there, and I search the area. Seeing Jacob carrying a form towards the main house, I dart to his side.

  “Can I help you? Let me prepare her body.”

  Bloody tears run down his face. “I can’t let her go. How can I ever be without her?”

  I rub my hand across his shoulders. “You will hurt for a while. But the pain lessens. Let me take her.”

  He stands frozen for a few seconds and then hugs her to his chest and releases her into my hold. Will appears beside me. “Shall I call several of the other women?”

  “No, I will attend her.” I look into Jacob’s eyes. “She will be safe with me.”

  “Brother.” Will grips Jacob’s shoulders. “Let us go and rest. I shall keep watch.”

  Jacob nods his head and follows Will. I swallow hard, holding back tears as I climb the porch stairs. Three women join me in the kitchen as I lay her body on the table. A tear drops from my cheek as I close Mambi’s eyes. Filling a bowl with water, I clean her body, washing her hair and braiding it around her head as she did for celebrations.

  One of the women fetches Mambi’s marriage gown, and we dress her in the white linen. Another brings flowers, and we fit them into her braid and clasp her hands on her chest. As I stare at my friend, guilt rises in my chest, and I fight more tears.

  Remembering my place. I stand. “Can you watch over her? I need to attend to the rest of our warriors.”

  Gregor stands near the front door, and I approach him. “How’s Jacob?”

  “Will’s with him.”

  “How many others did we lose?”

  “Nine, but we’ve gathered fifty-six of their dead so far.”

  “Did any escape?” I cross through the front door to the porch.

  “The sentinels are tracking three.”

  “Make sure they’re brought back alive. Also, send four ambassadors to the Gulf and Valley tribes of Florida, we made need to ask them to be judges. Have the ambassadors wait for instruction before making contact.”

  “But the Valley tribe is not friendly to our cause.”

  “That’s the point. The trial should be fair. This is the only way it can be.”

  “As you wish.” Gregor raises his eyes to meet mine.

  “What?”

  “You should know it was Emmett’s idea. He must have had it planned it all along. As soon as I met him at the barn, he told me to amass a group to lie in hiding.”

  “He’s beginning to be more trouble than he’s worth.” I let my eyes wander in the direction of his property.

  “Why do you say that? It was a good plan. We could have lost many more.”

  “You’re right. But, we outnumbered them. We would have overpowered them eventually. It’s not a human’s fight, and his family and lands could have been in jeopardy. We have no way of containing rumors if another human witnesses what we are.”

  “You mean without a witch and without killing them.” One of Gregor’s eyebrows rises.

  “Yes, we can’t keep amassing human pets.” I wring my hands, praying Emmett’s family is unharmed.

  “Emmett is much more than a pet, and you know that.”

  “I won’t have him put himself in harm’s way.”

  “Because you care for him?”

  “Because he’s more fragile than the rest of us. He had orders, a protocol to follow, and he broke rank. Send someone to his property to make sure they’re safe.”

  “Yes.” Gregor runs down the steps, hailing the first two men he sees.

  I find Will and Jacob in Jacob’s room. Head in hand, blood spills from his eyes, over his palms, and to his pants. I place a hand on each of his shoulders.

  “Queen.” He swipes his cheeks with his arms. “Forgive me.”

  “Jacob, do not call me that now. We’re friends, even more, brother and sister.”

  “Forgive me, I did not know and could not comprehend your grief until now.” Arms locked around his middle, he rocks on the mattress.

  “It’s okay, brother.” I wrap my arms around him and hug him to my chest.

  “I want to see her. I need to be with her until it’s time.”

  “Let me take you to her.”

  Arm around his shoulders, we walk with Jacob to the kitchen. We leave him to sit with her, having one of the women stay outside the door to fetch us if needed.

  Will and I find the other fallen nine and help prepare their bodies. Next, we walk to the marsh where others are building rafts for the pyres.

  Watching the work, I’m overwhelmed with feelings. My mind reels with thoughts, trying to understand how we missed sixty enemy vampires gathering to ambush us. I face Will. “How did this happen?”

  “They came through the marshes to mask their scent.”

  “Is this not a good place for us?”

  Will shrugs. “There are only three sides to guard. It’s better than most.”

  “This is a tragedy. I can’t believe we lost Mambi.” I look to the ground.

  “With this victory, our largest enemy is no more. We have nothing else to fear.” Will lifts my chin, forcing me to look at him.

  “Except the witches and the humans living across the forest from us.” I step back from him.

  “Emmett is strong-willed and brave. Don’t be mad at him.”

  “He knows what we are. That we can defend ourselves, that I can match almost any foe. Why does he insist on getting in the fight?”

  Will places his hands on my shoulders. “He loves you.”

  I throw off his arms. “That is ridiculous. He can’t love me that way.”

  “You know it to be true.”

  “We should prepare for the funerals.” I stomp towards the main house.

  Nearing it, my thoughts flash back to Mambi and our time together, her bravery, love for Jacob, wide smile, and infectious laugh. The strain of the night catches up with me as I reach the door, and I pull myself up the stairs to my room by the railing.

  Dirt, sweat, and blood stains my skin, and I rinse in my wash bowl. My wounds are healing, but I need sustenance. Still, we will not eat until our dead are returned to the earth. I dry and dress in the linen gown Mambi made me for their wedding.

  Outside, we gather in front of the main house and walk through the marshes to the beach as light grows in the east, painting the sky pink and orange. Beside me, Jacob carries Mambi and rests her on a bed of feathers topped with a deer’s pelt. The other dead are laid on their pyres, and we speak of each one in turn, lighting their rafts, and pushing them into the surf. Smoke billows up from the waves as the current takes them to sea.

  I grasp Jacob’s hand as his eyes stay fixed on the horizon. We stand and watch until the fires burn out and the pyres sink into the ocean.

  Next, we make our way to the stack of fallen enemy soldiers. Our men have formed a large circular path of dirt around them to prevent the fire from spreading. Jacob takes a torch and throws it into the middle, and the others light the edges, shrieking and yelping as the flames engulf the bodies. It’s hard for me to delight in these lost lives, and I stand frozen, cloth to my nose, wondering how I can count myself a good leader amid so much death.

  Leaving the group to tend the fire, I set off towards the main house. Gregor and John are beside me in a second. “I’m fine. Join the others.”

  “Will says we’re not to leave your side.” Gregor matches my pac
e.

  “Fine, then you will help gather a meal in the great room. We’ll eat together this morning.” The sound of pounding hooves and creaking wheels reaches my ears, and I stop short. “Who is that?”

  Our noses go to the air at the same time. “Emmett,” we repeat together.

  “And his father and four others,” I huff, stretching my stride.

  Gregor catches my arm. “Remember your place.”

  I see the carriage rounding the curve, horses running at full speed.

  Eugene pulls the reins to stop in front of us. “We saw smoke. Is everything okay?”

  “Yes, I’m sorry. We should have sent someone to warn you.”

  “Emmett says you were attacked by natives last night.”

  I wish I could shed regular human tears and pray he believes me still to be in shock. “It was horrible. They came out of the marsh and killed nine of our people before the men could scare them away. Mambi is among the nine, so Will is with Jacob.”

  “Mambi?” Eugene’s face turns ashen. “I can’t believe it.” He jumps to the ground. “Dear, you must be grief-stricken. I will send Mary right over. Emmett, stay with me. The rest of you go tell Mary to bring something to eat.” He wraps an arm around my shoulders. As soon as his fingers touch my skin, he pulls them back. “You look like you haven’t slept, you poor thing.”

  “Jacob is distraught.”

  “I believe you know that loss and will be a great help to him.” Eugene motions to the stairs leading me to the porch of the main house.

  I stop at the top, blocking his path to the door. “I’m sorry. The house is a mess, and we’ve just come back from the burials. I thought we sent apologies for postponing our dinner tonight.”

  “Yes, you did, but I saw the fire and came right away.”

  “Oh, yes, I believe we may have different traditions for funerals than you.” I smooth the fabric of my dress, glad I took time to wash.

  Eugene’s face again drains of color, and he clears his throat. “I believe so.”

  I lay my hand ever so lightly on his shoulder blade. “Perhaps Mary could call tomorrow. Once we’ve rested and recovered a bit.”

  “We’ll have you to supper tomorrow. You shouldn’t be alone at a time like this. We’ll understand if Jacob wishes to send his regrets.”

  “Thank you.” I pat his shoulder and fold my hands in front of me. Behind Eugene, Emmett’s eyes hold my stare, and I divert my gaze.

  Planning the wake for after dusk, we feed on berries and fruits in the main hall for the morning meal. The whole tribe is gathered for a brief time, and it comforts me to have all my people in one place. I watch Jacob, and my heart breaks a million times for his loss, feeling the pain as if it were my own. Will sticks to Jacob’s side, and I keep my distance, sensing my presence will only fuel his grief and rage. As it is, my guilt looms beneath the surface of my calm façade. Was I complacent? Could I have prevented this?

  Once we’ve retired for rest periods, I ask Gregor to stand watch for two hours, and then I relieve him, letting him rest the same. Next, I check on our prisoners and preparations for the bonfire. With the day’s plans secured, I head for the beach. Gregor and John trail me but do not question as I strip my clothes and jump into the waves.

  Pumping my arms and kicking my feet through the surf, I let the tears flow freely. I pour all my anger and grief into my muscles until they are spent.

  Gregor meets me with my clothes. “Emmett is here to see you.”

  “Where?”

  “At the main house.”

  “Give me a minute.” I pat my body with my underskirt and fit my dress over my corset. Sliding on my boots, I join Gregor and John. “So, what do you think? He disobeyed orders but saved us lives.”

  “He’s a hero,” Gregor contends.

  “A fool, but a courageous one,” John supplies.

  “Fine.” I dig my nails into my palms, still angry that he’d dismissed my ability to defend myself. “I don’t want to be alone with him. You’ll talk to him with me.”

  Entering the main hall, I pace in front of Emmett. It’s a petty power move with intent of making him nervous. With the smell of angst wafting from him, I guess the goal is achieved. “I thought I asked you to give us a day of grieving?”

  “I should be here. These are my people too.” He matches my steps.

  “We have to maintain the story for your parents and staff.” I stop in front of him.

  “Did I do something to earn your anger?”

  It takes every ounce of control I have not to lash out at him. I repeat Gregor’s words in my head. He saved lives. I pull my hands to my hips and peer into his face. “Emmett Schmidt,” I whisper, “you are a hero to our tribe. But, your actions could have just as easily put you, your family, and our tribe in further jeopardy. Those prisoners witnessed a human aiding us in battle. They know you know what we are. The most important rule when you are a vampire is to keep our race a secret, above all. Do you understand that?”

  His skin loses its color. “I did not think.”

  “Right, you did not follow the protocol set out for you.”

  “What’s going to happen?”

  “I don’t know. We have prisoners who I don’t want to kill and witnesses who should be called to judge them.”

  “Witnesses from where?”

  “Two other tribes.”

  “Couldn’t I be a madman under your control? Someone said something of a witch.”

  “I don’t have a witch.” I throw my hands up and stomp away.

  “So, they are real?”

  I spin back to him. “I can’t deal with you right now. I need time to think and consult with the others. Come back after dark for our feast.”

  His mouth opens and then shuts.

  “I believe you are dismissed,” John mutters.

  Emmett’s eyes cut to John, Gregor, and then me. I hold his stare. He diverts his gaze and strides from the room.

  “Wasn’t that a bit harsh?” Gregor asks.

  “I can’t call judges, hold a trial, and risk others thinking we are exposing ourselves to the humans, which means I can’t uphold my stance on being fair to these hostages.”

  “So, we aren’t sending for witnesses?” John zips to my side.

  “I don’t know. I guess we call for a vote tomorrow, let our people decide what is best, whether to call the Gulf and Valley tribes, what should be done with the hostages. Does that make sense?”

  Gregor nods. “Sounds fair to me.”

  “Are we banning Emmett from the tribe?” John asks.

  “That will also have to be agreed upon by the whole tribe.”

  I crave another swim, to be immersed in nothing. Instead, I retreat to my quarters and lie on my bed. I dread facing the tribe, making this decision. Blame falls on me for Emmett’s association with us. My mind searches for what I could have done differently. Live apart, separate from human society like the others, is the answer that rises to my conscious. But the world is changing. Humans close in on us from all sides, and transportation and communication grow like a vine upon the ground. We must learn to adapt.

  Rising an hour later, I clean the house while the others are hunting and preparing the bonfire. Then, I find Will outside Mambi and Jacob’s home.

  “How is he?”

  “He wants to be reassigned to sentinel.”

  “That I can grant. Gregor can take his place.”

  I summarize my plan for the tribe meeting the next morning, and Will agrees with the decision. He straightens his back. “If it were me, I would’ve ended them on the spot.” He crosses his arms over his chest. “But maybe you don’t want a repeat of your last killing, or the aftermath.”

  Wrapping my fingers around Will’s bicep, I force him to look at me. “I don’t regret anything. I need you, even more now. Mambi was like a sister to me, and Jacob a true brother. I hope you don’t think I’ve been ignoring you. There’s a lot to deal with, and I thought Jacob needed you. He didn’t
seem to want to be in my presence.”

  “You’re right. I shouldn’t have assumed you were ignoring me. I will always be here for you.” He wraps his arms around my waist and hugs me tight.

  His scent engulfs me, and I melt into him, soaking in his warmth. Tears rise to my eyes, and I blink to keep them at bay. “Thank you.”

  Jacob opens the door. “I thought I heard you. Come in.”

  I enter his dark home. “I’m so sorry, Jacob.”

  “Thank you.” His wrap his arms around me, pinning me to his chest. “She loved you like a sister, and you’re truly a sister to me. But, I must go, I can’t stay here. I need time away. You understand, right?”

  “Yes, you know I do.”

  “You have known this pain, and I dismissed it. I can’t apologize enough.”

  “There’s no need. I’m calling a tribe meeting for tomorrow. I would like you to stay for that if it won’t cause you too much pain.”

  “If it means that I may have the chance of killing more of them, I gladly wait for my departure.”

  “You heard what I said to Will?”

  “Yes.”

  “What do you think?”

  “We have to protect our tribe. But, Emmett isn’t your responsibility. He is all of ours. We voted him in.”

  “Thank you for that. Please, don’t feel you need to participate tonight if it’s too much.”

  “I will be there. We need to stand as one.”

  “Thank you.” I hug him again and kiss his cheek.

  “Just don’t do anything foolish in my absence, My Queen.”

  “I can’t promise that, but Will and Gregor are good counsel.”

  Our feast is bittersweet as we celebrate the lives of our fallen comrades and mourn them in equal measure. Even though my body craves rest, I stay until everyone has decided they are done. In the end, it’s John, Gregor, Jacob, Will, and me staring into the flames.

  “It will be an early morning, comrades,” Will comments as Jacob pours another glass of wine. “Gregor, John, can you make sure Anne is safe through the night?”

  “I will take first watch,” Gregor says.