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The cool air of the forest grew heavy, as if charged with a strange energy.
Seraphine paused and scanned the forest. “Someone is. . .here.”
I quirked my brows.
Then, Xander, Ian, Leeta, and six other vampires stepped out from behind different surrounding trees. They moved with a fluid grace, their silent footsteps barely disturbing the forest floor.
Shadows danced on their faces, momentarily concealing and revealing their expressions.
I widened my eyes in shock.
Ian prowled over to Seraphine and stopped in front of her. “Did you hear my queen? She said to stop.”
“How. . .how long have you been here?” I stammered, still trying to wrap my head around their sudden appearance.
Xander got to my side. “Long enough.”
The other vampires gathered around us with their wooden swords out.
Ian watched Seraphine. “Camille, we should get back to our hut, before the Ground Mover or anyone else notices that we are missing.”
Xander put his view on Seraphine. “And we should sneak her in the back.”
Seraphine shook her head. “I. . .I am not. . .going with you.”
Ian sneered. “You are.”
“I do not have to do anything.” Seraphine began to raise her hands.
“No.” I hurried over. “Don’t hurt him.”
Ian watched her. “I saw your magic trick, little one.”
Seraphine hissed. “Then, you should step back.”
“What is your plan?” Ian smirked. “Perhaps, you can freeze me. But, can you control everyone’s blood out here? And. . .when you use your power, do you not get exhausted?”
She leaned her head to the side. “Would you like to see?”
“If you could, you would have already done it.” Ian gestured to Xander. “Remember. You now have one king in front of you and one king behind you. How powerful are you?”
Seraphine slowly lowered her hands.
Leeta scanned the space and put her wooden sword up. “We should go now.”
“Come on.” Frowning, Xander tenderly grabbed my hand and guided me away. “We have a lot to discuss, Queen.”
Chapter 29
The Power of a Queen’s Blood
Ian
Why did the vampire king get so angry with his queen one night?
Because she invited a carpenter over for dinner.
When I was young, that joke used to be a hit at small parties. Not only did vampires hate wood, due to its lethal nature, but we abhorred anyone who worked with wood.
I doubted anyone would laugh at such a simple joke in these times, especially with the low amount of vampire kings around.
And surely no one would laugh in this moment.
The moons’ light streamed through the hut’s small kitchen’s windows.
Several lit candles stood at the center of the metal table.
Seething, I sat at one end of the table. My anger grew more and more toxic by the second. My heart felt like a wild animal trying to escape from my chest.
Somehow, I remained calm. I had to. Xander was still a young king with too much power. Someone would have to maintain a clear head as we dealt with our queen.
I looked at the other end of the table, where Xander sat. His face was a mask of rage. Fury blazed in his eyes.
Anger radiated off our bodies and thickened the air with a threat of violence.
I turned to the target of our fury, sitting at the middle of the table like a spider in the center of its web.
You are in a lot of trouble, little queen.
Camille uneasily shifted in her seat. Upon returning to the hut, she had changed into an impossibly white dress that clung to her curves.
Did Camille know how enchanting it made her?
Already, I imagined piercing her neck with my fangs and dripping blood all over that white fabric.
No. Do not fall for her sexy trick.
I moved my view to the back of the kitchen.
There, Leeta bustled around the kitchen, making our breakfast.
Good. I hope she cooks something thick and hearty.
Due to this so called heart mage’s discussion about the Ground Mover and others possibly double crossing us after the war, we would need heightened strength. That meant adding solids to our diet to bulk up our power and muscle.
Blood made up a good eighty percent of our diet. It contained a wide range of nutrients that were essential for our body’s survival. We could consume large quantities in one sitting because our bodies quickly absorbed the nutrients from the blood and eliminated any excess waste.
However, despite our dependence on that red liquid, we did eat solid foods from time to time.
Certain vegetables and grains boosted our immune system and protected against illnesses. Many herbs and spices helped regulate our blood flow. Additionally, a small amount of meats gave us necessary vitamins and minerals that blood alone could not provide.
Leeta hummed while she cooked.
A warm glow came from the clay oven.
Two shelves were above the oven, stacked with various herbs and spices.
The oven was small but well-used, with a sturdy iron door and a chimney that let out puffs of smoke.
