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Viper raised his voice so everyone at his back could hear. “Larisa, this crown is bestowed upon you, not only by marriage to Kingsnake, King of Vampires and Lord of Darkness, but your bravery in our last two battles. We would have lost the first fight if you hadn’t warned us of the Ethereals’ arrival. I present to you your crown, a blade forged with the red diamonds of the Kingsnake Vampires.” He held it up for me to take.
I lifted the blade with both hands and examined the pommel, gold with diamonds and rubies, a piece of jewelry that would claim the lives of my foes.
“All hail, Larisa, Queen of Vampires and Lady of Darkness.”
* * *
The ceremony was followed by a grand celebration. It was the first time I saw the vampires participate in festivities. We seemed to be at war so often that there wasn’t time to do anything like relaxing and letting loose.
Since they didn’t eat food like humans, there weren’t tables covered with roasted pigs, smashed potatoes, and other delicacies. Instead, there was booze—and lots of it. A band played music, and some people danced.
But as I glanced at them all, I saw a difference in their composure. Their skin was paler, the color of gray clouds, and they looked…thinner.
Like they were starving.
I’d been so wrapped up in the Ethereal that I’d forgotten about my own people and their plight. The humans continued to be racked by the sickness that refused to abate—and I had the cure hidden away in my bedchambers. Both races were suffering because of my selfishness. I’d spent two days in bed with my husband and didn’t think about anyone else, and now that felt unacceptable.
“Is there something wrong?” Kingsnake returned and handed me a glass of wine.
“Everyone looks…thin.” The music was loud, and no one was around to overhear my words.
“We’ve had many battles.”
“The prisoners…”
“We’ve lost more. It’s the natural way of things.”
The prisoners were humans, humans from my own village, and that made the situation more sickening. “We need to deliver the cure to the humans at once. Their suffering should be alleviated—as well as that of our own people.”
A smile entered his lips.
“What?”
“You said our people.”
“Well, they are.”
“I know.” The smile continued. “Just like hearing you say it. First thing tomorrow, we’ll leave.”
“I’d feel guilty carrying this sword if I didn’t.”
He took a drink as he circled his arm around my waist. “Now you’re thinking like a queen.” His lips drew close to my ear. “And I think that’s really sexy.” He turned his face and caught my lips, giving me a kiss as he tugged me close. “Wife.”
It was the first time he’d called me that, and the shivers immediately started. “Husband.”
He rubbed his nose against mine, something he’d never done before.
“Kingsnake.” Cobra got his attention, speaking to a group of vampires at one of the tables.
“I’ll be back.”
“You better.” It was hard to release my hold on him, not because I was afraid to be alone, but because I would never have enough of that man.
He walked away and joined Cobra, who clapped him on the back like all was well.
I saw the way Kingsnake interacted with his people, always kingly but also approachable. That hadn’t seemed to be the case when I’d first arrived here, when people scattered to the opposite side of the street to avoid him. But after the two battles, he appeared to have become a man of the people.
I should do the same.
