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What?
She tossed her blonde hair over her shoulders. “These are the years you should begin your army, and get stronger, birthing many babies.”
My core shook with rage.
Camille, would you be upset if I tore her head off?
I swallowed down my anger.
Don’t kill her, my king. She’s your mother.
She hasn’t been much of one.
We still need her.
For what? he asked, still scowling at his mother.
We need her to help us free the Phinova dominas.
Right now, the dominas are not as important as keeping you.
Still, we should save them. . .tonight.
Ian watched us.
Could he hear our exchange?
Xander’s voice slipped back into my head.
What is your plan?
You’ll see.
I approached Queen Regina until I was three feet from her.
Chapter 3
Legend Says
Camille
I gazed at Queen Regina. “You’re a wise woman.”
From that large, coiled snake throne, she looked down at me. “I am a very wise woman.”
“Then, perhaps you can help us.”
“In what way?”
“How should we free the Phinova dominas from the dungeon?”
Careful, Xander warned inside my head. My mother has been manipulating and playing games for one hundred and fifty years.
“You all will remain as my guests tonight.” Queen Regina rang a bell that was on her throne’s right arm.
Two maids rushed in, draped in silver.
She turned to them. “Notify my guards that my entertainers will be staying in my guest area. I want them to perform for me during the daylight.”
She held up one finger. “Therefore, you must also prepare three rooms.”
The maids bowed and headed outside.
“Luck is on your side.” The queen beamed. “The Quiet King took most of his army with him. He’s planning a surprise attack on a territory full of mages.”
I tensed. “And he’s also sent Royal Guards to hunt me.”
“Exactly. I heard they burned Freemont to the ground.” Queen Regina directed her attention to Leeta. “I am glad to see you survived, dear Leeta. And without a scratch?”
Leeta mumbled, “Yes, your majesty.”
I was surprised that Leeta didn’t seize the opportunity to tell the queen she was now a vampire. I wondered why and if that was somehow for Xander’s benefit.
“There are only ten percent of the usual amount of Royal Guards on the castle grounds,” Queen Regina said. “Even less are around during the daylight. That would be the best time to smuggle the dominas to a secret area. I have property in the north that will serve as your kingdom, Xander. I’ve been preparing it all your life. It’s supplied with food and a human staff to serve you well.”
“I’m sure you prepared for everything, Mother,” Xander muttered.
How did she get the money or ability to do that?
“Daylight? It will burn Xander and everybody else.” I shook my head. “Maybe we can leave through the sewers.”
“The King provided all day guards with heavy leather uniforms. I’ve heard they are uncomfortable, but I’m certain these three can take the heat.” She centered on Ian. “Is he also a vampire? I can’t tell through the mask.”
“I’m a vampire,” Ian said.
She nodded. “So then we will need four uniforms.”
“Actually. . .we’ll need five.” I bit my lip.
“Why?” Queen Regina’s eyes widened as if she were a child receiving a new present. “Did you manage to sneak another vampire in without me knowing?”
Should we tell her that Leeta is a vampire or lie?
I gazed at Xander.
Being that Leeta has been spying for her all this time, she’ll probably say it herself.
Xander shrugged. “Leeta is the fifth vampire.”
I could hear the intake of breath and wasn’t sure if it were Leeta, the queen, or both.
Silence proceeded for a few minutes.
We all remained still as Queen Regina’s face showed utter shock.
Then, finally she shook her head. “No. That is impossible. She was not born a vampire.”
Xander crossed his big arms over his chest. “Yet, she is one.”
“But, that is impossible.”
“Apparently, it is not.”
“E-excuse me. What is this?” Queen Regina slowly rose from her throne. “Are you really serious?”
Xander frowned. “I am.”
Queen Regina slowly let her through and strolled over to Leeta.
I turned around to watch them.
Leeta stepped out of the shadows and opened her mouth, displaying her fangs.
“No.” Queen Regina touched one fang. “Dear Ambi, you really have fangs! And your eyes. . .I didn’t even realize! How? No, this is not possible.”
Queen Regina backed up, covering her chest. “I want answers, now! Immediately!”
No one said anything. I think we were all waiting on Xander to lead.
She spun around and stared at her son. “Xander, what is going on?”
“Focus on assisting us with the dominas’ release,” Xander ordered. “Then we will meet outside of the castle and discuss this further.”
“No!” Queen Regina shrieked. “You will tell me this minute. Xander, did you wield this great power?”
He kept a neutral expression on his face. “No.”
She froze for a few seconds. “I don’t understand. How did Leeta become a vampire?”
“Xander is right.” I sighed. “If you can help us with the dominas and keep us all safe, then that would be a great display of your loyalty and trust.”
