Chapter Nine

L iana could have spent her entire life hidden away in a cabin in the woods far from Sancta Valles, and far from high society. All she needed was Damien and magic supplies. As it were though, she would be in the spotlight of gossip, in the thick of political subterfuge for countless years to come. She couldn't quite believe that she became nearly immortal after the transition into the Goddess's power, but if that were true, she'd have eighty more years as Queen with Damien then she had no clue what would happen.

It would be their children taking the throne from them after eighty years, if they were blessed enough to have any. Aside from that, they hadn't gotten around to talking about a future so far away.

For now, she was only just beginning in her queenly duties. Which is why she found herself riding into the city with an entourage of soldiers. Damien barely let her leave the castle after the attack in the forest a few days ago. Eva insisted Liana go not only as a way to show her to the people as their Queen but also to show that the crown was concerned about their people and these attacks.

Luciano and Owen sat across from her in the carriage, her magic holding a shield around the entire vessel.

"Never drop your shield," Luciano declared, his eyes trained on the city outside the window.

"I am well aware. Nor have I dropped my shield in days." It was true. These days she kept a shield around herself without even a thought. It became a part of her at this point, as integral as breathing.

"We are only staying for a short while. You'll wave, say hello, then we are leaving."

Liana crossed her arms and let her head fall back against the carriage. The tight knot of braids behind her head acted like a brick pillow. Everyone was nervous about her outing while the rebels were so active. She'd nearly put Damien to sleep with a spell he'd worked himself up so much. As it were, she calmed him with her magic and reassured that she'd be fine under the guard of his soldiers and her magic. The people needed to see her alone, see that she was as much of a ruler of Triaedian as Damien was, which is why he couldn't accompany her either. Another thing Eva wouldn't back down about.

Luciano and Owen hadn't even looked at her once during their journey into the city they were too focused on observing for threats. The few times she attempted to engage them in conversation, all she received in return were grunts or unintelligible mumbles. Left to herself, Liana smoothed her fingers over the white lace gloves that ran up to her elbow. She'd never enjoyed the feeling of gloves and often avoided them when she could. Eva suggested them since she'd likely be greeting a lot of people today and it would provide a bit of a buffer. Quite an intelligent idea considering Eva meant only a skin-to-skin buffer, but it would also act as a deterrent for her magic since she still didn't fully trust herself with it yet.

It wasn't that she thought the magic was inherently evil or yearned to do harm. She knew it wasn't like that. The magic was her own, but also something so much more. The Goddess's magic was far more powerful than she was used to and feared that it would react without her direction. Not in harmful ways, but like it did with that baby at Wesley's wedding. If that happened, she feared the people would become scared of her, or worse, start demanding magic from her. So, she'd keep it under tight control for now and the less contact she had with others, the better.

This visit had not been planned through the King's Council, like many of her plans were, so many did not know of it. Liana hoped that would work in her favor so she could at least get a few moments alone with Helen and Bacchus.

Their carriage pulled up in front of their bakery, Owen and Luciano jumping out before she could attempt to move. Owen stood by the door while Luciano rushed ahead, scoping out the bakery. Feeling more than a little foolish, Liana tucked her sapphire gown and stepped down. The matching tiara upon her head with glittering gemstones almost slid off which had her head jerking upright once more.

A few customers lingered in the bakery when Liana entered, offering a bow or curtsy until she told them to rise.

"Your Majesty," Helen greeted, a secret smirk on her lips.

"Wonderful to see you again, Helen," she replied.

"How may I serve you today, Your Majesty?" Helen played it cordial until the others scurried out. Once they were gone, Luciano locked the door and stared out of it, arms crossed like the imposing sentinel he often was. Helen hurried around the counter and pulled her into a hug. "Oh, you sweet girl. How are you?"

A genuine smile filled her face. "I am well, Helen. How are you faring?"

"Just fine, dear. Just fine." The older shifter gestured toward a table and chairs for them to sit at. "Bacchus, get out here!" she called toward the back then started gathering plates and cups.

Bacchus trudged out, his apron covered in flour while his long salt and pepper hair was tied back. "Darling girl," he greeted in that deep baritone before swallowing her in a hug then deposited her back into her seat. "Our little Liana, all grown up and the Queen no less. I feel as famous as you simply by knowing you."

"Oh hush, you old fool," Helen said without any bite.

Bacchus only laughed and helped her serve the tea and biscuits. "How is life as Queen?"

Sighing, she looked around at her companions. Guards would be a more accurate term. "It is far more public than I imagined. I rarely get a moment to myself these days." That was the truth of it too because when she wasn't with Eva or the courtiers, or performing her duties, she was being followed by a guard at all times. The only private moments she had were those with Damien.

"And how is that husband of yours?" Helen asked.

Magic sprung to attention at the mention of him while a small smile pulled at her lips. "Wonderful."

"Gods smite me down, would you look at that, Helen," Bacchus pointed out. "I never thought I'd see the day where Liana was smitten in love and marriage."

Helen shoved him. "Leave the girl be."

"Enough of me," Liana complained, her biscuit and tea forgotten. "Tell me about the bakery. How are you all doing with the unrest?" The shifter couple shared a weighted look. "Please, do not hide the truth from me. Tell me what is going on in the city."

Helen sighed. "Things are only getting worse, and quickly. We have lost half our business from people not wanting to mix breeds. It's not just our shop either, it's everyone. Shifters are sticking with shifters, vampires with vampires, and mage with mage. We still get the loyal few to our bakery that are not so easily swayed by these terrorists, but most have shut themselves away in their homes entirely."

Liana gaped at the woman. "Shut themselves in?"

She nodded, her brows furrowed and eyes darting out to the streets. "Everyone is scared. There have been so many murders without any discrimination. No one knows who will be next and apparently, no one is off limits."

Liana twisted in her seat. "Luciano, tell me that this isn't true."

Luciano still stared out the door, his back to her. "It is as the shifter said. The streets are empty."

Slumping in her seat, she picked at the crumbly biscuit. She'd only been Queen for a month and already the kingdom was falling apart. It was because of her. The rebels warned her to stay away. They warned her to not marry Damien.

"We never should have married," she grumbled.

"Don't you say that, Liana," Helen warned. "Don't you dare let those rebel fools get into your head like that."

"But they warned us. They warned us that if we married, they would cause trouble and now the entire city is falling apart from fear." Burying her face in her hands, all she wanted to do was hide in her bedroom until Phillipa brought her a sweet treat from the kitchen to soothe her fears.

Liana was not prepared to deal with something like this. She was not prepared to be a ruler to a kingdom, let alone to one that threatened to crumble under the pressure of hateful separatists.

"You are not responsible for the actions of the rebels. You are not making them kill innocent lives, nor are you to blame for their actions. They would have done this whether you married the King or not," Helen declared.

"Perhaps. They certainly came into the light once we announced our engagement."

Helen sat back with the saucer and teacup in her hands. "Well, then, what are you doing to stop them?"

Startled by the direct question, Liana only responded with, "What?"

"If you feel so guilty, what are you doing to fix this?"

Cheeks hot with shame, she stared down at her own steaming cup. "I'm not sure what to do." Her voice was soft. She felt so helpless. The most powerful mage in the history of Triaedian and she felt useless.

"Perhaps you should turn your misguided guilt toward more fruitful endeavors like getting rid of the rebels."

Bacchus took his wife's hand in his. "That's my mate, so wise."

"I will do whatever I can," Liana promised. "What else have you two noticed? Is there anything you can tell me of the rebel's movements?"

Bacchus leaned close, his deep voice unable to be whispered. "There have been some rumors that an old, abandoned farm on the south end of the city has suddenly returned to life although no one recalls the land being sold."

Liana perked up. Before she could ask more, Luciano was there, grabbing her arm.

"We must go," he declared, pulling her out of the seat. Her friends followed, just as confused and concerned.

"What is it? What is happening?" Liana worried. He didn't say a word as he rushed her out the door. Owen rushed forward to hold open the carriage door. The first sign of attack was of a shower of sparking green potion cascading harmlessly over Owen. The ruthless soldier didn't even flinch as the protective shield Liana gifted him held up effortlessly.

Owen shouted at her to move faster. Luciano picked her up just as something barreled into them. Liana landed hard, most of the collision avoided with her shield. Luciano recovered much faster and tackled the vampire that attacked. Owen yanked her up from beneath her arms and threw her into the carriage. She landed on the floor in a heap of fabric.

Without waiting, the horses sprinted forward which had Liana falling backward into the bench and scrambling to get her bearings. A thud landed on the roof of the carriage, then another. Shouts and grunts, then harder thuds followed. She thought she recognized a roar that sounded like Owen before things went silent aside from the horses' hooves clambering down the cobblestone road and the rattling of the carriage.

Magic simmered beneath her skin ready to be used. This is exactly what she'd been training for, to protect herself, to fight the rebels.

The carriage swung around a corner too fast tilting precariously. Liana jumped to the other side of the carriage, the wheels landing back on solid ground. When they turned again, she knew the driver was trying to find a way back to the castle. It would have been far faster and less conspicuous if she were to just be carried by a vampire.

She jumped in her seat as another thud landed atop the carriage. When it sounded as if there were more than two people atop her carriage, the roof creaking dangerously, Liana shouted, "I'd be happy to lend a magical assist!"

There was no answer, just more growls. She could blast her magic wildly out so that it would knock everyone off without actual damage. Owen would likely be fine, but she worried if that would put him worse off with their attackers. So, once again, she sat uselessly tucked away inside the carriage. This is precisely what she didn't want to happen. This is why she wanted to train, to learn to defend herself. She wanted - no, needed to be able to fight. She needed everyone to trust that she could protect herself.

The tirade in her head came to an abrupt halt when the carriage flipped. Liana erected a wide shield around herself to cushion the blows just in time as she launched into the side then fell onto the floor which used to be the roof. A bit dazed, but mostly unharmed, Liana scrambled for the door. Stumbling out, her shield blocked an immediate barrage of spells and vampires charging at her.

It took no effort to keep herself safe with magic while she took in the carnage on the cobblestone lane. Her soldiers fought ruthlessly against the rebels. Most were vampires and moved far too quickly for her to track. Some shifters were in the fight while mage stood on the outskirts or on rooftops shooting spells and hurling potions into the fray.

Magic surged from the depths of her power and exploded out of her hands. This wasn't uncontrolled though. She knew exactly what she was doing.

Fueled by rage, she recreated the blast by the lake, letting it burst around them in the blink of an eye. The biggest differences between months ago and now, was that she was in control and that Owen was the only one left standing. This was her magic even if the Goddess blessed her with it. This lethal well of power waiting for her to tap into was all hers. Whatever she deemed necessary would be done. In that moment, she fully believed it even if she had her doubts earlier. When it counted, she could follow through. She could protect.

Covered in blood, he walked over to her. "Are you hurt?" he growled, his fangs still descended and eyes black with dilated pupils.

"I am fine."

He looked around at the mass of bodies. "Why was I not affected?"

"Your charm. I spelled all of them to withstand my magic as well for incidents such as these."

He raised a brow. "Clever."

She was glad he thought so because out of all of Damien's family, even Luciano, Liana knew Owen thought the least of her.

"I know. Now, let me wake our soldiers then we can go." Liana walked to each person to wake them with a simple touch of magic. Luciano found them soon enough, his black clothes glossy with blood. They left the soldiers behind to deal with the unconscious rebels with a promise to send back-up.

***

"Neither of you tells Damien about this," Liana demanded as soon as her feet touched the stone of the castle foyer.

"Tells me what?" his arrogant drawl sounded from behind her. She spun around to find him leaning against the arch of the entryway, his arms crossed over his chest. A quick flick of his eyes told him all he needed to know. He could scent the blood no doubt as well.

Huffing, she ran a hand over her disheveled hair and realized her tiara had gone missing. "I'm fine," she stated.

He didn't move. "I smell your blood." His voice came out thick and muffled, his fangs filling his mouth.

Looking down at herself, she truly didn't know where she'd been hurt. It took only a moment to find the sliver of wood splintered beneath the skin of her hand. She yanked the small piece out and burned it in a flash.

"There. Offensive object that drew my blood has been destroyed and the rebels have been neutralized."

He pushed off the pillar, his movements stiff and calculated. "You are so flippant with your safety," he growled. Towering over her, his vampiric nature tried to intimidate her, tried to own her.

"No. I am trying to keep you calm, Damien." Gritting her teeth, she stood her ground even if the air around him vibrated with lethal energy.

"Keep me calm?" he laughed derisively. "My queen was ambushed and nearly killed. I am the furthest thing from calm." He bent, his nose sliding down her cheek to her neck where he breathed in deeply.

Liana gripped his forearms, sending soothing magic into him. "Damien, I am fine," she whispered. "I took care of them. And I was not nearly killed; give me more credit than that."

Claws dug into her hips even through the thick layers of cloth weighing her down. She shoved more soothing magic into him. "I cannot tolerate so much danger to you, my love." His hands loosened and pulled her into an embrace. "My heart cannot take the worry."

"There is always that idea you had of keeping me shackled to our bed," she teased.

His head snapped back. "Truly?"

Liana shoved him off. "No, you feral beast. Now, come along. I want a bath and to lounge undisturbed in our chambers for the rest of the day." She turned and sauntered off. "If your mother asks, the outing went so well that I will never have to do another for the entire time I am Queen."

His laughter grew closer, and she braced for his arms. Lifting her effortlessly, he almost ran off with her.

"We have new information about the rebels," Luciano interrupted. Damien halted, Liana's dream of a relaxing afternoon and evening plummeting into a nightmare. She was the one that wanted to be more involved though. Just minutes ago, she wanted to feel useful. For now, she would postpone her relaxing bath.

"We should discuss in your office," she suggested. When she tried to get out of his arms, he only held her tighter.

"You can rest, my love. I will meet with them later."

"No, no. I want to help with this."

Against his desires, he sped to his office, Luciano and Owen on his heels. He set her down on the sofa then poured each of them drinks.

"What is this news?"

Owen stood beside a chair while Luciano sat, uncaring of the blood on him. "Her friends said the rebels have been spotted meeting at a farm along the southern edge of the city."

He raised a brow at Liana. "Friends?"

"Helen and Bacchus," she explained.

"You visited them and didn't bring any of those orange scones?" he asked, affronted.

She rolled her eyes. "Do you have a coin and paper?"

A breeze rustled her hair then he was back with the supplies. She scribbled a quick note then sent it and the coin to Helen then summoned an orange scone. "For you, my King."

Grinning like a fiend, he bit into it. "Best wife in the entire kingdom."

Liana snorted then wiped off powdered sugar from his chin. "And you, King of Triaedian, are absolutely ridiculous."

Luciano cleared his throat. "We should investigate the farmhouse."

Liana sucked the sugar from her thumb. "I will do it."

"No, you will not," Damien immediately countered. When she licked more sugar from her finger, he grabbed her wrist and planted it in her lap. "Stop trying to distract me with your seduction tactics."

Liana barked out a laugh. "I am doing no such thing. And I will spy on the farmhouse. I am more equipped than any of you."

Owen groaned and dragged his hands over his face. "Gods give me strength to endure this torment."

Damien laughed at his cousin. "I love you, my little temptress, but you are not a spy." He set the scone on the side table and brushed off his hands.

She crossed her arms, ready for another battle, however, this one would be a battle of wills. "Do you remember who snuck out of the house nearly every night and sustained an entire clandestine business without anyone ever finding out?"

"I did not want to ruin your illusion of stealth, but you were not as secretive as you imagine. Half the city knew what you were up to."

"Only the half I intended to know. How else would I help them if they didn't?"

He just stared at her, his eyes all soft and gentle. "I had to only ask one person walking down the street if they knew anything about you and I gained your entire life's story. Same with the next person I asked."

Huffing, she raised her chin. "Jealous that your people know me better than you?"

He pulled her into his side, chest heaving with laughter.

"Seriously, make this torture end," Owen called out.

"Although dramatic, he has a point," Luciano agreed. "Let us make a decision on this rebel location."

"I will supply a shield for stealth, which will include silencing them and hiding their scent," she offered.

"I will go," Owen said before Liana could argue her case to be elected spy once more.

Damien nodded. "Now tell me about this ambush."

Liana kept a firm grip on Damien while Luciano and Owen took turns filling him in. "They will know that her shields are impenetrable now. They have tested with arrows, spells and potions. They also tried to take her." His grip tightened painfully on hers. "They know how strong she is."

"Yes. But that doesn't change the fact that her shields are impenetrable. They won't ever get to her," Luciano reasoned.

Liana hoped that were true. She never wanted to find out either way.

"My only solution brings me back to…"

"Don't even say it," Liana interrupted Damien. He just raised that damned brow. Into his mind, she threatened, "If you say you're going to shackle me somewhere, I am going to blast you into the ocean with my magic."

"I would ensure that you loved being shackled though. You'd beg me to never let you go."

She laughed out loud. "Never."

"Liana," Luciano called. "Give Owen the shields so he can be on his way." She did so quickly and then they were left with just Luciano. "What is going on with you two? This is the third time I've seen where it appears you are having a silent conversation."

Cringing, she bit her lip.

"It's nothing, Grandfather. Just a bit of teasing," Damien replied swiftly then pulled her to her feet. "Send whatever rebels make it back to the dungeons. I'll be down later."

Liana cut off her own squeal when Damien threw her over his shoulder and raced out the door.

"Damien!" she yelled, her voice carrying through the halls that they sped through.

In the next second, she was landing on familiar bedding. "Now about that bath and these teasing fingers," he started, pulling her thumb into his mouth. "Perhaps I should cover all of you in that powdered sugar and have myself a feast."

"Oh gods," she moaned. Forget the rebels. This vampire was going to be the death of her. "I'll allow the distraction this time, however, you have to let me take more of a role in fighting back against the rebels."

He lifted his lips from her hand and kissed her. "The only thing I have to do is keep my wife sated and happy, which she isn't allowing me to do." He nipped at the skin of her neck he so often bit which had her eyes rolling shut.

"Damien," she said, panting while he kissed down her chest. "I will be happy when I am useful in fighting the rebels."

Growling, he snapped back up to her lips, devouring her until she could no longer think. "We will speak on it later, Liana," he offered, his fangs out and ready to bite. "For now, let me love you."

Eager for him to do that as well, she reached up to tuck his hair behind his ear. "I'll hold you to it." And she would… if they ever made it out of bed again.