CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

W illow glanced around the enormous, opulent room and took another sip of her iced tea.

Tea with the queen. Not a place she’d ever expected to find herself in. Certainly not in America, and not with a queen this exquisitely beautiful. No offense to the other more widely known human queens, but Kate simply radiated elegance.

Brayden had left her with the three vampire ladies— females?— to take care of something, and she was doing her best to relax. How was a human to do so surrounded by vampires, no matter how friendly and beautiful they were, Willow wasn’t sure. Right now, her relaxed anxiety levels were about a ten.

Ten hundred.

“Before your dashing male returns, do you have any other questions?” Seraphina asked.

She had a lot, none of which she really wanted answers to. Not really. Willow just wanted this to all go away.

While keeping Brayden.

“How strong are you?” she suddenly spat out as Kate choked on her tea and attempted to wipe her mouth with a napkin, covering it up.

“Oh.” Seraphina laughed. “I wasn’t expecting that, but it’s a good question. One that if I’d been given the opportunity, may have asked myself.”

She hadn’t been. Like many vampires, her mate had forced the change upon her, and asked for forgiveness later. She was grateful to Brayden for this time to decide for herself. Mostly. In some ways, it would be easier to be angry at him than find forgiveness. She knew why he hadn’t. Watching his mother harbor resentment and regret for so many years, he’d promised he would never do it to his own mate if she was human. Unfortunately for him, it turned out she was.

“Yes, I have so many questions. It’s driving me a little bit crazy, I’m afraid.”

“Would...no, never mind,” the queen began.

She knew what her question was. Willow shook her head. “No. He’s done the right thing. It would have damaged our relationship if he’d taken the choice from me.” She glanced at Seraphina, who had been turned a few hundred years ago. “No offense meant. Modern women are far more independent. I would be far less inclined to forgive something like that.”

Seraphina tipped her head. “I do believe you are right.”

The queen added her nod to show agreement.

“Well, the answer is that we’re extraordinarily strong. Let me see. I could lift a vehicle, should I wish to. Not that I can think of any reason to do that, mind you.”

Willow’s eyes widened. “That strong?”

They both nodded.

“And males are by far stronger than females, but even then, it varies from vampire to vampire.”

“Katrina was also human. She helped me through my transition. I’m not sure I could have done it without her.”

The other female smiled. “Not true. After the shock subsided, you adjusted quickly. Half the battle is saying goodbye to your humanity.” She glanced at Willow. “My mate allowed me the choice, so I understand what you are going through.”

Oh. “He did?” She nodded and Willow got excited. “What did...well, obviously you chose him.” Her brain scrambled with questions.

“Ask anything you like, Willow. I truly feel for you, and am honored to be able to help our future princess.”

She glanced at Kate, who returned a kind smile. “It’s all so much. Vampires, my God. No offense.” They all shrugged. “A royal family. I could be a princess!”

She put her tea down.

“But first I must let him kill me. I mean, I don’t know where to start!” It all came flooding out of her. “How did you decide to go through with it?”

They all looked at her with such pity she wanted to scream and cry at the same time.

“I didn’t.”

Willow halted. What? “But you just said...?”

Katrina shook her head. “I was terrified, just as you are now,” she started. “It’s hard to remember exactly. It was a long time ago, but I do remember the fear. It’s not natural to choose to end your life, Willow. Please don’t make yourself wrong for feeling the way you do.”

She swallowed deeply, grateful this woman understood. “So, you left him?”

Katrina nodded. “I did. I packed a bag, stole a horse, and rode for days without stopping.” She gazed out the window. “I was both fearing he would find me and hoping he would.”

Willow felt the woman’s words deep inside her. Every moment of every day, she felt this way. She wanted to be safely wrapped in Brayden’s arms while fighting her instincts to run.

“Eventually I had to stop and replenish my food and water, and sleep.” The faraway look in her eyes vanished as she turned to Willow. “There was something else I had been ignoring. A pain inside which grew and grew like someone had reached into my heart and was clawing and squeezing it.”

Willow leaned back, aghast. “From the mating bond?”

When the woman nodded, she turned to Kate. “Would that happen to me? Even with my memories gone?”

The queen put her glass on the table and tucked her legs under her on the sofa. She looked thoughtful before giving an answer. “Yes, except you won’t know why. You’ll feel a loss and emptiness which won’t make sense.”

The queen brushed invisible lint off her dress. “Willow, you need to understand one more thing. Sera, Trina, can you leave us, please?”

The two females stood and nodded, unfazed at the dismissal. Seraphina looked at her, then quickly leaned down to give her a hug.

“I hope you decide to remain with us.”

“I have a feeling you’ll choose your man. After all, the prince is the most desirable bachelor in all the race.” Katrina winked.

Yes, she’d noticed during the day all the shy glances, flirtatious flicks of hair, and how some of the females had tripped over themselves to speak to the prince—to Brayden. Shit, now she was calling him a prince. Too weird. She smiled at the retreating ladies.

“Brayden is on his way back, Willow. Before he does, I need to speak with you. This must remain between the two of us.”

Willow swallowed and nodded.

“He is immensely powerful. Each of the brothers has their own strengths. Vincent is a leader, an alpha in his own right. He has a sharp mind with a natural ability to gain a following.”

“A king he may be, but his vampires follow him out of choice. For the most part.”

Kate waved her hand out in front of her. All that’s by the by.

“The prince, though, was born with a strength and dominance unmatched. He is the true alpha in the Moretti family. It’s not discussed, nor is it an issue. Brayden is smart enough to know Vincent must appear to be the most powerful.”

Brayden had shared as much with her, and she wondered if it was difficult for him.

“I can’t see Brayden wanting the throne.”

Kate smiled. “No, he definitely does not. Brayden has nearly as much power as the prince, and he is captain of the Royal Army. The brothers are remarkably close—despite their bickering.”

Willow smiled. “I’ve noticed.”

“The prince loves his family, and he loves me, his queen.”

Willow had a sudden desire to punch the queen in the face. Brayden would not love another female.

Oh. Where had that come from?

The queen smiled. “Good. I am pleased I pushed your buttons.”

Willow looked away, embarrassed.

“You need to understand that he is a loyal and dedicated brother and member of the royal family. And yet, Willow, should you walk away and choose your humanity over the prince, there is great risk for him and our race.”

“What do you mean?” She frowned. They’d both be heartbroken for sure. She’d have no memories and a lifetime of emptiness, while Brayden would be left with his. It would be hard for him, she realized. He was a deeply loving and passionate male. But over time, he would heal, his memories would fade, and he’d take another lover.

She looked down and found her fists clenched. Her stomach turned at the thought of him with any of the females she’d met today.

“Do you think he would survive being left by the female he loves?”

She fish mouthed for a moment before nodding. “Yes, I do. Eventually.”

Kate shook her head. “No. A predator such as Brayden with so much power loves just as intensely. I watched him deny you were his mate and then fight his love for you. He’s known all along just how dangerous this is, and yet he remains committed to give you this time to make your decision.”

“What are you saying?”

“There is every chance we could lose him should you leave. I’m not telling you this to manipulate your decision, simply to provide you with all the information.”

“I don’t agree. He’s strong.”

“His love for you is stronger.”

“Which is why he’s given me the choice.”

“Yes, but he won’t survive one of your choices. I have known the prince for over one hundred and thirty years. I’ve seen his light and dark side. He’s balancing on the edge, awaiting your decision, Willow.”

She stood and paced. “Giving up my life is a huge choice. I cannot feel responsible for any of this.” Willow threw out her arms wide.

“Would you let the male you love slip into madness and destroy himself and potentially all of us?”

Willow stared at her, horrified. “No! Of course not.”

“Well,” the queen said calmly, leaning back into her chair, “now you have all the information. I appreciate the complexity of the situation you find yourself in, but it’s my role to protect this kingdom and family.”

Willow glared at her.

“You will make a fine princess, and I also hope you’ll choose Brayden and join us.”

Willow returned to her chair and let out a big, frustrated sigh.

“Your mate is close. He’ll pick up on your distress, so let’s talk of something more cheerful,” Kate indicated.

Willow sat up and chugged the rest of her tea down.

“Shall we have a dress made for you for the ball? You are far too petite to fit into mine. I think a pale blue or silver would be gorgeous on you.”

The queen tapped on a device, and the screen on the wall displayed several gorgeous dresses. Heck, Willow wasn’t dead yet. Who didn’t love a beautiful ball gown?

“And a tiara! Oh yes, let’s dig into the royal jewels. How fun.”

She raised both eyebrows. “Really?”

“Yes! Oh, I hope you choose to remain, Willow. I would so love a princess to play with.”

She couldn’t help herself; she burst out laughing. Right on cue, Brayden stepped into the room, darkness swirling in his eyes.

The queen was right. She looked at her, and they shared a knowing look.