Chapter 14

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

MOIRA

200 years ago

" I really don't see the point in me being here." I wasn't a great beauty, nor was I a great mind or had any particular talent that would make me stand out among the throng of eligible Blood Born vampire ladies. The life they offered was not a life I wished for nor wanted. A life of royal duty was not among the desires I had for myself. My powers only allowed for a small bit of healing, nothing as impressive as the others I was surrounded by, and that meant I was of no consequence in these matters. The King desired to find his Queen, and I was far from queenly.

"Moira," Eloura scolded me in a chastising tone, "you are as lovely as ever. The King would be lucky to consider you as one of his choices."

"Yes, but what if I don't want to be among his choices?" I glanced around at the ladies all gathered in a smaller room of the castle. The walls were lined with books and a fire was lit in the oversized fireplace. Heat seeped from it, and I stepped closer, wanting to warm the rest of my body. There were two high-backed chairs and a smaller matching leather couch. The furnishings were dark and lush and fitting of the study.

Eloura chuckled and it was as robust as her personality. It rumbled in her chest, and she threw her head back, letting it free with not a care in the world. She was an old family friend. We'd grown up together and spent most of our days within the same circles of society. She was young, vivacious, and oftentimes outspoken on her opinions about anything and everything. She wore a light-pink dress that complimented her dark skin. It gave a look of innocence that was entirely misleading when it came to her personality. It was tight across her body and flowed freely from her hips to the floor with delicate cap sleeves. An accompanying pink bow wound into the dark curls on top of her head.

I was not so keen to be put together like the rest of the flock. My dress was plain, a darker brown that my mother insisted complimented my eyes. It was too tight around my body, pulling me in too much and pushing me up to make it look like I had more sizable breasts, which I most certainly did not have.

I pulled at my bodice and Eloura smacked my hand. "Don't fuss. It's unbecoming of a lady. No matches will want someone who isn't comfortable within themselves."

"I care not to be among the choices for the King." I folded my hands in front of me so I didn't continue to fuss. But everything was uncomfortable to me. My hair was flowing freely down my back and seemed to be everywhere, the dress was too constricting, and even the shoes on my feet were too tight. All to be paraded about like some prized piece of cattle for a man I wished nothing to do with.

"Everyone wants to be among his choices, Moira." She rolled her eyes as if the notion of me not wanting to be here was absurd. "Becoming Queen of the Vampires would be a great honor."

I shrugged. "But what if I desire a simpler sort of life?"

"You were raised in the highest level of the Blood Borns. This is how it is." She shrugged as though it were that simple.

I had to have been surrounded by at least two dozen women. They all fretted about with their outfits and hair. Their voices were practically abuzz with excitement. They all had their fanciest dresses in place, with perfect white gloves, fans, and all manner of accessories. It was a fashion show of all the most expensive dresses England had to offer. I took comfort in the knowledge that my dress was not the most beautiful to be had. It would draw less attention.

Eloura moved in close. "Besides, do you not think the King to be handsome?"

"I dare say he's very handsome indeed." King Titus was everything a vampire ought to be, yet he'd remained single for years. He'd taken plenty of lovers but had yet to commit to a single one. "Why does he choose to marry now? It's been years."

"I suppose even endless amounts of lovers would grow tiresome for the immortal." She snickered and lowered her voice. "But I've never heard a single complaint. He's been known to be very . . . generous. "

Heat flooded my cheeks. "Elouraaaa, we should not speak of such things."

"And why not? They will all talk of our talents. They'll say one of us plays the piano well, and the other paints, one can speak all the languages of the world, one will be the most beautiful . . ." She chuckled. "We might as well speak of their talents as well."

I pressed my hand over my mouth, trying to hide my laughter. "Very well. But even with the King's great bed sport, I find myself . . . uninterested."

Music started drifting through the doors from the other room and the excitement surrounding me was palpable. The women all twittered and moved closer to the doors. They pressed together and I found myself hanging back from the lot of them. Even Eloura was driven forward by her own curiosity. I spied a small crevasse between the giant mantel and bookshelf. I lingered back, and when the doors opened with a creek and they all started moving forward, I ducked into the little space and hid there. When their voices drifted away and the doors slid shut, I was just about ready to pry myself from the small space when my dress caught on something. I tried to reach back and yank it free, but it was stuck.

The door swung open again and I froze. My heart hammered in my chest, and I huddled back into the corner. If they found me now, this would just be embarrassing. I thought I was very smart for lingering back with the idea of hiding in the library for a few hours and then blending in among the decorations until the night was through. Now I was trapped and praying I didn't get caught lingering about the castle.

"I don't want to do this," a deep voice rumbled in protest. My brow furrowed in confusion. The voice was so familiar. Was it the King? I found myself trying to make my breaths shallower.

"No one is asking you to take a vow of celibacy or proclaim your undying love." This voice was smoother, more pleasant than the other. There was almost a playful tone to it. "But the family needs an heir, Brother."

"Then you bloody well do it." It was definitely the King's voice.

"No one wants an heir from the spare, Brother." He chuckled.

I'd always heard that Graymont, Titus' younger brother, had the lighthearted humor of the two of them. From my vantage point, I could see why. He seemed to be completely at ease while Titus seemed agitated and uncomfortable.

"What a load of bollocks." I heard the King's footsteps move about the room. "This is some kind of parade, and for what? So that I might pick the prettiest or smartest or most delicate. Is it not enough that I ensure the safety of our people? Why must this be the next step?"

"You know why? This is England after all. Monarchy runs deep in the blood here, whether it be vampire or human."

The King huffed. "And what of the . . ."

"You need not think on that now, Brother. We've both proven that the physical act of love does not trigger anything." Graymont spat the word love as though it were a poisonous word.

What were they talking about love being a trigger for? My curiosity made me hold still even longer. A wise vampire would have made herself known before either of them started talking. It was what propriety dictated on every occasion. Perhaps even overhearing this conversation would be considered a treasonous act. Yet I found myself enthralled by their words and wanting to know more.

"If we could but break it, life would be a lot simpler and surely hold more meaning for us all." Titus' voice was soft as he spoke, as though he yearned for something more, something better. It came as a surprise to me that this rake of a King wanted for anything at all.

"There is but one race we would be able to turn to for help, and their King is like the bone that poisoned the well. There's no telling who we'd be dealing with or what their ties would be. Our predicament should not be public knowledge. For the sake of the crown."

"I agree, but it is rather limiting."

I didn't understand a word of what they were saying, but I had to get out of here. Perhaps they'd leave soon and I'd be free of this confined space. I peeked around the corner of the bookcase to spot King Titus pacing about the room. He was tall with wide, strong shoulders and a muscular physique. He wore a perfectly tailored tuxedo accompanied by a cape that flowed down to the backs of his thighs. His eyes were a devastating honey color with flecks of mahogany in them.

"I met him once. Did I ever tell you?"

Graymont raised his eyebrows in surprise. "You met Alataris, the High King of Witches?"

Titus nodded. "I met him on that night."

"No." Graymont's jaw dropped. "Did he have something to do with our current problem?"

Titus shook his head. "No, it was all Dracinda, but I should've recognized the darkness in him back then. I regret that it escaped me."

"Indeed, what I wouldn't give to have a witch or even one of those dark warlocks to aid us." Graymont moved to the tray on the sideboard and poured himself a generous drink.

He was just as tall as Titus but sleeker and slimmer. He wore a fitted tuxedo of his own. His hair was a touch lighter, with wild waves fanning back from his face. His eyes were nearly the same color as Titus', a deep honey color with mahogany flecks in them. He moved with an ease I'd never seen before. The two were so similar that there was no denying they were brothers.

Titus scoffed. "Hardly a chance of that. I don't think the Witch King will be unseated anytime soon. And now this: my search for a bride." His voice was laced with annoyance and a touch of disgust.

I was so confused. Why would vampires need the help of a witch or those dark warlocks? Why would he even consider going to one such as that? Their powers and temperament were very unpredictable. This conversation made no sense, and now I felt silly and disloyal for even listening to it. But I felt trapped here. I reached back and tried to silently unhook whatever my dress had caught on so I could make a quick getaway as soon as possible.

"Look at it this way, having a child to love would be a . . . blessing of a sort. You can never love the mother, but a child would bring joy. Or so I'm told."

Titus made a sound of disgust in the back of his throat. "What does one even do with children?"

I gave my dress one final yank and there was a slight tearing sound. I pressed my eyes closed and held my breath, praying they didn't hear it. Their conversation halted and I heard them move in the room. Bloody hell, you've gone and done it now, Moira . I stood there frozen, knowing I'd been found and hoping they'd just ignore my presence. But only a fool would think so, and I was no fool. I blew out a breath and peeked my eyes open. Titus stood only a few feet away with his arms crossed and his face an unfortunate shade of red. Graymont stood next to him with a smile tugging at his lips and a light chuckle in his chest.

I stepped from my little hiding place and gave them a wobbly curtsey. "Your Highness. Prince Graymont. Good evening."

Good evening? That was all I could come up with !? They'd think I was simple and of poor manners. Titus glared at me. "What are you doing here?"

"I —"

He cut me off. "—Are you spying on me?"

"No, I—" I tried to explain, but he cut me off once more.

"—I don't fancy being spied on." His words were sharp and snapping. "This chamber was to be emptied. No one was to be in here. This castle is not a private residence where you can just linger."

"Linger?" My agitation began to rise. He wasn't even giving me a moment to speak.

"Yes, linger. It is not an open house for vampires to just roam free. You are to be in the other chamber with the other ladies of the court, not wedged here among my library eavesdropping on a private conversation." He put his hands on his hips, and for some reason I didn't feel intimidated by him when I should have. I should have been quaking with nerves, yet I didn't feel any.

"I was not spying on you." The words tumbled from my mouth. "You were meant to be in the room with the other ladies." At his raised eyebrows, I sucked in a deep breath and made my voice more even. "My lord."

Graymont chuckled and smacked his brother in the arm. "There you have it, Brother. YOU were meant to be with the ladies in the other room. But of course, she is correct and the folly lies with you and not this lovely creature."

Lovely creature? "Do not use your charms on me, my lord. They will not work."

He winked. "Of course not. Even so, it's clearly you who is at fault, good King."

"Indeed," Titus growled. "Then do tell me why are you here? In this room, at this exact moment?"

I held still, not saying a word. His brow furrowed and he motioned for me to speak.

"Oh, I was waiting for you to interrupt me once more, my lord." I folded my hands in front of me.

Graymont glanced from the King to me and back again. Laughter burst from his chest. He shook his head and held on to his brother's shoulder for support. "Well, she's got you there."

"I do not require sass in your answer . . ." He paused, waiting for me to fill in my name.

"Moira," I added.

"Moira," he repeated. "What I do require is answers. As your King, I command it."

There was something in the way he commanded me that made me want to be stubborn and resist him. Yet I was raised in this world and would comply. "I waited for the others to leave. I was going to read for a moment in front of the fire and then blend in after all the introductions were made."

Graymont walked over to one of the high-backed wooden chairs and dropped down into it. He held his glass to his lips and chuckled. "So, you had no intention of meeting the King tonight?"

I gave a heavy sigh. "No."

"But you have no problems with having an introduction between the two of us?" Graymont motioned between him and me. I smirked.

"Of course not. You're not the King." I tried to keep the teasing from my voice. "I just don't see myself as royal material."

Titus strolled over to the sideboard and poured himself a generous glass of whatever liquor had been mixed with blood. He seemed to watch me from the corner of his eye like he didn't trust my words. "And why not?"

"I have no interest in being your wife or Queen of the Vampires," I answered honestly. "It was intentional to wait out the night and return home with you none the wiser of my existence."

"This may be a first." Graymont took a deep drink. "A female who has no interest in a king."

I chuckled. "I'd see more merit in marrying the second son than the King."

At that they both froze and looked at me like I was something to be studied and not making perfect sense. Titus glanced at Graymont. "I think I'm offended."

"I do believe I'm quite flattered."

I took a small step forward. "I mean no offense, my lord. But the simple fact is I don't wish a royal life, and after hearing your rejection of love, I find my choice to be wise indeed."

"That was not meant for your ears." He took a sip of his drink, yet his gaze didn't waver from me.

"Nevertheless, I have now heard it. Trust, I will not repeat it to your potential brides, but with your permission, I will take my leave now."

I began to walk toward the door when he cleared his throat. "I did not give you permission to leave."

"Somehow, my lord, I do not think I'll be missed. There are a throng of ladies waiting to fulfill your breeding needs." I placed my best smile on my face.

Graymont practically fell out of his chair laughing. "I like this one. She's got a bit of fire in her belly."

My cheeks heated. "Thank you, my lord."

"You mock me." The King stood taller and seemed to fill up the whole room.

"No. I speak plainly. But do forgive me, my lord. I meant no offense. My bluntness does get the better of me often." I wanted nothing more than to leave this situation without getting myself in trouble with the King.

"Perhaps it is the reason you are not yet wed."

I shrugged. "Perhaps."

"Bravo, I do believe she's the first one we've met with some . . . spirit." Graymont gave his hands a small clap. "I applaud you."

"Do not encourage her, Brother," Titus snapped at Graymont. "Her demeanor leaves something to be desired."

"Or perhaps it's my resentment of being put on display like a prized pig for the King to choose from." Complete idiocy, Moira. Complete and total idiocy. "What I mean to say is, I'd very much like to leave."

"We have gathered that from your words." Titus motioned to the door. "Please do before you continue to wound your social standing and my pride further."

I hurried to the door and heard Graymont snicker. "She's rather perfect."

Titus scoffed. "Hardly, Brother."

"Mark my words, not everything is as it seems with that one."

I wanted to call back and tell him I couldn't agree more. But I'd already said my share, and I was sure I wouldn't be hearing from the King or his charming brother anytime soon, which suited me just fine.