Satisfied with my answer, Francis smiled, turning our horse towards the open gates of the castle, following after Florence and Roxanne.
I closed my eyes, enjoying the last moments in Francis’ arms before we arrived. The smell of jasmine and wine hit my senses, bringing calmness to my mind—
“Your Highness!” Tamira ran across the courtyard—filled with dozens of warriors: vampire and human—once we crossed the gates. A man and a woman ran after her. “Roxanne.” Tamira stopped before my friends, a small, prideful smile appearing on her lips.
Francis brought our horse to a halt beside them, jumping off the saddle in a swift move. “Rest, remember?” His hands wrapped around my waist as he effortlessly picked me up from the horse, setting my feet on the bleeding soil.
The walls that separated the castle from unwanted guests now carried ash. The soil underneath my feet was painted crimson as every inch of it was covered in—I hoped—Wurdulacs’ blood.
“Your Highness.” Tamira took a step towards us, lowering her head. Several small scars painted her skin red, her hands covered in bruises. “I am delighted to know you survived the attack, I hear a lot fell onto your shoulders.” She glanced at my thigh.
My eyes scanned her body for any major injuries. “It’s Cordelia.” I smiled when I found nothing besides bruises and small cuts. “And I am very happy you have survived the assault that erupted here.” I leaned on Francis when my thigh ached from fatigue, my eyes scanning the courtyard: warriors carried the remaining bodies of the fallen.
“How many have we lost?” Roxanne followed my gaze, holding Florence’s hand in hers.
“We had minimal losses, despite the attack taking our armies off guard and unprepared.” Tamira sighed before continuing, “Arthur—the commander of Barren’s army—did not make it.”
“Where is Barren?” Francis crooked his brow, looking around the courtyard.
“He still hasn’t shown. Nobody knows of his whereabouts.” Tamira shrugged, glancing at me. “Some say his ship is no longer at the dock. But it’s merely speculation.” Tamira’s lips turned into a thin line as her gaze jumped between me and Francis. “May I have a word with you, Your High—” she trailed off, correcting herself. “Cordelia?”
“Of course!” I let go of Francis’ hand, ignoring his irritated gaze at my back. “I will rest after,” I threw over my shoulder, following Tamira into the castle.
The halls of the castle chimed with chatter and laughter—something this place had never heard before—bringing a small smile to my face.
The human warriors walked side by side with the ones from Faris, their conversations echoed through the walls.
“I am sorry for such urgency.” Tamira glanced at my limping leg as we walked towards the doors of the courthall. “If you would rather rest first—”
“I am well.” I shook my head, opening the door for her, ushering for her to enter. “Rest can wait.” I entered the courthall after her, dropping on the nearest chair.
“I hear it was you who killed Kane.” Tamira sat beside me. “I wanted to personally thank you for your bravery.”
“It was Caleb who sacrificed the most.” A sad smile appeared on my face as the memories of his dying eyes invaded my mind. “I merely got lucky.”
“Of course it was more than just luck,” Tamira protested. “Thank you. Without you, none of this would’ve been possible.”
“That is hardly true,” I laughed. “It was your brave warriors that fought against the Wurdulacs—”
“Your High—Cordelia, you needn’t be modest” Tamira smiled—the first real smile I’d seen her wear. “Though, I suppose that is what makes a great ruler,” she cleared her throat. “That is why I summoned you here,” Tamira’s voice turned serious. “Our Kingdom has lost their leader, and with no leader there will soon be many unsettlements throughout the villages. We need a ruler who will care for their people, a ruler who will lead with grace in times of hardship—”
“I am none of those things, Tamira,” I interrupted her, knowing well where this conversation was headed. “You are mistaken, I am not worthy of the crown.”
“You are the last of the Royal family,” Tamira argued. “Warriors trust you to lead with the same fairness that your mother had.”
I almost laughed at her statement, for Mother was anything but fair.
“I am no leader.” I shook my head. “I never was.” Before she had a chance to dispute, I added, “You are.”
Tamira’s brows furrowed, her dark brown eyes bored into mine as the realization of what I’d suggested settled in her mind. “I am not of Royal blood,” she said at last.
“It's not right for a vampire to rule over humans.” I shrugged. “The people trust you, and so do I.”
“The differences between vampires and humans are settled, at least for now. People trust you to rule fairly over both,” Tamira wouldn’t give up as she palmed the wooden table.
“No,” my voice echoed through the silent room.
“No?” Tamira looked at me as though I had lost my mind. “You are—you are rejecting the crown?”
