“Thank Krae,” Aurelia whispered.
Cedar bolted up, faster than a witch ever could. I braced myself for the attack, but it never came. Instead, she wrapped her arms around us and held us close.
“I almost died,” she said, her voice gravelly.
“You did for a second. Or a few minutes,” I said with a laugh as I embraced her.
“And don’t you ever dare do something stupid like that again,” Aurelia told her, her voice thick with tears.
“You’re one to talk,” I said, pulling away to look at the sobbing princess. “A fucking Royale?”
“And you didn’t even think to tell us.” Cedar reached out to ruffle Aurelia’s hair, but it was too fast, too rough. Aurelia flinched. Cedar’s eyes widened, and she looked at her hand. “Sorry!”
I couldn’t hold back anymore. I grabbed Cedar’s face and kissed her. She kissed me back with a deep hunger, her blood still on her lips.
We were pulled away only for Aurelia to take my place.
Gods.I’d never get tired of seeing them together. They were explosive, even more so now that they were both vampires.
We all are. Forever is looking a hell of a lot better now.
Just as I was about to go in for one with Aurelia, someone cleared their throat behind us. The three of us turned to see Atlas and Caspian looking at us. Atlas was less than pleased, but Caspian had a small smile on his face.
Behind them was a group of people who just watched us blow up Aurelia’s marriage.
“I knew they weren't married.”
“You know, this is actually common in royal marriages.”
“I was always Team Silver-haired, though I can’t say I mind watching both of them.”
Aurelia stood up to face the crowd. I pulled Cedar up, and while she likely didn't need it, she leaned on me anyway.
“One last thing,” she said, her eyes narrowing on a slimy vampire trying to sneak out of the crowd. “Solei.”
As soon as her finger was raised to point him out, he started running, but not fast enough. One of the shifters was faster toreact, running after him and locking their jaws around his head before shaking him violently.
Another came up to pull on his lower body until they separated it from the head. When they were done, they both looked at Aurelia and lowered their heads. She just smiled.
“Thank you, everyone, for your help,” Aurelia said and bowed. Many of the vampires bowed back, and when she stood again, she held her head high. “The Castle family is no more. I apologize for lying to everyone, but I appreciate you all seeing it through. You are free to move out as you wish. I have technically broken the rules of the Royale, so I will accept my exile?—”
There was an uproar. Royals were yelling, some for, some against, but the majority wanted the princess to stay right where she was.
Cedar and I smiled at each other as we felt her shock and pride run through the bond.
The people were rallying for her.
“Thank you.” She gave them a smile. “But the world doesn’t need a Castle rule anymore. As for me…” She reached out to us. “I would like to spend the rest of my days with my loved ones.”
There was a noise, and the crowd parted, letting Aurelia’s mother through. She was being held up by vampires, her body clearly still weak, but that didn’t stop her from beaming at her daughter.
A weight lifted off me as I watched our princess run to her.
Cedar’s chuckle was warm in my ear.
“What do you say? Can your blood be the first I drink?”
Her question sent a shiver through me.
