“I know that much,” she said, a wry smile curving her lips. “The cabin in Minnesota had a blood circle still standing when we returned from Hvergelmir. Why did you blush before, Clara?”
“Was it that obvious?” She laughed, blushing again and fanning her cheeks. “Like Lokken, I can only tell you what I’ve heard, not what I know to be true. Depending on the size of the nest, the queen must bleed for quite some time to complete the circle. Her Blood are with her, of course, and naturally, when it’s closed…” She coughed delicately. “She needs to feed to replenish her reserves, and let’s just say things may get out of hand whileoutside in the open air. Something you wouldn’t want curious human eyes to see, I’m assuming.”
Still munching on cake, Gunnarr asks, “So like a garden party?”
“What’s that?’ Helayna asked.
“Supposedly back a couple of decades ago, there was a queen who was famous for celebrating the full moon outside in the garden—in the middle of London, no less—with her Blood. Can’t recall what her name was, though. Like full on naked bloody orgy.” His eyes widened as if he just realized what he said. Shoving the cake into his mouth, he shook his head, mumbling. “Sorry, my queen. I should keep my mouth full so I don’t blurt out such inappropriate rumors. It probably never happened. Certainly nothing any of us would… I mean, I’m game for anything, even naked garden parties, but?—”
Far from being offended, Helayna laughed, a low, husky sound that strummed the base of my spine. “I’m beginning to see why making sure the humans are otherwise occupied would be in our best interest.”
“What about the cliffs?” Myrk asked. “The house leans out over the edge, so it’s impossible to walk a full circle.”
“Do I have to walk it? Or can we fly around the house?”
Everyone looked at me again. As if I knew any flying Blood in service to a queen. “It’s the blood that’s important. You’re building a boundary, setting an intention to keep everything out that doesn’t belong. Whether your feet touch the ground or not shouldn’t matter.”
Though I hated the thought of me and Gunnarr standing around waiting for them to complete the circle. I didn’t think it would matter one way or the other as far as the circle was concerned. I just wanted…
To be used. Included.
Needed.
I tried to keep my face smooth from any inner turmoil. She had enough pressure as queen already. She didn’t need to include every single one of us in everything she did. As more Blood came to her Call…
Eventually it’d be impossible for her to even spare each of us five minutes.
She rose from the throne without giving it any more of her blood. “Clara, please inform the staff who live with us to stay inside the house this evening. Everyone else is dismissed.”
“Even the security staff?”
“Yes. After the blood circle is set, their jobs will be easier anyway.”
Clara inclined her head. “At once, Your Majesty. Would you like to open the Reykjavík house as well?”
“Yes, if possible. Is tomorrow enough notice? I’m not sure what’s involved in opening a house that hasn’t been used in decades.”
“There’s a skeleton staff there all the time since it was the former Ironheart seat. We could leave within the hour, and they’d be ready for you, Your Majesty. Though a few hours’ notice will certainly allow us to determine which staff will stay here and who will go with us. Will you wish to spend a few nights in Reykjavík or return here the same day?”
“Tomorrow is fine once I’m up, and I’m not planning to spend many nights if at all. This is my home.”
Clara smiled warmly and inclined her head. “I’m so very pleased to hear that, Your Majesty. The staff will be situated within the next half hour. Please don’t hesitate to use the intercom if you need assistance with anything, no matter how seemingly inconsequential. Pàtair and I will both be available.”
Helayna waited for her consiliarius to quietly shut the door behind her. Then she looked at each of us one by one, her eyes slumberous. “I want you all with me for the blood circle. Everystep of the way. Can my dark alfar each carry one of us so we’re all together? Or is that too much weight to bear for so long?”
Myrk snorted. “I could carry the ice giant over the ocean back to Minnesota if that’s your wish, my queen.”
“Not so far as Minnesota, but that’s good to know.” Her lips quirked, a twinkle glinting in her eye. Then she pulled the sweater over her head.
And I lost the ability to think.
HELAYNA
I feltdownright decadent in my new clothing, all the way down to a beautiful matching bra and panties in black silk and lace. The silk felt absolutely incredible against my skin, so I’d requested more items in the sumptuous material.
I especially loved the way my Blood looked at me. I didn’t need fancy clothes or expensive luxuries, but if they could look at me like this…
I’d wear nothing but lingerie the rest of my days.
