“Not in all our history since the rise of the Spine.”
A look of comprehension slid across his face. “Perhaps now that the Spine has fallen, it is time for the thrones again.”
“You’ve seen what happens when we have a crown to compete for,” I said. “Greed created madness that led to fear, destruction, cruelty and even deaths that did not need to happen. Even my own Aiko was not immune to the lure of power.”
“Not all rulers are power-mad.”
I brushed the horse a few more times in silence, and then I finally looked up at the handsome, older man. The light shimmered on the long, silver mane he wore. His whiskey eyes shone from under that shock of silvery hair.
“There is a saying, Mister Oz, and I’m sure you’ve heard it. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. A crown should never be the first and last voice of the land. A queen should have a congress to make sure her people are cared for. A king should have a council to bring balance to the laws.
“I love the people of S’Kir. I wish to see them prosper, druid or vampire. I feel humbled that I am able to help. I don’t want to see this—the Spine, the Scar, the mad queen, the terrors of Savion—ever happen here again. I don’t know how to do that, but I am sure it doesn’t involve appointing a crown that has no limits imposed by the people they rule.”
Oz cocked his head and smiled. “You should be queen.”
I choked. “Excuse me?”
“You seem to have this well in hand. You should be the queen.”
I tried to laugh, but nothing came out.
“Kimber!”
We both turned to the door, and I found Dorian striding in. I smiled and motioned him over. “Here. Are we ready?”
“We have a train to catch,” he answered. There was mischief in his voice.
“Dorian, I’d like you to…” I turned, but Oz was gone. I glanced around the building, but he was nowhere to be found. “Huh. He was right here. Did you see him?”
“There was no one here, Kimber.”
I shrugged. “Oh, well. I would have introduced you. I guess he’s shy.”
“Where’s the head?”
I pointed to the corner, and Dorian picked up the sack. He wrapped the burlap around it and found a saddle bag large enough to hold it. He held out his hand to me after tossing it over his shoulder.
Pulling me in close, he placed a soft kiss on my lips. “I am proud of you, Lady Stormbreaker. You’re stronger than I’d ever imagined.”
I smirked and kissed his nose. “With four men in my bed, I should hope so.” He laughed and wrapped his arm around my shoulders, leading us out of the stable.
I swore I heard the tinkle of masculine laughter as we left.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
GWYNNORE
“This is the train?”I asked, squinting into the darkness. I stood on legs that didn’t shake, my belly full of scrumptious blood, and feeling refreshed after sleeping and drinking so much. Amazing what blood would do for the vampire body. I stretched left and right, bending at the waist, and evaluating our transportation toward the Gate at the south of S’Kir. “Are we sure this runs?”
King Belshazzar stood directly next to me, only an inch away, staying mute with his arms crossed—brooding in his silence. We still weren’t speaking, and we were both fine with that right now. Too much anger and frustration would be shared otherwise.
Still, he stood close by.
Maybe he knew I wanted him there.
He might be used to this magical tug for nearness that a soul mate has for their other half, but I sure as hell was not used to it. I was glad he didn’t venture far.
Aiko claimed studiously, “This is a fine train, I assure you, Your Royal Highness.”
