The impending monotony of it was a serpent determined to suffocate me.
I can do this.I was determined to focus on the positive rather than the constant creeping sense of doubt and fear.
We took our seats and soft melodies swept away the ceremonial silence. A hum of conversation spread across the ballroom. Guests were permitted to promenade past the dais but were not allowed to linger. It was part of the security protocol. With the ceremony mere days away—and the recent abduction attempt—Rhazien demanded additional precautions be made.
During a gap in salutations, I took the opportunity to ask, “When were you going to tell me that you spiked my wine with your blood?”
Rhazien—who had been mid sip—slowly lowered his own goblet. “You are especially perceptive. An excellent trait for a future queen.”
He winked. I stared.
“When?” My tone was as cold as the icy caps of the Irriset.
“Preferably never. I’d hoped it would have been diluted enough that you would have just had an evening where you naturally looked at me like you…like you used to.”
I enclosed his free hand in mine. “If you want me to respect and trust and…love you…you have to stop manipulating me.”
Rhazien stiffened at the word love. His goblet landed with a clank and he fully turned to me from his twin throne.
“You think that’s possible?”
The blood hummed beneath my skin and encouraged my thumbs to stroke his. “I think—with enough time—anything is possible.”
Hope flickered across his widened stare. It emboldened me to ask, “When can I speak to my family?”
He tapped the top of my hand. “Tomorrow. They’ve already left with their guards for the evening.”
Disappointment tasted bitter on my tongue. Meanwhile, Rhazien’s blood worked to convince me that this was a good thing. They were being watched over and out of danger. For now.
Many songs later, a hush spread like a strong wind and the crowds parted. Towering above the many guests was the unmistakable frame of the regent of the Northern Hive.
Eryx had arrived.
Early.
Chapter 38
Trust No One
“Triple the guards,” Rhazien whispered to Gorvin who eyed the Northern Hive regent with a flavor of disdain I hadn’t seen before.
The steward bowed his freshly shaved head and in a smooth sweeping motion, set to work. The Northern Hive regent’s arrival boomed from a footman. The few sets of eyes not already on the stately vampire made quick work to locate him.
His casual saunter had nearly reached the dais when Rhazien gave his regent counterpart a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes and helped me to stand before greeting him. “Majesty! What a fantastic surprise.”
Eryx held his upturned hands to the side and two nearly naked female attendants removed an oversized fur cloak from his shoulders. Two golden chains decorated his collar and his cut, bare chest was visible beneath the plunging neckline of his dress jacket. And from the size of the jeweled band sitting atop his blonde hair, I had a feeling he was playing a one-sided game of ‘whose crown is bigger’.
“YourMajesty. Your Hive is immaculate. Impeccable. A testament to your leadership, indeed. Lorana would be proud.”
“Your flattery is most welcome.” The two regents pulled each other into a forceful hug.
Eryx’s steely eyes found mine over Rhazien’s shoulder. Theyunabashedly raked up and down my form. I didn’t shy away from it, but even given his position, it felt like an overstep.
The regents parted and Rhazien looked back at me. “You remember my prospect, Lady Reyva.”
“Yes, the Unbitten,” Eryx growled like the title made me a quest worth pursuing.
I gave him a modified curtsey, the tight mesh of my garment limiting my movement.
