I nodded as I pondered his implication. Humans had only ever held worship for the God of the Dawn. His light was a blessing to all except, well…
“We’ll make sure to arrange accommodations in your schedule and quarters for your practices.”
“See, the Hive can bequitecomfortable, Lady Reyva.” I wanted to slap him across that perfect jawline.
“Deviant,” I hissed back at him.
The Hive guards, all in cloaks and leathers similar to Dommik's, had secured their own mounts and our riding party was at least fifteen strong.
“Did Vaspar return?” Dommik asked as final preparations were made.
The steward pulled up the hood of his cloak. “Yes, just before dawn.”
“And you let him live?” Dommik’s stallion circled impatiently.
Gorvin nodded.
“Good.” The memory of Vaspar licking blood out of my wound made my airways restrict.
“Are you two quite done? I’m meant to be delivered,” I interjected. Dommik let out his signature scoff and I saw the slightest smirk from Gorvin before we urged our steeds toward the looming peaks.
It was less than an hour later when we arrived at an abandoned tavern. I wondered if all structures between Illica and the Hive were like this until Dommik said, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Last Light this quiet before.”
“The Day Guard were told it would be closed for upkeep and renovations,” Gorvin informed through pursed lips.
“And what will they say when no such repairs or improvements have been made?” Dommik countered.
“Oh, His Majesty didn’t lie. He merely timed these two events to coincide with each other.”
We rounded the building and came upon a group of guards. They stood tall and still, creating a physical barricade around a large, expensive carriage. Four steeds, as black as the carriage they were harnessed to, stamped impatiently.
Asher stomped and retreated slightly from them. I clicked my tongue and whispered soothing assurances despite not knowing myself.
“Oh, Asher. You nervous beast. We’re not going to hook you up with them.”
I searched the collection of strangers for the unfamiliar voice.
The guards parted for a man who had an unmistakable royal air about him.
My escorts had dismounted. Dommik appeared beside Asher with an offered hand. I reached to take it as Gorvin announced, “Your Royal Highness, may I present Lady Reyva Bergmont. Lady Reyva, it is my distinct pleasure to introduce you to his Royal Vampiric Highness, Regent of Darkness and Immortals of the Southern Hive, Rhazien Kyrell.”
“Stand down, Commander Thorne. I can help the Lady.” Torchlight danced in the vampire regent’s piercing gaze. I conjured a false confidence as he approached in confident strides, sitting up as straight and tall as possible. I could hear my mother’s voice, “Presentation is everything.”
Dommik yielded his position, averting his gaze from mine. Rhazien offered his hand and sported a gentle smile underneath a full, manicured beard.
“Lady Reyva.” He tilted his head, tousling his brown and gray speckled hair, as I took his hand. His simple grin spread into a full smile.
He was handsome. Not devastatingly so, but still undeniably handsome.
“I could not be more pleased to see you safely delivered to us.” His silky dialect flowed over me like water. My breath hitched with his effortlessstrength as he saw me safely off Asher’s back. A hum of energy coursed through my veins at his touch.
Welcoming, but direct. Strong, but gentle. Royal, but approachable. Not at all what I had expected, given his reputation.
Instincts from deep within offered a snap judgement that I would be safe with this man, but lived experience screamed to keep my wits about me. Time would tell. Until then, I would keep my guard up.
“The journey was eventful and tiring, but yes, nearly in one piece,” I said, tipping my chin significantly to meet his striking, emerald eyes.
“I was sorry to hear about your slight…detour…but you’re here now.” His hand found the small of my back and he motioned to the carriage. I tensed at his touch and searched the crowd for the devil I knew…for Dommik.
