VIVIENNE
Rikkon and Miranda agree to meet us at King Raphael’s mansion, and we arrive at the same time. When Mauricio opens the door for us, I can’t help the gasp that escapes my lips. He has cuts all over his face, and his right eye is swollen shut.
“Oh my God. What happened to you?” Miranda asks.
I didn’t tell Rikkon over the phone that King Raphael had another episode, so he and Miranda don’t know Mauricio was attacked by the king.
“It was my uncle,” Lucca answers. “How is he, Mauricio?”
“He’s been quiet. One of the cameras survived the destruction in the room if you want to see him for yourself.”
“You installed cameras in this room?” Rikkon sounds alarmed.
“It was a necessity,” Mauricio replies. “And done by the order of the king.”
Lucca rubs his face. “Yeah, let’s check the security feed first.”
Mauricio leads us to his office, where a computer monitor shows the video feed of King Raphael’s room. Most of the furniture has been destroyed, and the king is sitting on the floor, leaning against a wall, and hugging his middle. The sight of the powerful male reduced to such a pitiful state makes my heart heavy.
I glance at Lucca, and his expression is so heartbroken that it brings tears to my eyes. His own eyes are brimming with tears, and his jaw is tense.
“How long has he been like that?” he asks in a tight voice.
“A few hours.”
“When was the last time he fed?”
“I don’t know. He attacked me when I brought his meal last night.”
“Did he drink from you?” Miranda asks.
Mauricio shakes his head. “If he had gotten his fangs on me, I’d be dead.”
“He needs to feed,” Lucca says. “We’ll collect Vivi’s and Rikkon’s blood, and I’ll bring it to him.”
“Do you think that’s wise, Luc?” Mauricio asks. “I can give him the blood.”
“He almost killed you. It has to be me.”
“You should bring Mauricio with you in case he has another episode,” I say.
“I’ll go as well,” Rikkon offers.
“No,” Lucca says. “It’s too dangerous.”
Rikkon stands straighter, his face turning hard. “I’m a prince of Aquila. I can handle your uncle.”
“Why don’t we all go. Vivi and I aren’t worthless, you know?” Miranda retorts.
“No,” Mauricio says. “Too many people might trigger the king. Only Lucca and I should go. Rikkon can wait outside the king’s chambers in case we need his assistance.”
“What about us? Why can’t we wait with Rikkon?” I ask.
Lucca turns to me. “Stay here, Vivi. Please? I’d prefer if you were as far away from my uncle’s chambers as possible.”
I’d insist on going, but I become lightheaded out of the blue and must use Mauricio’s desk to remain upright.
“What’s wrong, my love?” Lucca takes my arm.
