Page 144 of The Ballad of the Vampire Prince

My heart is battering in my ribcage at this sudden turn of event. It slowly settles down as I bask in his presence. I want to stay here until it’s time for our date, but I don’t want to be late for the council meeting.

“I have to go now,” I whisper to his chest.

He makes a clicking sound with his tongue. “Five more minutes.”

I oblige.

A long beat passes and Darstan’s footsteps are getting closer.

I wriggle out of his hold reluctantly, fighting the temptation to stay in his arms forever. A groan of protest leaves him as he removes his hand from my waist.

I quickly wear my vest and stride towards the door. My mind is still in disbelief that Svenn would take any interest in me. A date seems improbable and impossible for someone who causes him so much suffering. I take another look at him in case he changes his mind.

“I’ll see you tonight, Nel.” He smiles at me, and I watch the way it lights up his entire face.

I swallow nervously.

“I promise I won’t be late,” I say, before closing the door.

Heavens above. I can’t believe it.

I touch my face and actually pinch my cheeks.

This is truly happening. I’m going on a date with my husband.

It’s just a trip to the bookstore. But svenn wants to spend time with me. I’m giddy just thinking about it.

Darstan arrives and lifts a brow at my flustered appearance. “Are you having a fever, Your Highness?”

I clear my throat. “I’m fine.”

I’m practically weightless as I walk towards the council hall, floating in my happy pink bubble. If Darstan notices the happy skips and my humming, he says nothing.

Aelfric is waiting for me by the door as usual. I see a bewildered expression on his face, but I read nothing into it. Once he pushes the large cedar door, despair sinks deep in my heart. I’m back to the dark reality of trying to stop a war and a murderer on the loose.

I move to the end of the table and stop in my tracks. My usual spot is occupied… with a chair.

No, not a chair… a throne.

The design is simple, yet majestic and elegantly made. Its monstrous presence appears to feast on every light in the room. No one dares to take their place on the pure obsidian seat.

“Something arrived for your Nameday,” Seneschal Kearne says with a hint of amusement. The noble hails from Völundr and is no stranger to extravagance and wealth, but even he appears impressed. He gives the throne another appraisal before smiling at me. “Perhaps your uncle remembered your Nameday after all.”

Years ago, I might have believed it was Rainer. My uncle loved to splurge on pretty dresses for me and Aerin as he once did for Mother. But Rainer never bothers with it now. Not unless it’s for theatrics or some ulterior motive.

It’s so massive, it has three steps for me to climb on. I settle down on the throne and immediately recognize the woodwork… This is Garrett’s craft.

But the carvings and the art…

A symbol of power, dominion, and immortality. I look at each beast and entities designed on the throne. One catches my eye instantly. A reaper, waiting to steal everyone’s soul.

Oh gods…

This is a gift from my husband.

The realization snatches my breath away. I remember telling him about my cramps… His gesture touches the deepest part in my chest, down to my core. I struggle to keep my High Elf mask for a moment.

I pat the wolf on the throne’s right arm. Maybe it’s just in my head but I can almost feel Svenn’s comforting warmth through the seat. It’s like he’s with me in the council chamber.