Page 148 of Wedlock

“My apologies, Your Majesty,” I nod rather than bow to avoid being stabbed with the blades, “I’m obviously a little rusty when it comes to Court protocol having spent much of my life on the battlefields defending your house and honour.”

“Don’t beg,” she snorts, “it’s so out of character.”

“Oh, I’m not begging,” I drawl, turning my gaze to the lesser royals watching the show. Some look uncomfortable, others are virtually salivating. “I’m simply reminding you that the Vampire Wars were a long, arduous, and bloody chapter of our history that we all hope will never start again. But,” I sigh, “history does have a way of repeating itself.”

“Is that so?” She sneers.

“We can only hope nothing ever occurs that might predicate such animosity between the houses again,” I murmur.

Her eyes narrow slightly as I go on.

“I, for one, hoped to hang up my sword and live a quiet life as a married man since my appearance on The Games. After all, I’m just one of hundreds of royals to choose my wife through that particularselectionprocess.” I lower my voice to a growl and curl my lip. “And what a process it is. Your niece has been most enlightening on that score.”

The Queen’s grip on the arms of her throne tightens imperceptibly.

“Some royals, however, may not find the process soenlightening.” I raise my voice, ensuring no one misses my next words. “I fear there may still be work for my sword in the future, should I not be able to retire with the woman who won The Games and my hand.”

“You dare to threaten me?” She hisses as the crowd on both sides of the gallery begin to whisper among themselves.

“Never, My Queen,” I glower at her, “I merely wish to impress upon you how important it is that royals such as myself feel we have the right to choose our own wives. Particularly if those wives come through theimpartialmethodsanctionedby The Families.”

The snickering in the crowd grows louder as we face off.

I’ve said all I can, and I hope my bluff works. She could nod to her guards now and I’ll lose my head before another word leaves my lips. But I’m a betting man, my poker face is second to none. I’m betting she believes her corruption of The Games will be divulged should I not return from court. I’m also betting she knows I’ll keep my mouth shut if she plays nice.

She waves her hand at the onlookers and they fall immediately into silence as she leans back in her throne, her expression bored.

Underneath, I know she’s anything but.

“You’ve made a good point, Lord Dragonspur. Perhaps I was hasty in dismissing the human you chose. After all, what is it to me if you are unable to sire more children with her? She has given you an heir. More than one royal family has already reached out to me with fortuitous marriage options for your progeny. The power of flight is something so few royal lines can boast of now — my own included. And as you say, this human is the one you chose from The Games. That revered, traditional process must be honoured by all, even by those who would wish it otherwise. I decree I have changed my mind. Princess Revna will wed another. You shall keep your wife.”

“Your Majesty is most gracious,” I raise my voice to ensure no one misses my next words, “and I vow, before you, the Court, by the power in my blood and the honour in my veins, to protect my wife and my children against any menace, human or vampire, and to destroy any who threaten the health, happiness or security of my family. My will is their will, my truth their truth, my decisions, as theirs, always to be honoured. It would please me greatly if you would witness that vow, My Queen.”

There’s a gasp from those surrounding the monarch, and a hubbub of astonished voices.

“Enough!” She commands.

You could hear a pin drop as she hisses her reply.

“I witness your vow.”

115

I stop struggling the moment we leave the throne room and hang limp over the guard’s shoulder.

“Please,” I implore as he strides along marble corridors, towards, presumably, the doctor’s rooms, “please, put me down. I’ll follow.”

A voice rings out from somewhere ahead of us, a woman’s voice, and his steps falter.

“Do as you’re told, Guard.”

We come to a standstill and I look up to see a woman, hands on hips, expression furious. I gasp, my heart jumping into my mouth in terror at the sight of her, but I quickly realise it’s not who I thought it was, just someone very similar.

‘Attracta.’

“Lady Dragonspur has given you instruction,” she says, her tone brooking no argument.

“I answer to the Queen,” he grunts.