Page 76 of Wicked Bite
His lips turned up in a half-smile and he glanced down at me. “Not anymore.”
Two guards dressed in crimson uniforms reached for the handles and yanked them wide open. “Presenting Prince Grayson and Piper Santiago.”
An entire room of vampires all turned and face the door at once. I squeezed Grayson’s hand, trying to steady myself. Had I still been human, my heart would’ve raced in my chest and sweat would’ve covered my palms. As it was now, I felt only my own balling nerves in the pit of my stomach. I wasn’t used to being the center of attention, and I was very much at the center of things now. I’d gone from bartender to vampire overnight, and it was all a bit too much.
“Piper,” Grayson whispered. “Gentle, love.”
“Right. Sorry.” I eased my grip and let him escort me into the throne room. Even more vampires lingered around the perimeter of the room. They all froze and watched as we slowly made our way to the dais. There was a stillness to vampires that was unnerving. Humans fidgeted and moved around constantly, even when sitting. But vampires were like living statues.
I wasn’t used to my heightened sense, but even I could tell some of these vampires didn’t have a heartbeat and that others did. I wasn’t sure what that meant or how it worked within this strange new world, but I was curious to find out. In old movies, they were portrayed as pale, skinny, bloodsucking demons. It couldn’t have been further from the truth. There were all different ethnicities from around the globe here. Yet each of them was dressed in that regency-era clothing. It made me wonder, did vampires wear sweatpants? If not, that was about to change really quickly.
Blood fountains were spread through the room and only added that trickling sound to the silence. On the dais sat a huge throne carved from a dark mahogany wood that reminded me of Grayson’s eyes. The King sat perfectly still, with one arm resting on the arm of his throne and his elbow leaning on the other while he rested his hand under his chin. I expected a crown . . . he did not wear one. Instead, he had perfectly straight hair that fell just past his shoulders and ghostly light-blue eyes that tracked my every movement, with a light goatee that matched the color of his hair perfectly. The resemblance between him and Grayson was clear in their chiseled features, full lips, and the I own the world attitude that just seeped from them naturally.
I expected some kind of royal uniform, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. He wore a tailored vest with embroidered crimson swirls that matched the floor-length velvet coat that flowed loosely from his shoulders and over the arms of his throne. A smile spread across his face as we approached.
“Ah, and this must be the Piper I have heard so much about.”
Grayson held my hand up and pulled me forward. He gave a small bow and I tried to follow suit by bobbling out a curtsey. “Indeed it is, Uncle.”
“You are a vision. I can see why my nephew chose you for his progeny.” He rose from the throne and spoke to the crowd of onlookers. It was all so grand, so opulent, and such a show.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” I felt like I was on display for all to judge and see.
“I told you she’s exquisite.” Grayson dropped my hand and motioned to me. “Is she not?”
The King walked down the two steps and was face-to-face with me. He looked down on me, and his smile didn’t reach his eyes. “More beautiful than I could’ve imagined.”
Why did I get the feeling that wasn’t a compliment? He turned to a gorgeous woman standing off to the side. “Isn’t she, Moira?”
“Piper, may I present my mother, Moira Shade.” Grayson’s voice turned warm and adoring at the sight of the woman.
She was lovely to the point where I felt almost connected to her instantly. Absolutely beautiful with dark chocolate, wavy hair that fell all the way to her slender waist and big round eyes that were the same color as Grayson’s. Her dress was Old World magnificence. It had a sweetheart neckline that fell off her shoulders. The sleeves started low on her arms and bunched around her wrists. The top corseted tight around her torso and was inlaid with gold embroidery. The rest of the dress flowed to the floor in smooth layers of shining black material. It was simple yet completely stunning.
She gave Grayson a warm smile and reached out for him. He bent lower so she could place both hands on the sides of his face. A faint red glow came from below her fingers, and the two little punctures on his neck disappeared in an instant. She placed a kiss on both of his checks.
“There you are, dear. All cleaned up.” Her voice was low and gentle.
“Thanks, Mom,” he muttered under his breath.
He stepped away from her and gave her the space to get closer to me. I gave her my best curtsy and lowered my eyes to the floor. “Your highness.”
She gave a light chuckled and took both of my hands in hers. She tugged me up and dropped one of my hands to cup my cheek. “It is lovely to meet you. And please call me Moira.”
There was an instant connection I felt deep in my chest, like she could be trusted with anything I could ever do. Acceptance rolled off of her in the most motherly way I could imagine. “I am so happy to meet you. Grayson always speaks so highly of you.”
She winked at him. “It’s a mutual love.”
“That we all feel.” The King stepped in and took my hand from hers. He spun me toward the rest of the court and stepped to the side. “With my blessings, I present to you . . . Piper of The House of Shade.”
A round of dignified applause broke the silence of the room. It was all so proper. There was no hollering or whistling. It started gently and ended just as quietly. I didn’t know what else I was supposed to do. Did I bow? Did I give a speech? Was I a princess now or just the little beast he created?
A voice boomed from the back of the room. “And that concludes the introduction of the newest progeny of The House of Shade.”
Without any fanfare or hubbub, the members of the court all moved toward the double doors, leaving the four of us to stand there alone. When the doors sealed shut, Titus took in a deep breath and let it go on a sigh. “That went about as well as to be expected.”
Grayson removed his coat and tossed it aside, then rolled up his sleeves. “Indeed.”
“Now, my darlings, don’t fret. All will be well.” Moira stood between the two of them like the sweet white frosting in the Oreo cookie between the two hard sides.
