Page 34 of Wicked Thirst
Graymont chuckled and smacked his brother in the arm. “There you have it, Brother. YOU were meant to be with the ladies in the other room. But of course, she is correct and the folly lies with you and not this lovely creature.”
Lovely creature? “Do not use your charms on me, my lord. They will not work.”
He winked. “Of course not. Even so, it’s clearly you who is at fault, good King.”
“Indeed,” Titus growled. “Then do tell me why are you here? In this room, at this exact moment?”
I held still, not saying a word. His brow furrowed and he motioned for me to speak.
“Oh, I was waiting for you to interrupt me once more, my lord.” I folded my hands in front of me.
Graymont glanced from the King to me and back again. Laughter burst from his chest. He shook his head and held on to his brother’s shoulder for support. “Well, she’s got you there.”
“I do not require sass in your answer . . .” He paused, waiting for me to fill in my name.
“Moira,” I added.
“Moira,” he repeated. “What I do require is answers. As your King, I command it.”
There was something in the way he commanded me that made me want to be stubborn and resist him. Yet I was raised in this world and would comply. “I waited for the others to leave. I was going to read for a moment in front of the fire and then blend in after all the introductions were made.”
Graymont walked over to one of the high-backed wooden chairs and dropped down into it. He held his glass to his lips and chuckled. “So, you had no intention of meeting the King tonight?”
I gave a heavy sigh. “No.”
“But you have no problems with having an introduction between the two of us?” Graymont motioned between him and me. I smirked.
“Of course not. You’re not the King.” I tried to keep the teasing from my voice. “I just don’t see myself as royal material.”
Titus strolled over to the sideboard and poured himself a generous glass of whatever liquor had been mixed with blood. He seemed to watch me from the corner of his eye like he didn’t trust my words. “And why not?”
“I have no interest in being your wife or Queen of the Vampires,” I answered honestly. “It was intentional to wait out the night and return home with you none the wiser of my existence.”
“This may be a first.” Graymont took a deep drink. “A female who has no interest in a king.”
I chuckled. “I’d see more merit in marrying the second son than the King.”
At that they both froze and looked at me like I was something to be studied and not making perfect sense. Titus glanced at Graymont. “I think I’m offended.”
“I do believe I’m quite flattered.”
I took a small step forward. “I mean no offense, my lord. But the simple fact is I don’t wish a royal life, and after hearing your rejection of love, I find my choice to be wise indeed.”
“That was not meant for your ears.” He took a sip of his drink, yet his gaze didn’t waver from me.
“Nevertheless, I have now heard it. Trust, I will not repeat it to your potential brides, but with your permission, I will take my leave now.”
I began to walk toward the door when he cleared his throat. “I did not give you permission to leave.”
“Somehow, my lord, I do not think I’ll be missed. There are a throng of ladies waiting to fulfill your breeding needs.” I placed my best smile on my face.
Graymont practically fell out of his chair laughing. “I like this one. She’s got a bit of fire in her belly.”
My cheeks heated. “Thank you, my lord.”
“You mock me.” The King stood taller and seemed to fill up the whole room.
“No. I speak plainly. But do forgive me, my lord. I meant no offense. My bluntness does get the better of me often.” I wanted nothing more than to leave this situation without getting myself in trouble with the King.
