Page 159 of Queen of the Crimson Throne

“It’s not your fault.” I jumped as Luka’s hand brushed against my hip. The wordsI knowgot stuck in my throat.

“We need to get everyone somewhere safe.” I turned to Declan. “I don’t think these are the last of them.” I tried to make my voice appear calm as I surveyed the room.

“I agree,” he said as he surveyed the room.

“What can we do to help?” Several people had approached us: Zienna, Caterina, Endora, Caspian, Arlo, the Kings from the Aquatic Court, and several others whose names I didn’t know.

“This is an attack on all of us,” Ceto declared. “Whoever sent those creatures knew we’d all be in attendance here.”

“We’re at your service,” Caspian stepped to his side.

“Thank you.” I looked around at the people gathered around me. “All of you. But first and foremost I need to make sure we get everyone out safely.”

“I can do that,” Kara interjected.

“We can’t forget someone tried to poison you and Luka,” Declan interjected.

Fuck. He was right.

“We can help with that.” Caterina made her way through the destruction, Endora at her side.

“Endora has a special kind of magic that is helpful in getting information out of people in a timely manner.” Her and Endora shared a look. I had never heard of such magic, but I’d be curious to learn more about it at a much more convenient time.

“Thank you, that will be extremely helpful. Those that are innocent can be given safe lodging if they desire until we have made sure the city is clear. Any found guilty of crimes can be sent to the dungeon.” Cateriana dipped her chin.

I looked at Kara. “You know where to bring them for safe keeping?” She nodded, and I took her hand in mine. “Be safe.” She squeezed my hand before turning towards the room.

“Anyone who doesn’t want to stay and fight, please follow me,” she announced to the crowd.

Murmurs broke out before people hesitantly moved out from underneath the tables and chairs and followed Kara out into the grand entry, Caterina and Endora following behind.

“Your Majesty, shouldn’t you go to safety as well? Let us protect your home and you,” Ceto argued.

“I’m honored by the sentiment, but I would not ask anyone else to fight a battle I would not fight myself.”

Luka stepped up beside me. “Lennox is being too kind, my wife isn’t one to miss out on an opportunity for revenge.” My chest warmed at his words.His wife. And I did love an opportunity for revenge.

The Aquatic Kings nodded. “Noted Your Majesty. We will fight alongside you.”

“Thank you.” I gave them a warm smile. “Declan?” I turned towards him, confident he could direct us in a proper plan of attack.

“We don’t know if any more Dhampirs might arrive, or if anyone will arrive with them. The monsters are vicious, but can easily be disabled by one or two people.” Declan proceeded to fill in the rest of them with everything we knew about the monsters, their weaknesses, and things to look out for.

“Anything else you want to add?” He asked, looking at Luce.

She shook her head. “I think you about covered it.”

We all turned our attention back towards the winged male. “Does everyone have weapons?” Everyone nodded. “Good. Aim for the heart, and don’t let those fuckers get you.”

“Spoken like a true general,” Zienna commented.

“The best,” Luka added.

“Are we waiting here for more to arrive?” Arlo asked.

“Some of us should stay here and the rest should go into the city.”

“Split us up, Captain,” Zienna said.

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