Page 32 of Dark Reckoning
“What do you think they'll want then?” Adrian asked.
Salino sighed and walked over to the window, looking out. “Control over me,” he said finally. “Once I'm the sole emperor, I'll be the most powerful ruler in the world. There are plenty of supernal rulers, but they all have their territories and factions. There are various species and everyone has to stay in their place. Once I am the one true emperor, I'll have dominion over every vampire territory. My reach will be vast, my strength unmatched. On top of that, I'm linked to the two of you.” He turned around to face us. “I guarantee you, the Echelon Imperial is not doing this to protect you, but to own me.”
“Even still, would you refuse their help?” I asked. “After listening to everything you've just said, you'll still be getting a pretty big piece of the pie.”
“Depends on what they'll want from me,” Salino replied. “As for Emperor Martin, what will you need to prepare for him in case he does attack?”
“Where will the meeting take place? Here?” Adrian asked, looking around at Salino's lavish office.
Salino shook his head. “No, this is far too informal for rulers to meet.”
“You met me here,” I pointed out.
“We meet here because we are not on equal standing. Yes, you're a lion king, but to me, you're my child,” Salino said. “Martin is my equal, so we will meet in the throne room.”
I started to say something in response to us not being equals as we both were leaders. In reality, I outranked him in my mind back then, as I answered to no one, but I let it go. For Salino, I'd always be his offspring and that would be first and foremost. We needed to prepare and not argue. He led us to the room in question and it was even more gaudy than the rest of his home. Murals of vampires feeding, fucking, and partying were painted all over the walls. The floor was black marble with gold and silver veining—okay, I actually liked that part. There was one gold throne with an ornate design sitting on a raised dais near the far wall, with a red carpet leading to it from the double doors. The room was brightly lit with a dozen crystal chandeliers. There was a second throne on the carpet directly in front of the one on the dais. I assumed that was for Emperor Martin to sit. Equal, but not equal.
“Wow, this is so beautiful,” Adrian said as he looked around in awe.
I just gave him a side-eye glance, but said nothing. He was entitled to like garish shit if he wanted to. I wondered if he had any intention of redecorating our home. I'd let him because his happiness was paramount to me. I'd just have to deal with it.
“This room was always reserved for Emperor Galan when he'd visit. Every member of his royal court from Princes to Lords is expected to have a room with such opulence befitting his royal stature. This is the way with all vampire royals,” Salino said. “And now, it's mine.”
He walked over to the throne and took a seat, and the way he did it, I could tell it was his first time ever sitting in the chair. He ran his fingers over the red leather armrest as he practiced several poses.
“Does it feel right to you? Like you belong there?” I asked.
“I feel the weight of its significance.” Salino looked at me, his expression a bit poignant. “I never wanted to be the ruler of my line, let alone all the others. But if my survival and happiness are dependent upon me becoming the emperor of all, then I accept the responsibilities. Remember, I only became Archduke so I could be present in the room for the ceremony. Not because I wanted the power the position granted me. It was five centuries' worth of planning, sacrificing, and cunning on my part in order to make sure I could at least try to save my brother and Louis. I didn't know if I could, but I never stopped trying.”
“You're willing to do whatever it takes to reach your goals,” Adrian said.
“My goal is to live, Adrian. I don't fear death, but I don't desire it either. I am a thriving being who wants to see what comes next. I want to share that experience with those I love, my children and my family. If I could do this without being emperor, I would. But that is not possible, for various reasons. One is that as a supernal, I'll need an army so I'm not challenged. Even the youngest vampire with no rank still has the protection of his line. I can never have the life I truly desire, but I can have some of it,” Salino said.
It was probably one of the most profound things he had ever said to us and I understood his sentiment. We all just wanted our happiness, at least, I did. Fate gave me a gift when I walked into Adrian's office that day and like Salino... I would do whatever it took to protect what we had. Whatever it took.
Adrian sighed. “Well, let's make sure we keep you nice and safe,” he said. “I will spell the room so that the people in it will be protected.”
Salino nodded. “In that case, let me get Nakago in here, as he's my right hand.” He closed his eyes and I knew he was summoning Nakago.
A few seconds later, Nakago entered. “You called me?”
“Yes, come stand here,” Salino said, pointing to the spot.
I walked up to the dais along with Adrian and we both stood to his left. Nakago took his place without question. I wasn’t sure I’d ever be that obedient—probably not, but I'd give Salino a little less heat.
“Is this everyone you want present for the meeting?” Adrian asked.
Salino nodded. “How do I get him out of my home if he tries to hurt other vampires here if he can't get to me? Remember, I want him alive for the time being.”
Nakago's eyes widened and he looked down at Salino. “You're going to kill the emperors?”
“Ah, that's right. You haven't been informed of everything,” Salino said.
“Before you get into the details, let me put this protection spell in place,” Adrian said, then he knelt and pressed his hand to the dais and chanted his spell. I felt a surge of power flow over me. It actually stung a little.
“Ouch,” Nakago said and rubbed his chest.
“Yes, that was unpleasant,” Salino agreed, a frown on his handsome face.
