Page 39 of House of Darkness
Chapter 20
ESTRELLA
Iwas walking into the lion’s den. Vaulted ceilings of gold and marble arched high above us, the echo of our footsteps resounding off the checkered floors. Though the hall was spacious, the chatter of vampires and their murky auras thickened the air, making it hard to breathe—or perhaps that was just my panic.
At Roman’s side, all eyes would be on me in this scrap of fabric. He drew attention to himself, especially in his current state. His power was completely unchecked; wherever he moved, darkness followed, engulfing the floors and pillars in a shroud of ink. And then there was the crown resting upon his head. Servants paused to gawk and bow as we passed, their stares crawling over my skin.
We stepped into a gilded room, dimly lit by a crystal chandelier hanging high above, with lion-head torches flickering along the walls. Silence enveloped the crowd as a sea of crimson eyes turned to follow our ascent toward the dais on the far side of the room. Alexander was already seated among the cushioned red thrones framed by a mural of lions and golden-haired vampires. I struggled to calm my racing heart, but it was difficult when I felt like a rabbit among wolves.
Calm your heart, doll, remember, they can all hear it.
I glanced up to find Roman watching me from the corner ofhis eye, a half-smile playing on his lips. How dare he suggest something so utterly unhelpful? Instead of responding, I took a deep breath. This was fine; everything was fine.
Then I noticed one critical detail about the lineup of chairs on the dais—they were short one. I had expected Roman to release me to stand at the end, but his arm remained firmly around mine. To my horror, he sat on the throne and tugged me into his lap as his generals filled the remaining seats. His hand wrapped around my waist, making it difficult to breathe.
You could have warned me.
I wasn’t sure how Alexander would set up the room. Besides, this is far more fun,Roman chided back.
I look ridiculous. I should’ve put more fabric in the skirts if I was going to sit?—
You look beautiful, Estrella, and your dress is lovely.
“Let’s get this started, Alexander,” he said, tilting his head toward the count.
Alexander nodded and stood. “All rise for His Majesty, Roman!”
Everyone in the room moved to obey. I shifted to stand, but Roman’s grip tightened.You’re exactly where I want you.
I hated how his words made me rub my thighs together, the area between them still slick with his saliva. I should have cleaned up before we left. A grin spread across Roman’s face as that thought crossed my mind. My cheeks heated.Get out of my mind!
I’m starting to like your mind.
Roman lifted me off his lap and stood, shifting me into the chair. He sauntered to the edge of the dais, wings fully spread. Tendrils of his power bathed everything in liquid darkness. My lips parted in awe at the sheer beauty and power that was him. It was hard not to stare when his power surged unchecked like this. It made my heart flutterwith what I wished was fear, but based on the ache between my thighs, it wasn’t.
“Thank you all for coming to witness this historic event. I am honored to have the mighty Levis House backing my position on the throne. Let us usher in a new era of peace, prosperity, and civility—together,” he boomed, his wings beating dramatically as he spoke the final word, creating an air of awe in their wake.
Roman held out a hand for me to join him. It was a true test of my mask of neutrality to not raise an eyebrow. I stood cautiously, my eyes locked on his—playing the part of the doting acolyte—while all I could think about was not stumbling. He took my hand and led me to the floor below. A panicked glance back revealed that Alexander was following, a blonde woman clinging to his arm.
The crowd parted, their gaze fixed on us as we took our positions next to Alexander and the vampiress and the first song began to play.Another fun surprise?
I already knew you could dance.
You’re insufferable.I resisted the urge to kick him in the shin; that probably wouldn’t be very “doting acolyte” of me.
I always did love your attitude.
The song came to an end, and we separated, though Roman kept a gentle grip on my hand. He was about to say something when a golden-haired vampire appeared at his side. His greenish aura curled against the darkness surrounding us. He was lean, his cool arrogance accentuated by the smirk curling his lips.
“Your Majesty, it has been too long.” The vampire dipped into a slight bow.
“Codran, I didn’t expect the Bursuc House to be present tonight.” Roman inclined his head politely, though he pulled me close to his side.
“I make it a point to attend events of importance. Keeps me aware. We must discuss our own alliance soon.”
“I’ll have Isabella reach out to set something up.”
The music began again, and Codran chuckled. “My apologies, I’m being rude. May I have your acolyte’s hand to dance? I’m sure my little spitfire would love the opportunity to dance with the tsar.”
