Page 40 of Royal Bite
“No need to thank me.” He waved a hand at her.
Their conversation continued, and she learned a lot about the coven and what to expect from them. She wasn’t surprised to know that council members for the territory would be wanting to meet her, and that some may not support human and vampire mating. Stormey was realizing that she was going to have to develop thicker skin. She enjoyed their chat and was sad that it came to an end. They had arrived at the shopping center.
“You will love the market, my lady,” Cici gushed. She stepped out of the vehicle behind Stormey.
“And don’t be shy about spending my friend’s money,” Corbin said.
They headed toward a building that was an old Catholic church that had been renovated. It was breathtakingly beautiful with its vintage look, a stone construction with gargoyle statues placed along the roof. Spotlights highlighted the two towers that soared up toward the skyline, one with a bell housed in it. It was around ten o’clock at night, and the street was bustling with people as if it were mid-afternoon.
“Oh?” Stormey arched her eyebrow at him.
The security guards spread around them, and she felt like true royalty. She had never felt as safe as she did right now in public. Peering over one’s shoulder while scurrying down a public road after the sun went down was what she was used to.
They walked up the stone stairway and entered the church, pausing in the entryway. Her breath escaped her at the scene before her. The building was much larger on the inside than it had appeared outside. The pews had been removed, and the open concept of the parish allowed rows of vendors to hawk their wares. The original altar remained, with rows of burning candles. Stormey wondered if anyone used the altar for prayers. The beauty of the stained-glass windows was breathtaking, while fire burned bight in the sconces anchored to the walls.
The marketplace was busy with plenty of consumers milling around. Aromas filled the air that had her inhaling deeply. Her first public appearance.
She could do this.
“Hegna is far richer than one could probably comprehend.” He laughed. “Now, come. Everyone will be watching you. Act like your normal self.”
“I don’t know what is normal. I haven’t shopped for myself in eons,” Stormey said.
She removed her hood and blew out a deep breath. A few of the guards had entered before them and began spreading out, disappearing into the crowd.
“Shall we?” Corbin held out his arm to her.
She offered him a tight smile and took it. Cici walked behind them, and they strolled around. Eyes were on her as he said they would be. She didn’t want to appear quiet and timid. Wouldn’t they want the mate of their princess to be strong, kind, and with a big heart? At least that was what she would expect.
She held her head high and met each curious gaze with a smile.
“Atta girl,” Corbin murmured. He brought her up to the first booth.
An older woman with salt-and-pepper hair, bright-green eyes, and a wide smile greeted them. Her eyes were outlined in dark kohl, and her black blouse was a wraparound with the tie resting underneath her breasts. Her skirt was made of the same material, flowing around her feet. Her gaze dropped to the crest on Stormey’s cloak for a brief moment.
“My lord, how do you do?” She turned her focus to Corbin.
On her table was gorgeous handcrafted jewelry on display. Stormey released Corbin’s arm, stepping closer so she could see better. Silver, copper, bronze, and even some small gold trinkets. Bracelets, rings, necklaces, and pendants. The woman before her was certainly talented.
“I’m doing well, Clementina. May I present Miss Stormey Jaymes, mate of our warden, Princess Hegna.” He motioned to Stormey with a nod.
The woman’s eyes widened and flicked back to Stormey.
“My lady.” The woman dropped down in a deep curtsey. She straightened up to her full height, her lips curved up into a smile.
“It’s nice to meet you.” Stormey returned her smile. She focused on the items on the table. She picked up a bracelet that caught her eye. It was brilliantly made. Bronze bangles attached to each other. There were small designs on them with words she couldn’t decipher. “Did you make all of this?”
“I did. That is a pair.” She lifted the identical bracelet and held it out to Stormey for her to try them on.
Stormey slid them onto both of her wrists, immediately feeling a warmth to them.
“They are lovely,” Stormey whispered. She traced the tiny words with her fingers. “What does the wording mean?”
“It’s a simple spell to help balance one’s chakra and make one feel more beautiful.” Clementina smiled.
Stormey’s eyes widened. Was the woman before her a witch? She glanced at Corbin, who must have read her mind and gave her a slight nod as if to answer her unasked question.
Stormey didn’t believe in chakra or spells, but she loved the bracelets. She had never purchased herself something so stunning before.
