Page 71 of Royal Bite
“Oh.” Stormey inhaled sharply. “And do you think when the day comes, I’ll be accepted?”
“There are those who are against humans for anything other than food, but I can honestly say the majority will wait and see who you are and what you are about.” Miss Lavana gathered her belongings and inserted them into her bag. At that moment, her eyes revealed her age with the wisdom that shone through them. “They will want to see how you lead, bring our worlds together, compassion, innovation, and more. We are a people used to action, and that’s when you would be judged.”
“Thank you, Miss Lavana.” Stormey smiled. The woman had given her a little hope for the future. She could be all of those things. As a woman who’d started from nothing, she wanted to be that leader for those who had no one to turn to. Vampire or human. “Will the day after tomorrow still work for you?”
“Yes, that will fine, my lady.” The older woman bowed her head and left the library, leaving Stormey alone.
She sighed and glanced down at the books on the table. She lifted them and moved around, putting them back where they belonged. She paused while standing in front of the window that overlooked the snow-covered gardens below. She couldn’t wait to see what they looked like once the spring thaw came. It was too cold for her to spend much time out there. The bitter winds were fierce this year.
“Mistress,” Cici called from the door.
Stormey spun around and headed toward her.
“Yes, Cici. Did you need something?”
“No, mistress. Edward asked for me to come and retrieve you. There is a visitor in the parlor room waiting for you. A Miss Emily Washington from the orphanage is here to see you.”
“Oh, okay.” Stormey made her way out of the library and followed Cici to Emily. Stormey was excited to see her. They were going to be working together to remodel the orphanage. Stormey had such wonderful ideas that she couldn’t wait to work with Emily during the process. She was interested in getting to know the children as well. This would open so many doors for her with her future plans. First, she would start here in Black Hollow, then move forward with reaching out to other orphanages and then shelters for the homeless. There were so many people who were forgotten that she vowed to remember them all.
Stormey opened the double glass-paned doors and entered the room. It was cozy with a couple of sofas, big floor-to-ceiling windows, the coverings open to allow the moonlight to enter. The decor was light, airy, and welcoming.
“Emily.” Stormey strode across the room.
Emily smiled and stood from the sofa she was sitting on.
“Princess!” a small voice shouted.
Stormey grinned at the sight of Maisie rushing across the room. She hadn’t seen the little tyke when she’d first entered. Maisie’s hair was no longer in the braids with the beads on the ends. It was now arranged in two large ponytails with bows in them. Her small figure slammed against Stormey’s.
“Maisie, how are you?” Stormey cupped her round cheek, her heart swelling as she looked upon the child.
“I’m good. I’ve missed you.” Maisie grinned.
“I missed you, too. What are you two doing here?” Stormey took Maisie by the hand and went over to where Emily stood.
They shared a quick hug and took their seats on opposite couches. Maisie settled next to Stormey, not letting her hand go.
“Would you like me to have drinks and snacks brought down?” Cici asked.
“Please,” Stormey replied.
Cici gave her a nod and stepped out of the room, closing the doors behind her.
Stormey turned back to Emily with a smile. She hadn’t really had visitors stop by the castle for her. She sat taller, knowing this would soon change the more she got involved with their community and territory. “It’s a pleasure to see you. What can I do for you?”
“Well, since we are going to be working together on the renovations of the orphanage, I wanted to run some things by you. I’ve already been in contact with the architect that Princess Hegna sent to me.”
“Fantastic,” Stormey gushed.
Emily pulled out some building blueprints. Stormey was happy that Emily didn’t mind her involvement. A servant brought them their snacks and drinks. They consumed the tasty treats while studying the plans. Stormey knew how these children felt, and if they could provide a fun and safe space for them, it would mean all the difference. They pored over the designs, and Stormey offered her recommendations. She was thrilled Hegna was covering all of the costs for the orphanage.
She brought up something to Emily that she wanted to develop more. Her next project would be to get involved with helping these children find good forever homes. There were children becoming homeless daily, and that was an issue she wanted to focus on. No child should be on the streets. It was extremely dangerous to be homeless, especially for children. Not only did they have sick humans who would take advantage of them, but rogue vampires and now lycans.
“I think it is such a blessing that you were brought to Black Hollow.” Emily wiped a lone tear that trailed down her face.
Stormey smiled and reached across, taking her hand in hers. “Believe me, I’ve always wanted to do something of this magnitude but didn’t have the means or the resources. Now that has all changed.” She glanced over at the sleeping child next to her. Maisie had dozed off at some point after eating her fill of the sweets that were delivered. She trailed a finger along the little one’s cheeks.
“She really is attached to you,” Emily murmured.
