Page 11 of Wicked Allure
June had played a key role in the vampires overrunning the human government.
“I’ll connect with her immediately.” Ciro bowed his head. He sat at the table where his computer awaited him.
Dru respected those who were technologically savvy. She was a vampire not born of this century and didn’t depend on much of the new ways, but she appreciated those who were able to.
A knock sounded at the door. She was not to be disturbed during this meeting unless it was urgent, and if there was an urgent matter—she’d know about it.
“Enter!” Dru moved back to her desk and glanced down at her meticulous plans she’d drawn up before the meeting. So far, they had covered everything she’d wanted.
“Captain Moldark.”
Dru glanced up in surprise at the sight of the castle’s butler, Sterling, standing at the doorway. He had a hand in all of the workings of the castle. He’d been employed by Lethia for decades and was well revered.
“Sterling. What can I do for you?” Dru folded her hands behind her back. Why would he personally come and see her? If there was something he needed, he could have sent a servant.
“You’re being summoned to the throne room, Captain.” He bowed his head slightly.
The room fell silent. Dru frowned. Summoned to the throne room?
“By whom?” She hadn’t heard word of the king or queen arriving in Crystal Cove.
She moved to stand in front of her desk. Lethia never used the room for her own purposes, and if she chose to, Dru would be informed. As Lethia’s right hand, there wasn’t much that went on about the castle or in the territory that Dru wasn’t aware of.
“Princess Lethia has requested that you come immediately,” he said.
“The princess?” Her eyebrows jerked up high. She blinked then stood to her full height. She turned to the warriors who all had their attention on her. “Gale and Ishmael, I want you to put together small teams. Each of you take a top den to target using Ciro’s algorithm. Find me the information I need.”
“Yes, Captain,” Gale and Ishmael echoed simultaneously.
They thumped their fists against their chests. She nodded to Ciro then stalked to the door. Her warriors had their orders, now she needed to find out why she was being summoned. Sterling stepped to the side to allow her to pass.
She paused outside the office at the sight of Lethia’s guards awaiting her. Enoch and Izora. They stood in their formal uniforms.
“Captain,” Enoch’s deep voice echoed through the hallway.
“Captain.” Izora rested a fist above her heart.
“What is the meaning of this?” Dru demanded. The hairs on the back of her neck rose. Curiosity burned in her chest. Had she done something wrong?
“We’re to escort you to the princess. She’s instructed us to ensure you come straight to her,” Enoch said.
Dru jerked her head in a nod and walked down the hall. The two guards flanked her on both sides. Her mind raced, and she couldn’t think of one damn thing she could have done to piss off the princess. She quickened her pace. Lethia was going to give her answers.
Enoch stepped in front of her and pushed open the double doors that bore the insignia of the royal house. Dru relaxed her hands from balled fists. She didn’t want to appear anxious when she came before the princess. Her heart thundered as she followed Enoch inside. It had been a long time since she’d been in this room. Lethia rarely used it, and the last time they’d utilized it was for the king and queen.
The throne room with its stone walls and vaulted ceiling was breathtaking. Massive pillars lined the chamber, their shadows stretching across the dark marble floor. The air was heavy with silence other than the sound of her footsteps. Paintings of past battles were draped along the walls while gold-and-diamond chandeliers provided lighting. The windows were hidden behind the steel coverings that blocked out the sun.
Dru strode forward. She didn’t know what the hell was going on, but she refused to appear anything else but strong. The room was filled with vampires, and all eyes were on her. She recognized members of the local coven and council along with other notable warriors who fought underneath Lethia.
Dru zeroed in on Lethia Riskel who looked every ounce a royal princess. She sat on the throne, her long blonde hair flowing over her shoulders. Her expensive blue gown highlighted her eyes. Out of the three Riskel sisters, it was Lethia who enjoyed the luxury and wealth of her family.
She may be dressed in a formal gown with her makeup done, but one shouldn’t be deceived by her looks. Lethia was a deadly vampire who Dru had fought beside during many battles and wars in their lifetime. Dru flicked her gaze to the figure who stood beside Lethia—her mate, Alima.
Dru came to stop at the bottom of the stairs. The room remained silent as she bent down to one knee and lowered her gaze. Whatever was the meaning of this, it was official royal business, and Dru would show the utmost respect.
“Your Highnesses.” Dru kept her eyes to the floor. Her heart rate increased. She inhaled to try to will the pounding muscle to slow down. She’d at first thought she’d be demanding the meaning of this, but seeing how there was an audience, she bit her tongue. She may be the right hand of the commander, but that didn’t mean she was above anyone else who served Lethia.
“Captain Moldark.” Lethia’s strong voice carried through the room. “Rise.”
