Page 12 of Wicked Allure
Dru pushed off the floor and stood. She folded her hands behind her and held Lethia’s gaze. Dru couldn’t get a read on her.
“Your Highness. Have I done something to?—”
“How long have you served me?” Lethia’s face was devoid of all emotions. Her sharp, crystal-blue eyes bored into Dru.
Taken back by the question, Dru blinked at first. Lethia knew the answer to this question. Why would she ask such a thing?
“Decades, Your Highness. About forty-five years, I think,” Dru answered.
When Dru had first joined Lethia’s army she’d started out as a basic warrior. She’d been a late bloomer when it came to warrior training. The younger Dru never would have dreamed that she’d be fighting for the royal family or hold a rank in the Royal Army.
Dru came from a family of healers. Her father was a master healer while her mother was a botanist. At the age of twenty, she’d trained under her father. Her younger sister, Zada, had joined her. She’d grown up in a peaceful village in the Grampian Mountains. Dru was dedicated to preserving life and mending wounds. She’d believed in compassion and mercy.
It wasn’t until the lycans arrived at her village that she’d been forced to watch the destruction of her people. Lycans slaughtered vampires—their former oppressors. Vampires had been at war with the lycans for centuries. Her family had survived and relocated to North America. It was then she’d answered a call to the Riskel family. They’d offered her something no one else could.
Power to protect those she loved most. Vengeance for all of those who’d perished under the lycan attacks, and a new purpose. As a healer, her job had been to patch up those who were injured.
As a warrior, she could end threats before they began.
Dru had easily transitioned to the warrior life. She had no regrets. She’d tucked her family away in a small town in Canada while she went off to serve her new king. She’d worked her way up through the ranks until she’d earned the position of captain and the right hand of the commander, Princess Lethia Riskel.
“Would you say you have been a loyal servant to vampires in the current position you hold?” Lethia dipped her head to the side and continued to study Dru.
“Yes, Your Highness,” Dru answered without hesitation. She lifted her chin in a silent challenge to Lethia. She dared her to try to make an argument of any time Dru had not put their people first.
“And would you say that you’re loyal to me and the Riskel family?” Lethia asked.
“Yes, Your Highness.” Dru’s voice rang out strong and clear. She pounded a fist above her heart to show her fealty. The Riskels were one of the most powerful vampire families in the world. It was an honor to serve under them.
Lethia rose to her feet. She sauntered down the stairs and came to stand in front of Dru. The air was taut with tension. Dru’s gaze didn’t waver from her commander. Lethia smirked.
“On your knees again, Captain,” Lethia ordered.
The sounds of quick inhales circulated around the room. Dru immediately followed the order. She knelt and cast her gaze to the floor. If she’d done something to warrant the wrath of the princess then she hoped she’d know what it was before her punishment.
Dru remained still. Her ears picked up the sound of Lethia’s blade sliding out of its sheath. Her muscles tensed the moment the blade rested on her shoulder. Dru closed her eyes, prepared to meet death. She wasn’t a vampire who was afraid of transitioning to the afterlife. She’d led a good life that one would be proud of. Her breath caught in her throat as the weapon lifted from her shoulder.
“Now rise, General Moldark,” Lethia commanded.
Dru’s eyes flew open. Had she heard the princess correctly? She blinked and glanced up at her longtime friend. Lethia’s smirk turned into a fully fledged grin. Thunderous applause spread through room. Dru stared at Lethia, unable to believe what she’d just heard.
General?
She was being promoted to general?
Dru inhaled sharply and pushed off the floor. She shook her head. “Are you serious?”
Lethia stepped forward and rested her hand on Dru’s shoulder.
“I should have done this years ago.” Lethia’s smile vanished, and a seriousness overtook her. “There is no other person more worthy of the title of general to lead my army. General Dru Moldark has been an integral member of our armies. She’s led many warriors to battle and has even taken the new recruits under her wing to ensure we vampires continue to be protected. Her fierce nature, cunning skills with her weapons, and intelligent nature to lead have been valuable assets. And I can’t forget to mention that she’s saved my ass a time or two.”
A few chuckles rippled through the air. Dru’s chest filled with pride. She bowed her head to Lethia in acceptance of her new position. Lethia faced the room, the dagger still in her hand.
“Will there be any objections?” Lethia called out. Her grip on the weapon sent a silent message.
Dru turned and took in the council members at the front of the audience as well as plenty of familiar faces. A hush fell over the room.
There would be no objections.
