Page 14 of Wicked Allure
“Your Highness. There is much to do?—”
“I just gave you an order. If you only want to feed, then so be it, but please…release some of that pent-up tension you carry.” Someone signaled to Lethia, drawing her attention away.
“Don’t listen to her. Do what you want.” Alima chuckled.
“Thank you, my lady.” Dru smirked.
“Don’t listen to my mate. I am the commander.” Lethia flashed a fang. She motioned to her parents. “Come. The honored guest is being summoned to the king and queen.”
Dru followed Lethia and Alima through the thick crowd. She continued to acknowledge everyone who attempted to gain her attention. She was thankful she could use the excuse of the king and queen requesting her. The celebration was ramping up, and she was itching to disappear and leave. Vampires loved a good party and to enjoy their immortality.
Dru, on the other hand, preferred solace and being left to plan her battle strategies. Large crowds bothered her. Maybe it was the warrior in her, but her gaze swept the area looking for any signs of danger. Her hand rested on the small dagger she kept on her waist. She didn’t quite trust everyone in this damn room, but she knew at the moment there couldn’t be a safer place to be with the royal couple being in attendance. There were plenty of guards and warriors around the castle at a time like this with the addition of the vampire dignitaries present. She didn’t need to have her full array of weapons on her person, but she did feel vulnerable without them.
The king and queen sat regal in their twin thrones. Two royal guards stood near them. The couple always had a detail assigned to them. Enemies could present themselves any time. They’d be fools to try anything as the royal couple were both fierce warriors.
Lethia and Alima stopped at the base of the stairs that led up to where the Riskels sat.
“Mother. Father.”
Lethia and Alima bowed deeply to her parents. They moved to the side so Dru could come forward. She ignored the stares as the room turned its attention to her and the royal couple. Her new ranking of general put her in a higher status underneath the king and queen in the collective army that served them. Dru stepped forward and met the steady gaze of the king then the queen.
“Your Majesties.” Dru knelt before them in a show of utmost respect. She’d grown up listening to stories of the king and his father. It was the Riskels who’d saved the North American continent vampires. She didn’t care what stories that lycan alpha had tried to weave on national television. It had been a string of lies. All vampires knew the truth.
“You may rise, General,” the king’s deep voice boomed.
Dru lifted her gaze and met the king’s cunning stare. She stood. It was always an honor to hold an audience with the royal couple.
“My daughter has made a fine choice in choosing her general,” Queen Mira noted.
Pride filled Dru again. It was one thing to have recognition from Lethia, but to hear it come from the queen’s own lips gave Dru even more confidence of her abilities to lead Lethia’s army.
“Your reputation proceeds you. We need more vampires warriors like you, General Moldark.”
“I will not let the crown down,” Dru announced with a clear, steady voice. She caught Lethia’s nod at her announcement. Her hard work and dedication had paid off as she’d always known it would. Dru was a vampire who was always determined to succeed at whatever she put her mind to. Had she remained a healer, she was sure she’d have been one of the best. Her sister, Zada, was well known for her healing abilities. It was in their genes. The Moldark name carried weight.
“I am sure that you will not. You have done much for the vampire nation. I trust that each warrior will continue to follow your lead.” The king leaned forward and rested his elbow on his knee. “You remind me of myself when I was younger. Hungry. Intelligent. A true warrior who has taken an interest in the next generation of warriors. General, you’ll go far in life.”
Dru bit back a few tears that threatened to appear. She wasn’t one who got emotional. Even when she’d made the decision to leave the life of a healer and choose the harsh warrior life, she’d been sensible and headstrong.
But there was something about hearing the king acknowledge her that opened up something in her.
“Come, General. Walk with me. I need some fresh air and want to view the gardens.” The queen pushed up from her chair and motioned for Dru to go with her.
“Yes, Your Highness.” Dru flicked her gaze to Lethia who shrugged.
Apparently, the princess didn’t know what this private conversation was about. The queen floated down the stairs with one of the guards following her. Dru strode next to the queen as they headed in the direction of the double doors that led outside. They exited the ballroom and arrived on the veranda that overlooked the gardens.
The moon was high and helped provide light. Stars twinkled in the dark canvas. Dru followed the queen down the staircase. Once they were on the stone path, the guard blended into the shadows. Her curiosity was piqued. Why had the queen wanted her to accompany her outside?
“It’s a beautiful night, isn’t it?” the queen asked.
They strolled along the walkway of the lush gardens. Dru inhaled and took in the floral aroma that surrounded them. Lethia’s gardeners took great pride in ensuring the beauty of nature was only a few steps away from the castle doors.
“It is,” Dru murmured.
They slowly continued until the music had faded somewhat off in the distance. The queen held her head high, her hands folded before her. The woman was intriguing and an older version of Lethia.
“I’m sure you’re wondering why I’ve taken you away from your celebration.” The queen chuckled.
