Page 26 of Right Hand Of The Reaper
“Evening Cyrus. Anything to report?”
“It’s been relatively quiet this evening, sire. Although we have had another instance of a vampire feeding from an unwilling.”
For fucks sake. “We have rules for a reason, Cyrus. Don’t these vampires understand what I’m trying to do?”
Cyrus shook his head, his naturally white hair bright in the moonlight streaming through the tall windows. “They only see what they can’t have now, not the bigger picture.”
“Do you see it?” I asked, hoping to find some vindication for everything I was doing. Even if it was from a man who hated my guts.
“I see it, your majesty. I may not agree with everything you’ve done, but we have never even had a hint of a seat at the Guild before.”
At the head of the Guild were representatives from all the most powerful factions, covens, packs etc. but the vampires had always been overlooked because, let’s face it, we’d always been impulsive, vicious and just too fucking bloodthirsty. Now, under my leadership, we were respectable, refined and more measured.Iwas worthy of being at that table.
“Thank you, Cyrus. Is the vampire still alive?”
A feral grin grew across Cyrus’ face, showcasing his fangs. “Yes, he’s in Crypt.”
I grinned back. That was absolutely fucking perfect.
**
The Crypt was a giant cavern under the castle. An old dungeon that had been fashioned into a simple fighting ring with viewing space all around. It was one of the old traditions I’d kept because occasionally us vampires needed to be the monsters we were and this was a perfect outlet for that.
It was a barbaric way of passing judgement, but if the accused could walk out the Crypt alive they were free to go. It was that simple.
But no one left alive.
I began stripping off my shirt and Cyrus watched me with a curious expression. I didn’t have to go in the ring. I was King and I had champions to fight on my behalf. But tonight, I felt like getting my hands dirty.
“Don’t tell me you don’t approve, Cyrus,” I said with a smile.
“I do, actually. It’s good for your people to see you willing to go into battle. I’m just curious as to why now?”
“I’ve had a shit evening and I need something to take my aggression out on.”
Cyrus looked towards the prisoner in the corner. He was a big vamp, with lots of muscles and an aggressive demeanour. His hair was slicked back and he had an angry scar running the length of the left side of his face.
I handed my shirt to Cyrus. “Think I stand a chance?”
Cyrus gave me an appreciative look and I had to admit, if I wasn’t convinced the guy would cut my throat in my sleep, I’d be tempted. He was an attractive guy, but I only had eyes for two men, and I’d destroyed their fucking hearts.
“I think you’ll decimate him, your majesty. I’ll be watching from the stand.” He walked backwards down the tunnel, his red eyes shining in the darkness and watching me intently.
I cracked my neck and stepped out into the fighting circle to the sound of the crowds roaring and screaming. To the yell of bets being made and wolf whistles.
“Ladies and Gentlemen and monsters in between.” Cyrus’ voice boomed through the cavernous space and the crowd descended into silence. “We’re here to serve judgement on Butch Collins who is accused of feeding from an unwilling victim. How do you plead, Butch?”
The massive vampire snarled, his lips pulled back and spittle dangled between his yellowing teeth. He stared at me intently. “Not guilty.”
I grinned. I was going to get my fight. If he’d pleaded guilty it would be straight to an execution. My talons grew out of the ends of my fingers, lethal and sharp, and my fangs descended. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d felt this bloodthirsty. It was humming through my veins, singing and demanding satisfaction. I held the bigger vampire’s gaze. He locked cocky, like he thought he could win this. He was about to find out how wrong he was.
“His majesty, King Magnus Beauchard has acquiesced to the request for trial by combat and has decided to see to the punishment himself. It is a fight to the the death.”
The crowd roared. Some no doubt looking forward to my possible demise, but most just excited for the bloodbath.
“At the sound of the bell, you may begin,” Cyrus said, before walking back to sit the the chair to the right of my throne on the viewing platform.
The ding of the bell rang loudly, echoing around the room, and signalled the start of the fight.
