Page 8 of To Bleed A Kingdom

It took me much longer than I initially planned to return from patrol, and once I did finally arrive back to my chambers, the sun had already begun its daily descent. In no state to appear before royalty, I quickly washed and dressed, but by the time I left my rooms, it was already past time for the Kings Council to begin.

Once I'm seated, the silence ends and the royals return to their previous discussions. Chatting and laughing in all their finery and jewels, it appears my lateness is already forgotten.

Queen Celene of Arcadia tosses her head back, laughing. Her long black hair is pulled back into a sleek ponytail, and her flickering copper and starlight jewels illuminate her brown eyes and tan face. Wearing a slinky black, form-fitting dress, it looks like something one might wear to a brothel, but judging by the quality of fabric and copper gems stitched within, it's not a gown even the highest paid courtesan could possibly afford. Kace wasn’t mistaken in her seductive beauty, but she’s also just as dangerous as I insinuated, if not more so. The Shapeshifter Queen is intelligent, calculating, and just as lethal as the predatory black panther she often favors.

I chuckle to myself when I see the besotted expression on the face of the monarch with whom Celene is speaking. The Nature immortal of Ravaryn, King Elidyr, watches Celene as if he’s moments away from professing his undying love. His flowing green tunic matches the forest green of his eyes and the emerald and starlight jewels accenting his face. An ally of Cascadonia, Elidyr has always been one of my favorites among the monarchs. Most rulers tended to ignore my presence, but he was always kind and playful with me, even as a child. He's a good male and an even better king.

The male seated at the opposite end of the table, King Olivier of Egralong, couldn't contrast more to Elidyr. Olivier is as stoic as ever, with his razor thin, black hair and the menacing scar slicing down through his eyebrow, past his orange topaz and starlight jewel, to end beneath his eye. The sensible ruler is underdressed compared to the others, wearing an all-black tunic and matching leather trousers, but that’s not unusual. The Fire King tends to gravitate towards practicality rather than the frivolous. Olivier may seem harsh with his curt and blunt speech and apathetic manner, but he's honest and fair, and always does what's in the best interest of his people. There’s not a soul alive who can say the same about the king seated beside him.

To some, King Luthais of Raetia is considered attractive, as most immortals are, with his blonde hair, charming smile, and lean, fit build. To others, the arrogant Air immortal is a vicious snake. But whereas Celene’s lethality is only in response to those dense enough to threaten her or her people, Luthais is cruel and brutal, evidenced by his own citizens' comparison of him to the Savage King himself.

Passing my gazeover the oak table, I find the lone empty chair that hasn't been used since before the Breccans attacked. King Rainier of Brecca was the last man to be seated in that chair, and he'll be the last human to ever grace this table.

I grind my teeth at the sight of the Savage King's empty chair, thinking of all the pain and death he's caused for so many. Myself included.

After the Battle of Brecca was extinguished and their King was killed, Queen Adelphia, along with the other rulers, cut off all trade and communication with Brecca. All men who were captured were immediately executed for their treasonous acts, but unfortunately a few escaped. Baffled by their newfound strength and their ability to neutralize our magic, all members of the Kings Council prepared for war against the aggressive humans, but all plans were waylaid when they arrived.

When the first Soulless came through the Cursed Woods, we weren’t sure what they were. Some believed them to be ill, but only when the first person was bitten and they turned themselves, did we realize what they were: Demons.

Immortals and fae, as well as our human inhabitants, fought and died as they hacked, stabbed, and burned the creatures, but they still kept coming. It took many deaths to realize that the only way to kill the creatures was to stab it in the heart or brain. Then they came in waves.

It wasa frightening time for our kingdoms, not knowing where these demons came from or how they came to be, until we noticed the lone living creature amongst the undead. The man was a human, stronger and faster than any immortal, and he carried the Goddess of Death’s mark upon his cheek, a swirled rune filled with ruby flecked, black shadows. Seeing Death’s rune marking his cheek, we realized then that even though King Rainier had lost the Battle of Brecca and didn’t hold up his end of the goddess’ bargain, Desdemona had still chosen to grant her Gifts to Brecca.

But a Cursed Gift it was.

With glowing crimson eyes and extended fangs, the Gods Cursed man was more powerful than any being we have ever encountered before as he wielded his Death Shadows without recourse, killing dozens with a single flick of his wrist. He commanded his troops of Soulless and he, too, barbarically drank the blood of an immortal. And once the Cursed bled him dry, we watched in horror as the immortal’s discarded, twitching corpse transitioned right before our eyes into a feral Soulless.

Nothing we did to the Gods Cursed would kill him. Not even when we stabbed him in the heart or brain like we did his Soulless slaves. At this point, having no way to attack or defend against the Cursed, our outlook was bleak. Until, to everyone's astonishment, the Gods Cursed eventually just left, unharmed and of his own accord, leaving behind dozens of Soulless. We then destroyed all the remaining Soulless, and when it appeared as if the attacks had ended, we built our walls and fortified our defenses.

Fortunately, we've seen less than a handful of Gods Cursed in the last thirty-four years. They don’t venture far from Brecca, and besides those who call the Mandala Mountains and the Cursed Woods home, Soulless attacks are few and far between. That’s why today’s events are so alarming. The frequency and numbers of the attacks could be a precursor to change. A change that won't bode well for anyone.

Sensing the frosty gaze boring into the side of my cheek, I glance in the direction of the hosting monarch and realize my error.

Queen Adelphia of Cascadonia sits regally in her crystal throne-like chair at the head of the table. Garbed in a teal and gold stitched gown, her long blonde hair is partially pinned up with small braids intertwined throughout. With high cheekbones, porcelain skin, and pale green eyes, she's considered gorgeous even amongst our attractive race. And judging off the Water immortal’s scowl and her illuminated aquamarine and starlight jewels, she clearly has no intention of forgiving me.

Should've come directly from patrol, covered in Soulless blood.

After staring at me long enough to convey her displeasure, she returns her attention to the adjoining royals.

Theon leans into me, ducking his head to whisper in my ear. “You're late.”

“I'm well aware.”

“She's furious.”

I snort. “When is she not furious with me?” Staring at the center of the table, I set my elbow on the armrest and rest my chin in my palm, partially shielding my lips. “I ran into trouble during patrol.”

“You shouldn't have scheduled yourself the same day as a Kings Council,” he says, shaking his head in exasperation. “You shouldn't even be patrolling. You're the Captain of the Guards. Delegate.”

Ignoring the Prince’s reprimand, I peek at him out of the corner of my eye. “There was an ambush.”

He stiffens, his brows pinching. “That's the fourth time this month.”

Nodding my head, I notice the royals’ discussions beginning to taper off. “Did you speak with her?”

Sighing, Theon leans back in his chair and turns away, avoiding my gaze. “Yes.”

When he adds nothing more, I press, “Well?”

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