Page 44 of Filthy Rich Vampires: For Eternity

“I trust my mate.” Thea pressed closer to me, her stance possessive.

“And so we must learn to do the same.” Mariana nodded her head once toward me in silent apology. “Zina will come around. In the meantime, we will reconsider who is allowed into the throne room.”

“Good idea.”

“And the rest of the time?” Thea prompted. “Do I stay in my quarters?”

Mariana blinked. “You are a Queen. You do as you wish.”

Why do I have a feeling that I get to do as I wish as long as I have a dozen bodyguards with me?

I’ll handle it.

“In the meantime, we will begin planning your coronation.” Mariana grinned, and I wondered if she suspected how Thea would react. “It will be an event to remember.”

“This has all been an event to remember,” Thea said. “What if we skip the coronation?”

“You’ll sooner talk Sabine into letting you elope.” Mariana’s grin widened. “And to that end, I hear you are expected to participate in The Third Rite next month.”

“About that—it seems silly considering that I’m one of you now and Julian is King Consort.”

Mariana’s smile faded into a grim line. “Traditions remind us who we are. There will be a coronation, and you will attend the Third Rite. Then we can discuss the matter of a wedding.” Thea stiffened beside me, but before she could speak, Mariana added, “As our new sister-queen and the first King Consort, you will want to set an example.”

“Naturally,” I muttered.

Thea clamped her mouth shut, but I had a feeling her protests were far from over.

“Until then, enjoy the city. Get to know your new home.”

“Thank you,” I said, steering Thea toward the hall that led to our quarters.

As soon as reached them, Thea exploded. “Naturally? Ceremonies and rites? What happened to a Queen doing as she wishes?”

“I’m afraid that only extends to what she does privately. Ginerva felt the same as you.”

“It must come with the crown.” Thea plucked said object off her head and slammed it on a marble table before slumping against the wall. “I need to get out of here.”

Confusion swirled through our bond, moving like a sandstorm until I didn’t know which was mine and which was hers. Too much was happening too fast.

“Let’s go out. See the city.”

She arched an eyebrow. “Is that a good idea?”

I knew what she meant. The Mordicum was here, Willem, and a lot of bigoted vampires and familiars.

I reached for her. Sliding an arm around her waist, I drew her against me. ”I’ll keep you safe.”

“You’ll keep us safe.” She ran a finger across my shirt, over the tattoo I now bore. Her lashes fluttered as she looked up at me, her heartbeat starting to pick up speed and taking my own with it. “I just want you. I can endure all of this if you’re beside me.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” I vowed.

“What happened to going out?” she teased, some of the tension easing from her now that we were alone.

“I’m not going anywhere without you.” I took her hand with my other one, allowing my magic to reach out to hers.

It answered. Dark and light sparked and swirled. Thea gasped as it danced along our skin, circling us both until our magic was twined around our bodies. Our magic was proof of what we already knew—that we were two halves of the same soul.

A deep peacefulness settled over me, the same calmness glowing on Thea’s face.

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