Page 197 of The Vampire's Bride

“We were invited here by your crown prince,” a voice thunders from the hallway.

“Show them in,” Prince Raine says as he stands. He darts a glance at his father and I notice the king’s mouth is set in a hard line, his knuckles turning white as he grips the arms of his throne in an iron vise, trying but failing to hide his anger. It seems that whoever is here, he was not expecting.

My mouth drifts open as a Dark Elf walks through the door. He’s followed by a human woman with long blonde hair that I immediately recognize.

“Princess Inara?”

The Dark Elf must be her husband, King Varys.

“Lady Juliet Casterly,” she replies with a warm smile, but her expression quickly falls when she notices Valaric and Lysander on either side of me.

Raine gives me a curious glance before he turns back to them. “King Varys and Queen Inara,” he says by way of formal greeting.

A Dragon-shifter with silver-white scales and a deep scowl etched on his face, and another human woman with red hair enter the room behind them.

“King Aurdyn,” Prince Raine greets him, and then looks at the red-haired woman. “Queen Freyja.”

The Dragon King curls his tail protectively around his wife and folds his left wing around her shoulder as he levels a dark glare at the entire gathered assembly. “Fair warning,” he growls as black smoke curls out from his nostrils. “I know some of you have a taste for human blood. If anyone dares try to touch my queen, I will burn your entire kingdom to ash.”

King Corvin and several others stare at him in shock. This is the first time I’ve seen anything even remotely close to true fear in their faces.

“Aurdyn!” Queen Freyja gives him a pointed look as she places her hands on her hips. “We’ve talked about this. You cannot just go around threatening people.”

Several of the Vampires stare at her in disbelief, probably shocked that a human would dare speak to a Dragon in this way.

King Aurdyn tips up his chin. “I can if it involves your safety.”

“I’m not in any danger here.” She purses her lips. “You brought over a dozen of our warriors to escort us.”

King Corvin’s brows shoot up to his forehead. “You brought a dozen Dragons into my kingdom?”

“Seventeen,” Aurdyn corrects, not even a hint of an apology evident in his proud features. “I refuse to burden my warriors with more than two riders.”

“Two riders?” Corvin frowns. “What are you—”

“Each Dragon carried two Dark Elves.” King Varys of the Dark Elves steps forward. “I brought nearly two dozen of my own warriors.” Before the Vampire king can protest, he adds, “Our kingdom is at war with the Order of Mages. I’m sure you can understand our caution.” His gaze shifts to Prince Raine. “The last time we were here, you refused our offer of an alliance. We had to be sure we weren’t walking into a trap.”

King Aurdyn looks at King Corvin, his dragon wings flaring out behind him a moment before he tucks them again to his back. “We heard rumors that a mage attacked you here in the winter palace.”

King Corvin narrows his eyes at the Dragon King. “Tell me: how is it you are so well-informed about events in my royal court that happened only four nights ago, King Aurdyn?”

Prince Raine steps forward. “I sent word to them. To warn them in case the mages try something similar in their own courts.”

If looks could kill, Prince Raine would be dead judging by the glare his father directs at him.

“We warned you this could happen,” King Varys says. He looks at the Vampire king. “If the mages defeat our forces, they will come for your kingdom next.”

“You don’t know that for certain,” Lord Stryker says.

“It’s the truth,” Queen Inara says. “The Order of Mages has no loyalty. They tried to conquer my brother’s kingdom of Florin even though we had been allied with the mages for over two centuries.” She meets King Corvin’s gaze evenly. “They will not stop until they’ve conquered the seven realms.”

King Varys’s glowing blue eyes snap toward the far wall. “Who is that hiding in the shadows?” He immediately raises his hands, magic crackling across his fingers like lightning. “Show yourself,” he demands.

“Now now,” Aerlyx says, holding up his hands in surrender as he steps into the light. “There’s no need for violence.”

Inara gasps and Varys snarls at him. “What is the meaning of this?” He looks at Raine. “Why is there an Incubus here in your council chambers?”

“I’m with them,” Aerlyx gestures at us. “Trust me. I’m harmless.

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