Page 199 of The Vampire's Bride

Valaric’s mouth drifts open. “Your mother was his daughter, Princess Talia.”

She nods. “She wed my father and became queen of Florin, creating an alliance between their two kingdoms. It is an honor to meet you, Lord Valaric Greyvale.” She looks at me and smiles. “And it is good to see you again, Lady Juliet.”

I smile in return. “And you as well, Queen Inara.”

King Aurdyn’s green eyes are practically blazing as he looks at King Corvin and Prince Raine. “Am I right in assuming we are wasting our time here?” He growls. “You invited us to address your High Council on the dangers posed by the Order of Mages, and yet you refuse to commit to an alliance when presented with the hard truth.”

His fiery gaze travels over the room. “The Order of Mages seems to have already decided to bring you into this war whether you want it or not. Now, you must choose which side you want to be on,” he snarls. “The longer you wait, the more opportunity you give them to force your hand to fight for their cause.”

King Varys’s glowing blue eyes sweep over the High Council. “If you ally yourselves with us, we will respect the sovereignty of your kingdom. But if you choose to side with the mages, they will give you no such assurances. And once they are done with the rest of us, I guarantee you they will turn their forces on your kingdom.”

He looks at Prince Raine and King Corvin. “They are determined to conquer and bring the seven realms under their absolute rule. Consider our offer.”

“And remember this.” The Dragon King levels a dark glare at the Vampire king. “If you dare try to cross us in any way, my people will burn your entire kingdom to ash.”

King Corvin’s eyes turn black as he grits through his fangs. “Threaten me or my kingdom again, and it will be the last thing you ever do.”

Aurdyn bristles. “I doubt you could—”

“Enough,” Varys’s sharp voice cuts through the tension. He looks at King Aurdyn and King Corvin. “Arguing amongst ourselves plays right into their hands. Remember who the real enemy is.”

He glances at Aurdyn. “We will await a raven with your decision.”

“You’re leaving so soon?” Prince Raine asks.

“Yes.” King Aurdyn gives the prince a pointed look. “We don’t have any more time to waste waiting here. We have a war to win.”

When they leave, the High Council begins to argue amongst themselves. Some of them calling for an alliance with the Dark Elves and the Dragons, and others insisting that Morrowynd remain out of the conflict, despite the mage’s attack a few nights ago.

“We will reconvene in a week to discuss this further,” King Corvin says, putting an end to the petty bickering. “I am done with this meeting. I’m leaving you in charge.” He glances over his shoulder at his son as he walks to the door. “I trust you can end this Council session on your own.”

Prince Raine dips his chin in a subtle nod, and his father leaves.

I’m not sure what to make of the king’s abrupt exit. Is he trying to show that his House is united by allowing his son tohandle affairs? Or is he simply disinterested in anything else regarding this meeting?

Stryker stands to address the chamber. “Before this meeting ends, there is something else we need to discuss.” He glares at Valaric. “We cannot admit a human into the clan of a Great House.”

Valaric growls. “Lady Juliet is my true wife. As such, it is her right to be granted membership into the Clan.”

“He is correct,” Prince Raine says, taking my husband’s side as he gives his uncle a pointed look. “Their marriage has already been recognized by the crown.”

“While that is technically true,” Stryker continues. “What sort of message would we be sending the people of Morrowynd if we simply accepted anyone who wished to join a Great House?”

Lord Silverthorn narrows his eyes at Lord Stryker. “Are you suggesting that the Houses do not have autonomy concerning the internal affairs of their own clans?”

“If she were a Vampire, it would be different,” Stryker presses. “But she is not. She is human. And no human has ever been admitted to one of the clans. It is against tradition,” he states firmly. “Lady Juliet Greyvale must be turned.”

Terror fills me. Not everyone survives the change. Those who succumb die an agonizing death, even worse than the pain of the transformation itself.

“Lord Silverthorn is right,” Damar interjects. “It is the right of each House to govern their own internal affairs. The crown and the High Council do not dictate this.”

“Perhaps that should change,” Stryker argues. “I suggest we put it to a vote.”

Valaric shoots up from his chair, his red eyes blazing. “I believe you are confused. We did not come here for approval. We came here to inform the High Council of the new members to our clan.”

“This is an outrage!” another council member bursts out. “Are we truly going to allow a human to hold a title in one of the Great Houses?”

Stryker’s expression hardens. “We will not accept it.”

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