Page 89 of The Reign of Blood

“So it’s true. The Addi Reed causing issues for my daughter is none other thantheAdrianna Reagan, former princess and heir,” he declares, speaking loud enough over the music that the other students still dancing around us stop to watch the drama unfold.

Reluctantly, I step out of Kryll’s embrace, turning to face the pair of them head-on as I sigh. “I’m quite sure your daughter causes her own issues.”

His eyes narrow as Vallie clings to his arm, shaking him for good measure. “Daddy, she’s trying to steal Raiden away from me. The deal promised?—”

He waves his daughter off, keeping his eyes narrowed on mine. It’s hilarious that he’s even entertaining her with this bullshit right now when I was literally just kissing another guy. I’ve kissed Raiden for sure, and despite my sound mind, I’d do it again. I know it, but that’s beside the point.

“That’s enough, Vallie. The agreement with the Holloways still stands,” he promises, patting his daughter’s hand on his arm. I don’t know what they’re talking about, but I can’t deny that I care. Kryll inches closer behind me, letting me know he’s there, while I can’t help but wonder where the vampire in question is. “None of this will end well for you, Miss Reagan,” he adds, the promise just as clear as the threat as he jabs a finger in my direction.

“I’m not sure what you’re referring to, sir,” I bite out, trying to keep my composure instead of taking a swing at this man’s smug face.

“A fae is never going to take that throne again. And as a member of The Council, I’ll make sure of it,” he snarls, his composed demeanor quickly disappearing. He quickly reaches for the cigar tucked into his blazer pocket, lighting the end like a seasoned pro as I smile at him.

“We should never say never, but enjoy your evening.”

“I’m not done talking to you,” he snaps, stumbling a step forward and revealing the liquor that clearly runs through his veins right now. I’m not getting involved with anyone in this state, especially not a man who wields his perceived superiority like a weapon. Not when he still holds some power on The Council. The consequences aren’t worth it.

Pushing my shoulders back, I keep my smile intact. “I’m done talking to you. Your games are as childish as your daughter’s and it’s growing tiresome. There are more pressing matters in this kingdom to attend to other than if your daughter gets the man she longs for. Vampires are in afrenzied state, uncontainable and destructive, but instead of warning the people of our kingdom, the media fixates on me. A great distraction for you, I’m sure, but that is most definitely something you should have under control, especially as a vampire. But what would I know? I’m just a failed fae heir.”

“You can’t speak to my father like that!” Vallie yells, making sure we have everyone’s attention now. Keeping myself calm and collected is getting old.

“I can, and I just did. One day, you’re going to learn this world doesn’t revolve around you and your needs. One day, the kingdom will need you in a greater capacity than what you are capable of offering in that moment, and you will fail, without a shadow of a doubt, and I will watch you fall, because we all know that you wouldn’t take a fae’s hand to help you rise again. Or would you? If the alternative was death?”

My pulse thunders in my ears as I take a step back, watching them both gape at me as I spin for the exit. I startle when I realize Kryll isn’t alone anymore. Brody and Cassian are with him too, but still no vampire. Surely, if ever there was a reason for him to make an appearance, it would be the drama which, yet again, revolves around him.

Maybe then he could explain this so-called deal to me so I can politely put as much distance between us as possible.

I make it out into the hallway without interruption, my shoulders sagging with relief as the noise dissipates.

“That was the hottest shit I’ve ever seen in my life,” Brody declares, draping his arm over my shoulder and drawing me to a stop.

“I’m sure it was because you need to get out more,” Cassian grunts, peering at me through hooded eyes. I can’t sense what’s going on in his head, and it’s clear there’s no chance he’s going to freely share.

“Do you want to leave?” Kryll suddenly asks, and I nod profusely.

He offers out his hand, palm faced up ready for mine, and before I can change my mind, I take it.

34

KRYLL

In a sea of hundreds of people, the beauty dressed in a soft yellow, with her hair braided in a crown around her head, holds me captive. I can’t breathe when I’m watching her from across the room; having her hand in mine as we run down the hallway, giddy and crazy, is a level of euphoria I’m certain I’ve never experienced before.

Knowing there are combat boots on her feet, daggers at her thighs, and a destructive gem nestled into her flesh only reminds me of the strength she harnesses. She’s not your typical woman, and she’s far from what you envision a princess to be.

She’s irrevocably Adrianna Reagan. No one else in this world has a chance of standing beside her. She outshines the damn sun. A fact I would be able to confirm if the moon wasn’t shimmering in the night sky right now.

Her heat is undeniable, her fire ablaze for all to see, and I can’t seem to bring myself to care if I get burned at her hands.

Our steps slow as we approach the exit, coming to a complete halt when we realize the media is still camped outside. I bet I can guess who they’re waiting for.

Her.

The princess.

The way she addressed them earlier was awe-inspiring. She slaughtered them with her words while remaining all prim and proper, giving them no room to degrade or shame her in any way.

H.O.T.

---