Page 60 of A Surrender Of Hope

Meyer

“How many do I need?” I ask, grabbing the eighth blade Vivian hands me and sheathing it in the holster at my hip since the one on my thigh is full.

“At least five more should be enough. Oh, and I was told to make sure you had the black set of throwing blades,” she mutters, nodding to one of the ladies hovering around us, their hands cinching and tightening the fighting leathers Vivian strapped me into. I tap the holster on my thigh, and she nods in approval when she sees the black blade. “Perfect. Now, our job is to protect the castle,” she tells me, and I frown, not liking that we stay behind while the guys go out to fight. “We command the soldiers here and brace the castle for a breach, then defend it if necessary.”

“Has the castle been breached before?” I ask, looking at the beautiful woman who looks only a few years older than me. How the hell is this the guys’ mother? Her long brown hair is braided back into an elaborate twist, and a small yet elaborately crafted silver crown is woven into the style, keeping it secure if she were to fight. Twinkling black stones are set into the crown, catching the light cast off the large chandeliers above us.

“Yes. Aerial attacks are the largest threat. There are several creatures here with the ability to fly. There hasn't been a war where Demons or Therions have made it through the gates in over three centuries, but by air…” she smirks and nods. “As long as there isn't a Dragon out there, we should have a rather boring day.”

“And the guys go out to fight while we just sit here,” I confirm, the frustration in my voice not as disguised as it should be. Vivian arches a delicate brow at me as she looks at the girl standing by her side.

“Grab Princess Darakh’s boots, please,” she instructs before moving closer to me and waving off the girl cinching my black corset. Her fingers move to the laces to complete the task herself.

“You don't like having them out there without you? You would rather be out there with them than in here with me?” she asks, and I nod, unsure if I’ve offended her.

“Good,” she whispers, tying off the laces and turning me to study my face. “I’m glad of it. Nox will need you by his side in all things. In this, however, you will listen and stay. It may seem silly and seem like you are being held here for your protection, but you will see battle, Meyer. Orcus and Lennox are out there protecting our Kingdom, and we stay and protect the castle, the kingdom's center. We aretheircenter, Meyer. Just as the castle is the center… the heart of the Kingdom, you will be the center and heart of my son. You will guard it with your life and ensure it is safe for his return. It is the most important job you will have. Knowing his Queen is protecting his home gives him the strength to protect everyone else who relies on him. If the castle falls… so does he,” she stresses, leaning close so only I can hear her. “Do you understand?”

My heart stalls as her words run through my mind, and I nod. “Yes,” I whisper back, and she smiles.

“Good.”

“Are we ready? I’m about to go to the walls but wanted to check on Lemon Drop first,” Creed says, striding into the room, dressed in his fighting leathers. Twin swords are strapped to his back, and he has a box slung over his shoulder with a quiver of arrows strapped to his side. His curly brown hair bounces a little as he walks toward us, green eyes sparking with heat as they rake up and down my body.

“Just about. The attack?” his mom asks, moving away from me as he steps close and gently tugs me into his arms.

“The Warrior class has stopped them on the southern side. They haven't made it close to the outer walls. Dad and Nox have already ridden out to intercept and handle them,” Creed tells her, his eyes never leaving mine as he stares at me with an intensity that makes me shiver.

“You should already be on the wall if they are that close to the outer rings of the Kingdom,” Viv chides, nodding at the girl holding the tall black boots. I smile my thanks and take them, turning in Creed’s arms so I can set them down and step into them. Creed nods as he crouches down, lacing my boots before I have the opportunity to.

“I know. But I told Nox I would keep an eye on her and wanted to make sure she was good before I headed out,” he admits, making Viv roll her eyes.

“Meyer is fine. Aren't you?” she asks, and I nod.

“Yeah. It's no different than when the castle is attacked on Earth. You should go,” I insist, not wanting to get Creed in trouble with his parents. He stands back up and nods before his eyes light up. He looks over my shoulder and waves the girl behind me close. She holds a small pillow and a small silver circlet with tiny sapphires resting on the soft velvet fabric. Creed's grin grows as he grabs it, then turns, resting it on my head as I gape up in surprise.

“I don't think that's mine,” I whisper to him, eyeing Viv to see if she’s mad Creed took one of her crowns.

“It is yours,” Viv says with a sigh, her lips twisting in amusement as Creed steps back, hands on my shoulders so he can get a good look at me. “But Nox will lose his mind if he finds out you put that on her head before he could.” Creed chuckles and winks at his mom.

“Good thing he’ll never know, huh?” Viv laughs and grabs a cloth from one of her ladies, winding it up before snapping it at Creed playfully.

“You are trouble. Now go do your job and let me teach your mate what hers shall be,” she scolds, making me laugh as the cloth smacks Creed on the ass, making him yelp and nod, backing away from me with his hands up.

“Ow! Mom, that wasn’t nice!” he laughs and winks at me before turning and leaving the room. The echo of the drums still sounds in the air as Viv chuckles and nods at her ladies.

“You are dismissed to your rooms. Lock the inner doors until I come for you,” she instructs calmly, nodding at the women and watching them leave until we’re the only ones left in the room. “Are you ready?” she asks, and I nod, unsure what I’m agreeing to but willing to find out.

“Where are we heading?” I ask as she leads us out of the room I got ready in and back to the grand staircase. She practically sprints up the stairs, making me curse as I try to keep pace with her.

“The lookout. We will be able to see them if they are fighting that close to the city. It also gives us an uninterrupted view of any threats to the castle.” She weaves through the now abandoned castle, her steps quick and sure as we go up another five long flights of stairs. I’m gasping for breath when she finally opens a small door, making me flinch back as sunlight pours into the dark corridor we had been in, and walk out onto a largebalcony. My mouth parts in awe at the stunning view before me, the pastel skies almost glimmering as puffy white clouds float through the air. The city below is eerily calm and quiet, the resounding sound and beat of the drums the only thing I can hear until a roar catches my attention, and I look south, eyes widening in horror at the black horde of Beastia running through the fields attacking the large army assembled there to protect the city.

“There are so many,” I gasp, hands twitching toward my blades, the urge to run out there and help hitting me square in the chest.

“Yes. Monsters created by our kind that kill us faster than any other. A lesson I fear might actually destroy us,” she rasps, concern plain to see on her face as she steps to the railing, leans against it and takes a deep breath as she watches the horde hit the main part of the army, obliterating those in its path. Six guards suddenly come through the doors behind us, and I watch as they stand at attention behind their Queen.

The outer wall surrounding the Demonic kingdom is packed with men, bows in hand, facing the threat before them. A man yelling out orders I can’t quite understand is walking the length of one of the walls, his curly brown hair easily distinguishable as he commands the men to draw and aim. The swell of pride from seeing Creed so confident and comfortable in his element helps to soothe my worries.

“Beastia were made?” I ask, watching Creed and trying not to freak the fuck out as the horrendous battle plays out in front of my eyes. They are at a distance, two walls separating me from the fight itself, so I can't see the details, but I can see the Beastia and Demons fighting. The dark shadow of the Beastia moves in formation, trying to break through the army of Demons who stand between them and the kingdom.

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