Page 1 of Vampire Solstice

Chapter 1

The Witch

When I was working as a waitress in Oregon, trying to make ends meet, I never imagined a few years later I would be the queen in a magical land full of vampires and fae.

But here I am. And it’s not what I expected.

To be a queen is to serve a kingdom, to carry the weight of countless lives with every choice I make. The crown rests on my head, but its true burden presses on my soul. To be a mother is to serve my child, her needs as constant and insistent as the sun rising each day.

To be both is to be torn in two.

This morning is no exception. I stand before the mirror in my chambers, my reflection a blur as I twist my hair into a braid that refuses to cooperate. The room around me is warm with morning light, but my thoughts are already racing ahead to the endless tasks awaiting me.

“Kayla is expecting my help with Solstice planning,” I mutter, more to myself than to Fen. “And the Keeper’s report is in—it’s practically a novel at this point. While I’m glad he’s enjoying hisadventures, does he have to document every flower he sees? Oh, and the trade delegation—”

Strong arms slip around my waist, and the steady heat of Fen’s presence stills my rambling. He turns me to face him, his piercing eyes locking on mine.

“And I,” he says softly, his voice a low rumble that sends a shiver through me, “should not need a team of planners to get a moment alone with my wife.”

I exhale a laugh, the tension easing from my shoulders. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I miss you too.”

His lips quirk into the faintest of smiles. “Then perhaps we could—”

The sharp cry of our daughter slices through the quiet intimacy.

Baron–a white wolf much larger than any normal wolf–stirs from his nap by the fire and begins to whine as he makes his way to my daughter. He’s been her protector since she was born.

The baby dragon that was napping on his back is startled into the air. I grin as Yami squawks indignantly, but joins Baron nonetheless.

I groan, letting my forehead rest against his broad chest for a moment before pulling away. “And there goes that plan. Rock, paper, scissors to see who changes the Royal Princess’s diaper?”

Fen arches an eyebrow, his expression both bemused and exasperated. “I will never understand this strange human game of yours.”

I hold up my hand, already forming the first gesture. “That’s because you keep losing. Rock, paper—”

Before I can finish, Fen’s large hand closes into a fist.

“Paper,” I declare with a grin. “And paper beats rock. Daddy’s turn.”

Fen growls softly, leaning closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “One day, Arianna, I will claim victory in this ridiculous game.”

I kiss his cheek with an exaggerated smacking sound. “Good luck with that, Your Majesty.”

Baron nudges Fen’s legs as he stalks toward the cradle, grumbling under his breath. I watch him go, a tender smile tugging at my lips despite the chaos of the morning.

Soon, I tell myself. Soon, there will be time for just us again.

But not today.

As Fen takes over diaper duty, our daughter’s delighted giggles echo through the chamber, a rare reprieve from the ever-looming weight of the day ahead. He lifts her effortlessly, holding her high as her tiny hands clutch at his pointed fae ears.

No one was more astonished than Fen to discover he wasn’t just a vampire, but fae, and a powerful one at that.

“Clean and content,” Fen announces, his earlier stoicism softened by the tenderness he reserves for her. He presses a kiss to her forehead before turning his sharp gaze on me. “Though she seems to have inherited your stubbornness.”

I smirk, brushing the last strands of my braid into place. “You mean her brilliance and charm? Absolutely.”

“She also howls like a wolf when she’s hungry,” he retorts with a teasing glint in his eye.

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