Page 88 of Red Queen

“A valuable asset.” I study the ravens, their sleek feathers shimmering in the fading light. “And in battle?”

Eleanna’s smile turns wicked, a glint of mischief shimmering in her stare. “Oh, they are far from defenseless. Their talons are like blades, their beaks sharp as daggers. They will strike fear into the hearts of our foes on my command.”

I shake my head in amazement. “You never cease to surprise me, my Queen. Your resourcefulness knows no bounds.”

She leans into me, her fingers toying with the collar of my tunic. “I have to keep you on your toes, don’t I? Can’t have the great General Amanar growing complacent.”

I capture her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. “With you, complacency is an impossibility. You challenge me, inspire me, push me to be better than I ever thought possible.”

Her expression softens, a tenderness in her gaze that makes my heart ache. “And you, Alexandru, give me the strength to face our enemies.”

I pull her closer as I breathe in her scent. “Let’s gather my official and start a new plan to reclaim our homes and your rightful place on the throne.”

In the silence that follows, I realize that the union of our bodies, the sharing of blood, and the mingling of ancient lines are entwining us beyond mere politics or power. Despite my nature, despite the armor I wear as a warrior and would-be king, I am hers utterly, bound by chains forged of something far stronger than iron or tradition: love undeniable for this beautiful creature.

Chapter

Eighteen

Eleanna

We gather in the makeshift war room. The air’s thick with tension, each breath carrying the weight of battles past and the uncertainty of the one that looms before us. My fellow vampires—my allies in this dark hour—surround a worn table, their faces etched with concern.

“Eleanna,” Alexandru begins, his voice steady as ever, “we must consider the western pass. It’s narrow and treacherous, but it could lead us straight to Catarina’s stronghold undetected, where we can destroy The Darkened Pulse and extinguish her invulnerable power.”

I lean forward, tracing my finger over the map. “The element of surprise is crucial. But we can’t afford any missteps…the terrain will be as much our enemy as Catarina’s forces.”

Ivan nods gravely. “General Amanar, if I may, your scouts report heavy patrols in that area. Our numbers are not what they once were.”

Nicolai, gripping the hilt of his sword, shifts closer. “Then we strike swiftly. Like shades at dusk, silent but vicious.”

Marianne, her eyes alight with the fires of vengeance, nods. “We’ve trained for moments such as these. Persistence and control will be in our favor.”

“But let us not forget those we have lost. We fight not just for victory but for their memory as well,” Nadia says, her voice soft but firm.

Their words resonate within me, strengthening my purpose. We are united by more than just a common enemy; our shared losses bind us tightly together.

The General looks at me. “Eleanna, if there was another way, we’d take it.”

“Ivan—”

“Knows this. It’s his job to let me know the dangers and the odds.” Alexandru holds my gaze and I bite my lip. “It’s the only way, Eleanna.”

Then I frown. “The ravens…” They could help, scout. We’re not as disadvantaged as I thought, and from the look in his eye, he sees that, too.

“Then it’s settled,” I say, nodding. “We take the western pass, swift and steadfast. For our fallen, for our future.”

The meeting dissolves and the others depart.

Alexandru envelops my hand in his, his stare burning into me with fierce determination. “We will triumph in this war, my Queen. On my life, I swear it.”

My heart swells at his unwavering conviction. I lace my fingers through his, and savor the electric tingle of his touch. “And when we do, we’ll create a realm of lasting peace. A sanctuary where our people can flourish, free from the constantspecter of bloodshed.” I smile up at him, hope blossoming in my chest. “That’s the beautiful future I envision for us.”

He tightens his hand around mine as he draws me closer until mere inches separate us. The closeness ignites a smoldering yearning deep within me. “A future I’ll fight to my last breath to make real. For you, my beloved. For our kingdom.”

I tilt my head, a soft smile tugging at my lips. “Careful, General. You’re in danger of becoming a romantic.” My free hand traces the hard planes of his chest, the cool metal of his armor a tantalizing contrast to the searing heat building between us.

A roguish grin splits his handsome face. “I’ll show you just how romantic I can be.”

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