Page 9 of Red Queen

Ivan’s conviction is unyielding, and I find solace in it, even as the weight of command presses down upon me.

“Most definitely, old friend.” I stop my pacing and turn to him. “We lay low once we know where she is and see how it plays out.”

I swallow hard and every time I close my eyes I can see that flowing red hair, the dark red gown and tight black bodice. A queen. Cruel. Ruthless. Beautiful.

“Why should I give a fuck about her fate?” I mutter.

“Because despite everything, you still wear the ring she gave you.” His voice is softer now.

He nods toward my hand where a band of silver, etched with raven wings, encircles my finger—a shackle of a different kind. I’ve never taken it off since the Mistress of Ravens herself gave it to me with a promise that never came to be.

“Damn you, Ivan. You always make me face my ugly truths,” I growl, but he’s right.

Deep down, I fear Catarina’s threats as though they are directed at me because, in a way, they are.

“General Amanar, we will be ready for the fight when the time comes,” Ivan says.

Eleanna, the woman who once commanded my heart and now incites my fury can still cause chaos when she’s gone to ground. In me, anyway.

From near the high gates a horse and ride are allowed in. The first, I hope, of many.

Others came during the night, but this one is in heavy cloaks, and probably either from the battle or one who didn’t attend. Time will tell.

Ivan joins me. “They are arriving, the next wave of our allies. Time to go down and greet.”

The snow makes the morning brighter and the steamy breath of the horse puffs up as they head to the stables.

The sun hasn’t quite breached the horizon, but its brightness chases the shadows, and soon we’ll have more arriving to join those who came in the night.

We disappear into the shadowed halls of the fortress. How many of Catarina’s army laid waste to good vampires? She doesn’t just want the Sagori crown. A woman like Catarina wants to reshape all with her as a goddess. An absolute ruler.

A deep-seated worry expands in my chest, worry that she’ll come after me next and try to destroy everything I have built for my own people, my loyal soldiers, and my friends. Catarina’s greed and aspiration for dominance will no doubt spread like a disease throughout the realm.

No, she will not be content with just Eleanna’s throne. She will want it all. And that includes unanimous loyalty.

She’s dangerous on many levels. And perhaps crueler than Eleanna.

“General Alexandru.” Ivan’s voice slices through the silence that blankets us as we walk the halls of my castle. “We should have been bombarded by more during the night. And not one rider just now, but many. I think we must gather our allies in secret. I fear Catarina’s ambition knows no bounds; she will come for us next.”

A knot tightens in my gut, an undeclared agreement forming. My nod is all the confirmation Ivan needs. “I know, my friend. I have been thinking the same. To the world we need to be seen as bipartisan. But inside? We must act quickly before her militiaspills over into other kingdoms and realms. We will remain silhouettes among the darkness. Ghosts to those who dare cross us.”

“I’ve sent riders to the western border,” he says.

“Without running it by me?”

I don’t miss his small smile. “You would have ordered it.”

“Definitely. If there are vampires who will join the cause against Catarina, that’s where we’ll start.” My voice is a low growl, the sound of a general commanding his troops. “And we’ll take in those who wish to shelter here. Quietly.”

“Understood, General Amanar.”

One of his men scurries up and hands him some slips of parchment. And he nods. I keep walking, letting them exchange words. Already I can hear voices rise up from the great hall.

Ivan catches up with me. “Word from the first of our loyalists’ hidden enclaves to the east and south.”

“And?”

“Riders are on the way. And they all sent pledges of allegiance to join your cause.”

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