Page 18 of Lucy

I shrugged noncommittally. “I suppose there have been a lot of changes that I am getting used to.”

Viv came to my other side. “Let’s go show you off. We have a royal council meeting and we want you to be a part of it.”

I took a step back, faltering in my suede ankle boots. “I don’t know anything about vampire politics.”

Viv’s eyes were intent on mine. “We don’t expect you to solve the problems of our world, Lucy. But you are our sister and have every right to be there. You don’t have to say anything at all. Henry will be there as the captain of the vampire guard. If you want, we can include Marcus in this meeting as well.”

I did want that. For some reason it seemed right that if Henry was there, Marcus and I should be as well.

**

WE WALKED INTO THEroom just as Marcus had been about to sit down.

He missed the chair and landed on his ass.

While there was a flurry of movement from some of the others to check on Marcus, Henry didn’t move a muscle. Standing tall and proud, his gaze locked on mine the moment the three of us entered, and I felt the heat from his stare.

I could smell the different scents of the members of the council. But none were as prevalent as Marcus and Henry. I wanted to go to them and found my feet doing that very thing. Before I could stop myself, my hand was tucked into Henry’s.

Joanie was trying to suppress a smile as she slipped into her seat next to Adrian and Alden. Viv’s eyes danced with what could only be described as a big fat ‘I told you so’ expression.

Marcus, now off the floor, moved toward me. I went to let go of Henry’s hand, but Henry only tightened his grip. Marcus looked at Henry with a scowl on his face, but he didn’t say anything, only chose to stand on my other side.

Viv called out to a servant to arrange a spot with three chairs. The other members of the council were staring at us with rapt expressions.

Viv promptly called the meeting to order and they discussed the Alliance, Joanie’s parents, and problems in court. I found myself enjoying the intrigue and even offered my opinion on a miniscule point. Viv and Joanie had warned me that I wasn’t to disclose my magic, even to the council. And Henry had also given me a warning about sharing my witch side.

Which is why when the objects in the room started to levitate and spin, I sort of freaked out a little.

The thing was, I wasn’t the one causing the disturbance, and it wasn’t Henry either.

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