Page 29 of Bitten

In the king’s rooms…

“Bring me up to date,” the king murmured.

Theis looked across the desk where the king sat, looking most lost that morning. His royal gaze continued to drift to Noah’s and Eilam’s, soft smiles crossing his lips. It wasn’t how Theis was used to seeing his king.

For months, the King of Midnight had avoided the mating call. Theis understood completely how hard it was to ignore. He’d tried it when he’d met Colm, and hedged when he’d met Reese—but the desire to love and be loved drew him closer and closer to his destiny.

“Ralnur stopped eating,” Theis said. “For several days, he ingested nothing. He’s borne a great burden to his mind and spirit because of it.”

“Days?” the king asked, his head swinging to face Theis. “And you’re just now telling me?”

“I didn’t think you didn’t need the added stress of that on your shoulders,” Theis said. “You had the ball to plan and a much-needed vacation.” Vacation? The king had been gone all of two days—but there had been little time for them to spare with everything going on in the kingdom.

“You don’t get to choose what I know and don’t,” the king spat.

“I only hoped you could have a few days of happiness—before you had to face the news,” Theis murmured. “I know the decision on what to do already weighs heavily on your shoulders. I didn’t want to add more weight.”

The king’s frown faded some. “I appreciate your attempt to lessen my burden, but never keep news of such away from me.”

Theis bowed his head. “Of course, Your Majesty.”

“Has he finally eaten?”

“Yes and no,” Theis said. “They had to force blood into his body.”

The king’s face remained numb to that news. “Has your researcher found anything in the archives?”

“Not yet. I’m still hopeful he’ll find something.”

The king rose and walked closer to Eilam, who rested on the arm of one of the newer, larger chairs in the office. The pair were more fit for the two huge bear shifters the king had mated. The king paused beside Eilam, resting a hand on his mate’s shoulder. “What do you think I should do with Ralnur?”

“He’s done nothing to show he’s a threat thus far. I think you bring him back here to the castle. Being surrounded by friends and family might give him reason to remain with the living,” Eilam said.

“His very existence is illegal,” Theis countered. “Bringing him here could show that you support his transition… and give the people an idea you might allow him back into the royal court.”

“Back in? He never left it. He is a Prince of Midnight,” the king said, glaring. “And he has always been a stalwart supporter… a wise voice… and a kind, benevolent father to me.” The king paused, lowering his head. “I already withheld treatment from him—trying to remain lawful and right. But now? Fate stepped in and brought my uncle back to me. Perhaps there is a reason.”

“Could it be that the vampires are trying to force your hand?” Noah asked. “One way or the other… you either set a dangerous precedent by saving him, or you show yourself as a heartless ruler if you demand his death. The residents of the city won’t like whichever decision you make—weakening your rule.”

“I’ve had much the same thought,” the king said. “I don’t know which decision might be the one to cause the city’s demise. I know which one feels worse to me.” He paused, shaking his head. “For now—we hope Theis’ researcher comes up with a how… and maybe a why of my uncle’s conversion. Until then, I agree—I want him close. We can create a room similar to his at the hospital, under guard from my own force. With the same wards… and I bring a team of healers here to offer him care.” He turned to face Noah and Theis. “And I hate that he’s sitting in that hospital room, alone and afraid, worried what I might choose. I think Eilam is right. We bring him here—home where he belongs.”

“And Varian?” Eilam asked. Ralnur’s son had been imprisoned for placing a tracker spell on the king—as demanded by the vampires.

But they demanded it for the safe return of Ralnur. Varian had only been trying to save his father. Theis was glad he wasn’t the one to stand in judgment of the male.

“Varian committed treason,” Noah spat. “He should remain confined.”

“Yes, but Ralnur’s health could improve with regular visits from his son,” Eilam said. “We should consider using the dungeons below so they can be close.”

“We haven’t used the dungeons in decades,” the king said. “I don’t know that they’re in shape to hold a prisoner.”

“Snap your fingers,” Noah said, lifting a brow. “It’s how you get everything else you want.”

The king’s eyes flared with a haughty light before a small smile crossed his lips while glaring at his mate. “I always get what I want… Test me and I’ll show you.”

Noah’s only response was to smile widely. Theis suddenly felt like a fourth wheel and was ready to leave the trio to whatever they wished to do. But he had a last bit of information to pass on. “Before I leave, we haven’t discussed the three humans still staying in my home. I can’t continue to keep them prisoner forever,” Theis said. “Of course, my mate wants them to remain, but they can’t continue here in this limbo.”

Theis’ human mate Reese had arrived in Midnight with his four best friends. The five led a show in the human world, a program where they chased after paranormal beings. That search into the unknown had led them to Midnight. Reese and one other were found to ultimately be shifter mates. The final three still sat imprisoned in Theis’ home under the guise of being guests. Unmated humans without abilities were not allowed into Midnight.

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