Page 125 of Hunters and Hydrangeas

Movement catches my eye, drawing my attention. Duncan, the archduke who ruled before Etienne, heads to the front of the room and stands behind a lectern on a raised podium.

Like Jorgen, the previous archduke appears to be no more than thirty years old, even though he ruled for a hundred years before he decided to relinquish his throne. He’s good-looking, as all vampires are, with thick, reddish-brown hair. He speaks witha Scottish accent as he addresses the esteemed crowd, calling them to attention.

I lean close to Noah and whisper, “Are you nervous?”

We watch Norman Hall, a South African prince, join Duncan and formally accept his nomination.

“I’m not looking forward to it,” he admits.

“You’ll do fine.”

“Cassian Chevalier,” Duncan announces. All eyes move to Noah as he stands.

My husband looks painfully handsome in his tux, even in a room full of beautiful vampires, and people watch him as he takes his place next to Duncan.

“I am Montgomery York,” he announces. “Prince Cassian’s registered heir, and I am formally accepting the nomination on his behalf.”

Duncan nods, making the note in his book. The attendees applaud tastefully as Noah gives the room a tight smile and walks back to our table.

“You did well.” I squeeze his hand.

“I’m just glad it’s over.”

We sit quietly through the rest of the ceremony. There are a total of five nominations, with Jameson’s name conspicuously missing.

Not wanting to mar tonight’s festivities, the committee decided the vote to determine Jameson and Gerald’s fates will be held tomorrow morning. They are currently being held in the castle dungeons, with no less than three NIHA guards on watch at all times. It serves them right.

People linger after Duncan ends the official ceremony, but Noah turns to me. “Would you like to take a walk through the gardens?”

“You’re talking my love language.” We excuse ourselves from the table, saying goodbye to Jorgen and his wife, and then stepoutside the open door at the far right of the room. A large balcony looks across the grounds. Several people are outside enjoying the moonlight.

Noah and I walk down the stairs and through the roses and topiaries, ending up in a garden alcove that’s planted with hydrangeas that are in full bloom.

“This is beautiful,” I say, watching the moon rise above the bushes.

Noah’s eyes slide over my face. “So beautiful.”

I catch him and smile. “Are you talking about the garden?”

He smirks. “No.”

I walk over to him, enjoying the sway of the dress. “Then that was very cliché.”

“It’s a classic for a reason.” He draws me in close, kissing me.

I sigh against him, perfectly at peace. “I hate that we have to go home tomorrow.”

“We’ll stay longer next time.”

“Do you think we’ll be back?”

“If Cassian takes the throne, he’ll command visits. He’s difficult like that.”

“I hope he’s all right,” I say, my worry over his illness shadowing my relief.

“He sounded a little better when I talked to him earlier. Hopefully, the antiviral medicine has started working.”

Max and Olivia arrived during dinner, and they’re at the hospital with him now.

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