Page 78 of Royal Bite
Cezar strode forward and paused in front of the double doors at the end of the hallway. Stormey grew nervous and faced Hegna once they arrived behind him. She just had to know what she was about to walk into.
“What is this?” she asked.
Hegna rested her hands on Stormey’s shoulders. Her vampire relaxed slightly with a small smile gracing her lips. Stormey trusted Hegna completely. Her vampire would never place her in danger. Their guards stood around them, and Stormey could admit she had never felt safer than she did at this moment.
“If you are to be at my side as a princess and my mate,” Hegna began.
Stormey’s heart pounded at her chest. Hegna was actually speaking of a future with Stormey at her side. Stormey remained silent so Hegna could continue. So many thoughts were flowing through her mind that it was hard to concentrate on what Hegna was saying.
“Councilman Vilson insisted that we have a small soirée to officially introduce you to members of the coven.”
“This party is for us?”
“Really it’s to welcome you, miere.” Hegna dropped a soft kiss to her lips. “Tonight is for you to shine. Let’s enjoy the festivities.”
Stormey nodded. Her heart thumped away. If she didn’t know any better, she would swear it was trying to drill its way out. She swallowed hard then stood to her full height. If Hegna could go off and face down lycans, then she could go in this room and face the vampires who made up their coven.
“I’m ready,” Stormey announced.
Hegna turned to Cesar and nodded. He opened both doors and stepped to the side. Hegna slid her arm around Stormey’s waist. They walked through the door and paused. Stormey would have never taken Hegna as person who made a dramatic entrance at a party.
Cesar strode forward before them with his head held high. He and the others were dressed in a different uniform. One that Stormey assumed was their formal dress.
Stormey leaned into Hegna while waiting for her to move. The dim room fell silent as she and Hegna became the main focus. Stormey was shocked to see a ballroom. She would have never guessed that a room this size would be underground. The ceilings had to be about ten feet tall, giving the sense they were aboveground.
“Her Royal Highness, Princes Hegna Riskel, heir to the throne, warden of middle America, and her mate, Miss Stormey Jaymes,” he called out. He stepped to the side and gave a deep bow to her and Hegna.
Light classical music played again, floating through the air from the live musicians who were in one corner. The decor was dark and bold with no expense spared on it. Multiple large crystal chandeliers hung along the trayed ceiling. Tables covered in black cloths, with spectacular centerpieces, adorned the surface. A dance floor was in the center where couples moved around in a fashion of dance from the nineteenth century. Stormey recognized the dances from old movies she’d watched.
Vampires dressed in formalwear were scattered around the room. A few platforms were arranged with scantily clad human men and woman dancing as entertainment.
“This is for us?” Stormey whispered. She eyed the amount of people. “This is small?”
“Yes.” Hegna snorted and gave her a squeeze. “According to Councilman Vilson, this is small. Come, miere. Let’s go and mingle.”
Stormey smiled and walked along with Hegna. There wasn’t anywhere she wouldn’t follow this woman. This was to be her life. At Hegna’s side, serving their people.
A tall gentleman who appeared to be around sixty approached them. “Your Grace. You have impeccable timing.” He bowed to her and then leveled Stormey with his gaze. His lips curved up into a smile. “And your mate is as beautiful as I’ve heard.”
He reached out a hand to her. She took it in a light shake. Surprisingly, his hand was cool to touch. Hegna was completely opposite, always being warm.
“Thank you.” Stormey smiled. She wasn’t sure who he was, but from his suit and the cape swinging behind him, she assumed he must be one of the council members.
“Councilmen Vilson. I see you have gone above and beyond yourself as usual,” Hegna said. She kept her arm around Stormey’s waist. She brought Stormey flush to her once he dropped Stormey’s hand.
“But of course, Your Grace. It would be an insult if I did not honor you and your mate in this fashion. We want to make sure Miss Jaymes feels welcomed.” His smile revealed his fangs. He turned to Hegna. “May I escort you around?”
“I don’t think that is necessary, Councilman,” Hegna said. She glanced away from him, scanning the room with her sharp gaze. “My mate and I will be okay. I’m sure you have much to attend to with this size of a party.”
“Ah, you are right. There is always something that will need to be addressed. Now that you are here, our live entertainment can begin.”
There was a devilish glint in his eyes, and Stormy was curious on what he had planned. He gave a deep bow to the both of them and disappeared into the crowd.
“Come, miere. Let’s continue.”
They made their way around the tenure ballroom. Time flew past. Stormey lost track of how much time it took for them to mingle and speak with a lot of the vampires. She felt welcomed by all but was unsure if it was because Hegna was at her side or if they were being true with their warm greetings.
Stormey would not be able to remember everyone’s name. There were too many people who wanted to meet her and have a moment of Hegna’s time. Stormey watched Hegna and was in awe of what she saw. This was another part of her she was learning about. The woman was a true royal. The vampires clustered around her, vying for her attention. They were kind to Stormey, and some even asked her questions about herself, but the true star was Hegna, their future queen.
