Page 13 of Wicked Allure
“General, congratulations.” A firm hand came to rest on Dru’s shoulder.
She turned, met by the council member, Caedmon Wells.
“Thank you, Councilman Wells.” Dru nodded.
In royal fashion, Lethia had garnered a celebration in secrecy. There wasn’t much that went undetected under Dru’s nose at the castle, but somehow Lethia had planned to promote her and then throw a party in her honor.
“I’ve always known you were special. I remember the day you made captain.” Wells chuckled.
Dru’s name was called out again. She bowed to him and made excuses. She didn’t have the energy to fall into a long discussion with the elder vampire. She remembered that day completely differently. There had been objections to her being made a captain.
Dressed in her formal uniform, she made her way through the throng of vampires. Her people loved a good party. The entire coven had to be here tonight. The ballroom had been transformed. The high vaulted ceilings reflected the flickering of candlelight in black iron chandeliers. Each flicker gave a soft appearance to the room where the shadows hid secret feedings from human donors.
Musicians played from a raised alcove, their stringed instruments weaving a magical sense of danger and elegance. Cerulean banners decorated the walls with the royal crest threaded in gold.
Dru continued on taking in the room decked out in her honor. She’d never had such an event thrown for her. Lethia had certainly outdone herself tonight.
Her gaze landed on the dais at the far end. Twin throne chairs draped in gold velvet sat empty. The music ceased, and the crowd fell quiet, the focus on the double doors opening. A royal guard stepped forward with a gold sash resting across his chest. He clicked his heels together.
“You have been graced with the presence of the royal couple. It is my great honor to introduce His Royal Majesty, ruler of North America, King Niall Riskel and her radiant Majesty, Queen Mira Riskel. All hail the royal house.” His voice carried through the air. He stepped to the side and bowed low.
The royal couple appeared in the doorway. King Niall, with his dark hair, was a dashing older vampire who was fit and still wielded his sword. Queen Mira was a beauty with long blonde hair styled into a high bun. Both had dressed in lavish luxury, as expected of a royal couple. The two made a beautiful couple, and both were deadly vampires.
Dru joined everyone in the customary bow to the royal couple. They made their way to the dais where they were seated on their thrones. Conversations resumed as well as the music.
“Why is the honorary guest hiding off in the corner?” Lethia appeared at Dru’s side.
Dru held back an eye roll and turned to her. Alima was at her side, their arms entwined.
“Your Highnesses.” Dru nodded to both of them.
Alima smiled at her and leaned into Lethia.
Dru blew out a deep breath. “I’m not hiding. I’m just taking it all in.”
“Whatever. You’re hiding, and don’t think you’re going to disappear from your party to go plotting on the enemy.” Lethia’s blue eyes twinkled with laughter. The commander apparently knew Dru only too well.
“You know, for a princess, you sure can be an ass,” Dru muttered. She shook her head. What else was she supposed to be doing? As the general of the eastern armies, it was her job now more than ever to ensure their warriors were ready.
“You may want to watch what you say to your commander.” Lethia tossed her a wink. “I’ve cut out tongues for lesser offenses.”
“Aye, that I know. I was right there beside you.” Dru folded her hands behind her back and turned to Lethia. “You just couldn’t give me a warning that you were going to promote me?”
Lethia threw back her head and laughed. “Why? So I can miss the look on your face? You didn’t have a clue what you were in for. I could see the gears in your brain turning.” She snickered.
“A heads-up would have been nice,” Dru muttered.
“Would it have made a difference? Would you have thought about it? Would you have declined the position? Which, I might add, you were not going to get the choice to do anyway.” Lethia eyed Dru and shrugged. “As I said, I should have done it long ago.”
A few attendees walked past them and offered their congratulations to Dru. She gave a curt nod to them and focused back on Lethia.
“I have been in the midst of?—”
“I don’t want to hear anything about the lycans, plans, attack battles, or anything that has to do with war at the moment. Save that for the morning.” Lethia rested a hand on Dru’s shoulder. “You’re to mingle. Take the night off. Find a donor to drink from, or better yet, go find a donor to fuck. It looks like it’s been a while since you’ve experienced the pleasure of a donor’s company.” She grinned.
“I beg your royal pardon?” Dru sputtered. Her private business need not be the concern of the princess. Lethia may be right that it had been a long while since she’d experienced the company of a lover, but she’d been knee-deep in her work.
“I am ordering you to go feed and fuck, General,” Lethia deadpanned.
