Page 60 of Fire & Ice

"I love you," I whispered.

"I love you too. Now we just have to tell my parents and the council what has happened today, and something in my gut tells me Deakon may have been a part of this somehow. Now tell me, are you sure that you're alright?" Beau asked, his voice breathy.

"I'm fine," I said, her eyes taking in Beau's naked body as he pulled me up and around in his arms. "It's just... you know... after everything we just experienced, that ring thing."

He rested his chin on the top of my head. "That wasn't you, Tempest, and whatever you saw or did while you were under Charlie's spell, whatever it was, you know that it wasn't real."

"I know."

"I know that the spell was supposed to make me forget you," Beau said, his eyes flickering over my face. "But I could never forget your face, Tempest."

Chapter 49

Tempest

Everyone was already gathered around the Court's round table when we arrived. The King and Queen holding court, perched on their dais, watching, and waiting for Beau and I to arrive. Marcus followed close behind us, his eyes glued to us in case anything else unexpected were to occur.

The King was swirling a glass of blood around in his hand and the Queen sat regally waiting for her son. Her eyes sought him when the door opened, then narrowed as she took in the serious expression shadowing my face.

"The masquerade ball was quite festive," Councilman Lacey was saying." The most attendance we've seen in a while and a great show of support for our future rulers. I can't say that I'll..."

"We've got a problem."

Deakon swallowed the rest of his words at Beau's interruption.

"Problems do take precedence over masquerade balls," the king said, placing his goblet on the side table before standing. "What is it, Beau?"

"Sara and Charlie Snowden," Beau breathed out slowly. "We'll they were a problem."

"What have they done?" the queen asked.

"In addition to the weather anomalies, they attempted to put Tempest and myself under some sort of spell to make us forget about one another and to fall into desire with them instead."

I stretched out my hands to the queen, "Using these trinkets."

The room was deathly quiet as the King and Queen processed the information. Beau and I stood as we listened to the silence, the air thick and heavy with fear.

"What was the outcome of this spell?" the queen asked, her brows furrowed.

"All that matters is that it didn't work, and I drained Charlie dry. We stopped Sara together."

"That's impossible. The spell should have been effective the moment you were in proximity with them," Deakon whispered to himself.

"We don't think they were working alone," Beau said quietly.

Silence sifted through the room as Beau's words hung heavy in the air. The court sat quietly, waiting for the King to speak.

"We will remedy this situation immediately! Marcus, I want you to..."

"That's not necessary, Your Highness," Marcus said standing. "I have already placed two of my finest on it. Beau has shared his suspicions with me, and the outstanding culprit will be dealt with this very night."

"See to it!" the King ordered.

"Yes, Your Highness."

The queen stood from her seat, "Everyone leave. Beau and Tempest, please stay behind so we may have a moment in private."

The vampire Court nodded as they followed Marcus out of the Court Chambers, leaving Beau and I alone with his parents.

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