Page 16 of Fire & Ice

"I get will get right on that. Sorry to have pulled you away from my new sister-in-blood. How is she doing by the way? I heard she's from a prestigious vampire family and that she has amazing fire powers," Gabriel said, trying to lighten the mood.

I nodded in agreement, smiling slightly at the thought of her. "Yes, Tempest is amazing. She came here with no expectations, and she has exceeded all of mine. It's like we've known each other for years already, and our bond is getting stronger every minute."

Gabriel smiled softly. "That's good to hear," he said, before his expression became serious again. "Though I am curious as to what happened between you and Mary during her visit."

I sighed heavily, my expression darkening as I remembered all too well who Mary was– a Nature Halfling with no mate who had developed an infatuation with me during her stay in our kingdom.

"It was an... unfortunate situation," I replied slowly, not wanting to go into too much detail about it. "She had feelings for me that I didn't reciprocate even when I was unmated. Tempest called to me in my dreams and there could have never been another even had I not discovered her until after my one hundred and twenty-fifth Blood Moon."

Gabriel nodded sympathetically, " I understand. It must have been difficult for you to deal with. But now that you have found your mate, I hope that Mary understands and moves on."

I nodded, hoping that was the case. "Thank you, Gabriel. And make sure to keep me updated on the rogue vampire situation. We need to act fast before it's too late."

With that, I stood to leave the room, but then paused, "Also tomorrow there will probably be a dinner for the family and inner circle. I tend to be able to read our parents, and they want to chat with Tempest and I privately on the new moon, so I'm sure a lavish dinner will follow, brother."

Gabe chuckled in agreement, "Of course it will! Well, I look forward to meeting Tempest, for she is the reason that the crown gets to stay in our family after all."

I turned and left the room, my mind already racing with plans and ideas on how to stop the rogue vampires and protect our kingdom. As I walked down the hallway towards my chambers, I couldn't help but think about Tempest and how I couldn't wait to be back by her side, to feel her warmth and love.

Chapter 18

Beau

I gazed at Tempest. "The rest of the day is ours, my love. Is there anything that you want to do?" I asked.

"I would like it if I could see my friend Sara," she answered. "I haven't seen her since the night before the last Moonday Ball when she was also declared a Halfling. She came to court for her Halfling education, and it's been over four months since then, with nothing but me being able to send her letters."

"There are a few Sara’s here," I spoke, eager to help in any way I could. "I will have my guard, Marcus, find out more about her. What's her family name?"

"It's Andante," Tempest replied softly.

Mind-linking with Marcus, I asked for his presence. Seconds later, a knock at the door signaled his arrival. "You may enter, Marcus," I commanded, prompting him into the room.

Marcus walked in, his posture straight and serious. "My prince, what can I do for you?" he asked, his gaze flickering briefly towards Tempest before returning to me.

"I have a task for you," I said evenly. "Tempest has a friend here, Sara Andante. I want you to locate her and arrange a meeting with Tempest if possible."

Marcus nodded curtly in response, his expression remaining stoic. "Very well, my Lord. I will start gathering information immediately."

"Thank you," Tempest said appreciatively before turning to me with a smile on her face. “I've missed her so much, and I can't wait to see her. It's been almost six full turns of the moon since I've seen her last."

"Of course, princess," Marcus said bowing and turning to leave the chamber.

"Wait!" I called out suddenly, raising my hand to stop him from leaving yet—an idea popping into my mind. "Before that...I would like to have you give Tempest a blood oath, so that you may be of service to her as well."

Marcus took a step forward, his eyes flickering over Tempest. He looked surprised but quickly schooled his expression. "It would be an honor," he said, bowing his head respectfully.

I nodded in agreement, knowing that a blood oath would cement Marcus's loyalty to Tempest. "Very well," I said, gesturing for Marcus to approach us. "Kneel before Tempest," I commanded, my tone firm.

Marcus did as he was told, kneeling in front of Tempest and holding out his wrist. "I offer my blood freely, my princess," he said solemnly.

Tempest looked surprised but also slightly uncomfortable. "I'm not sure if this is necessary," she said hesitantly, looking at me for guidance.

"It's a tradition," I explained, placing a hand on her shoulder. "It's important that those who serve you, especially guards, are bound to you by blood. You must accept his oath if you want him to serve you."

Tempest nodded, steeling herself as she took Marcus's wrist and bit into it. As she drank his blood, a look of intense concentration crossed her face, and I could feel the power coursing through her veins. After a few moments, she released him, wiping her mouth with a handkerchief she pulled from her dress pocket.

“I am bound to you by blood, my princess," Marcus said, rising to his feet with a look of reverence in his eyes, his voice filled with loyalty. "I will protect you with my life and serve you until the end of my days."

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