Chapter 85
CHAPTER 85
JULIET
T he High Council chambers are dark and foreboding, with high vaulted ceilings and walls lined with intricate carvings of ancient battles, Vampire legends etched into the very stone.
Rows of polished obsidian benches curve in a semi-circle around the raised platform where the King sits, House Blackthorne's crest looming large behind him—a sword wrapped with thorny vines against a dark banner. Prince Raine sits to the right of the King, his expression as unreadable as ever, and beside him, Lord Stryker—the King's brother—watches the room with the cold calculation of a predator.
Valaric and I sit between Lysander and Damar, in the section designated for House Greyvale. Despite my husband’s impassive expression, I can sense his underlying tension through our bond.
Some of the High Council members stare at me with admiration in their eyes, but others fix me with malevolent stares.
Damar warned me of this. Even though they witnessed the fated bond between Valaric and me with their own eyes, I am still human. And to most of the Council, my people are considered lesser beings.
I push down my discomfort and straighten my shoulders, forcing myself to meet their gazes head-on. I won’t let them see any weakness.
My gaze flickers back to the center of the chamber, where the King sits, his cold eyes sweeping over the nine Great Houses. His face betrays nothing, but I know he is calculating, assessing the threat we now pose. Because if people believe the prophecy is true, it could lend more strength to our Great House. And kings do not like to share power.
The door bursts open and a guard bows low to the King. “My King, your guests have arrived.”
He frowns. “What guests?”
Even as he asks this, I notice Prince Raine doesn’t appear surprised by this. Which makes me wonder if he has something planned.
“We were invited here by your crown prince,” a voice thunders from the hallway.
“Show them in,” Prince Raine says as he stands. He darts a glance at his father and I notice the king’s mouth is set in a hard line, his knuckles turning white as he grips the arms of his throne in an iron vise, trying but failing to hide his anger. It seems that whoever is here, he was not expecting.
My mouth drifts open as a Dark Elf walks through the door. He’s followed by a human woman with long blonde hair that I immediately recognize.
“Princess Inara?”
The Dark Elf must be her husband, King Varys.
“Lady Juliet Casterly,” she replies with a warm smile, but her expression quickly falls when she notices Valaric and Lysander on either side of me.
Raine gives me a curious glance before he turns back to them. “King Varys and Queen Inara,” he says by way of formal greeting.
A Dragon-shifter with silver-white scales and a deep scowl etched on his face, and another human woman with red hair enter the room behind them.
“King Aurdyn,” Prince Raine greets him, and then looks at the red-haired woman. “Queen Freyja.”
The Dragon King curls his tail protectively around his wife and folds his left wing around her shoulder as he levels a dark glare at the entire gathered assembly. “Fair warning,” he growls as black smoke curls out from his nostrils. “I know some of you have a taste for human blood. If anyone dares try to touch my queen, I will burn your entire kingdom to ash.”
King Corvin and several others stare at him in shock. This is the first time I’ve seen anything even remotely close to true fear in their faces.
“Aurdyn!” Queen Freyja gives him a pointed look as she places her hands on her hips. “We’ve talked about this. You cannot just go around threatening people.”
Several of the Vampires stare at her in disbelief, probably shocked that a human would dare speak to a Dragon in this way.
King Aurdyn tips up his chin. “I can if it involves your safety.”
“I’m not in any danger here.” She purses her lips. “You brought over a dozen of our warriors to escort us.”
King Corvin’s brows shoot up to his forehead. “You brought a dozen Dragons into my kingdom?”
“Seventeen,” Aurdyn corrects, not even a hint of an apology evident in his proud features. “I refuse to burden my warriors with more than two riders.”
“Two riders?” Corvin frowns. “What are you—”
“Each Dragon carried two Dark Elves.” King Varys of the Dark Elves steps forward. “I brought nearly two dozen of my own warriors.” Before the Vampire king can protest, he adds, “Our kingdom is at war with the Order of Mages. I’m sure you can understand our caution.” His gaze shifts to Prince Raine. “The last time we were here, you refused our offer of an alliance. We had to be sure we weren’t walking into a trap.”
King Aurdyn looks at King Corvin, his dragon wings flaring out behind him a moment before he tucks them again to his back. “We heard rumors that a mage attacked you here in the winter palace.”
King Corvin narrows his eyes at the Dragon King. “Tell me: how is it you are so well-informed about events in my royal court that happened only four nights ago, King Aurdyn?”
Prince Raine steps forward. “I sent word to them. To warn them in case the mages try something similar in their own courts.”
If looks could kill, Prince Raine would be dead judging by the glare his father directs at him.
“We warned you this could happen,” King Varys says. He looks at the Vampire king. “If the mages defeat our forces, they will come for your kingdom next.”
“You don’t know that for certain,” Lord Stryker says.
“It’s the truth,” Queen Inara says. “The Order of Mages has no loyalty. They tried to conquer my brother’s kingdom of Florin even though we had been allied with the mages for over two centuries.” She meets King Corvin’s gaze evenly. “They will not stop until they’ve conquered the seven realms.”
King Varys’s glowing blue eyes snap toward the far wall. “Who is that hiding in the shadows?” He immediately raises his hands, magic crackling across his fingers like lightning. “Show yourself,” he demands.
“Now now,” Aerlyx says, holding up his hands in surrender as he steps into the light. “There’s no need for violence.”
Inara gasps and Varys snarls at him. “What is the meaning of this?” He looks at Raine. “Why is there an Incubus here in your council chambers?”
“I’m with them,” Aerlyx gestures at us. “Trust me. I’m harmless.
Varys narrows his eyes, far from amused.
“But it seems we’ve gotten off to a bad start.” Aerlyx says, offering Varys his best grin and a flourishing bow. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Aerlyx the Great, Son of the Fourth House, Holder of the Sacred Chalice of Ryx, Heir to the Divine Rings of Tanos, and”—he winks at Damar—“Knight of the House of Greyvale.”
Aerlyx looks at Queen Inara and Queen Freyja and flashes a winning smile. “I have heard tales of your beauty, fair queens, but all of it pales in comparison to seeing you in the flesh.”
Aurdyn and Varys growl.
“Not now, Aerlyx,” Valaric hisses between his fangs.
“Fine.” Aerlyx sighs. “Don’t mind me. I’ll just be sitting silently in the corner.”
King Varys turns his attention back to the High Council and the Vampire king. “We came to you not long ago, seeking an alliance. You believe the war will not touch Morrowynd, but you are wrong. Why not join forces with us to put an end to this threat?”
King Aurdyn looks at King Corvin. “This was an attempt not only on your life, but also on those of your Council.” He gestures to everyone in the room. “They knew all of you would be gathered here. In one place.” He shakes his head. “The perfect chance to send the entire kingdom of Morrowynd into chaos in one fell swoop.”
“Our offer of an alliance still stands,” Queen Inara addresses the Council.
“Fight with us,” Queen Freyja says. “And we can defeat the mages and end this war once and for all.”
The entire council remains silent as King Corvin steps forward. “How do we know that this attack was not of your doing? To draw us into your war? To have us fight on your side?”
King Aurdyn gives him an incredulous look. “It was a mage that attacked you. Not one of our people. We are fighting the Order; not working with them.”
“What of High Mage Ylari?” the Vampire king’s eyes snap to Queen Inara. “Last I heard, he was still the High Mage of your brother’s court in Florin.” His gaze sweeps to her husband, King Varys. “And Florin is an ally of the Dark Elf kingdom now. Which means you are working with him as well, are you not?”
Queen Inara meets Corvin’s gaze evenly. “High Mage Ylari turned his back on the Order to side with my brother. He helped us win the battle when they attacked my brother’s kingdom.”
The Dark Elf King looks at Prince Raine. “When you invited us here, we thought your people were open to the idea of an alliance. And yet”—he darts a glance at King Corvin—“you are still undecided.”
King Corvin stands. “You are asking us to enter a war that has not yet touched our borders. We have not even determined if the mage who attacked my court was acting alone or with the blessing of the Order.” He darts a glance at his son. “This meeting was meant to present all options. So that we can decide upon the best course of action for our kingdom and our people.”
I’m surprised by the king’s statement. It’s obvious he was unaware Prince Raine had invited the Dark Elves and the Dragons to this meeting. But I suppose it makes sense that he would back his son like this. If the King’s own Great House were to appear anything less than united, it could be viewed as a weakness among the High Council.
“We will consider your offer of an alliance,” King Corvin says solemnly. “But for now, we have more pressing issues to attend.”
“Like the failure of your wards along the Northern Veil?” Queen Inara asks. Surprised by her question, King Corvin’s stoic mask slips a moment as she continues. “We’ve heard rumors the mages seek to tear down the wards that protect your kingdom in the north. They did this to the Great Wall along our own borders as well to try and weaken us.”
“Why would the mages seek to destroy the wards along the Northern Veil?” one of the Vampire lords asks. “It is there as much for our protection as it is for the rest of the seven realms.”
“It would divide your forces,” Valaric answers. He exchanges a glance with Prince Raine, and I remember him telling me they had already suspected the mage’s involvement in the attack on the wards.
Valaric continues. “It is the same tactic that Aralon used to finally drive the Vampires back during the Blood War. With the Northern Veil weakened, we would be forced to commit warriors to guarding the barrier, taking many away from the remaining borders should the mages decide to invade.”
“He’s right,” King Aurdyn says. He turns to my husband. “What is your name?”
“Lord Valaric Greyvale.” He dips his chin and then gestures to me. “And this is my true wife, Lady Juliet.”
The Dragon King looks just as surprised as the Dark Elf King at his statement, shocked to find a Vampire wed to a human.
Queen Inara turns to Valaric. “You were in the Blood Wars?”
“Yes. I fought for Aralon.”
“You were human.” She frowns. “One of the Shadow Blade.”
Valaric’s brow furrows. “How did you—”
“My grandfather told me stories of your bravery,” she says, eyes shining with admiration. “You were his First Knight.”
Valaric’s mouth drifts open. “Your mother was his daughter, Princess Talia.”
She nods. “She wed my father and became queen of Florin, creating an alliance between their two kingdoms. It is an honor to meet you, Lord Valaric Greyvale.” She looks at me and smiles. “And it is good to see you again, Lady Juliet.”
I smile in return. “And you as well, Queen Inara.”
King Aurdyn’s green eyes are practically blazing as he looks at King Corvin and Prince Raine. “Am I right in assuming we are wasting our time here?” He growls. “You invited us to address your High Council on the dangers posed by the Order of Mages, and yet you refuse to commit to an alliance when presented with the hard truth.”
His fiery gaze travels over the room. “The Order of Mages seems to have already decided to bring you into this war whether you want it or not. Now, you must choose which side you want to be on,” he snarls. “The longer you wait, the more opportunity you give them to force your hand to fight for their cause.”
King Varys’s glowing blue eyes sweep over the High Council. “If you ally yourselves with us, we will respect the sovereignty of your kingdom. But if you choose to side with the mages, they will give you no such assurances. And once they are done with the rest of us, I guarantee you they will turn their forces on your kingdom.”
He looks at Prince Raine and King Corvin. “They are determined to conquer and bring the seven realms under their absolute rule. Consider our offer.”
“And remember this.” The Dragon King levels a dark glare at the Vampire king. “If you dare try to cross us in any way, my people will burn your entire kingdom to ash.”
King Corvin’s eyes turn black as he grits through his fangs. “Threaten me or my kingdom again, and it will be the last thing you ever do.”
Aurdyn bristles. “I doubt you could—”
“Enough,” Varys’s sharp voice cuts through the tension. He looks at King Aurdyn and King Corvin. “Arguing amongst ourselves plays right into their hands. Remember who the real enemy is.”
He glances at Aurdyn. “We will await a raven with your decision.”
“You’re leaving so soon?” Prince Raine asks.
“Yes.” King Aurdyn gives the prince a pointed look. “We don’t have any more time to waste waiting here. We have a war to win.”
When they leave, the High Council begins to argue amongst themselves. Some of them calling for an alliance with the Dark Elves and the Dragons, and others insisting that Morrowynd remain out of the conflict, despite the mage’s attack a few nights ago.
“We will reconvene in a week to discuss this further,” King Corvin says, putting an end to the petty bickering. “I am done with this meeting. I’m leaving you in charge.” He glances over his shoulder at his son as he walks to the door. “I trust you can end this Council session on your own.”
Prince Raine dips his chin in a subtle nod, and his father leaves.
I’m not sure what to make of the king’s abrupt exit. Is he trying to show that his House is united by allowing his son to handle affairs? Or is he simply disinterested in anything else regarding this meeting?
Stryker stands to address the chamber. “Before this meeting ends, there is something else we need to discuss.” He glares at Valaric. “We cannot admit a human into the clan of a Great House.”
Valaric growls. “Lady Juliet is my true wife. As such, it is her right to be granted membership into the Clan.”
“He is correct,” Prince Raine says, taking my husband’s side as he gives his uncle a pointed look. “Their marriage has already been recognized by the crown.”
“While that is technically true,” Stryker continues. “What sort of message would we be sending the people of Morrowynd if we simply accepted anyone who wished to join a Great House?”
Lord Silverthorn narrows his eyes at Lord Stryker. “Are you suggesting that the Houses do not have autonomy concerning the internal affairs of their own clans?”
“If she were a Vampire, it would be different,” Stryker presses. “But she is not. She is human. And no human has ever been admitted to one of the clans. It is against tradition,” he states firmly. “Lady Juliet Greyvale must be turned.”
Terror fills me. Not everyone survives the change. Those who succumb die an agonizing death, even worse than the pain of the transformation itself.
“Lord Silverthorn is right,” Damar interjects. “It is the right of each House to govern their own internal affairs. The crown and the High Council do not dictate this.”
“Perhaps that should change,” Stryker argues. “I suggest we put it to a vote.”
Valaric shoots up from his chair, his red eyes blazing. “I believe you are confused. We did not come here for approval. We came here to inform the High Council of the new members to our clan.”
“This is an outrage!” another council member bursts out. “Are we truly going to allow a human to hold a title in one of the Great Houses?”
Stryker’s expression hardens. “We will not accept it.”
“You go too far, Uncle,” Raine’s eyes burn with anger. “You’ve had a chance to voice your discontent, but I will allow no more.” He grits his fangs. “Sit. Down. Now.”
“No.” Stryker bares his fangs. “If her husband will not turn her, we will do it ourselves.”
“You will not touch her.” Valaric seethes. A thunderous growl rumbles in his chest as his eyes change from red into a deep, ominous black as his gaze sweeps over the room. “If any of you dare try to harm my mate, know that I am the death that will come for you.”
The chamber falls silent, every council member staring in shock. Stryker takes a step back, studying Valaric warily. “Need I remind you that it is against our laws to harm one of our own kind, Lord Greyvale.”
Valaric levels a dark glare at him. “Your laws will not protect you from my wrath. Touch my mate and I will end you without hesitation. I swear it to the old gods and the new.”
“Juliet Greyvale is a member of our clan and Lady of Great House Greyvale.” Damar’s voice rings with authority as his sharp eyes travel over the room. “You’ve been informed of her title and status. Make no mistake. Any who dare try to harm her will be considered our enemy.” He looks at Stryker. “We’re done here.”
Stryker’s mouth drifts open, but he quickly snaps it shut as a circle of purple smoke appears beside us.
Aerlyx flashes a devilish grin and performs a mock bow for the Council. “It’s been lovely all of us getting together,” he says sarcastically. “But unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.” He turns to us. “Shall we?”
Valaric offers me his hand, and I slip my palm into his. Together, we step through the portal. The world goes dark, and when I blink, we’re back in the castle.
Damar turns to Aerlyx. “Thank you.”
Aerlyx grins, pleased by the acknowledgment.
Damar turns to the rest of us. “I believe our dramatic exit, combined with the fact that we have wolves here at the castle that can walk in the daylight, will make the other Houses hesitant to move against us.”
Valaric’s expression hardens. “I hope you are right.”
Crossing his arms, Aerlyx leans against the doorframe, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “I’ve always found that there’s nothing quite like a grand exit to ensure a lasting impression.”
Damar was wise to make Lysander a member of the Clan. If the wolves decide to join as well, we will be an even more formidable force.
My thoughts turn to the Order of Mages. Even if the other Houses leave us alone, I fear that war will come to us soon. And when it does, I pray that the gods will be on our side.