Marriage Blessings
Luka’s boots echoed down the corridor as he approached the great dining hall.
His steps faltered the closer he came. Despite how the servants scoured the floors and walls until the brush bristles flattened, he could still smell the iron twang of blood in the air.
The blood-soaked furnishings and drapery had been disposed of and replaced, but the heaviness of the atrocity still lingered.
He placed his hand on the door and swore he could hear his beloved’s sobs, and the visual of her trying to “fix” her dismembered companion kept him awake most nights.
He shook his head and took a deep breath before pushing forward. Instead of being greeted by screams, he was met by boisterous laughter that came from his honored guests, who were enjoying the finest ale Night Falls had to offer.
Seeing Ezra with his father brought a slight smile to his face. Duke Gustafson ruffled Ezra’s ashen hair, earning an annoyed look from his son, but the aggravation fled as soon as the duke kissed his son’s temple and shoved him away.
“Good evening, King Alesi. Thank you for gracing us with your presence,” Duke Mirren greeted, bringing everyone to their feet for a respectful salutation. They bowed as he approached the head of the table and remained standing until he sat.
“It is a pleasure to be in your company. I am forever grateful for your camaraderie and loyalty.”
“The pleasure is ours,” Duke Gustafson said, “And to prove our loyalty, we have a gift for you following our meal. Consider it a wedding blessing.”
“Speaking of wedding blessings, will the blushing bride be joining us?” Duke Brennan inquired as he motioned for a servant to refill his goblet.
“No, but she sends her regards.”
Duke Brennan nodded.
“While we are on the topic of weddings, I have an encouraging update,” Duke Mirren announced with a thunderous clap of his hands. “My district has blessed fourteen human-vampire unions since the amendment.”
“Fourteen? That’s magnificent,” Duke Brennan exclaimed. “However, I will raise you, my dear friend. My district has recorded three hybrid births since the amendment.”
Luka’s gaze unfocused as he considered the news.
For too long, he and his family stood between lovers.
They were forced into clandestine relationships—meeting in the inky cover of the shadows out of fear of being ripped apart.
They were forced to flee from their homeland to save their children from death.
His beloved could have suffered the same fate had her child lived.
He was responsible for misery beyond any quantifiable measure, and he wondered how he’d look his child in the face without feeling the plague of guilt.
“What is the situation with the wolves? Unfortunately, I’ve received conflicting intel,” Duke Mirren relayed. “One moment, the wolves are ready to invade Night Falls, the next, they are as quiet as mice. What is your conclusion, King Alesi?”
“They are too quiet for my comfort; however, I will do what I can to avoid unnecessary death and destruction in Night Falls,” Luka said. He kept the news of Beta David to himself. Only Ezra needed to be kept abreast.
“Will you give them the land they desire?” Duke Gustafson asked, raising a brow.
“Nay. It is a touchy matter. On one hand, we wouldn’t miss the land; it’s barely inhabited. But allowing the wolves to expand their territory would be unwise and downright negligent.”
Resounding murmurs of agreement rounded the table.
“May I offer a suggestion?” Ezra asked.
“Of course,” Luka answered.
“As you mentioned, the land in question is barely settled. Since the decree allowing hybrid unions, there has been a slight uptick in quarrels started by our pureblood-enthusiastic vampires. Tensions are high, and I fear they won’t lessen for some time.
We can threaten incarceration and fines in an attempt to deter the violence; however, we must be mindful of the message we want to relay.
Some would suggest we would be turning our backs on the vampires in favor of the humans. ”
“Which is farthest from the truth,” Duke Gustafson inserted.
“Precisely. Why don’t you offer the land to the human-vampire families to settle? For the opposing vampires, these families would be out of sight, out of mind, and the families may not feel compelled to look over their shoulders and can raise their families in peace,” Ezra suggested.
“That’s an interesting proposal, but how would we keep vampires from feeling that these families are receiving special consideration?” Duke Mirren asked, eyeing one of the female servants, who entered to refill with a lascivious gaze.
“They shouldn’t. If they wanted to inhabit the land, they would’ve.
If necessary, we can propose that any male hybrid born would have to perform their civic duties by joining the military at 16.
We can also impose a slightly higher tax rate on citizens who acquire property in the eastern lands.
I haven’t ironed out all the kinks, but it is a start. ”
The table fell silent as everyone considered Ezra’s proposal.
“I cannot find fault in your proposal, Lord Gustafson. However, I’d add a one-time tax payment upfront — nothing exorbitant, but enough to make any naysayers and complainers uncomfortable with the notion of relocating.
They may see it as a penalty against the hybrid families.
Duke Gustafson, you should be very pleased with your son.
He has never steered me wrong, and Night Falls would not fall into shambles if he were to ascend the throne. ”
Duke Gustafson nodded graciously and clapped Ezra on the back.
“The gods have blessed me so!” he exclaimed.
“I wouldn’t be so hasty to celebrate. There would be the logistical issue of heirs. Last I checked, two males couldn’t produce an offspring,” Duke Brennan mentioned.
Duke Gustafson shot him a toothy grin.
“We are only speaking hypothetically. No need to get technical.”
“Proceed with your proposal, Lord Gustafson. I wish to make an announcement as soon as possible.”
“Yes, my King.”
“King Alesi, we have another proposal for you,” Duke Brennan said, grabbing the king’s attention.
“What have you?”
“As you know, for a royal marriage to be certified, at least three noble or royal delegates must be present as witnesses.” He paused dramatically before saying, “You have three noble delegates present. Why not wed tonight?”
Luka recoiled in surprise.
“Your union wouldn’t be as grand, but it’d be safer,” Ezra mentioned. “We can keep the marriage silenced until after Matilda is turned. It’s not ideal; however, given the political climate, it might not be unfavorable.”
“And my heir?”
“You can make the announcement after Matilda is turned to avoid questioning his or her legitimacy, " Duke Mirren expressed, hoping King Alesi would agree. Night Falls needed his strong leadership, and he had faith that they’d be a country of reckoning if the throne was secured and the wolves were kept at bay.
“What say you?” Duke Brennan asked.
Luka only hesitated for a second before asking, “How soon can you all gather in the throne room?”