Chapter 15
CHAPTER 15
JULIET
T he sound of people talking brings me back into awareness. Blinking my eyes open, I roll onto my side and see Valaric standing at the door, speaking to Minda.
I bite my bottom lip to stifle a laugh as I hear her giving my new husband a hard time, telling him he’d better make sure I’m happy in our marriage.
He may be a Vampire, but he is also a good man. I walk up behind him, ready to defend him to the nice but rather nosy innkeeper, when I see her offer him her necklace.
Valaric goes completely still. “Where on earth did you get this?” he rasps.
He appears so visibly stunned, I rest a hand on his forearm to let him know I am here. His left wing curls instinctively around my shoulder, tugging me into his side.
“I knew you looked familiar,” Minda says. “And when you gave me your name, I was certain.”
“Of what?” Valaric asks, his gaze still fixed upon the pendant.
Tears gloss her eyes. “Fifty-two years ago, you gave this to a frightened little girl who’d gotten separated from her family during the evacuation of Belgrane. You told her it was charmed to give good fortune and protection to the wearer, and you helped her find her mother.”
“That was you,” he murmurs, his voice barely a whisper.
“I was seven years old; I’ve carried it with me ever since.”
“We failed you.” Regret lines his handsome features. “So many were lost.”
Tears sting my eyes at the devastated look on my husband’s face.
“But many were saved as well,” Minda admonishes. “Thanks to the sacrifices made by the Shadow Blade.” She offers him the necklace. “I believe it is time to return this to its owner.”
“I’m not him.” He lowers his head in shame. “I’ve already told you. Even if I wish I were, I am not that man anymore.”
Minda takes Valaric’s hand and places the chain in his palm, closing his fingers around it. “Perhaps this will help you remember who you are.” Her eyes sweep to me. “Now, see to your new bride, Sir Valaric, First Knight of the Shadow Blade, and Lord of the Greyvale. Bernyd will retrieve your horse.”
“Would it be possible for us to leave out the back?” I ask Minda. “I’d like to avoid any unwanted attention.”
She glances down the hallway and nods.
Valaric looks at Minda. “Are there any hunters in this village?”
“A few pass through here from time to time.”
He narrows his eyes. “Do you believe we’ll have any trouble from them?”
“No one has disappeared. You haven’t given them a reason to come after you.”
“Most hunters kill for the sport of it,” he grits through his fangs. “You know this as well as I do.”
Minda sighs heavily. “Harvik’s got a big mouth on him. After the terrible fright you gave him last night when he was trying to flirt with your wife, I’m sure half the town already knows about you. But don’t you worry,” she says. “I know everybody that lives here. I’ll spread the word of who you are, and I’m sure they’ll all calm down in no time. I believe the hunters will leave you alone.”
“When you speak to them, make sure they understand.” Valaric tightens his wing possessively around my shoulder and growls low in his throat. “I protect what is mine.”
Her eyes widen slightly. “I’ll be sure to warn them against trying anything foolish.”
“What about the storm?” I glance at the window. “Is it safe enough to travel?”
“The worst of it has passed, and the winds have died down,” Minda replies. She gestures down the hallway. “Bernyd will retrieve your horse and meet you out the back.”
Valaric turns to me. “Dress quickly. We should return to the castle as soon as possible.”
I grab my clothes and make my way to the cleansing room to change. Valaric seems more concerned for my safety than his own. I know he’s fast and strong, but I’m still worried about him. Despite Minda’s reassurances, I worry that an angry mob carrying pitchforks and torches may decide to descend upon the inn.
With that in mind, I give Minda another three gold coins for the clothing. It’s more than the items are worth, but she’s been kind to us, and I want to leave a favorable impression of the Lord and Lady of Greyvale castle.
When we step outside, the landscape is covered in ice and snow. Snowflakes whirl on the icy wind, and icicles hang from the edge of the roof, glittering in the moonlight.
The cold air burns my lungs and my breath fogs with each exhalation. I’ll be glad to get back to the castle.
Valaric draws my heavy cloak tighter around my shoulders, making sure I’m completely covered. “Are you warm enough?” he asks as he secures the fastenings.
He pulls my hood over my head, tucking my hair inside. I love how caring and attentive he is to my needs. “Yes.”
Minda’s husband rushes up to us. “Wait here while I fetch your mare.”
“That is not necessary.” Valaric waves him off. “Send someone to return it to the castle when the snow is melted, and they will be paid handsomely.”
Bernyd nods, and I turn to my husband. “Don’t we need a horse?”
He lifts one brow as he spreads his wings.
“We’re going to fly?” I ask a bit skeptically as a strong wind whips around us.
“Yes.”
A startled gasp sounds nearby and I look around Valaric to see an old woman rushing to the stables, trying to place as much distance between her and my Vampire husband as possible.
“Good evening! Lovely night, is it not?” I wave and flash my brightest smile, hoping it will ease her fears a bit.
She gapes at me as if I have two heads before scurrying away.
Another man ushers his wife and small child back into their house next door as soon as he sees us.
It’s only a matter of time before the villagers’ fear gives way to anger. Corvania may be in the kingdom of Morrowynd, but its inhabitants have little love for their Vampire rulers. I turn to Valaric. “We need to leave. Now.”
Snowflakes whirl around us with the blustering wind, catching in our hair and cloaks. “You’re sure we can fly in this?” I ask, a bit hesitant.
Instead of answering, he cocks his head to one side. “Do you trust me?”
I’m surprised he questions this, especially since I slept wrapped up in his arms for the past two days. “Yes. Of course, I do.”
His expression softens. Gently, he places one arm behind my back and another up under my knees, lifting me to his chest as if I were light as a feather. “Hold on to me,” he instructs.
I wrap my arms around his neck as he flexes his wings. With a whirl of snow and wind, we lift into the air. The ground falls away beneath us as we spiral up toward the night sky.
My stomach twists as I glance down at the earth, watching the village grow smaller in the distance. A wave of dizziness washes over me, and I turn my head and bury my face in Valaric’s shoulder, holding tightly to him.
“It’s all right.” His voice is warm and comforting. “I’ve got you, Juliet. I won’t let you fall. My vow.”
“I’m sorry.” My words come out muffled against his chest as I apologize for what I’m sure must be a death grip around his neck as I cling to him in fear.
“Don’t be,” he murmurs. “This is your first time flying. It’s only natural you might be afraid.” He nuzzles the top of my head. “I’ll fly a bit lower. All right?”
Despite my worry, I somehow manage to nod against his chest. I hate that I’m so scared. He told me Vampires respect strength, and I don’t want him to think I’m weak.
Drawing in a deep breath, I steel myself and lift my head to look down. Bright moonlight paints the snowy landscape in silver and shadows as Valaric glides above the forest, weaving through the snow-capped trees.
I’m glad we’re not as high up as we were before, and my heart no longer feels as if it will beat out of my chest. Feeling a bit more secure, I loosen my grip around his neck. Now that I’m not worried about falling to my death, I can appreciate how spectacular the view is from up here.
I gaze down at the river beneath us—a ribbon of silver cutting through the woods as moonlight reflects off the water’s surface. It rushes over the edge of a cliff, dropping into a large pool below before continuing on down the mountain toward the village.
“We’re almost there.” Valaric’s voice is a soothing rumble against my ear.
He beats his wings furiously, picking up speed as we fly up the mountainside. Several bright spots of light flicker in the distance. Squinting my eyes, I can just barely make out the dozens of lit torches around the outer wall of the castle, shining like a beacon in the darkness.
Valaric flies over the main gate and straight to the balcony of my room. Still holding me in his arms, he touches down so gently, I’m not even sure we’ve landed until he starts for the door. He pushes it open and then kicks it shut behind us.
He carries me to the sofa and carefully sets me down before he removes my damp cloak. Ripping one of the fur blankets from my bed, he drapes it around my body and then turns his attention to the fireplace. It doesn’t take him long to start a fire in the hearth.
“About time you two showed up,” Elsie says from the doorway, hands planted on her hips. “Do you have any idea how worried we were?”
Valaric opens his mouth to speak, but she cuts him off. “Eben and Cole tried searching for you, but the storm was so bad, they had to return.” She shakes her head. “We feared the worst.”
“I’m sorry you were so worried,” I tell her. “I—”
“Where were you these past two days?”
“The local inn in Corvania,” Valaric says.
Judging by the shocked look on her face, it’s the last answer she expected to receive.
“Corvania?” Eben walks in, shaking his head. “They hate Vampires there.”
“Aye,” Elsie agrees. “When we go for supplies, we’ve always been careful not to let them know what you are. There are a few hunters that frequent that town, you know.”
Worry tightens my chest. Now that they know Valaric is a Vampire, I pray they don’t send someone to try to assassinate him. Hopefully, the innkeeper and her husband will be able to assuage their fears.
Eben looks at Valaric. “Did you run into any trouble while you were there?”
“Nothing I couldn’t handle,” he replies darkly, and I’m sure he’s thinking of Harvik—the drunkard that tried to flirt with me. Valaric looks between Eben and Elsie. “I’ve arranged for someone to bring the mare back once the snow has thawed.”
Valaric turns back to me and kneels. He takes both my hands, blowing gently on my palms before rubbing them between his own to drive away the chill that still clings to my skin. “Are you warm enough? Do you need anything?”
I’m completely mesmerized as his eyes search mine, his thumbs tracing small circles across my knuckles. “I’ll be fine.”
“Let’s get you into a nice hot bath,” Elsie says. “Then, we’ll find you something a bit warmer to wear.” Her eyes drift to my neck, widening slightly when her gaze lands on the two puncture marks. She quickly masks her surprise with a cheerful grin. “You must be hungry. I made a delicious venison stew I believe you’ll like.”
Before I can say anything, she turns her attention to Valaric. “And you,” she says sternly. “You should go hunting as well.”
“I’m fine,” he protests.
“Nonsense.” She waves a dismissive hand at him. “We’ll take care of your lovely bride while you’re gone.”
Valaric looks at me, and I give him an encouraging nod. “She’s right. You should go. I’ll be all right.”
He presses a tender kiss to the back of one hand, and my cheeks flush with warmth. “I will return to you soon.”
“Be careful,” I tell him.
A hint of a smile curves his lips. “I will.”
When he leaves, Elsie goes to the cleansing room to draw my bath.
As much as I appreciate her help, I feel bad having her take care of me. She already seems to have her hands full around here. “I thank you for your help,” I tell her. “But you don’t have to wait on me like this.”
“It’s no trouble,” she insists. “Besides, it gives me something to do. I’ve always been one that likes to keep busy, you know.”
I bathe and dress quickly, and when I return to the room, Elsie is already waiting. “Would you like to take your meal in here or in the dining room?”
After staying at the inn the past few days, I’d prefer to stretch my legs a bit. “The dining room.”
Our footsteps echo on the stone floor as we make our way down the hallway. It’s dark in here with all the windows covered by thick curtains, the only illumination coming from the golden lights hovering throughout the castle.
Given his nature, Valaric probably doesn’t require much light in his home, and I suspect Elsie and the others do not need it either. The dim lighting makes the entire space feel rather gloomy and I’m not quite sure I like it.
As if reading my thoughts, Elsie snaps her fingers and the lights brighten instantly.
This place is beautiful. The walls are adorned with tapestries and paintings of nature scenes and various battles. The furniture appears both elegant and comfortable, with beautifully carved dark wood and thick, plush comforters, pillows, and cushions on the beds, chairs, and sofas.
Elsie guides me to a grand staircase and gestures toward the floor below. “Downstairs is the study, the front hall, the kitchens, and the entrance to the gardens.”
“Where does Lord Greyvale take his rest?” I ask because we’ve passed no other occupied bedrooms besides the ones used by Elsie and her family.
“His rooms are beneath the first floor of the castle.”
It makes perfect sense for him to rest in a place with no chance of accidental sunlight exposure.
The main sitting room is rather warm and welcoming—something I didn’t expect given this castle belongs to a Vampire. Then again, I am learning that there are many things that are different from what I expected from my new husband.
As soon as we get downstairs, a distressed wail echoes down the hallways. She picks up her skirts, quickening her steps. “Excuse me,” she calls over her shoulder. “My daughter, Ava, and her mate, Cole, went to hunt. They left the little one with her Uncle Eben. It seems I need to go check on them.”
I follow after her and we find Eben trying to console a little girl in the kitchen. She looks to be around three or four years old, but she’s a Wolf-Shifter, and I’m not sure if they age at the same rate as humans.
The top half of her golden-brown hair is pulled back in a braid like a fae crown while the rest falls around her shoulders. She has silver eyes, just like her grandmother and her uncle, and her little cheeks are red from crying.
The kitchen is large but has a cozy feel to it. The long counter is full of chopped vegetables and sliced bread. A large oven sits directly across from it, along with a hearth and a delicious smelling pot of venison stew hanging over the flames.
Eben sits at a wooden table next to the counter. There are eight chairs, but it looks as though it can easily seat ten people comfortably. He lifts his head, a look of pure relief crossing his face when Elsie takes the child from him. “I gave her some garnil root for the pain, but it hasn’t had time to work yet.”
Elsie props her granddaughter on her hip and gently smooths her hair back from her face. Tears stain her tiny cheeks. “My fangs, Nana. They hurt.”
“There, there,” Elsie says, kissing her forehead. “They’ll stop hurting soon.” She turns back to me. “This is my granddaughter, Kaely. Wolf-Shifters get their permanent fangs in around this age and it can be a bit painful.”
Kaely’s head whips toward me, her tears momentarily forgotten as she blinks several times. “Are you a princess?”
“No.” I smile. “I’m Juliet.”
“This is Uncle Val’s mate,” Eben says. “So that makes her your Aunt Juliet.”
Kaely’s face lights up. “Aunt… Juju,” she says, her little nose twitching as she tries to say my name.
I bite my lower lip to stifle a laugh. She’s so precious.
“Juliet,” Eben corrects her.
She furrows her little brow and tries again, but it still comes out wrong.
“Juju is fine,” I reassure her.
She wriggles out of Elsie’s arms and walks over to me. “Will you read me a story like Uncle Val does, Aunt Juju?”
“Uncle Val reads to you?” I ask, my heart melting at the image of my stoic Vampire husband reading a story to a child.
She nods.
“All right. What shall we read?”
Eben lifts a small children’s book off the counter and hands it to me. I take a seat at the table and, to my surprise, Kaely crawls into my lap.
I’m only halfway through the story about the gentle moon shining down on all the wolf children in the village when she starts to nod off in my arms. Her eyelids blink open and closed as she tries to stay awake.
Elsie looks at me. “You’re a natural.”
My heart fills as I glance down at Kaely, asleep on my lap. She’s so precious. “I love children,” I whisper.
“Aye. It shows.” Elsie smiles warmly and then carefully lifts Kaely into her arms. “You’ll be an excellent mother someday when you have one of your own.”
Her words settle in my chest like a heavy stone. I’ve always known I wanted a family, but I don’t know if it will happen now. I’m not quite sure what Valaric expects of our relationship. Given that he was surprised I wanted a real marriage, I imagine children may not be something he has truly considered.
“There’s stew and tea for you on the counter when you get hungry,” Elsie calls over her shoulder as she and Eben start for the door to put Kaely to bed.
I move to the counter and serve myself a bowl of stew. When I take a seat at the table, my thoughts turn to my new husband, remembering the meals we shared together at the inn. I’m surprised by how much Valaric already affects me. I never felt anything like this toward Jonathan.
As if my very thoughts have summoned him, Valaric appears in the doorway.
My heart flutters as his intense gaze meets mine and a subtle but handsome smile curves his lips.
He speaks with Eben and Elsie, their voices far enough away that I cannot make out what they’re saying. Judging by the scowl on Valaric’s face and Eben’s wide grin, I imagine he must be teasing my husband again. It seems to be something of a favorite pastime for him.
If I were wise, I would guard my heart until I know for sure Valaric feels for me as I do him. But when his crimson eyes return to mine, a spark of hope ignites deep within, and I cannot help but wonder if this is the beginning of something more.