Chapter 11
Vastion
Why did she vex me so? She was so hot and cold.
Every time I thought I could anticipate her mood or reaction, I was met with some new angle to navigate.
She exhausted me, and yet every spiteful remark only impassioned me further to win her favor.
But why? Why did I care? I was tasked with far more important things than arguing with an impossible human whose understanding of responsibility was a morsel of what was required to reign.
How could I get through her defenses and help her grow into the queen I knew she was capable of becoming?
Many of the other queens had expressed no interest in ruling, instead merely residing here, content to play their role with the minimum requirements.
Which was understandable. When you weren’t raised as a noble, the ideals and etiquette of royalty were a vastly different reality.
My siblings and I were raised knowing what future we were destined for.
We were molded for it. But the human brides were often of small means, and this life wasn’t one they had ever imagined for themselves.
But that’s part of why I had chosen Esiree.
There was something distinct about her that I couldn’t quite pinpoint; a fight in her that, if shaped properly, could look more like determination.
She had no idea just how fragile things were for the kingdom.
The blood reserves were dwindling, talk of new means were beginning to spring up again, and I had to find a way to keep the peace.
It wasn’t that long ago that the Heart almost fell to a coup.
With someone strong-willed like Esiree on the throne, we could fortify a united front for Devana where Vampyr and humans could navigate any challenge—together.
I made my way to the Royal Hall to await her presentment, still reeling from our encounter on the verandah.
I had made it known that this celebration was to welcome her, but I was being optimistic.
Every human queen settled into the Heart differently.
Much of that was impacted by how they chose to handle themselves.
My subjects were old, cynical, and most of all, bored.
I myself had to regularly fight the temptation of falling into these lesser attitudes.
Despite my dissuasion, every human queen endured some degree of mockery; it was as much a rite of passage as the other customs within the Heart.
In my presence, many would keep these behaviors to simple jests, but I would not always be by her side.
She’d have to decide how to maneuver in those situations when they arose.
I smiled inwardly, thinking of how some of them might handle Esiree’s fiery responses.
There was only one rule when it came to the human queen: none may act with violence toward her.
Behind every decree was an event that made it necessary, though this had taken place long ago, during the days of the first human queen.
Although she managed to survive the encounter, her transgressor was publicly tortured and executed.
I’d like to think we’ve come a long way since then, at both controlling our hunger and living among mortals.
But the belief that all in this sanctuary would maintain their civility was a naive one.
A vampire’s desire to feed from the source was tempting, instinctual—yet forbidden.
Centuries of Vassal practices meant there were only two reasons a civilized vampire would want to feed: either from arousal beyond the point of control, or if angered beyond reason.
My citizens made abundant use of their fangs on one another in the throes of passion, but that did nothing other than satiate the needs of our heightened sexuality.
What I should worry about most was Esiree’s mouth getting her into trouble when I wasn’t around.
Just as my mind began to ponder all the things I had secretly hoped to do to that mouth, the sound of horns announced her arrival.
The far doors to the Grand Hall sprang open and Esiree stepped into the room, the firelight illuminating her splendor.
Gods-be-damned; Lailanor, did you pick this outfit or did she?
I wondered as Esiree glided effortlessly towards us.
The dress was lightweight silk and chiffon draped to accentuate her figure, with poet sleeves that could make even the most disciplined vampire want to take a bite out of her shoulder.
The neckline plunged practically to her navel, baring her pale flesh.
The oxblood color did nothing to make her look like anything other than dessert—and in an entire hall of hundreds that would gladly feed off her if given the chance.
I had to do something quickly to distract them from her games.
I snapped my fingers, signaling a nearby attendant.
“Tell the Vault-keeper to bring extra rations up, immediately…” I said, and he scurried away as I muttered, “…no thanks to my reckless wife.”
From my left, Mina snorted. “There may be hope for her yet.”
Ignoring her, I stepped down from the high table to greet Es. She took my hand and curtsied without reluctance, thank the Gods.
“My King,” she said, softly, while looking up at me, mimicking the very first night we met.
When she stood, I pulled her into me abruptly so I could whisper in her ear, “You may call me ‘my king’ when you mean it. When you let me earn it as a breath hovering just above your moan.” I placed a small kiss beneath her ear, and tiny bumps rippled along her skin beneath my lips.
That had secured her silence. At least for the moment…
“Citizens of the Heart, I have the honor of introducing you to Her Majesty, Esiree. Leto’s first Tribute and your new queen.”
Applause and cheers resounded from end to end throughout the Great Hall.
“And in celebration of all territories of Devana now being united under my rule, recognizing a single reign once again, my wife and I would like to mark this momentous occasion by granting each of you an additional half pour for your supper.”
The jubilant sound of my guests echoed twice as loud in reaction to this unexpected gift. I was most displeased that I had been baited into making such an unwise decision, but something told me I’d need it just to get her through the evening without incident.
Music began to play in the background as guests took their seats at the long tables and servants began to pour their goblets. Esiree took a seat between Mina and me.
“That was quite the entrance, Esiree. When we first met, I assumed you did not have a keen sense of fashion—or taste, for that matter—but alas, you prove me wrong.” My sister said dryly, beginning what I knew was only the start of testing the new queen’s resilience.
I pretended I wasn’t listening, instead making small talk with Orin, but keeping enough attention to make sure my sister didn’t overstep entirely.
I’d actually quite like if someone else was the target of Es’ pointed words for once.
“Well, you know what they say about assumptions. Perhaps your brother cares more about what’s under the attire than the dress itself.
” I almost spit my drink out and quickly used a napkin to wipe away any residue from my lips, realizing this was the first time I had drank in the presence of Esiree.
It was a welcome reprieve from the constant self-control I’d been demonstrating throughout the Harvest.
As expected, Mina’s crass replies came in short order.
“Yes, I suppose I am jealous of my brother. I wouldn’t mind a different spouse to fuck every fifty or so years. What’s the word I’m thinking of… Variety?”
“Minaaaa….” I growled.
She smiled back at me angelically, like she always did when she was pleased with herself and thought there would be no real consequences.
“And where is your supposed variety?” Esiree said waving her hand at the empty seats beside Mina.
Mina let out a chuckle and took a big gulp of her goblet, making sure Es saw my sister run her tongue along her lower lip, savoring every last drop.
“Meet me in the Falls sometime and I’ll show you variety… That is, if my dear brother doesn’t keep you all to himself.”
The implication had my blood boiling. I fisted my hand into a tight ball, trying to restrain myself in front of all my guests.
I cocked my head to the right. “Orin, escort my sister to the dance floor. Now.”
Orin was next to Mina in a flash, pulling out her seat, and Esiree was caught off guard by the quickness of Orin’s movements. This would be something she’d have to adjust to seeing, living in the Heart. Mina huffed and reluctantly took Orin’s hand as he led her to the floor with the others.
“I apologize about—”
Es interrupted me before I could extend my formal apologies. “Are you going to show me the Falls?”
Unsure of how to answer, I took another sip of my drink to buy myself time to think on a response.
“We have a private bathhouse in the royal wing that should satisfy your needs.”
“What if I have other needs?” she teased, unaware of the way she tempted me.
Trying to end the discussion quickly, I said flatly, “The Falls is not a place for the human queen.”
In true Esiree nature, she would not let the topic rest.
“Lailanor and Mina have both indicated there is something deviant in nature about the Falls, and your reaction has confirmed my suspicions. So, why don’t you just tell me—before I’m forced to rectify my curiosity in other ways.”
I let out an annoyed sigh. “Es, you have much to learn about Vampyr and it’s only the first day. When you can’t get pregnant, can’t catch disease… Promiscuity is just another servant of boredom. And my citizens are very bored.”
Esiree’s heartbeat quickened, and I could sense my directness might have finally made an impression.
What I could not understand was why she constantly danced between distaste and discomfort for my kind, but also insatiable curiosity and flirtation.
Part of me thought if I just kept offering her truth, perhaps she’d settle into one sentiment or another.
The back and forth of it kept me on my toes but also clutching my authority.
Esiree finished her meal in silence, the only individual who received a plated meal in a hall full of goblets and carafes. It was getting late, and that meant my people were just on the cusp of demonstrating behaviors I’d rather she didn’t witness on the first day.
“Come, it’s been a long day of travel,” I said, offering my hand.