Chapter 46. Eternity.
Dusk was upon us, the evening sunlight peaked through the small opening of the curtains as Francis and I lay in the corner of the room: his arms keeping me safe.
Two nights had passed since the moment I’d awoken, two nights in Francis’ embrace: as he refused to leave me for even a moment.
“Are you certain you don’t want to stay another day here?” He whispered against my neck. “You are still healing.”
“I’m certain.” I turned on the woolen blanket to face him. “I’m sure a lot needs to be done at Silverstone after the attack.”
“There are plenty of people there to deal with the aftermath.” Francis’ thumb brushed over my lower lip. “You needn’t worry yourself with it. You did more in the war than anyone could’ve asked for.”
“I want to go,” I stated, meeting his gaze. “I’m tired of laying around, being useless.”
“So I see, my presence bores you,” Francis chuckled. “Very well then, but if you feel ill during our trip, we are stopping for a break.”
“If we take breaks we will not make it back to Silverstone before the sun comes up.” My brows furrowed. “And I will be fine. I feel a lot better.”
“If you say so,” Francis murmured, planting a gentle kiss on the corner of my lips. “But before we go, we should attend to another matter...”
“What’s wrong?” I pulled away slightly, searching his eyes.
My favorite smirk appeared on his face as his hands pulled me closer. “You need to feed, my love.”
A delighted smile stretched my lips at his words. “That I do,” I whispered against his neck, my tongue tracing the path on his skin.
“Please, Princess,” Francis moaned when my tongue played on his skin. “Please, bite me,” he begged, his hands guiding my mouth to his pulsing vein.
My teeth pierced the sensitive spot, forcing a satisfied groan out Francis. His blood filled my mouth, slipping onto my tongue. A moan pushed past my lips as I devoured his blood.
“Oh, how I missed your mouth.” His breathing heavied.
His blood melted on my tongue, spinning my head into a frenzy. My eyes rolled back as the flowers bloomed deep within me.
“Francis,” I breathed, licking every drop of blood off his skin.
“Take more, take all of it.” His hand landed on the back of my neck, holding me against his open injury.
My lips met his soft skin anew, my stomach fluttered at such intimacy—
The knock on our door echoed throughout the room, yet I cared not to move away. I drank his blood with urgency I had not known before.
“If we are to leave tonight, we must go,” Roxanne’s muffled voice sounded through the door. “The sun has set.”
Francis’ hold hardened as he visibly fought with his growing moan. I chuckled against his neck before planting my teeth in his flesh once more. “We will leave in a few minutes—” Francis replied, his voice struggling to stay even.
“We will wait for you outside, then.” Roxanne’s steps disappeared in the distance.
“Aye, Princess, you are taunting me.” Francis’ laughter turned into a whine.
“You don’t seem to mind,” I chuckled, pulling away.
“I do not, indeed.” His thumb brushed over my lips. “I wish we didn’t have to stop so suddenly.” Francis brought my mouth to his. His tongue danced across my lips, licking the blood off, forcing a cry out of me. “I suppose we will have plenty of time soon enough.” His breath tickled my skin.
“Eternity.” I gulped for air at his proximity.
“Eternity,” Francis agreed before covering my lips with his once more.
The spring was in her full glory, bestowing us with her blooming aroma and the fresh streams of water, taking away all the horrors this winter had brought upon us. The bare trees were now decorated with their first small buds, ready to leaf out; the first snowdrops bloomed through the melting snow.
I leaned on Francis as he controlled our horse, enjoying his warmth and proximity. My thigh still throbbed at every move of our mare, yet the pain was bearable enough to hide—though, it hadn’t not stopped Francis from asking if I wished for a break every so often.
Florence and Roxanne rode alongside us, sharing their stallion.
The trip back to Barren’s estate was surprisingly pleasant: was it Francis’ presence or the spring’s powerful waves, I did not know—perhaps both.
No matter the horrors we’d witnessed as we’d passed the outskirt villages near Silverstone, everyone’s faces were decorated with soft smiles.
“Do you wish for a break?” Francis met my gaze, slowing our horse down slightly.
“You asked me a few minutes ago, Francis.” I rolled my eyes, yet could not hide the bright smile that fought its way onto my lips.
“And yet?” He wouldn’t give up.
“We are almost there.” I shook my head as my eyes watched past him. “You can see the castle from here.” I pointed into the depths of dense spruce, at the merlons that peeked through the trees.
“Fine.” Francis forced my gaze back to him. “But once we are inside, you are going to rest.” His brows flew up, daring me to argue.
I merely rolled my eyes in reply.
“Cordelia,” his voice became stern.
“Fine,” I sighed, laughing at his sudden tone.
Satisfied with my answer, Francis smiled, turning our horse towards the open gates of the castle, following after Florence and Roxanne.
I closed my eyes, enjoying the last moments in Francis’ arms before we arrived. The smell of jasmine and wine hit my senses, bringing calmness to my mind—
“Your Highness!” Tamira ran across the courtyard—filled with dozens of warriors: vampire and human—once we crossed the gates. A man and a woman ran after her. “Roxanne.” Tamira stopped before my friends, a small, prideful smile appearing on her lips.
Francis brought our horse to a halt beside them, jumping off the saddle in a swift move. “Rest, remember?” His hands wrapped around my waist as he effortlessly picked me up from the horse, setting my feet on the bleeding soil.
The walls that separated the castle from unwanted guests now carried ash. The soil underneath my feet was painted crimson as every inch of it was covered in—I hoped—Wurdulacs’ blood.
“Your Highness.” Tamira took a step towards us, lowering her head. Several small scars painted her skin red, her hands covered in bruises. “I am delighted to know you survived the attack, I hear a lot fell onto your shoulders.” She glanced at my thigh.
My eyes scanned her body for any major injuries.
“It’s Cordelia.” I smiled when I found nothing besides bruises and small cuts.
“And I am very happy you have survived the assault that erupted here.” I leaned on Francis when my thigh ached from fatigue, my eyes scanning the courtyard: warriors carried the remaining bodies of the fallen.
“How many have we lost?” Roxanne followed my gaze, holding Florence’s hand in hers.
“We had minimal losses, despite the attack taking our armies off guard and unprepared.” Tamira sighed before continuing, “Arthur—the commander of Barren’s army—did not make it.”
“Where is Barren?” Francis crooked his brow, looking around the courtyard.
“He still hasn’t shown. Nobody knows of his whereabouts.
” Tamira shrugged, glancing at me. “Some say his ship is no longer at the dock. But it’s merely speculation.
” Tamira’s lips turned into a thin line as her gaze jumped between me and Francis.
“May I have a word with you, Your High—” she trailed off, correcting herself. “Cordelia?”
“Of course!” I let go of Francis’ hand, ignoring his irritated gaze at my back. “I will rest after,” I threw over my shoulder, following Tamira into the castle.
The halls of the castle chimed with chatter and laughter—something this place had never heard before—bringing a small smile to my face.
The human warriors walked side by side with the ones from Faris, their conversations echoed through the walls.
“I am sorry for such urgency.” Tamira glanced at my limping leg as we walked towards the doors of the courthall. “If you would rather rest first—”
“I am well.” I shook my head, opening the door for her, ushering for her to enter. “Rest can wait.” I entered the courthall after her, dropping on the nearest chair.
“I hear it was you who killed Kane.” Tamira sat beside me. “I wanted to personally thank you for your bravery.”
“It was Caleb who sacrificed the most.” A sad smile appeared on my face as the memories of his dying eyes invaded my mind. “I merely got lucky.”
“Of course it was more than just luck,” Tamira protested. “Thank you. Without you, none of this would’ve been possible.”
“That is hardly true,” I laughed. “It was your brave warriors that fought against the Wurdulacs—”
“Your High—Cordelia, you needn’t be modest” Tamira smiled—the first real smile I’d seen her wear.
“Though, I suppose that is what makes a great ruler,” she cleared her throat.
“That is why I summoned you here,” Tamira’s voice turned serious.
“Our Kingdom has lost their leader, and with no leader there will soon be many unsettlements throughout the villages. We need a ruler who will care for their people, a ruler who will lead with grace in times of hardship—”
“I am none of those things, Tamira,” I interrupted her, knowing well where this conversation was headed. “You are mistaken, I am not worthy of the crown.”
“You are the last of the Royal family,” Tamira argued. “Warriors trust you to lead with the same fairness that your mother had.”
I almost laughed at her statement, for Mother was anything but fair.
“I am no leader.” I shook my head. “I never was.” Before she had a chance to dispute, I added, “You are.”
Tamira’s brows furrowed, her dark brown eyes bored into mine as the realization of what I’d suggested settled in her mind. “I am not of Royal blood,” she said at last.
“It's not right for a vampire to rule over humans.” I shrugged. “The people trust you, and so do I.”
“The differences between vampires and humans are settled, at least for now. People trust you to rule fairly over both,” Tamira wouldn’t give up as she palmed the wooden table.
“No,” my voice echoed through the silent room.
“No?” Tamira looked at me as though I had lost my mind. “You are—you are rejecting the crown?”
“I am.” I nodded, my voice turning soft.
“I never wished for the throne, and I would never make a good ruler.” I straightened my back, filling my lungs before continuing, “As the last of Royal blood, I am to decide to whom the crown, I inherited by blood, is given.” A bright smile stretched my lips as I met Tamira’s growing eyes.
“I trust you will bring many wonderful things to this Kingdom, Your Majesty.”
“That is not right—” Tamira whispered, her eyes growing bigger.
“The coronation usually takes place during the full Moon,” I added. “Though, as the new ruler, you are to decide on the occasion, Your Majesty.”
“You cannot be serious.” Tamira shook her head, getting up from her chair.
“I am.” I stood up before her. “You will make a great ruler, Tamira.” My hand fell onto her shoulder. “Do you accept the crown?”
“I—” She glanced in every direction as though the answer was written on the walls. “I do,” her stern voice bounced off the walls when she nodded. “I do.”
“I wish you all the strength in the Moon’s realm, Your Majesty.” I bowed before her as low as my injured thigh allowed.
“May I ask for a favor?” Tamira’s brows furrowed at my gesture as she quickly collected herself.
“Anything.” I nodded, ready for the first order from my new Queen.
“Would you be the one to coronate me?” Her voice was barely a whisper when she asked.
“It would be an honor.” A prideful smile tugged on my lips.
Tamira returned the gesture as her face lit up with a beam of her own. “I want for the coronation to take place at the next full moon, as customs require.”
“It is my utter privilege to attend, Your Majesty.” I bowed before her before taking my leave.