She was relieved when Braith guided her in the opposite direction of the throne room though, and into a private solar off the main hall. Thankfully not the one her father had been kept in either.
It was nowhere near as big, or as elaborate as the throne room, but it was more than enough for what they required and didn't house anything threatening or cruel. It fit Braith far better than his father's monstrosity of a throne room would have.
Everyone had already gathered in the room; they rose as Braith entered, but she was aware of the eyes tracking her as she moved through the room. Daniel stood at the side of the table with William and Max behind him. They all smiled at her, but she sensed their surprise over her presence. William was still on crutches, his injured leg propped out before him as he gave her a thumbs up.
The massive chair at the head of the table was obviously Braith's, but as he strode toward it, he snagged another chair with one hand. He shoved the larger chair to the side and placed the smaller one next to it. He held it out for her, a look of defiance on his face as he raked the table with his steely gaze.
It was only then she realized he hadn't worn his glasses in a while. She studied his magnificent profile, and the short black hair falling about his forehead in waves. Holding his gaze, she had to fight back the tears of love and pride filling her eyes. He'd been born for this, he excelled at it, and he desired for her to be at his side, even if she couldn't be.
Swallowing heavily, Aria slid into the chair. She'd expected some condemnation, some irritation, or some form of protest against her sitting beside Braith, but she saw only curiosity and some sadness as she looked around the table at "The Council" as they had dubbed themselves. They'd officially relinquished the aristocratic titles they'd held in the past in favor of starting fresh and new.
"We are sorry about your father; he was a good fighter."
This statement from Calista caused another kind of lump to form in her throat. She struggled against the tears burning her eyes at the reminder of her father. She was taken aback by the kind words from a woman who had seemed nothing but distant before, and who ruthlessly slaughtered Braith's sister.
"Thank you," Aria managed to respond.
She started in surprise when Braith seized her hand. Aria tried to tug it free, but he held on as he gazed at her. She knew there was no denying their relationship now, but she was still apprehensive about being so blatant about it. Then, she realized, she didn't care. There was no hiding this anymore, and she didn't want to.
Aria watched as ten men and two women were led into the room; they were dirty and disheveled, but they didn't appear overly mistreated. They certainly weren't as abused as she had been. Resentment filled her as she recognized one of the women as the vampire who had owned Max.
Which meant the other one, the beautiful doll-like brunette staring hatefully back at her, was probably Gwendolyn. Though she knew Braith had never cared for the woman, she couldn't help the bolt of jealousy shooting through her. Braith held her hand steady as he stared at her, and she realized jealousy had no place here.
Besides, there was someone in this room reliving far worse memories than her. Max's chin was raised, his gaze unwavering as he met the other vampire woman's hostile stare. Aria had to fight the urge to jump up and throttle the hideous woman for everything she had done to Max. She remained unmoving though as everyone around her decided what would become of the women and their cohorts.
A lump formed in her throat as Max's eyes met hers. She had a better idea now of what he endured while in captivity, but she would never be able to understand the full depth of brutality that woman had put him through.
Aria listened as those at the table discussed their fates. These vampires had been the most treacherous and cruel of their kind. They had been the king's body, helped him keep power, and relished in the decisions the king made and the sadistic world he'd created.
Aria hoped every one of them fried, but it wasn't her decision to make. Braith also remained silent as he listened to them debate before coming to a unanimous decision they were all to be executed.
"It's agreed then?" questioned Braith.
"Yes," Gideon stated.
"Wait! You can't do this, Braith! We were to be married!"
Braith's hand tightened around hers as Gwendolyn's pleas fell on deaf ears and she was removed from the room.
Aria's heart ached at the reminder, but she managed to keep her face impassive as Daniel's and William's heads shot toward her.
"Bring the soldiers in," Braith commanded.
Aria braced herself; this was why she'd come. She understood the aristocrats had to be eliminated, but this was an entirely different matter. All the wind went out of her argument as Jack led Lauren into the room last.
Her mouth dropped, and the breath rushed out of her as she glanced at Braith. He'd told her she would be here, but Aria hadn't expected her to be grouped in with the soldiers. His eyes were unrelenting; his jaw locked as he stared back at her. She grasped his thigh and held tight to it as he soothingly massaged the back of her hand with his thumb.
She barely heard the talk going around the table, but this discussion was a lot more heated than the last one. Daniel and Ashby were for leniency. Calista, Frank, and Saul were entirely against it; Adam, Gideon, and Xavier remained mute as they listened to the arguments of the others.
Aria realized she had to speak up when it seemed like Ashby was starting to sway toward Calista, Frank, and Saul. "Can I say something?" she asked.
They all turned toward her, their faces twisted in various expressions of displeasure. Though she sensed their annoyance was due more to the fact they couldn't agree than with her interruption.
"Please do," Saul remarked dryly.
Aria felt somewhat uncomfortable as they all focused on her. She glanced briefly at Daniel before taking a deep breath and plunging onward. "I understand the other deaths are necessary, if given a chance they would start a rebellion, and the pattern would never end. However, these men were simply doing what they were ordered to do. For years, death, torture, and intimidation ruled here. Don't start this new government the same way. If you slaughter them all, it will only show the people nothing has changed, and mercy is impossible. If these vampires swear fealty to you, and perhaps are even monitored for a while, I don't think they should be executed."
She couldn't believe those words had left her mouth. Just a few months ago she would have said kill them all because they were vampires. She would have said to kill Braith, and Ashby, Jack, and Melinda too, but she would have been wrong. They weren't all monsters, they were merely different and had different needs, but for the most part, they were kind, protective, and loving. There were bad apples among both human and vampire alike.
There was a moment of silence, and then they burst into conversation again. Xavier entered the debate for the first time on the side of Daniel, while Gideon and Adam continued to watch and listen.
Braith finally ended the argument by calling for a vote. Aria was unmoving as she waited breathlessly to see what they would decide. They had established a more civilized and kinder rule in The Barrens, and she hoped it would prevail here.
"I think we agree that if the soldiers are willing to swear fealty to us and consent to being monitored for whatever period we see fit, they may be allowed to live. If not, their lives are forfeit," Calista declared.
Saul and Frank didn't look overly pleased with this decision, but they didn't protest it either.
The shoulders of most of the soldiers slumped, some nodded enthusiastically, but there were a few who didn't look at all pleased. Aria wondered if they would choose death over their new regime. If so, that was their choice to make, and she wouldn't interfere with it.
"And the girl?" Aria turned at Ashby's question.
"I think that should be Arianna's decision." She sensed a test behind Gideon's words as she met his gaze. "It is you who was harmed by her the most."
Aria focused on Lauren, but the gi
rl wouldn't meet her gaze as she stared at the wall behind Braith's head. Braith's thumb stroked the back of her hand. Whatever she decided he would abide by it, they all would. Resentment twisted through her, she would like for Lauren to look at her, to give her some sign she regretted even a little of what she'd done. There was nothing.
"Let her go," she said.
As much as she wanted to, she couldn't exact revenge on Lauren. Though there was a time after her first capture her father wrongfully wanted revenge for her, for the most part, he hadn't believed in it and insisted everything they did was not for revenge, but to create a better world.
She couldn't throw that aside now; she couldn't let her father down because of her desire to punish Lauren. A small smile tugged at Gideon's mouth as he gave a brief bow of his head and sat back. She realized he'd been trying to discern if she would ask for leniency for others but punish those who wronged her.
"She isn't a threat to us," Aria said.
Aria hadn't expected to see relief nor had she expected to see gratitude, so she wasn't surprised by the hatred blazing from Lauren's eyes. Braith's jaw clenched; Aria was sure he would have preferred Lauren dead, and he would have been the one to do it.
"You may leave, but you're not to stay within these palace walls, the bailey, or the town beyond. I don't care where you go, but if I see you again, I can promise you will not be spared next time. If I were you, I would get as far from here as you possibly can, as fast as you can," he grated, and for the first time, fright trickled over Lauren's features. "Max, would you please escort her to the palace gates."
"With pleasure," Max responded with a tight smile as he strode toward the doors and pulled one open. He made a sweeping bow to Lauren who remained pale and slack-mouthed as she stared at him.
"That isn't the choice I would have made," Braith said so quietly only Aria heard him.
"I know."
"If I see her again, I will kill her, and I will enjoy it."
She turned toward him, not at all intimidated by the darkness simmering beneath his smooth exterior. "I know. She won't come back again, Braith, but if she does, I won't interfere."
He shook his head as he leaned closer to her. Stubble shadowed his square jaw; he hadn't had time to shave in the past few days between the new demands placed upon him, and staying by her side every free moment he had. Love swelled within her heart; there was such darkness inside him, yet such good and understanding. He released her hand, his arm wrapped around her waist as he pulled her closer to his side.
"Sometimes you are too forgiving," he whispered against her ear.
"And sometimes you're the same stubborn prince I first met; only now you're a king."
Something flickered in his gaze as sadness filtered across his features. He didn't have to tell her; she already knew he would stay king. It wasn't what he would have chosen, he'd done nothing but fight against it, but he'd finally come to realize this was where he was supposed to be. The only problem was, she didn't know what would become of her, and neither did he.
"I'm tired; if you don't mind, I'd like to return to the room."
His fingers gently stroked her cheek. "I'll take you."
"Stay. I know my way back."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
Though she still felt strange being so open about their relationship, she leaned forward and pressed a feathery kiss on his hard mouth. She had meant for it to be quick, but she lost herself in the pleasure and taste of his lips. For a moment, there was no despair, there was no war or uncertainty. There was only the two of them as the warmth of his lips heated her all the way to the tips of her toes.
She forced herself to pull away and smiled as she met his dazed gaze.
"Get going," he said gruffly.
She pecked his cheek before rising to her feet. "Excuse me, everyone." She gave a brief bow of her head before she hurried from the room.
Stepping into the hall, she was relieved to find it deserted. She hurried toward the stairs, but before she began her ascent, her gaze was drawn to the closed doors of the throne room. She stood, her hand resting on the newel post as she studied the doors with a mixture of dread and morbid curiosity.
Moving away from the staircase, she slowly approached the room. Her hand shook as she turned the handle and pushed open one of the doors. She braced herself for what lay within.
She peered inside as the door swung open, but she hadn't been expecting what was inside. Everything was spotless and bare, the massive table, chairs, and throne were gone. Even the hideous trophies of people and vampires the king had so proudly displayed had been removed. The blood had been scrubbed clean, and the gray marble floors gleamed in the light filtering through the upper windows.
Her gaze ran over the beautiful fixtures gracing the room as she stepped in further. The room was stunning, but it would never be anything but cold and hideous to her. Her eyes lingered on the beam she had been perched upon and finally the spot where her father's body had laid. There was nothing to mark the place, but she knew where it was.
Tears burned her eyes; she hastily wiped them away as she felt the presence of someone else in the room. She knew it wasn't Braith even before Jack stepped beside her. "I wish I could have done more to save him."
"I know." She was unable to stop the tear sliding down her face. "But there was nothing more you could have done, Jack. We all entered this battle knowing there would be losses."
The words were true, but they didn't give her any comfort. She rubbed her chest, but it did nothing to ease the knot in her heart.
He rested his hand on her shoulder. "It doesn't make it better."
"No, it doesn't. I'm not going to leave him, Jack." The words were blunter than she intended, but they had to have it out. There couldn't be any more subterfuge and plans between them.
"I know."
"I can't. I mean I could, if I thought it would do any good, but…"
"It won't," he finished for her when her voice trailed off. "I know that now, so does Gideon. You're the yin to his yang."
"The what to his what?" she asked in confusion, not sure if she should be insulted by the strange words.
Jack smiled, but it did little to ease the sad resolve in his eyes. "It's an old saying; you're the light to his darkness; the good to his bad. You temper each other, and though I believe you can be separated, it won't make either of you stronger to do so. After what happened, they may very well decide to accept you as a human. It will be your choice if you stay or not, even Braith knows that now. This isn't exactly the life you've prepared for, Aria, or one you ever wanted. For all its opulence, in some ways, it's more arduous than the one you will be leaving behind if you choose to stay."
That was for sure. "What will become of us?" she pondered.
"I don't know."
"I'm going to tell him, you know; what I was going to do."
Jack glanced at her sideways from under lowered lashes. His resemblance to Braith was more subtle than the king's but far more appealing. There was a carefree air to Jack that seldom showed in Braith, but on those infrequent occasions when Braith let his guard down, he resembled Jack the most.
"If you feel you must," Jack said.
"I don't know what will become of us, but no matter what, it has to be a fresh, open start. There can't be any secrets between us."
"I understand. You may be better off downplaying the part where you and Gideon had a secret agreement about your possible death."
Aria winced at the harsh tone of Jack's voice. "He told you?"
"Yes. He also told your brothers, Max, and your father."
She couldn't stop the small tremors racing through her. "My father, he didn't think I wanted to die, did he?" she managed to croak.
"He understood, Aria; believe me, he understood."
She couldn't stop the flood of tears pouring from her eyes. "I hope so."
Jack wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to his side. "I know so. He w
as unbelievably proud of you and your brothers. He didn't like the course you chose, but he understood it, just as you must understand his death wasn't in vain. He also knew I wasn't going to let what you and Gideon agreed to do, happen. I would have taken you away to separate the two of you, but there is no way I would have agreed to your death."
"That's why I went to Gideon."
Exasperation flashed over his features; his steel gray eyes narrowed into a very Braith look. "It wouldn't have happened, Arianna, it was foolish of you to think it would. It was foolish of Gideon. It was bad enough I was going to take you away from him again, but ending your life never would have happened."
She bowed her head and pressed her face to Jack's chest as she strived to regain some control of her tears. After a while, she was finally able to take a steadying breath and pull away from him.
"The trophies," she choked on the word. "Where are they?"
His eyes hardened. "There are times when death is more merciful." She blinked in surprise. "There is no saving some souls no matter how much we would like to. They would have been strong allies, it was why they were tormented so, but they were too far gone. These poor souls had been trapped and starved for far more years than those creatures you encountered in The Barrens. Even a vampire cannot recover from that."
"Oh," she breathed. Her thoughts turned to the pitiful creature the king tormented with her blood. "How awful, what he did to them…" She shuddered as she broke off. "Why wasn't Ashby kept here?"
Jack gestured around the room. "It's beautiful in here; it's rich and fancy and elegant in a way Ashby appreciates and craves. Ashby was kept in a separate, stronger dungeon for vampires for a few months after the war, but the king thought it was a far worse fate to place him somewhere away from all the things he loved so much, and Melinda encouraged it. He could have left Ashby in the dungeons, but that wasn't as much fun for my father."
She was grateful for that. "Lucky for Ashby. Did Braith send you after me?"
"He's worried about you."
"I know, but I'm good."
Jack smiled wanly. "You always are, kid."
The Captive Series 1-5 Page 71