by T. S. Ryder
"Growing up? In what way?"
"My comics, for one thing. What kind of mother would read comic books as bedtime stories? But they make me happy. Why can’t I just be happy? It’s not hurting anybody. I don’t have kids and–" She cut herself off and shook her head. "Forget it. It’s like I’m arguing with my mom and she’s not even here."
"Hmmm. Comic books. I don’t see any reason why that means you can’t be a good mother. But that is something you’ll have to discuss with your mate once you two are together. For now, we have to work on getting you together. So. How about a dinner between the three of us where I get mysteriously called away?"
Tindra couldn’t help but smile as she leaned conspiratorially toward him. "Too obvious. Any other ideas?"
"Well . . . " His eyes sparkled. "There is one."
Chapter Four – Rollon
Rollon’s muscles ached from swinging his silver sword for many hours, but the burn felt good. It had been relaxing to be in battle again, and it wasn't as though that was the longest one he’d ever fought in. Before he established his kingdom, it was common for him to go days in near-constant battle against marauding humans, other vampires, and shifters alike.
Rollon stepped from the shower, reaching for a fluffy towel. The battle had taken his mind off of the situation at home, at least for a little while. But how much longer could he stop himself from thinking about Tindra?
Not long, apparently.
He shook his head as he toweled himself off and pulled on a comfortable, business-casual outfit. The human was causing problems for him. Perhaps it was a sign that he should find himself a companion – one to satisfy his base urges. That was all it was, he knew. The dark desire every vampire was created with. The one looking for blood and a taste of dominance over those weaker than himself.
He headed for the library. He could always count on peace there.
As soon as he entered, though, his nose was hit by her scent. He froze, his gaze seeking her out at once. Tindra sat in a corner with Hilda, poring over something that he couldn’t see.
"Rolly!" Hilda ran for him, grinning. "You’re back."
Rollon caught her and lifted her into the air. He hadn’t seen her this happy since Eva . . . He pushed the thought away. I’ll have to ask Ingrid how she is faring soon.
"What are you two doing?" he asked.
Hilda turned up her nose. "Nothing that concerns you."
From the corner of his eye, he saw Tindra press her hands to her mouth. Rollon, however, only laughed and set the child back down. "Run along and help your sister. It’s almost time for supper."
Hilda scowled but did as he said. The human remained where she was, her gaze locked warily on him. He was tempted to turn around and leave, but what for? She was his son’s chosen, and he wasn't going to let her affect their relationship. He ignored her as he strode towards the shelf where all his favorites were.
"I . . . " she started.
Don’t look at her. Too late. Her large eyes were on his, drawing him in.
"I’m surprised, your majesty. Your grace . . . What am I meant to call you?"
"Rollon is fine unless we are at a formal event. In which case, my lord will suffice."
Tindra nodded. Her hands twisted around each other. "I’m surprised you would let her talk to you that way."
"Who? Hilda?"
"Yes."
Rollon selected a book and sat, but didn’t open it. "Hilda is a child. No matter how old she gets, she will always be a child. As you can imagine, we don’t get a lot of kids around here. She’s a good girl, but I confess that I feel somewhat guilty for her situation. Never to fully experience life . . . "
"Did . . . did you turn her?"
His expression darkened briefly. "No."
"Then why―"
"My sister did. Eva. She was my first lieutenant for many years and convinced me we needed to build an army of vampires to create some peace and stability for ourselves. Hilda was dying when she was turned . . . You see, Ingrid was Eva’s lover."
Tindra nodded again. "She told me she was a lesbian. But she didn’t tell me she was sleeping with the king’s sister."
"She’s not." Rollon sucked in a deep breath. "Not anymore, at least. Eva betrayed us all. She tried to kill me and fled before justice could be served. We haven’t told Hilda the truth, though. Eva was like a mother to her, and I didn’t want to see her in that pain."
"I see . . . " Her eyes actually shone as she looked at him. "It takes a strong man to do that. If it were me, I’d be badmouthing her from here to kingdom come. But for you to be able to put aside your grudges for Hilda’s sake . . . I really admire that."
She needed to stop looking at him like that. What did she think she was talking about, anyway? Was he a good man for not hurting a child’s feelings? That was the basic decency that could be expected from anybody. It didn’t make him any more good than not kicking puppies made him good. He turned his face away, hands clenching.
"I built this kingdom on blood," he spat out harshly. "I killed thousands of people. And not just to protect me and my own. I’m a vampire. We have all fallen into bloodlust at one point or another, that thirst for blood that seems unquenchable. I turned dozens of humans into vampires. I said that it was a gift, but I was stealing their lives from them. And you think I’m a good man?"
Her eyes were like saucers, hands clenched on the arms of her chair. Rollon flinched. What had he done that for? He didn’t need to frighten her. It was unnecessary and uncalled for.
"But . . . " she squeaked. "But you changed your mind. You realized what you were doing and took action against it. Bad men don’t admit they were wrong and change their ways."
The king was silent for a moment before nodding. "Perhaps. I’m sorry for speaking so harshly."
"It’s fine. You’re just not used to dealing with humans, right? Thor told me."
Rollon grunted. "You and Thor spent time together, then?"
Why did it make acid burn in his gut to think about? He wanted Thor to be happy, and this woman was beautiful – he didn’t understand how he had once classed her as merely pretty – and was charming, sensual and a gem to look at. Everything he wanted for his son.
"Uh . . . " Her cheeks stained pink and she bowed her head. "I suppose you could say that, yeah."
What did that mean? Rollon frowned as he leaned towards her, flaring his nostrils. Her scent rang strong between them. Too strong. If she had been physical with Thor in any way, even just embraces, then his scent would be clinging to her. As it was, there was hardly a trace of Thor’s scent on her. Enough for some casual contact in the same room, but not enough to indicate anything serious. Why was this human dragging her feet so much? Rollon narrowed his eyes at her. Was she defective in some manner?
"Why haven’t you bedded him yet?"
Her spine stiffened and she sat bolt upright. "Excuse me?"
"You heard the question."
"That is none of your business."
Rollon clenched his teeth for a moment. "As the king and Thor’s father, it is. Without his claim on you, others may challenge him. I don’t want to see him hurt because of it. You signed up for the selection. You didn’t protest when he chose you. Why are you here, if not to be his companion?"
She folded her arms and narrowed her eyes. "What goes on behind closed doors is none of yours or anybody else’s business. And as for other challenging him for me, let them try. I’ll kick them between the legs and then they’ll see about challenging him without my consent."
He couldn’t help but laugh at that. Her puny kicks would do nothing against a vampire, but it was good to know that she would fight for Thor. He relaxed. Humans were different. They didn’t operate by the same rules as vampires did. It would have to do for now.
Tindra twisted her hands and picked at her thumb. "Um . . . Actually, that was something I wanted to talk to you about. I saw him sparring today and he’s so fast and strong. It’s kind of scary, if I’m honest. Al
though, I do love a muscular figure. It’s just . . . he could snap me in half, you know? Any of you could. I don’t want to . . . be with my companion because I’m afraid of what might happen if I’m not. I want it for the right reasons, you know?"
He understood that but . . . "What are you getting at?"
"I was hoping that you could train me. To be stronger and teach me how to defend myself against the vampires."
That was a valid reason. And it would be good for Thor if the human became more confident. And as for these feelings? Well, spending more time around her might be a good thing. Surely his attraction was just because of the novelty. It would wear off as he got to know her more.
"I will teach you," he said. "I will expect you to work hard and give all your strength. Just because you’re human doesn’t mean that I will go easy on you. I won’t break you," he was quick to add, "but I will challenge you."
Tindra looked back up at him. There was a gleam in her eye that made him smile. She nodded. "Good."
Chapter Five – Tindra
The blow had Tindra’s arms jarring down, vibrating so hard it almost felt like her shoulders were going to pop from their sockets. She clenched her teeth and held her stance. While the dull blades might not be able to cut an arm off, that didn’t mean that they didn’t hurt when they landed. The many bruises on her arms were a testament to that.
"I will not yield," she shouted, putting all her strength into throwing Rollon back.
The king stepped back, a smile growing on his face. "What is that about?"
"Getting into character," Tindra grunted, swinging her blade towards the opening she saw on his left side.
Rollon easily sidestepped her. "Easy, now. You’re just learning the defense."
"I choose my own destiny!" As she hoped, his smile widened. He swung the sword towards her shoulder and she was just able to deflect it. "Ha! Your puny weapons are no match for the winter queen. Once I despatch you, I will descend the world into eternal snow and blizzards and ice cream!"
Rollon snorted. He stepped in a circle around her, easily evading her clumsy swings toward him. "What are you doing?"
"I’m the Winter Queen and you are my greatest enemy. I have to defeat you."
He snickered. She pulled the hammiest, most exaggerated grimace that she could and he burst into laughter. The tip of his sword dropped to the floor and Tindra stepped back, giggling as well. It hadn’t been that funny, but her heart warmed to see Rollon laughing like this. His eyes sparkled as he shook his head.
"You are insane," he said.
"No, I’m not. It’s a story that I’m planning to put into print eventually. Only the Winter Queen won’t be fighting a vampire king."
The door to the large gym opened and Thor strode in. Instantly, Rollon’s face returned to the normal harsh look he had and he took Tindra’s sword. She scowled at the prince. Just when they were making some progress! Thor grinned as he looked between them.
"Looks like you two are getting along," he said. "But I bet you’d be more impressed to see two skilled vampire warriors fight it out, huh Tindra. What do you say, Dad?"
Tindra glanced eagerly at the king. She wanted nothing more than to see what he was capable of. Unfortunately, he shook his head and his scowl deepened further. He always looked like this when they were around anybody else. Probably needing to keep the whole strong, badass king vibe going on. But why did badass mean he couldn’t smile once in a while? He was so tense he looked like he might explode.
"It’s been two weeks," Rollon said as he reached for a towel and tossed it at Tindra.
She mopped up the sweat on her chest and arms. The tank she had chosen still felt too warm after that exercise. Thank goodness she had a good sports bra. Even her small jigglers bouncing all over the place was uncomfortable.
"Dad," Thor started, voice wary.
"You need to properly claim her. There is talk about your lack of initiative, and there are grumblings that the human is fair game."
And they were just having so much fun. Tindra put her hands on her hips, glowering at the king. It was difficult at times to remember that he was a powerful king, and not just an overly brooding guy that she had occasionally fun with. When he loosened up, they got along really well. But he always ruined it by being a jerk.
"I have a say in all this too, you know," she reminded him.
"You’re human." He waved a hand dismissively. "If a vampire tried something, you’d agree."
Thor groaned.
"Excuse me? Do I look like the kind of girl that puts out because of a cute smile? I don’t let my hormones rule me, or else I’d—" Already have jumped him. Best not go there. "I’d have made a lot of mistakes in my life. Well. More mistakes than I’ve already made."
Her hands drifted unconsciously to her stomach and a spike of pain jolted through her. Her heart clenched, but she shoved those memories away quickly. The past was gone and there was no bringing it back. It didn’t stop her eyes from burning, which only made her angrier when Rollon spoke again.
"It’s nothing about you personally. Humans have the biological imperative to breed, and your repressive sexual culture leaves you prey to acting out your fantasies in inappropriate ways." Rollon swept back his long dark hair, which had come loose as they were sparring, and secured it with an elastic. "Just look at the porn industry. Do you think it would be as prevalent if human sexuality wasn’t so heavily repressed?"
"I don’t watch porn."
Rollon shrugged. "You are clearly attracted to vampires. There is no shame in that. I’m simply saying that if a vampire were to approach you, your attraction would get the best of you and you would act. Again, not something to be ashamed of. Vampires are high—"
"Just because I’m attracted to some vampires doesn’t mean I’m attracted to all vampires."
Rollon froze. His eyes flashed and his nostrils flared. "Some vampires? Who else are you attracted to?"
Tindra opened her mouth to reply to that, but her words got caught in her throat. Who else? Her eyes widened as she backed a step away from him. He knew. How could he know – never mind that, how could he not know? She constantly blushed if he complimented her. He got under her skin so easily. It was impossible not to see her attraction to him.
She glanced at Thor, who said nothing. His expression was blank, hands clasped behind his back. Rollon glanced at his son and grimaced.
"I’m sorry, Thor. Either you need to claim her and end her looking at others or throw her back."
As if she was a fish that nobody wanted.
"Look," she shouted. "I don’t know what you’re talking about. Just because girls throw themselves at you all day long doesn’t mean that I’m one of them. You’re rude, arrogant, and the only time you act like a halfway decent person is when there is nobody around to see it. You think you’re all macho and alpha? You’re not. You’re a pitiful, broken man who doesn’t know how to feel and who thinks being strong is being invincible. It’s not! I don’t like you that way, and I’m not going to be thrown back. I’m not a catfish!"
She ran from the room before either of them could speak. Tears burned her eyes and she internally cursed up a storm at herself. Way to be immature and irresponsible! Great going. This is why you should never have kids.
Her heart clenched again and she fought the tears unsuccessfully. She raced back to her room and slammed the door.
"You’re back early."
Great. Tindra took a deep breath and turned to face Ingrid. "I’m fine."
Ingrid looked at the tear stains on her face and shook her head. "I didn’t say you weren’t. I’ve started a nice hot bath to help with the aches after your sparring. I think I’ll throw in some peppermint oil to give it a nice soothing fragrance, too."
Soon the bath was ready, and Ingrid sat behind a partisan while Tindra slipped into the massive tub. The water was just the right temperature, and Tindra allowed herself to float while holding the sides of the tub. The scent of peppermint helped t
o relax her as the bruises from her sparring session increased.
"I messed up," she confessed. "I messed up bad. I won’t be surprised if Rol – the king has me sent away after today."
"What did you do? You didn’t attack him, did you?"
"Not physically. I might as well have, though." She quickly recounted what had happened, careful to leave her own feelings out of it. "I know that it’s not entirely true. Maybe there are a few half-truths to what I said, but I had no right to say them. I was just so embarrassed and angry and . . . "
Ingrid hummed. "And because you are highly attracted to the king."
Her eyes drifted shut. "Yeah. The truth is, if he approached me, saying no wouldn’t even occur to me. I blame Thor for this mess. If he hadn’t decided to play match maker, I’d be at home watching The Last Airbender right now. The cartoon, not the movie."
Ingrid pulled the partisan aside. Her eyes sparkled and Tindra yelped. She turned so that she was mostly hidden from view.
"Do you mind?"
"You are really attracted to the king?"
Tindra shook her head. "I changed my mind. Stop looking at me."
"I’m not looking at you." Ingrid leaned forward. "You are attracted to Rollon. This is excellent news. He is attracted to you as well. I can see it on his face when you two are together, no matter how much he tries to hide it. It would be marvelous to see him happy again. To have a queen."
"Right. Well, the potential queen doesn't want anybody staring at her while she’s naked."
Ingrid drew the partisan back. "Except Rollon."
Tindra snorted. "After what I said to him?"
"I can’t wait for you to get pregnant. Imagine, a little boy with your pretty eyes and Rollon’s dark hair. Or a girl. Rollon would be such a doting father. I remember when Thor was little . . . "
Tindra closed her eyes, trying to push away the stab of pain in her chest. All this constant talk of babies. They couldn’t know of course, but it brought out all the worries and doubts that she just couldn’t deal with.
"I’m not having children," she whispered. "You’ll have to pin your hopes on someone else."