by T. S. Ryder
Chapter Six – Rollon
After Tindra had run away, Thor hadn't said a word, merely shaking his head and leaving the training rooms himself. Rollon could have kicked himself for how he behaved. He was treating her like he thought he was better than she was, which simply wasn't true. Humans and vampires were different, but that didn't mean one was better than the other. The whole situation just fell out of control.
Part of him hoped that Thor would send her away. Thor was stubborn, though. He didn't do what he didn't want to do. Much like his father.
Several hours later, Rollon was looking over requests for increased military spending when his son strode through the door, ignoring the protests from Rollon's secretary. The king dismissed her and set aside his papers. He always had time for his son.
"You're upset," he started.
"You bet I'm upset. What is it with you?" Thor paced in a circle and shook his head. "Why do you always have to be so damned stubborn? You were getting along fine with Tindra and then you go and accuse her of having no self-control? That was rude and unnecessary."
Rollon couldn't help but smile a little at that. "And here you are, chastising me. The tables have certainly turned. I remember when you were a toddler running around, giving Ingrid heck because you refused to leave your diaper on."
"Dad!" Thor let out a huff. "We're not talking about my old habits. Tindra is important and you keep pushing her away. Can't you just try to give her a chance?"
"It's your birthday soon."
Thor narrowed his eyes. "Why are you changing the topic?"
"I will be more comfortable with the human once she's bonded to you," Rollon said stiffly. "Now. About your birthday—"
"I don't care about my birthday."
Rollon nodded. Thor was always a bit peculiar about his birthday. Maybe it was because birthdays were never celebrated in the palace. It had been his mother who pushed to celebrate it. And after what happened, Thor simply stopped talking about it. But it had been a long time since they had done anything to celebrate, and with all that was happening with Tindra, Rollon wanted to have some time to spend with his son without any outside pressures.
"I think we should do something special for your birthday this year. I don't have any ideas right now, but I will—"
"I have an idea."
Thor's gaze didn't waver, but there was an uncertain look in his eye. Rollon tried to stay relaxed, although he recognized that look. His son had a plan in mind, but he was certain that Rollon wasn't going to like it. And Thor was usually right about those sorts of things. Still, Rollon waited quietly. It was clearly important, so he would listen. And he would give it a good amount of thought before he answered.
"Dad, I need you to stay calm, okay?"
Rollon's brows rose. Unexpected . . .
"For my birthday, I want you to go see Mom."
It was like a blow to the stomach. Rollon turned away at once, reaching for the papers he had set aside. That was out of the question. It simply was not going to happen. Never. His hand shook and he balled it into a fist.
"Dad, I know how you feel about it. But it's been years. I need you to be happy again and you're not going to do that while you're holding onto your guilt."
And seeing the woman whose life he stole was going to help with that?
"Dad, please."
"How do you think I'm not happy?" he tried.
Thor frowned. "If you're going to say no, just say no."
He couldn’t, and that was the problem. Reluctantly, he nodded. "I will go and see her with you. But the question still stands. Why do you think I'm not happy? Would seeing your mother make me happier? Is it supposed to alleviate my guilt?"
"I don't know. Honestly, Dad, I don't know. But I just want to see you try. Maybe seeing her will help you because it will show you that even bad things can have good things come out of it. I mean, don't you want to have more kids? Sometimes I really wish I wasn't a single child."
Rollon considered for a moment, then shook his head. "You are my greatest joy. More children would only bring more joy, I know. But I don't have room in my life for a woman, and I'm not going to have a broodmare. I don't want what was between your mother and me to be the norm. Besides, I have no prospects. "
Thor leaned forward. "As for your prospects, there are thousands of women out there that would cut off their legs for a chance to be with you. Hell, when I walk down the street I'm mobbed. And you're the king."
"This is opposite. I should be counseling you to find a companion, not the other way around."
Thor grinned. "You've been after me to find myself a mate for fifty years. Where do you think I picked up all my skills?"
"I always did say you took after me."
Rollon sighed. Was it time for him to take a companion? There were a few trusted females that he went to when he was desperate, but for the most part, he had put thoughts of companionship from his mind. The truth of the matter was, he filled his schedule because it gave him a convenient excuse as to why he couldn't take on a lover. He had a lot of councilors who could be working harder than they did now. The kingdom did need constant defense, but he wasn't the only one who could wield a sword.
His mind turned to Tindra. "Even if I was so inclined to have a companion, the woman I may be interested in isn't available."
Thor’s eyes lit up and he leaned forward eagerly. "What woman would that be, Dad? Do I know her? Maybe she is someone you met recently?"
His tone tipped something off in Rollon’s brain. "Why so interested?"
"I’m not allowed to be interested in the woman who might be my new mother?"
He widened his eyes innocently, which only proved that he was up to something. Rollon stiffened as he considered everything that had happened. Thor had not seemed surprised nor concerned when he found Rollon and Tindra sparring. He was awfully eager to see them get along. And now, right after bringing her into the palace, he was talking about Rollon letting go the past and moving on . . .
"Out with it," the king said, eyes narrowed. "What are you plotting?"
"Plotting? What makes you think I’m plotting anything?"
"Don't make me have you thrown in the dungeons."
Thor laughed. "Dad, threatening to ground me hasn't worked in decades. Besides, I’ve got that press conference—"
Rollon held up a hand. "Just tell me what you think you are doing."
"Okay. I’m worried about you."
"So you said. It tells me nothing about this game you are playing."
"It’s not a game. I really think that—"
The piercing shriek of an alarm filled the air. Rollo and Thor both jumped to their feet and reached for the knives that sat proudly on Rollon’s desk. A snarl ripped its way through the king’s throat as he raced for the door. These alarms hadn't been used for twenty years . . .
It could mean only one thing. The palace was under attack.
Zander quickly found the king and prince. Not bothering to bow, the security guard handed Rollon a sword.
"Shifters are attacking our walls. There are reports of a dark-haired woman leading them."
Eva. He'd been wondering when she would return. "All the humans and non-warriors are to be put in the safe rooms. Thor, you are responsible for their safety."
Thor nodded. He snatched a blade from a guard and ordered two others to follow him. Rollon's stomach twisted as he watched him go, but he was a strong warrior and would do as he was commanded. He turned on his heel and gestured for the rest of the guard to follow him. It was time to put his sister in the ground.
Chapter Seven – Tindra
The alarms were so loud Tindra longed to clasp her hands to her ears while Ingrid pulled her down the hallway. As soon as the alarms had started, the vampire had grabbed Tindra and Hilda and pulled them from the room where they were playing chess. Ingrid’s grip was like iron, and she moved so quickly that Tindra could barely keep up.
They avoided the elevators, going down the stair
s instead. At one point, Tindra lost her footing, and Ingrid all but threw her over her shoulder as she continued down. Tindra yelped – the thin vampire was much stronger than she looked!
Within a few minutes, they were below the rest of the palace in what looked like the dungeons. Ingrid swiped a card and a metal door rose. As she ushered Tindra and Hilda inside, someone shouted from behind them.
"Thor!" Ingrid's face collapsed into relief. "Have they breached the walls?"
"No. My father is going to head them off. It seems they’re being led by . . . an old enemy." Thor glanced into the room and down the hall. "Did you see any of the others?"
Ingrid shook her head. "But it’s late, I imagine many of them were in bed."
Thor’s nostrils flared. He spun on his heel and glanced at the nearest soldier he had brought with him. "You, stay here and guide the non-warriors in as they arrive. Five per room, and make sure that these doors stay shut once they are closed. Ingrid, I want you to seal the three of you in right now and –"
"Stop!" Tindra threw herself forward, blocking Ingrid from obeying the command. "What are you talking about? What is going on here?"
"The palace is under attack by shifters. We don’t know how many. I have been charged with protecting the non-warriors, and you are especially too important to lose." Thor gripped her wrist and dragged her deeper into the room. "I’m very serious. They might be after you."
Her face blanched. "Where’s Rollon?"
Somewhere in the hallway above them, an animalistic roar rang through the air. Thor’s head whipped around and a low snarl ripped from him. Tindra’s heart jumped to her throat and she yanked away from him instinctively. He didn’t even seem to notice.
"Seal the door," he ordered over his shoulder and a female scream rose louder than the sounds of the beast. "Don’t open it for anyone!"
"What about Rollon?" Tindra cried plaintively.
She made to follow, but Hilda grasped the back of her dress, stopping her, as Ingrid swiped her card again. The metal door fell with a thud. The noises from outside were cut off, and only a slight buzz could be heard. Tindra’s blood rushed in her ears and she yanked herself away from Hilda (tearing her dress in the process) and began to pound on the door.
"Thor!" she screamed. "What about Rollon?"
"The king is a mighty warrior," Ingrid said. "Don’t fear for him."
Tindra closed her eyes and rested her forehead against the door. "He’ll be in the thick of the battle, won’t he?"
Hilda tentatively touched her hand. "Rolly is very strong. You don’t have to worry about him. I've seen him go through really bad battles and come out the only survivor. He was once hung up by silver and staked a dozen times, and he still managed to kill them and get home."
The small girl tugged on her hand, and Tindra allowed herself to be led away. Worry ate at her stomach and she strained her ears for any sound from outside the door, but there was nothing she could hear. Ingrid and Hilda tried to distract her, but the only thing she could think of was how many times they had gone through this before.
A thud against the door made them all jump. A moment of silence, and then smaller thuds, and the faint sound of a woman’s voice pleading.
Tindra jumped to her feet. She couldn’t stand the thought of someone needing their help, otherwise left on their own to die. She reached for Ingrid’s access card. Ingrid’s hand flashed out and grasped her wrist. "We were told not to open the door."
"But someone is out there!"
"There’s a guard." Ingrid’s grip tightened. "He will direct her to the proper―"
"What if he abandoned his post?"
Ingrid shook her head. "Our soldiers do not abandon their posts. If he’s not there, he’s dead and we will die if we open the door."
"Please!" the woman outside screamed. "Let me in!"
Tindra balled her fist and threw all of her weight into decking Ingrid in the face. The vampire woman reeled back, eyes widening. Whether the blow actually did something or if it was just a surprise, Tindra didn’t know. Nor did she care. She pushed Hilda into her sister and used their distraction to dash over to the card reader. The doors flew open and Tindra reached to pull the woman in.
She froze when a cold blade pressed to her throat.
Two women stood on the outside of the room. One had a tear-stained face, her eyes wide and fearful. The other was like looking at a female version of Rollon. Same piercing eyes, dark hair, the slight dimple in her lower lip. The hard angles of his strong jaw were rounded on the woman, though. But this could only be―
"Eva!" Hilda jumped forward but Ingrid grabbed her and dragged her back.
Eva’s nostrils flared as she looked at Tindra. "So you’re my nephew’s human, are you?"
For a moment Tindra was certain she was dead, but Eva lowered her knife. There was blood on it, and Tindra’s hand flew to her throat before she saw the guard lying on the floor. Eva pushed away from the vampire woman she had used to gain entry and stepped into the room. Her gaze moved to Ingrid.
"It was easier to gain entrance than I thought it would be. My dear brother isn’t keeping his guards up to date. And the human . . . How could anybody love someone so stupid?" Her gaze flickered to Tindra. "Thor must want something besides your mind . . . Can’t be your body though."
"Ingrid?" Hilda squirmed in her sister’s arms. "It’s Eva! Why aren’t you happy?"
Eva stepped closer to the other vampire, ignoring everyone else. "So you never told her, huh? I’ll admit that I’m surprised."
"Told me what?" Hilda’s eyes were huge.
Ingrid squeezed her tighter.
"I broke your sister’s heart," Eva said, crouching slightly. "I don’t think she’s ever going to be happy to see me. But I tell you what. If you come with me, I won’t—"
Ingrid’s maniacal laughter cut her off. Eva straightened and Ingrid pushed Hilda behind her, shielding her from the other vampire. Tindra’s heart pounded. She felt powerless. When this was over, she was going to start seriously training with Rollon and take to carrying a silver blade with her at all times. If she got out of this alive.
"Hilda’s not going anywhere. I’m not going to let you near me or my sister ever again," Ingrid spat.
Eva stared at her for a moment before shaking her head. A look of hurt flashed through her eyes, but it was gone quickly. Everything was still and silent. Even the sounds of fighting from above were muted. Where was Thor? Where were the rest of the people who were meant to be coming to these rooms?
"Be a good girl, Hilda," Eva said as she stood a step back. "Listen to your sister and try to understand."
"Eva—"
The vampire whirled to Tindra. Her heart stopped at the dead, emotionless stare in her eyes. In that moment, she knew she was going to die. She was going to be killed and there was nothing she could do about it. She fell back a step as Eva raised the knife.
"Not in front of Hilda," she whispered.
Eva froze. An uncertain look flashed over her face, then a barely perceptible nod. She lunged forward and grabbed Tindra’s arm. Ingrid howled a sound of pain and anger and jumped in, fists balled. Eva flipped the knife in her hand and threw her arm out, cracking the butt of the knife against Ingrid’s skull. Hilda screamed.
"Don’t," Eva warned and dragged Tindra out of the room.
Tindra was so filled with fear that her hands could barely move, but she managed to swipe the card reader, sealing the room in seconds. Her stomach rebelled as Eva pressed her against the wall, eyes burning. At least Hilda wouldn’t see.
"I came here for you, and for... Never mind. Thor’s plan is so obvious. You’re much too old for him. When I heard he had selected you, I knew instantly that he chose you for his father," Eva said. "But I can’t let that happen. Rollon doesn’t deserve happiness. I can’t let him have you."
The sound of footsteps echoed behind them. Eva yanked Tindra around and held the knife to her throat as Thor and several other soldiers came into view. Th
or didn’t even look at her, his gaze focused on Eva.
"Let her go."
Eva clicked her tongue. "You look more like him every time I see you. Stand aside, Thor."
"Let the human go and I will convince my father to spare you."
Eva laughed. "Rollon has already decided I must die. What can you or anybody do to change his mind once it’s set? No. I’ll be doing this poor girl a favor by slicing her throat right now rather than letting Rollon get his claws into her forever."
Thor inched forward. "This is your last warning, Aunt. Stand down."
"No. You stand down." The knife pressed tighter, making Tindra gasp. "The quarrel I have is with your father, not you. With my forces, I would crush you. Let me leave and I’ll let you alone. You can’t take me down on your own."
A deep growl came from behind her. "It’s a good thing he’s not alone then, isn’t it?"
Chapter Eight – Rollon
Eva turned so her back was against the wall, her knife still at Tindra's throat. The human trembled, her eyes wide, and Rollon tried not to look at her. To see her fear now would only make him act rashly. He needed to remain in control of the situation. His silver blade weighed down his hand, blood dripping from its end. He'd had to fight through a dozen shifters to get here.
Rollon pushed his thoughts from his mind. His feet were unsteady so he planted them, watching Eva closely. She'd be dead already if it weren’t for the closeness of Tindra's body to hers. He couldn't strike without hurting his son's chosen one.
His sister's nostrils flared. "I can smell your blood, brother. You've been wounded. Badly, I think. See the way your king's hand trembles, human? He can't save you."
"Let the human go," Rollon rumbled. "If your quarrel is with me, then you have nothing to gain by harming my son's companion."
Thor shifted to one side and Eva tightened her grip on Tindra. "I think not. The human will give me a safe passage from your palace."
Rollon snarled under his breath. He stepped forward, raising his blade. "You came to test my resolve. You wanted to see what the human was worth to me, didn't you? That or . . . " He glanced at the door, where he could hear Ingrid shouting. "Did you really think she would go back to you after the way you hurt her?"