Love and Blood (Evening Bower Book 2)

by Sherry Rentschler

  Victoria stared at him.

  “She’s coming,” Sondra called out. “Victoria get your camera ready. I see the car.”

  Mace turned at the commotion, considered for a second, then decided there was nothing more he could do tonight.

  “This is great information, young man.” He put a hand on Steel’s shoulder. “We will talk again. For now, enjoy the wedding.”

  A white stretch limousine pulled up to the mansion. As everyone gathered on the porch, Mace used the opportunity to find his car and escape unnoticed. There was a great deal to consider, and the pieces were gradually coming together. It really was a nice day for a white wedding.

  “What did you do?” Hurt glistened in Victoria’s eyes.

  “I explained it. I’m sorry. I didn’t realize,” Steel pleaded.

  Victoria abruptly left him alone on the porch.

  “All right everyone, inside. No one sees the bride ahead of time. Shoo. Go on,” Rhea laughed, and Franklin closed the double plantation doors behind the company.

  When the coast was clear, the chauffeur opened the door on his side. Keta crawled out followed closely by Reaper on a leash. He didn’t like it very much and kept nipping it. As they rounded the limo, Rhea met the passenger door as Dra curled out.

  “Oh my friend,” Rhea gasped and smiled, “you look incredible. But black? Isn’t that cliché even for you?”

  Dra laughed. “It was either this or my gypsy skirts. I didn’t think his stuffiness would approve of marrying a barefoot princess in beads and scarves.”

  “Well, if you mean to make the man swallow his tongue over what he cannot have, you have achieved the desired result. And who is your young friend?” She faced the young girl.

  “This is Keta. Keta this is my old friend Rhea.”

  Keta, in her jeans and denim jacket, stared at Rhea and whispered, “Nice t’meet you.”

  “A pleasure to meet you as well, Keta. We are happy to have you with us,” Rhea shook hands with the girl.

  “You’ll be staying here with her and her family. Reaper will stay with you.” Dra added. “You listen to Rhea.”

  The women linked arms and Keta stared at the big house.

  “I’d rather be in town, but this is coooool,” she said.

  “Go inside the big doors and ask for Franklin. He will show you around. Keep Reaper close because we have some people in the house that he does not know and might not like,” Rhea said softly.

  “Sure thing. C’mon boy, let’s see our new digs.”

  Girl and hound climbed the steps and disappeared inside. Rhea started up the stairs with Dra who suddenly stopped.

  “Is he here?”

  “Yes, in full uniform and everything. Are you sure you want to do this? Because Detective Bayone was here asking to speak to him.”

  Dra’s eyes narrowed. “Really? Curious. I talked to the detective about my manager’s death. I wonder what he wanted with Alexi.”

  “Maybe you should deal with this after your trip.”

  “Maybe I should deal with it now,” Dra insisted with a soft growl.

  “Why not mist up to my room and I will send Victoria to you. I think she heard their conversation. She will help you with your final touches. Wait, where is your glickris?”

  Dra patted the front of her dress at the slit and Rhea grinned. “Oh my,” she laughed. “And what about your sword? You are not leaving without it, are you? I think Viseriel would want you to keep it close.”

  “It’s with my bag. I’ll have it with me if I need it. Don’t worry little birdy.” Dra winked.

  Drahomira disappeared before Rhea could get inside. She sent Victoria upstairs as promised. Then she headed outside to the patio where the company gathered. Alexander’s smooth exterior cracked with impatience, and his arrogance reared its head.

  “Has she arrived? Where is she? We must begin,” he demanded imperiously.

  “Just like an anxious groom,” Rhea soothed. “Midnight, prince. Soon.

  The night sky blazed with stars, and the bayou sang its song of welcome. The group was restless. Suddenly soft piano music filled the space. Amor-el treated everyone to a sampling of Grieg’s Nocttorno 54 and the haunting melody captivated and diverted everyone’s attention. Time stood still as guest sat and listened. Rhea thanked the heavens for his talented intervention.

  Upstairs, Victoria quickly shared all the bits and pieces that she and Steel had put together.

  “Are you telling me you think that Alexi and Tobias are working together?” Dra hissed. “Not possible. I know that Alexi always disapproved of Raikas and the agreements he made, not to mention what Raikas did to Sergei, his nephew. There is no way he would work with Tobias.”

  “But Dra, Tobias is involved in my building blowing up. I told you about the key he tricked Steel into getting for him. Or through Janice for him.”

  “Vicki, you are saying my manager was a duplicitous bitch.”

  “Please, Dra, you have to believe me.”

  “Like you believed me, right?”

  “This is different. I’m telling you Tobias has another girlfriend too, and she works at some new club that she claims Tobias is opening. Mr. Riviere knows about that club, too.”

  “Tobias and Alexander shaking hands. By the Beng, I can’t believe that the ruv could even get close enough to touch Alexi.”

  “And yet, they did.” Victoria fidgeted from one foot to the other. The piano music downstairs ended. Suddenly she gave Dra a once over and frowned.

  “Wait. Dra, where is your glickris? You may need it.”

  Drahomira pulled her skirt aside and flashed her thigh. There, nestled high up between her legs, hid the deadly curved blade.

  “Um, er, you don’t have any underwear on.”

  “Your point? It was the only hiding place available. Not exactly like I had any space for underwear in this dress, honey.”

  “Um, okay. But where is your bag? Your protection bag. Do not tell me that you are leaving it behind?”

  “There are only two things I need tonight besides my glickris.” She pulled aside the leather straps going around her neck. In each shoulder strap seam a solitary hawthorn rested comfortably, hidden from view.

  “What’s the other?” Victoria prompted, worried.

  “These,” she smiled, and sharp fangs glistened.

  “Oh yes. Well if I’m right and I know I am, your prince is up to no good. You may need, um, those.” She pointed to Dra’s face.

  Dra considered the recent events, Janice’s death, Raikas and his love of magic, Tobias’ visit to her country so long ago and the blood oath sworn against her. She considered how the building exploded only minutes after she was there and how Alexander followed her out to the bayou. Now he knew where her friends lived. She made it too easy for him.

  “You may be on to something, Vickie.” Slowly, Drahomira grinned and Victoria shivered. “I think you just did me a big favor.”

  Amor-el knocked on the door, and his velvet voice inquired, “Drahomira, are you ready? Time to become a queen.”

  Something in Dra shifted. Something small, but Victoria felt it and saw it in Dra’s neon eyes.

  “Coming, sailor,” Dra winked at Victoria. “Go on down, Vickie. And don’t worry about me. I think I can handle my faux husband.”

  Victoria hesitated, wanted to correct her but didn’t, and finally opened the door, breezing past Amor-el. Am smiled at the women then offered his arm to Dra.

  Together they descended the stairs. With every step, Drahomira considered every tale, every idea, every fear, and weighed it against her knowledge of the players. By the time they reached the ground floor, Dra’s mind was clear. She smiled. Oh, how she smiled.

  Steel stared at her. She couldn’t have been more beautiful. Or more frightening. Her fangs were showing. If he didn’t believe before, he certainly did now.

  “Dra, get a grip,” whispered Am. “You’re teething.”

  “Ah, crap on toast, I’m good.” Her t
hreatening grin suddenly melted into a warm and happy one.

  Steel thought this quick change was scarier than anything he’d ever seen.

  The hall clock chimed midnight, and the chaplain cleared his throat. Everyone stood as Amor-el walked Drahomira outside and across the stones until they were beside the prince. Her dress shimmered like water in the twinkling blue lights and rippled seductively. Alexi bowed low at her approach and then kissed her hand. His eyes scanned every inch of her. When he slowly leveled his gaze to hers, Drahomira knew he wasn’t the man she had always loved and respected. This tantalized letch was a stranger.

  The chaplain opened with the requisite ceremony and then turned the proceedings over to the prince.

  “Bear witness, all ye who attend this gathering, that I, Prince Alexander Ivan Fedorovich, stand proxy for the true and intended groom, Prince Sergei Gregorsky Vratislov in matrimony to Her Royal Highness, Princess Drahomira Libuse Argintari Premysld, heir to the Vampire Magyars and the people of Bohemia through direct blood of Duke Premysld, royal appointee of Vratislav the First of Bohemia. On this day I swear fealty, devotion, and undying love and pledge my life, uniting my blood with my wife, my heir, and my one true queen.”

  Alexi lifted Dra’s right hand and waited as she removed her glove. Then he slipped the massive gold and diamond ring over each her finger on her right hand before he left it on her thumb. Dra stared at it for a long moment, and then let her hand drop.

  The prince opened the box with the miniature crown as well as the one with the royal order. Then he lifted the crown above Drahomira’s head and nodded for her to begin.

  “I, Princess Drahomira Libuse Argintari Premysld, the sole anointed heir to the Premysld Dynasty, swear my undying love, my devotion and with my life and my blood do accept this proxy and commit myself to a union with Prince Sergei Gregorsky Vratislav. In so doing, I anoint him with the blood of my father and the promise that he will sit at my side and rule as my one true king. From this moment on, I renounce any and all prior claims to my person and voluntarily accept the throne of my country and my people. I commit my life as the true queen.”

  Alexi replaced the crown and knelt before Drahomira. She lifted him up and pinned the Order of the Premyslds to his coat. For a long moment, she searched his face and finally nodded to the chaplain who intoned, “I charge you both to stay true to the promises you made here, to honor and cherish the rule of love and keep faith to your country. By the power vested in me, and in the presence of witnesses I pronounce this contract fulfilled and present to you, Her Royal Highness Drahomira Libuse Premysld Vratislav, Queen of the Magyars, Phuri of the Bohemian people, Princess of Romania and all the territories within, wife of Sergei.”

  Immediately the gathering came to its feet, clapping and cheering. Alexi bowed deeply, grinned at his new “wife,” then slowly bent and kissed her on both cheeks.

  “My bride,” he said thickly.

  “Your queen,” she corrected and turned her back to him. Immediately surrounded, she accepted the congratulations drowning her from all sides.

  Alexi swallowed the anger that bubbled up and shook hands as he attempted to be gracious and civil.

  “Dra that was amazing. I got some great pictures. How about one with you and the prince now as husband and wife?” Victoria urged.

  “Pardon me, my dear,” Alexander interrupted, “this is my queen, and I am but a proxy husband. We are missing our Sergei, are we not Your Majesty?”

  “How kind of you to remember,” Dra said. “But let’s be generous and let her have her picture. I want to show Raikas, after all.” She laughed, but it was hollow and without the echoes of tiny bells.

  “Well, of course, Raikas will be dying to see,” Alexi smirked and posed with his arm around Drahomira.

  In that position, it was impossible for him to notice the neon light in Dra’s eyes but everyone else who observed them noticed. No one smiled. Not even Drahomira.

  Rhea approached her friend after the buffet and the cake cutting, drawing Dra aside for a private moment.

  “My dear, you look positively lethal. What is going on?” She lifted Dra’s hand to admire the ring. “This makes it official between you and Sergei, correct? And you are officially the queen? So what is going on?”

  Dra’s hand curled and then clenched. The ring on her thumb was cumbersome, and she frowned at it. “I did this for Sergei and my people, but it feels wrong, and I hate it. However, now I have the legal right to do other things, which I think will give me some pleasure,” Dra whispered. “I am fine, little birdy. Thank you for everything. The roses were perfect and have I said how gorgeous you are, even if you are almost as pale as Am? I’m worried you’ve done too much. You need to take a rest.”

  “Pish posh, Dra. I am well, though I confess that I will relish some sleep. What happens now? Still going to New York?”

  “Yup, leaving tomorrow. I am required to spend tonight with Alexi. There’s one more ritual we must perform, but it’s private. The Consummation.” Dra’s voice dropped. “It ends so much.”

  “Does Alexander go with you to New York?”

  “Hell no. We are officially done with each other. The next time I stand up as anyone’s bride will be next to my Sergei.”

  “Well then, Mrs. Vratislav, or should I saw, Your Majesty, I need to tell you something.”

  Rhea whispered about the new house, and this time when Dra smiled, it was genuine.

  “When I come back I had better have a suitable suite of rooms. Something fit for a queen.”

  Together they laughed at the joke. Dra hated froufrou and preferred modern, simple, and comfortable. Rhea promised to let her decorate when she came back.

  Destin escaped Sondra and wandered over to Drahomira before she left. He tugged on her dress to get her attention.

  “Bye bye now?” he said softly.

  Immediately Dra knelt down. “Just for a brief time, little man. I will be back soon.”

  “Gift for you,” Destin grinned and opened his hand. Fire jumped over his fingers and danced in his palm. Dra’s eyes widened, and she leaned away from him.

  “Super cool. When did you learn to do that?” Dra whispered and hoped Alexi did not witness the demonstration.

  “Mamma. See?” More flames, and this time others saw it.

  Always with her son, as one trial ended another began. Rhea’s fires awakened, anxious to answer her son’s embers. Now did she have to worry about wildfires?

  “Destin, what did I tell you about the matches?” Rhea said loud enough to scold him publically as she rushed over. Then smiled for the benefit of the others. “Sondra please take him upstairs and be more careful.” The warning was clear.

  A very surprised Sondra led him away.

  “But Mamma,” he cried.

  Dra winked at him. “Thanks, Destin. I’ll bring you back a present, okay?”

  “Okay,” he sniffed and then yawned.

  “I think you’re going to need that rest, Rhea,” Dra said quietly, and Rhea rolled her eyes.

  “That was new. He is evolving. It is too much, too fast.”

  Dra grinned. “Going to be just as deadly as his Mamma, I think.”

  Over the next couple of hours, the partygoers danced, Victoria took pictures of everyone, and Cooke basked in the culinary compliments. Steel sampled everything twice and gobbled as fast as he could while Franklin watched over the entire proceedings. Finally, it was time to bid the couple farewell.

  Alexi gathered up his boxes and waited for Drahomira.

  “Madam,” he said to Rhea, “I am profoundly grateful for what you provided tonight. Amazing accommodation and with such short notice. And to you Mister Riviere, I wish you and Irini much happiness. I hope you will come to visit us.”

  Amor-el did not miss the imperial “we,” and bristled.

  “Rhea and I hope to visit Drahomira in her country, one day.” Slight returned.

  But Alexander wasn’t done. In a bold lapse of manners, he disp
layed a bit of fang and added brightly, “I believe I know a family member of yours, his lordship the Duke of Normandy?”

  Am stiffened. “How fortunate,” he said and walked off.

  Alexander chuckled at his small victory and made his way to the limousine.

  “Hurry back, Dra,” Victoria waved and called out.

  Drahomira waved back and joined Alexi in the limo. “Keep the fires burning, Frankie,” she called out as the limo pulled away.

  “Tonight there is a war brewing,” Rhea said linking her hand in Am’s.

  “Yes, my angel, she claims not to care, but she will have to choose between love and blood. If not tonight, then very soon.”

  Rhea stood still and listened to the wind chimes as they rang out. The limo crossed the barrier. “For Dra, there is no choice. But what was that remark about your family?”

  Am frowned as he recalled, “I believe it was a warning, Rhea. I don’t think he should have said anything. Now I know with certainty that something is wrong and I think my family is involved too. What worries me is I think we are the last to know. Tobias, this new club, the death of Dra’s manager, now the mention of my sire by the man who takes Drahomira away just as we make these discoveries?”

  “Adversaries have never been a problem before now, beloved, and they will not be one now.”

  Rhea and Am waited up until everyone said goodnight. Steel left on Dra’s bike. Sondra returned from upstairs and announced Destin finally fell asleep. She joined Victoria, Cooke, and Franklin as they cleared the dining room. Keta watched the goings on feeling a bit forgotten until Cooke took her and Reaper under her wing. She spoiled the two of them with a little late supper (or was it an early breakfast?). Afterward, Reaper prowled the grounds before he wandered in and settled in front of the library fire. The girls eventually dragged themselves to their rooms, feet sore from dancing and stomachs stuffed with wedding cake. Quiet fell over the house.