by Amy Sumida
“And you idiots want me to put on this tragic belt?” I fumed. “Are you out of your damn minds? Do you not remember what happened the last time I wore a relic?”
“You saved our realm and became a jewel queen,” Torin said calmly.
“And nearly went mad in the process,” I reminded him. “You are the reason I didn't force Tír na nÓg to its knees. I had such vivid images filling my head, Torin. They felt so real that they were almost like memories; scenes of me standing before the Shining Ones while they prostrated themselves before me, of every kingdom worshiping me, and my word being law. I even saw this crystal throne where I would have ruled from. You have no idea what you prevented.”
Torin frowned thoughtfully. “You never told me that they seemed like memories.”
“I said they had the quality of memories,” I corrected. “They obviously weren't. I can assure you that I've never been worshiped by the Shining Ones.”
“I think I'd remember that.” Declan smirked.
“They were implanted by the Relic,” I concluded. “A trick used to coerce me into doing its bidding.”
“Most likely,” Torin agreed, though he didn't look convinced.
“We're not talking about a sentient relic,” Declan said. “It's armor; magical armor, but still just armor. It's not going to coerce you to do anything because it has no agenda. It's only purpose will be to protect you.”
“But you said they locked it up,” I pointed out. “How are we going to get it? Do you even know where it is?”
“They gave it to the water folk for safekeeping; their treasury is rumored to be the most secure in Tír na nÓg,” Declan said with a grin. “And you happen to have an alliance with the Sea Fey, Your Majesty.”
“No,” I said. “Uh-uh; I'm not going to the Sea Fairies to ask them to hand over a belt they're supposed to be keeping away from queens like me. That's not right.”
“Not queens like you,” Declan said. “You're unlike any queen this realm has ever seen, sweetheart.”
“Nonetheless, they're guarding it for a reason,” I said. “I'm not going to put them in a position to deny a new ally. And frankly, Declan, the fact that I'm different may be even more reason for them to keep that thing away from me.”
“Elaria,” Torin said sternly, “we need you safe. You saw what happened on Aaru; Gage had to turn back to defend you. None of us were focused completely on what we were doing because we are in tune with you. We know when you need us, and that takes our attention away from other things. It weakens us.”
He's right, RS said. I make all of you stronger, but I also create distractions. If you could find a way to put them at ease, it may help.
And I would rest easier knowing that you were safe, Kyanite added.
“I suppose you want me to find this belt before we pursue Isis?” I asked.
Torin, Declan, and Gage looked at Banning, and so did I. It was his people who were in danger, and who would possibly pay the price for our delay. Banning scowled; obviously torn between protecting his race and his lover. But he had lost me once, and he'd do everything within his power to prevent that from happening again. I understood that completely now.
“Get the Girdle first,” Banning said. “Isis can wait.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Declan's kingdom bordered mine and had the only jewel-kingdom access to the Sgáthan Sea. But before we headed to Alexandrite, Gio, Banning's gura, my consorts, and I traveled to Romania to see Sorin. Banning wanted to check on things with Sorin and give him an update before we went off the grid. Not because of any concern for the bastard, but out of concern for the Blooders as a whole.
We arrived in the open field before the Suceava House. With Romania being ahead of us, it was early evening. Gio preceded us to the front door and opened it for us with a grand wave of his arm. I strode inside and stood in the foyer; waiting for the others. The house was fairly quiet without the bustle of servants, which allowed for conversations to carry. One filtered down the hallway beneath the main stairs.
“—should they fail—” an unknown male voice said.
“They will not fail,” Sorin interrupted. “Prince Banning has proved himself, time and time again, to be a fierce warrior, and his companions are some of the strongest Beneathers on the planet. They will succeed.”
I made a self-centered smirk at Banning and flipped my hair. Banning rolled his eyes and sighed deeply as he started for the sound of the voices.
“I am in full agreement with you on Prince Banning's prowess, Your Majesty. I saw him in action if you recall,” the unidentified male went on. “But we don't know what he's facing, and we should plan for the worst. We need to get you somewhere safe in case the necromancer returns.”
I followed Banning through an open doorway and into an extensively adorned sitting room. Every surface that could be covered with lace or gilded had been, every portion of wall that wasn't taken up by shelves was hung with paintings of various sizes, and every tabletop was covered with knickknacks—priceless knickknacks from the look of them. The designer had definitely been of the more-is-more opinion.
Among all this froufrou sat the surviving ghearas of the Suceava Gura and the remnants of the Sofia Gura. The latter perked up when we entered the room. One in particular—I believe her name was Talia—lit up when she saw Banning. She got to her feet and hurried over to curtsy to her prince. I kid you not; she curtsied.
“Your Highness!” Talia exclaimed. “I'm so relieved to see that you're well. Have you slaughtered our enemies yet?”
Banning blinked at her dumbfoundedly and then cleared his throat as the rest of us snickered.
“Yeah, Banning,” I teased, “have you slaughtered their enemies yet?”
“Ellie, please,” Banning groaned. He turned his attention back to Talia and said, “We've discovered who is behind the attacks and are currently tracking them.”
“You have?” Sorin gently eased Talia aside. “Sit down, my dear; I need to speak with the Prince.”
“Your Majesty.” Talia curtsied again—this time to Sorin—and resumed her seat.
I saw Diana roll her eyes at the woman, and when she caught me staring, she shook her head in exasperation. I chuckled and shrugged. Some women were born to make the rest of us look better.
“Who is it?” Gheara Phillip—the voice I hadn't recognized—joined King Sorin.
“Isis,” Banning said. “Most likely, she has several Egyptian gods working with her, but she's the only one we're certain of.”
“Isis?” Sorin frowned. “A goddess? Why would she bother with blooders?”
“Sire, there was an unfortunate incident involving some blooders from the Cairo Gura,” Gio explained. “It was minor—they drank from some tourists in Isis' temple—but the goddess took offense.”
“Seems a trivial thing to start a race war over,” one of the other ghearas noted.
“She may have simply been searching for a reason to target us,” Gio offered.
“Why?” Sorin asked in bafflement.
Banning started to speak—no doubt to explain that Isis may be targeting Blooders because of me—when Gio cut him off.
“I have no idea, Your Majesty.” Gio gave Banning a weighted look. “It's just a theory.”
Huh; that earned him major points with me. Nice looking out, Gio.
“There is also a possibility that the Egyptian Gods have been using dark magic to strengthen themselves,” Banning added. “Facing them will not be easy.”
“Dark magic,” Sorin murmured. “That would explain the necromancy.”
“Isis already had the ability to raise the dead,” I pointed out. “But it explains why she can stomach creating Nachzehrers.”
“Please,” Sorin waved his hand to the door, “let's take this conversation to the dining hall and sit down.”
“We're not staying.” Banning shook his head. “We merely came to update you before we go after a piece of Shining One armor that may help us battle the Gods.
”
“Armor?” Diana asked.
“I'm sorry; I can't speak about it.” Banning held his hand up to discourage any further questioning. “I'll contact you with more information as soon as I have any. But, for now, I think Gheara Phillip is right; you all need to get into hiding, and you need to encourage all of the surviving guras to do the same.”
“I am the King—” Sorin started to say.
“Sorin,” Banning growled, “if you use this as a way to commit suicide, I will fucking raise you from the dead myself just so I may strangle you!”
The room went silent as everyone stared from Banning to Sorin with wide eyes. Sorin gaped at Banning, but he finally nodded.
“All right, Banning,” Sorin said softly. “I will do what's best for our people. But when this is over, we will be discussing your succession again.”
“You said you'd drop that if we found out who was behind these attacks,” I hissed.
“If you'll recall; I said that it was time for me to drop this,” Sorin said smugly. “But I never said that I would.”
“You implied it, you fucking dishonorable bastard!” I snapped. “You said it was time to drop it, and then asked for a favor in return; that's pretty clear to me.”
The other ghearas shifted uncomfortably; if there was one thing that Blooders valued, it was their vows and the keeping of them. Hearing that their king refused to deliver on his promise, must have been shocking.
“There will be no discussion and no succession,” Banning said firmly and in a tone far calmer than mine. “I am not meant to sit on the throne and wave my hand about to appease the other guras. My family needs me; my real family.” He waved a hand back at his gura. “My consort and brothers need me.” He shifted his wave to include my consorts and I. “I have shit to do. Are we clear?”
“You will not speak to me like that, Banning,” Sorin growled.
“You'll get respect from me when you stop forcing me to kill our people by sending them against me!” Banning roared.
Oh shit; we were doing this now. Okay. I eased up behind Banning and crossed my arms to make it clear that if there was going to be a throw-down, I was going to get in on it. And then I smiled to make it clear that I'd enjoy it too. My other consorts stepped up beside me—just as eager to get a few swings in—but Banning didn't need our help.
“This genocide began long before Isis got her panties in a bunch,” Banning growled.
I couldn't help sending a laughing look Gage's way when Banning said “panties.” I literally had Isis' panties in a bunch—in my pocket. Which was all kinds of funny all by itself.
“You sent your people to die when you sent them after me,” Banning went on. “You wanted to die yourself; it would have been preferable to living as King! And how fucking dare you call yourself a king and then demand respect from me. You don't deserve respect from any of us. You don't give a fuck about them or me. All you want to do is foist this responsibility off on someone so that you can be free.”
The other ghearas in the room looked at each other with horrified expressions. It's hard to learn that the man you idolize is not who you believed him to be. Like when everyone found out that Rock Hudson was gay; that blew my damn mind.
“I don't want to die; I just want some peace! I have led our people for centuries!” Sorin roared back. “I deserve that peace, and I deserve your respect for all I've done for our people. Even more than that, I deserve your obedience! You, out of all of them, owe me those things. I made you immortal with my own blood; you are my son. And yet you challenge me and try to turn my gura against me.”
“With the truth?” Banning asked. “Is that how I'm trying to turn them against you? Because if so, then I admit it; I'm trying to convince them of your faults by showing them the truth. There!” Banning spread his arms out. “What are you going to do about it, Sorin?”
Sorin shouted and leapt for Banning. I tensed; flipping through song titles in my mind. My consorts and Banning's gura moved forward to defend Banning. But again, we weren't needed.
Banning caught Sorin by the throat in a jaw-dropping show of strength and speed. Banning really has gained an amazing amount of power through our blood, and he showcased it as he lifted Sorin off his feet and held him aloft.
“I am no longer your son,” Banning declared right into Sorin's face. “I abdicate my crown, and I renounce you as a traitor to your own people.”
Banning dropped Sorin, and the blooders who were not in Banning's gura gasped.
“I have told you before,” Sorin growled as his hand went to his red throat. “You cannot abdicate from a blooder throne. You have been anointed in blood, and you will always be my son. This is not a human court that will hear your arguments and rule on your case. I am the judge and the law here. If you turn from me, I will hunt you down and bring you to heel.”
“Dude, you're literally still rubbing at your throat after my bro here nearly crushed it,” Gage growled. “You think your threats hold any water with him?”
Banning slid a small smile Gage's way before settling a serene look on Sorin.
“You have no power over me, you old fool,” Banning said calmly. “You couldn't bring me to heel with all of the guras backing you. I am the one who is free, and there is no fucking way that I will ever give up that freedom for the man who condoned the murder of the greatest love of my life.”
Banning took my hand, and I stepped up beside him. Together, we faced down the demon who had haunted Banning's life from the day he had been born a blooder.
Sorin just gaped at us.
“We will find Isis and finish this,” Banning went on. “Not for you or any obligation I feel for you, but because despite what you've done to me, I know there are good blooders in the world, and I won't see them suffer for your hubris.”
“Banning,” Sorin whispered.
Banning held up his hand to stop Sorin's appeal and then looked at the other ghearas. “If I were you, I'd return to my gura and see to their safety; this man doesn't deserve your loyalty. But either way, do what you can to notify the rest of our people. Tell them to hide—lock themselves away in whatever fortress they can find—until I send word that I've indeed slaughtered our enemies. The world is not a safe place for our kind right now.”
The other ghearas bowed deeply to Banning, and the survivors of the Sofia Gura stood up to curtsy. Banning's honesty and strength had won him the respect that Sorin tried to demand. Ironically, the only blooder in that room who behaved like a king was the man who had just refused his claim to the throne.
We turned about, and I strode out of the mansion with my prince who denied his nobility. I couldn't have been more proud to be with a commoner.
Chapter Twenty-Six
When we traveled back to Tír na nÓg, we went to Alexandrite. To be safe, we landed within Declan's private suite. It was a massive room, so even though there were quite a lot of us, we still fit just fine.
“I have to say; that really turned me on, Gheara,” Eva—one of Banning's blooders—declared as soon as we were through the Veil. “You were smokin' hot back there. I want to have your babies, and that's not even possible.”
“Not to mention the fact that I would murder you,” I said sweetly.
We all laughed; diffusing the tension that had been building since we'd walked into the Suceava Gura House.
“She's right, though,” I went on. “I've never seen you look as attractive as you did when you held Sorin up like a little boy.”
“People hold little boys like that?” Gage teased me with a horrified tone.
“Shut up,” I huffed. “You know what I meant.”
“I believe you finally made an impression on him,” Torin said to Banning. “More importantly; you made an impression on the other ghearas. Hopefully, they will spread the word about Sorin, and he'll leave you be.”
“I had no idea that things were so strained between you,” Gio said. “Or that the King was doing all of this to shirk his duties.”
>
“Why did you think he was doing this?” Banning asked.
“He told us that you would be a better king than him,” Gio said. “He swore that it was for the good of the Blooder Kingdom.”
“And he's right,” Arnold said.
We all looked at him in surprise.
“About the king thing,” Arnold explained. “Our gheara would make a better king. But tough shit; he's ours, the rest of you can fuck off.”
Arnold grinned widely; inspiring another round of laughter.
“If the Guras don't hide, it's all moot anyway; there will be no kingdom to rule,” Banning said grimly; ruining the mood.
“Way to go, King Downer,” I said. “Come on; let's see if we can convince some sea fairies to give me a girdle.”
“We'd best leave your gura here,” Declan advised. “We don't want to appear to be launching an invasion.”
“Sure,” Eva said as she looked around the luxurious room. “I'm down with that.”
“Not here in my bedroom, you naughty minx,” Declan gave her a half chiding and half approving look. “Here in the castle. I'll have a suite prepared for all of you.”
“And a meal?” Eva pushed her luck.
“Of food; yes,” Declan said. “Blood will have to be procured on your own. But by all means; try and convince my court to provide for you. Just don't be too pushy or you might get hurt.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Arnold said as he gave Eva a hard look. “We'll be on our best behavior.”
“Oh, please,” Declan huffed. “This isn't Onyx; behave as badly as you like. Just be prepared for the consequences.”
“Please don't encourage my people toward lewd behavior and misconduct,” Banning said dryly to Declan. To his gura, he added, “You will be on your best behavior, and you will not approach anyone for blood. On our next trip to Earth, we will make time to find some donors.”
A chorus of “Yes, Gheara” answered him.