by Leigh Walker
“He can’t harm me, or go against my wishes. Not anymore.”
Eve and I waited for him to go on. “How’s that?” she asked, as she readied Maeve.
Dallas sighed. “Remember I told you, Gwyneth, that the people in the settlements were rooting for you?”
“Yes.”
“It’s not just you they’re excited about. Mira Kinney told me my approval ratings are one-hundred percent. The settlers are united behind us, Gwyneth. They’re calling for me to rule. If my father makes a move against me, I could start a revolution. His empire’s too precious to him—he won’t risk it.”
Eve climbed into her saddle and we set off toward the palace. “Is he aware of all this?”
“Not yet.” Dallas lifted his chin. “But he will be. And I can’t wait to be the one to tell him.”
We rode in silence toward the palace. The quiet gave me a moment to wonder about what the future held for my brother—if he’d really be safe, if he’d be happy, and if he’d grow strong again.
I hoped so. And I hoped that the next time we met, it wasn’t on opposing sides of a battlefront.
Dallas sat ramrod straight in front of me, his broad shoulders drawn back, lost in his own thoughts.
“Will you go back to Fifteen with Blake tonight?” I asked, as we got closer to the castle.
“No. We’ve quite run out of time. I saw Mira this afternoon—I told her to wrap up filming. I can’t bear to pretend anymore.”
“To pretend what?”
He chuckled, pulling me closer. “That there’s actually a contest.”
“Dallas!” A figure strode toward us, coming from the palace. It was still light enough for me to make him out—tall, strapping, with closely cropped hair and an unmistakeable swagger. Austin.
“What news have you, brother?” Dallas called.
“Well, I held them off for as long as I could. I even had to dance with Lady Carlisle, so you owe me. I took one for the team.” He grimaced.
“And?” Dallas asked.
“And to say that Father’s pissed—well, it’s the bloody understatement of the year.” He reached us, and we stopped the horses and climbed down. Austin patted Maeve’s mane and took her reins from Eve. He led the mare toward the castle. “There was a bit of a riot when the sentinels said they couldn’t find you or the prisoner. But Father figured out what you were up to soon enough, and he pretended the whole thing had been his idea. He said he’d sent you off, to plant the rebel as a spy for us, and that the ceremony had been to give cover.”
“Did the court believe him?”
Austin grunted. “They’re a bunch of inbreeds, so probably. But Mother didn’t buy it for a moment. I daresay she was pleased.”
Dallas chuckled. “She’s pretty pissed at him, so you’re probably right.”
“Listen, Mira Kinney and Tariq were just nipping at my heels,” Austin said. “They want you and Gwyn to film your final date, or some bloody nonsense. They’re waiting for you, ready to pounce.”
“A bit ridiculous, don’t you think, with everything else that’s going on?” Eve asked.
“It is. They call it ‘reality television’ but really, it’s nonsense…” Dallas scrubbed a hand over his face. “Still, the show must go on, I suppose. We have to finish what we started. But Mira and Tariq will have to wait. We have to see my father first.”
We reached the castle and Eve took the reins back from Austin. “I’ll bring the horses to the stable. I don’t need to intrude on your family’s privacy.”
“You mean you want to avoid our family drama—and I don’t blame you one bit.” We climbed off our horse and Dallas bowed to her. “Thank you again, Eve. You’ve proven yourself a loyal member of the court, time and again. You have my loyalty in return.”
She nodded. “Thank you, Your Highness.” She would never admit to it, but I could hear the note of pride in her voice.
Austin watched her lead the horses away. “That’s the one Mom turned, isn’t it?”
“Yes.” Dallas nodded. “She’s actually become a fine vampire. You should see her fight.”
Austin shook his head. “You’ve all gone a bit crazy down here. All this human contact, I don’t know…” His gaze traveled over to me. “Speaking of humans. Will you forgive me, my lady?”
“For what?”
He arched an eyebrow. “For my attempt to scare you away from my brother?”
Dallas stepped forward. “What did you do?” he growled.
“Nothing. He was trying to give me a different perspective, is all.” I nodded to Austin as I grabbed Dallas’s hand. “You needn’t apologize. I appreciate that you’re looking out for your brother, and in any event, you didn’t scare me away.”
Dallas started toward the castle again. “Let’s go see my parents. Austin, you’re coming, too. We’ve quite a bit of family business to take care of.”
I cleared my throat. “Um, as I’m not technically family, I—”
“Are coming with us. I’m not letting you out of my sight again. Not ever.” Dallas pulled me against him protectively.
Austin’s gaze flicked between us. “You too are a bit much.”
“Deal with it. And back me up with Father, or I’ll see you banished from the North. I’ll make you move down here to deal with him every day, like I have to.”
Austin held up his hands in surrender. “I’ll support you, I’ll support you.”
But I wondered, as we walked quickly through the courtyard and back inside the castle, if Austin’s support would be enough. Dallas seemed certain of his position, and also, that he could protect me.
But what if he was wrong?
Chapter 24
You I Can’t Live Without
My heart thundered in my chest as we headed to the throne room. “Don’t be afraid,” Dallas whispered, as we paused outside. “No one is ever going to hurt you again.”
I nodded, trying to hide the fact that my insides were trembling. Was that axe still within the king’s reach? But I exhaled in relief as we went through the doors—the weapons were gone, as was the red-hued Oriental rug.
But I stopped counting my blessings as soon as I faced the king. He sat on his throne, stone-faced, hands clenched so tightly around the armrests his knuckles glared white. Too afraid to even glance at Dallas, I stiffly curtsied, then waited—even though I wanted to run, screaming, away from the throne room forever.
The queen stood and nodded to the sentinels in the room. “Leave us.”
As soon as they’d left and closed the door behind them, she bowed slightly. “Forgive the king. He seems to be at a loss for words. And manners, for that matter.” She sank back down in her throne. “I see you’ve lost someone. Is he still alive, your brother?” She turned her sapphire gaze to me.
“Y-yes, Your Majesty. My brother lives.”
“That’s a blessing. I imagine he did not want to be changed.”
I nodded jerkily, heart still pounding in my chest. “Thank you for sparing him.” I doubted this was the right thing to say, but I blurted it out none the less.
“You needn’t thank me—thank my sons. But I agree with their decision, even as my husband does not. I’ve learned from what happened with Eve. Changing her was a mistake, although I don’t regret it, as she’s become a valuable member of our court. But your brother never wanted this life. I believe we have a duty to respect that choice. I’ve learned—I’m still learning.” The ghost of a smile whispered across her lips. “My sons are teaching me how to live in this new world. Who would have thought? I’ve raised them into fine young men, and now it is they who teach their mother.”
Dallas and Austin bowed to her. Then Dallas turned to his father, who sat too still, his whole body coiled with obvious fury. “I know you do not approve of my actions.”
“They are…treasonous.” The king spat the words out.
“I am loyal to the woman I love, Father. She’s my family as much as you are. It’s my duty to protect her and her famil
y.”
“You would see this human, this rebel-lover, undo everything that we’ve fought for?” the king cried, rising to his feet.
Dallas took a step forward. “You don’t see the future the way that I do, Father. What we’ve fought for—these settlements—are ours to protect. Not to plunder—to protect. The rebels are a part of the settlement’s past, present, and future. We’ve got to find a way to make common ground.”
“Letting that traitor go back to his army solves nothing!”
“It solves something—it makes us look human, when we are not.” Dallas’s voice was calm and firm. “We must learn to show mercy, Father. We must show empathy, and in order to do that, we have to understand where the rebels are coming from, and what they fight for.”
“They fight to take back their lands! And you’ve handed them a win!”
“I did no such thing. I let one of their members go free, instead of sentencing him to death. That’s clemency, not cowardice. The sooner they understand that we want the same things they do—peace and prosperity for the settlements—they won’t fear us so much. No matter what race we are.”
The king rocked back on his heels. “You are too optimistic, son. You think that things can change. But I’ve lived long enough to know they cannot.”
“But you’re wrong. You are blind to the possibilities of the future. Gwyneth and I will rule these lands, someday. Human and vampire, together. And with your blessing, we will work to make them stronger, to make sure that every citizen has what they need, and grows to feel proud of their nation once more. So no, I would not see ‘this human’ undo everything we have fought for. I would see her as princess, and watch her bring the settlements into a prosperous, united future.” He clasped my hand. “And I will have your word, Father, that you will never put her in harm’s way again. Nor speak another ill word—to her face or about her. Her family—all of her family—is to have our protection, rebel or not.”
The king took his son’s measure. “And what if I decline? Such civilities aren’t really in my nature, you know.”
“Then you’re a fool,” Austin interjected. “The settlers love Dallas, Father. They’d merrily put a stake in your heart if it meant they got to wear T-shirts with Gwyn and Dallas on them, embellished with hearts and flowers, and got to watch their wedding on TV.”
The king glowered at his younger son. “As I said earlier, you haven’t been missed.”
Austin smiled at his father. “Your pig-headedness will be your undoing. That’s what we all say about you, behind your back.”
The queen shot Austin a look. “That’s quite enough, dear. Husband, there’s some truth to what Austin says—not the pig-headed part, of course.” The smile she gave the king said otherwise. “The polls have shown that both Gwyneth and Dallas are hugely popular with the people. The nation is rooting for them to get married. Their cumulative effect’s been quite positive, which I might remind you is exactly what you wanted. You’ve won, dear. The settlers are excited, and they’re finally accepting the royal family as rulers. So let this come to its natural conclusion—a triumph. I know you’re upset about the rebel, but let it go. Your son is in love. He has to do what’s right for Gwyneth. I, for one, am proud to see him stand up for what he believes in.”
“That’s because you baby him, and you always have!” the king thundered.
“Right.” Austin turned to us. “I think that’s our cue to leave.”
“Not just yet.” Dallas stepped closer to his parents. “Father. Father.”
The king stopped yelling long enough to look at his son.
“The competition is coming to an end. The Finale will be filmed tomorrow night. I need to know…can I count on you both? Will you give us your blessing, even after everything that’s happened?”
The king took a deep breath. He looked to the queen, who nodded, then turned back to face Dallas. “I do not want to lose my son. I will support you, and I will support your choice. You have my word, even after everything that’s happened.”
Dallas bowed, then his gaze sought his mother’s. “And you?”
The queen descended the steps. She kissed both of Dallas’s cheeks. Then she turned to me, and took my hands in her icy ones. It was an odd feeling, having her so close. “I told you that I believed in fate. That’s what brought you here, to my son.” She nodded and released me.
Once she walked away, I resumed breathing.
“Then Mother, Father, we will take our leave. Thank you for your support and understanding.” Dallas clasped my hand and smiling, led me from the throne room. Austin followed close behind.
I waited to speak until we were outside. “What does all that mean?” I asked, chest heaving.
Austin shrugged. “It means you’re good to go.”
I looked from Dallas to Austin, and back again. “So your father won’t…you know…have my head on a spike?”
“Never.” Dallas threw his arm around me as we headed toward the grand foyer.
“You’re quite jovial,” I noticed. I still didn’t feel anywhere near relaxed.
“I am. I believe I just won.” He grinned. “It feels good.”
But the celebratory mood was cut short—Tamara, Shaye and Blake were in the hall with Mira Kinney and Tariq. All of them stared at us. Tamara’s face flamed as she took in Dallas’s arm thrown causally over my shoulder.
Tamara stepped closer, chest heaving. “What the…how dare you…this isn’t fair…” she stammered, growing redder by the second, pointing in our direction. “You’re supposed to be on a date with Blake!” She finally spluttered.
Dallas smiled at her patiently. “Hello, Miss Layne.”
Tamara’s jaw dropped in indignation. She turned to Mira Kinney and Tariq. “I demand…I demand something. Some sort of justice. A rematch—or better yet, my final private date. Yes, I would like that.” She crossed her arms against her chest, making sure her bosom protruded attractively. “I would like my date now.” She used a tone that clearly indicated she planned to have her way.
“Actually, we have to speed the production up. The final dates have been cut from the schedule, except for His Highness and Miss West. They’ll have their final date tonight.” Mira Kinney’s lightning-white smile flashed at Tamara.
I groaned. “Really? Do we have to?”
“Way to make my brother feel wanted,” Austin joked.
“It’s been a long day. I’m a bit exhausted, is all.” I rubbed my neck, still thinking of that axe. “You vampires are a dramatic lot.”
Dallas pulled me closer. “We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.”
Tamara watched us with unmasked fury. “Well, I never—”
“Sure you have,” Blake teased. She got closer to Tamara and linked her arm through hers. “It’s all right. I’ve been telling you for weeks that he loves Gwyn. You just don’t like to listen to news that doesn’t fit your—what’s that you call it? The thing that ‘represents’ you?”
Tamara grimaced. “My brand.”
“That’s it. Your brand. Losing isn’t your brand, as you said.” Blake patted her arm, trying to console her.
“No one here will lose.” Dallas released me and stepped forward. “In fact, I was hoping to ask a favor.”
Tamara sniffed. “Good bloody luck.”
He bowed to them. “Each of you have special qualities and unique gifts. The people have rallied around you because you are the best of what our nation has to offer. With you, the settlements can have a brighter future. The competition is almost over, but I was hoping to ask each of you to stay on. I’d like to offer you positions with my court, as Goodwill Ambassadors to the settlements.”
Tamara seemed to perk up a bit. “Would we have actual titles?”
“Yes, of course. You’ll be part of the royal court. You must have a title.”
Tamara looked thoughtful. “Ambassador Layne…hmmm, it does have a certain ring to it, doesn’t it?”
Dallas’s eyes sparkled. �
��I was so impressed by your success tutoring the children, Miss Layne, I was hoping you’d have a special role working with underprivileged youth.”
“You didn’t think I actually liked working with children, did you?” Tamara scoffed. “I rather did that just for how it sounded on my resume.”
“Of course.” Dallas coughed. “In any event, the three of you—please consider my offer. You can give me your answer tomorrow night at the finale.”
Austin cleared his throat. “We could probably use a Goodwill Ambassador up North.”
Dallas turned to him, scowling. “For what purpose?”
Austin shrugged. “The North needs attention too, you know. If we’re ever going to restore it to its former glory.”
“You have plans to restore it to its former glory?”
“I’ve all sorts of plans that you know nothing about.”
“We’ll talk of this later.” Dallas turned back to the others. “If you will excuse us, I should get Gwyneth to dinner before she falls asleep.”
Mira Kinney stepped forward. “Gwyneth, please come with me. You have a twig in your hair and your makeup needs to be refreshed. Your Highness, I’ll deliver her to you shortly. You’re dining in the winter garden?”
“Correct.”
“I’ll have the camera crew ready.” Mira held out her hand for me.
Dallas nodded to Austin and they stalked off together, talking in low tones.
I headed for Mira but stopped when I reached the other three girls. “Just a moment,” I told the television host. I turned to Shaye and hugged her.
“What’s that for?” she laughed.
“I haven’t even seen you since you’ve been back. I’m sorry if this”—I nodded toward the hall where Dallas had just disappeared—“is all a bit of a shock. It just…we just…happened.”