by Nicki Ruth
He turned to her surprised, eyebrows raised as if he’d forgotten she was there. “What makes you ask?”
She wanted to laugh at his deflection. Well, she would just jump right in. “I heard you speaking to Brandr and Jason outside my chamber,” she said innocently. “You're planning something regarding Alexios. You don't want to lose him to a powerful enemy.”
Marius’ face grew hard. “How dare you. Eavesdropping on conversations that have nothing to do with you! You need to mind your business!”
“Your Majesty.” She twitched to suppress a smile.
“Excuse me?” he snapped.
“It’s ‘How dare you, Your Majesty.’ Or, ‘You should mind your business, Your Majesty,’” she replied mischievously.
He reared back, apparently realizing what he had done. Several expressions, from shock and contrition to irritation and humor, danced across his face. It was comical, but she tried not to laugh.
“Forgive me, my queen. I apologize for my insolence.” He lowered his head. “Alexios has informed me as to who you are. You honor us with your presence. I am your humble servant, ever yours to command.”
She pursed her lips. She was beginning to prefer the aloof Marius; she didn't like seeing him so . . . discombobulated.
“No need to be so formal. But clearly the matter with Alexios troubles your mind. Care to tell me what it is?”
She really wanted to know. She also wanted to get to the bottom of what she felt earlier when she had thought about losing Alexios. Yes, she found him attractive, and they had shared a sexually charged moment, but that was it, wasn’t it?
“Your Majesty, please forgive me, but I’m not at liberty to say.” Marius bowed slightly and stayed that way. She got the feeling he was trying to avoid looking at her.
“Very well, I shall discover it eventually,” she responded cheerily. “Since we’re not going to talk about Alexios, why don't you help me figure a few things out? First, I would like to know the status of my Kingdom, Zhar. And I am hoping to find if anyone I knew there still lives. I know my immediate family is dead, but maybe there are other survivors.” Her heart hurt at the thought of her family, but she pressed on. “I’m hoping specifically to hear of my best friend Lexi—Anuplexi is her full name.” Davina paused, hoping Lexi still lived and that they could be reunited. “She is a fae seer, originally from the realm of Paristan. Maybe you can help me determine what happened to her.”
Marius straightened and looked at Davina. She wasn't sure what he was thinking as he had now masked his expression completely. He took a breath and exhaled slowly.
“Your Majesty,” he began but Davina cut him off.
“Marius please, I was joking about the ‘Your Majesty’ part. I would rather you call me Davina. We’re friends, aren't we?” She smiled, hoping to draw one from him too.
A strange expression flitted across his face, and he stepped closer. “You asked about Alexios earlier. Tell me, did you drink from him?”
She halted her attempt to rearrange herself on the bed. “Yes, I did. Why do you ask?”
He continued to stare at her intently for a few moments. “You’re attracted to him as well.” It was a statement, not a question.
Why did this matter? Her heart beat faster, and her body grew warm. Attracted was an understatement. She wanted to feel him inside her, to bite into his flesh and feel his life force strumming her veins like a clever minstrel.
“Marius, I . . . I’m not sure why you think to ask me such personal questions, but it’s —”
“Tell me,” Marius interrupted. “Would you like to spend time with him? To get to know him more . . . intimately? To taste him again?”
Davina sputtered. What was he doing? Was he reading her mind? Did he know she desired Alexios? She blushed as she opened and closed her mouth. There were other things that needed her attention, like finding her friends, her people . . . not enjoying Alexios.
“I . . . well . . .” she croaked, her mouth dry. “What are you up to?”
He said nothing, watching her in his customary, annoying way. Her blood roared in her ears. She did want Alexios, but Marius was up to something . . .
He smirked. “Yes. I think you may be the answer I need.”
Chapter 10
Davina tried not to squirm under Marius’ gaze. His eyes gleamed. He seemed quite pleased with himself, as if he had thought up some revolutionary scheme. Well, she would disabuse him of the notion. She took a deep breath to confine her bemusement.
“Please Marius, leave me out of whatever plans you have brewing for Alexios. I’m not some green girl. I won't be manipulated by you or anyone.” Did he think her so naive that he could use her attraction to Alexios for his own selfish reasons? She spent close to two hundred years in a royal court. She was trained for intrigue and machination. Even so, she was curious as to what his plan was.
“Your Majesty, I do not wish to manipulate you.” He blinked. “On the contrary, I hope to satisfy your desire for him. It is clear you're drawn to him.”
She could tell he was taken aback by the way she quickly called him out on his scheming. He wouldn't underestimate her again. She chuckled. “So? I’m sure females of every species find him attractive. What does that have to do with keeping him safe? You think I can distract him from whatever threatens his safety?”
She moved closer, reaching out for him. She decided to try something she hadn't done since she first discovered she had the ability back in Zhar. She took hold of his hands in her own and channeled her thoughts into his mind.
No, you’ll not manipulate me. But maybe I can help you another way. Tell me what danger awaits Alexios, and I will help you keep him safe.
He reared back, mouth agape. His hand went up to his head as if he could block her out that way. She laughed, glad to ruffle his composure.
“How did you do that?” He glared at her.
“I have many gifts, Marius,” she said. “I am vampire royalty after all, from an old ancient line.” She grinned as he grimaced and slowly righted himself. She clapped her hands together. “Now, let’s be allies. I’m sure between the two of us we can find a way to keep danger from Alexios. That is what you desire above all, isn't it?”
Marius still wore a sour expression on his face. Oh! His aloofness drove her crazy.
“Seems I have gravely underestimated you, your Majesty,” he said finally, looking thoughtful. “Forgive me. I never met a vampire who could speak into my mind. It must be a rare and wonderful gift.” He paused then sighed. “I thought we could have a mutually beneficial arrangement, where you could provide a reason for Alexios to put off his quest. I see that would be futile, indeed.”
“Indeed,” Davina replied. “Did you really believe a woman’s wiles would distract him? I only met him hours ago and can tell you that it would not, Marius.”
Frustration and anger flashed across his face. He’d already known that, but he was desperate.
“Don't worry, I said I want to help. Now, why don't you tell me what the problem is?”
∞∞∞
Shame tore at Marius. He couldn't believe this young woman had unraveled his plan so easily. Earlier, she had practically panted at the thought of being with Alexios. But now, she smiled at him with cunning, her demeanor confident and assured. He needed to recalibrate.
“Now, now, Marius,” she said, her lips twitching, clearly amused. “I can already see you plotting again. Why don't you tell me what’s on your mind, and we’ll find a way together?”
When he heard her voice in his mind, he was astounded. Could she also read his mind, like he could emotions? This wouldn't do at all! And he certainly was not about to trust some stranger they fished out of the depths of space, queen or no. He needed to be careful around her. Now that she had regained her memories and the use of whatever gifts she had, she could be formidable.
“Your Majesty, uh, Davina,” he corrected when he saw her frown. “Why don't I give you a tour of the ship, and we can spe
ak about finding your people . . . and about Alexios.” He decided he would give her only superficial information. She did not need to know everything.
“All right,” she said with a cheery wink. “Let's go. I would love to stretch my legs!”
∞∞∞
Jason reclined in his chair watching Brandr’s clenched jaw tick. He was staring at Alexios, aggression vibrating off him, his blue eyes electric with intensity. Jason thought it wise to keep his mouth shut. No use getting between them.
Alexios had just told them they’d be taking Davina to Damurios and staying there through the Dāmming. Jason wasn't opposed to the idea, but then Alexios said he planned to go off on his own. He made it clear they would either stay on Damurios or sleep in the vault.
Jason hated when Alexios was heavy-handed. Brandr wasn't taking the ultimatum well either. Granted, Brandr and Alexios clashed all the time. They were both warriors, ready to fight, but whereas Alexios had learned that sometimes diplomacy was best, Brandr was a true Viking, his battle axe forever at his side. Not only did Brandr crave an epic battle, but he wanted to prove his worth and fighting spirit at Alexios’ side.
Jason didn't prefer fighting, but he would if necessary. He wanted to be with Alexios, too. Forever. He had no desire to be anywhere else, and the thought of losing his sire this Dāmming terrified him. He remembered that feeling when he had woken up to find his family dead. It was a feeling he never wanted to experience again. Yet here it was, knocking against the gates that held his sanity. With Alexios, Jason’s fear and crippling anxiety receded, allowing him to reclaim a sense of safety and permanence.
“Do you challenge me on this?” Alexios eyed Brandr.
Brandr growled. “I will not be left behind. I will stand at your side. We all will! What do I know of seeing to a woman? We don't even know this lass!” His body was tense, ready to launch across the room at Alexios.
“You will do as I request. All of you will.” Alexios stood up and examined the computer display, ignoring Brandr’s bubbling resentment. “We should be there in thirteen hours at our current speed. Get ready for home. You will spend the Dāmming there, so make sure to take everything you need.”
Jason rolled his eyes. “Why must you go alone? Marius is practically beside himself, and Brandr, well . . .” Jason gestured to his brother, who was seething. “He doesn't like it, and neither do I. Father, we should stay together. This is my first Dāmming, and I don't know what to expect. Shouldn't you be with us for it? With me? What if something goes wrong and I need you?” he said, not above employing emotional blackmail.
“Your brothers will be with you for the Dāmming. You don't need me there. It will be over before you know it, and I’m sure you will find plenty on Damurios to occupy your time.”
Alexios walked over to where Jason was sitting and placed his hand on his shoulder. “I’m proud of you, and I know you will continue to do me proud. Maybe you can help your brothers see that they're ready to live their own lives and not reside in the shadow of my own. Hmm?”
He smiled fondly, but Jason’s stomach dropped and dread poured thick as tar over him. He wanted to be with Alexios and his brothers. And Davina? Well . . . she could join their family, too.
Brandr stood and stalked out the room. Alexios watched the now-empty doorway with a pained expression. Jason didn’t know what to say, or how to resolve this impasse. He reached for Alexios’ hand.
“Father, don't send us away. There must be a way for all of us to stay together. I feel like you know you won’t come back, and that scares me. Please.” He held on to Alexios, hoping he could get through to him, despite the tightness in his throat.
Alexios turned to him and squeezed his hand. “I do plan on coming back, Jason. There is much for me to return to.”
∞∞∞
Davina smiled as she walked down the corridor. Marius, still disconcerted by her little mind trick, had been even more standoffish than usual as he took her around the ship. And what a ship it was! Everywhere she looked was some new marvel. She asked questions about everything. How did the ship fly? What fueled it? What about the magical lights? It was called electricity and powered everything. Amazing!
But Marius was patient and answered all her questions, and eventually warmed to her. To her surprise, he even told her funny anecdotes about the occasional mishap that happened here or there. Like the time Jason piloted them thousands of miles off course after falling asleep against the control panel. Now they rarely left him alone on the bridge.
Marius gave her a quick history of the Omnisan empire and all the worlds and species that came together after years of war to finally broker peace. This time was very different from her own. Peace had reigned in Zhar, except for a few disputes here and there, but this was beyond to scope of anything she could have ever imagined.
Marius said they were headed for the vampire planet of Damurios. She remembered tales of such a place when she was a young girl—that her people once came from there. She had thought it was all myth and legend, but now she was excited to see the place her people had once called home. After some stargazing, she walked back to her chamber. Voices came from one of the rooms. She stopped to listen. Alexios! Her heart fluttered. She knew she shouldn't eavesdrop, but . . .
“Father, don't send us away.” She heard another voice say. Jason. He sounded sad, strained. She stepped back. Listening in on such an intimate conversation wasn’t a good idea after all. She backed up and unexpectedly hit a solid wall. She didn't remember one being there. Turning she encountered electric-blue eyes. Brandr! She took a step back as she realized he was angry. No, enraged. What looked like threads of lightning flashed across his eerily blue eyes. She gaped wordlessly at him, coloring with guilt knowing she’d been caught.
“Have a care, lass,” he said in a deep, menacing voice. “Don’t venture where you don’t belong.” He flashed his fangs then shimmered away. She let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. Was everyone tense on this ship?
∞∞∞
It did bother Alexios that his sirelings were upset about his intentions. But he would not be swayed. They needed to live their own lives, find a companion or two, sire their own young, or go on their own adventures. Marius and Brandr were well past due. Jason was still young—just nineteen when he was gifted and now nearing one hundred years old—but he’d had a troubled beginning coupled with the fact that something else lurked within him. Alexios had decided to let Jason take his time and discover that himself.
Even so, he looked forward to spending a few days on Damurios. It had been some years since they had visited. It was a vampire paradise, and he was anxious to show Davina.
Speaking of which, he needed to see her. He had been putting it off, unsure whether he could control his desire, but he didn't want to overwhelm or frighten her. Alexios remembered her being playful and willful, always trying to evade the protection of the royal quarters. Thinking of her did him no good. She was royal, and he was a peasant-turned-vampire-turned-soldier. More than that, he was on a quest for vengeance, and thoughts of Davina would be distracting.
Chapter 11
Davina’s muffled voice answered when Alexios requested entrance to her chamber. He stepped in and was immediately overwhelmed by her scent. It had grown stronger since she had regained her memories and replenished her body with his blood. He felt his body responding and knew he had to keep his visit short.
“Your Majesty, I hope you're well. Did you enjoy your tour of the ship?”
She was reading a book, lying on her belly with her feet in the air. She glanced up with beguiling amber eyes and smiled. The air rushed out of Alexios’ lungs, and her current position made him think of her in another, one where she’d be looking up at him.
“Yes, I very much enjoyed learning about your ship. I’m most interested in how everything works! It’s so incredible. Marius showed me how to use the talking box, but I still don't understand how your voice is projected to another room.” She paus
ed for a minute thinking, then continued. “Alexios, I must sound incredibly ignorant of even the most basic things of this era. Won't I stick out on Damurios? Do you think it’s possible find out who was behind my family's murder after all this time? Or how I came to be in the capsule? Or if anyone I knew back then is still alive?”
Alexios smiled at her questions and how vulnerable she seemed. He wanted to provide her with all the answers, and his need to protect her grew. However, he was still deciding whether to tell her he was once a Zhar soldier. He couldn't bear the thought of her resentment for his failure. He sat beside her on the bed, his eyes wandering over her body as she rolled over to face him.
“I hope we’re able to discover all the answers you seek, my queen. We’ll do all we can to help.” His words were hopeful, but his voice was heavy. Her scent, like warm vanilla, enticed him. He stared, unable to say anything more, battling his inner desire to crush her body to his and pleasure her. How he longed to hold her against him, to feel her softness in his arms.
Davina watched him keenly. Her tongue darted out and licked her bottom lip, and his body grew hard when he saw her eyes light up. He hadn't realized she'd moved closer to him until he felt her breasts brush against his chest. All he could do was gaze into her golden eyes, lost in them and hypnotized by their spell, while she ran her hands along his shoulders and back, exploring his body.
He stifled a moan as she leaned in and licked his neck. He moved his arms around the nape of her neck and the small of her back. Her boldness and unabashed desire aroused him, and he tilted his head in invitation. He wanted to feel her fangs sink into his flesh. After all, he’d spent more countless years dreaming of this moment with her.
Davina paused and leaned back to look at him, her eyes as brilliant as a thousand stars. “I want to claim you as mine, Alexios, to own you in every way. Your body, your blood. I want it all for my own.” Davina purred, caressing his face. “Am I selfish?”