“Please, just speak to him. Get him to postpone the ceremony.” He looked at her with such longing that she was sure her heart would break.
Esral shook her head feeling her hair sway about her shoulders. “I can’t. He thinks he’s dying…” She whimpered trying hard to hold back a sob. “Lord up above, he may very well be dying. How do I deny him this?”
Xavier clenched his teeth, he inhaled and exhaled sharply through his nostrils. His eyes were so dark that they were almost a murky black. “You can’t.” He choked, pulling her to him. This time she allowed herself to be dragged into his arms.
“You need to know that I love you.” He whispered into her hair.
It made Esral sob louder as her heart broke into a million tiny pieces that would never be made whole again. Not without this male at her side.
“I love you too.” She whimpered into his chest.
Xavier pulled her away from him, still holding her upper arms in a firm grip. His forehead was creased and his eyes glistened. She lowered her gaze, the intensity of his stare was killing her.
“Look at me,” he growled.
How could she not when his voice was so utterly commanding? Every cell in her body responded to him. She looked up and was captivated.
“I love you, princess. I need you to know that always.” He swallowed thickly, his Adam’s apple bobbed.
“I love you too.” She tried to smile but it was impossible.
Xavier dropped his gaze to her mouth and she expected him to kiss her with the intensity that matched the emotion she could see playing in the depths of his eyes, but instead he gently brushed his lips against hers. “So much.” He whispered against them before putting his forehead to hers.
She expelled a shuddery breath.
“I’m not giving up just yet.” He said as he finally released her.
Esral shook her head. “You promised.” She swallowed hard trying not to cry. Tears would do no good.
“Yeah, well…” Xavier rose to his feet, standing tall. Looking very much like the vampire prince he was. “I won’t give up on us that easily, princess. The ceremony hasn’t started yet. In my book…that means it’s not too late.” He gave her a tight smile, dropped a kiss on the top of her head and left the room.
Chapter 8
Lazarus was still in the same position as when he left. York paced on the deck directly outside Esral’s door.
“Where the fuck is Gideon?” Xavier growled, glancing at the watch on his wrist.
“Late,” York growled as he continued to pace.
“I’m sure he’ll be here soon,” Lazarus chimed in.
“Call him.” Xavier gestured to York.
“I already did.” York held up his phone. “Several times, but he’s not answering.”
“Gideon always answers.” Xavier couldn’t help but to mutter.
“Even when he’s balls deep, he always fucking answers.” York said as if reading Xavier’s mind.
“You okay to stick with the princess even though your shift is over?” He addressed Lazarus.
The male nodded. “You could put me outside this door for five days running and I would still be perfectly fine.” Lazarus gave a feral grin.
“Good,” Xavier growled. “You call me if…”
Lazarus held up a hand. “I will.” The big male bashed a fist to his chest. “You have my word, my lord. Let me know about Gideon. This isn’t like him.”
Apprehension seized Xavier. “Yeah.” He glanced back as he spoke, already halfway down the walkway, York followed closely on his heel.
It didn’t take long to reach Gideon’s tree house. After knocking several times on the door, Xavier pushed his way in.
The big male lay slumped on the bed…alone. He was lying on his stomach, only partially covered with a sheet and snoring loudly.
At first he felt relief like nothing he had ever felt before, but that was followed closely by anger. “What the fuck!” he growled. “Get your big, hairy ass out of bed.”
York chuckled, probably because Gideon, like all vampires, had very little body hair. “Rise and shine, buttercup.” York said as he approached the bed.
Gideon didn’t so much as stir. His chest continued to rise and fall rhythmically.
Xavier muttered a choice curse word. He sucked in a deep breath somehow managing to maintain control of himself…only just. “Gideon…I fucking swear.” He grabbed the male by the arm and shook him hard. “Wake the fuck up.”
That did rouse the male, but not in the way he expected. Gideon lifted himself onto his forearms looking bleary eyed at Xavier for a half a second before emptying the contents of his stomach onto the bed.
Congealed blood, partially clotted and strings of slime-like mucous. It dripped down the front of Gideon’s mouth and chest. “Fuck.” He said, before passing out in the puddle. His body made a plopping noise as it hit the drenched sheet.
York turned to face Xavier. His eyes were wide and a deep frown marred his forehead.
Xavier scrubbed a hand over his jaw feeling a day’s worth of growth catch on his palm.
“Do you think he caught Katar’s illness?” York’s voice sounded panicked. “Maybe elf blood doesn’t agree with us. Oh fuck!” He looked Xavier up and down. “You drank from the princess.”
“I feel fine,” Xavier growled. “I don’t think we are susceptible to elven illnesses.”
“What the fuck is wrong with him then?” York’s voice held an edge of panic.
“Help me get him up.” Xavier bent over to grip the male by an arm.
York grimaced.
“Just help me.” Xavier put his arm around the male. “Let’s get him to the shower and clean him up. We need to try and wake him. Find out what the fuck happened to him.”
York nodded, moving to Gideon’s other side.
“On three.” Xavier said as they locked arms around Gideon.
York nodded.
“One, two, three.” They both lifted. York grit his teeth and they both made strained noises. Gideon weighed a fucking ton. His feet dragged on the floor as they pulled him to the bathroom. They propped him up against the shower door while Xavier turned the faucets on. Once the water was warm enough, they hauled him into the shower stall.
“Get him under the spray,” Xavier instructed. He gripped Gideon by the hair with his free hand and pulled his head back. The spray hit him full on the chest, washing away most of the blood and gore.
It worked.
Gideon’s eyes popped open and he began to scream and fight. “That fucking hurts.”
The male was weak. Xavier and York managed to hold him under the spray. Gideon continued to scream, trying to pull free.
Within a minute, he gave in, his head dropped to the point where his chin rested on his chest. For a second, Xavier thought that he was unconscious, but then he mumbled. “What the fuck is wrong with me?”
“You had better not be happy to see me,” York growled. “I don’t swing both fucking ways.”
Xavier followed York’s line of vision. Sure enough, Gideon’s dick was hard. It was also bright red and didn’t look right.
“Let’s get him out.” Xavier looked at Gideon. “Can you walk?”
“Yeah,” he growled.
Both he and York released Gideon, both grabbing him again as his legs buckled from underneath him.
“Sick.” Gideon gave a choking heave. “Going to be sick,” he growled.
“Toilet.” York yelled and they pulled Gideon to the porcelain amenity, making it just in time.
Gideon clutched onto the bowl like his life depended on it. More of the same bloody mess erupted followed by dry heaves and choking noises. “Mother Fuck,” Gideon finally whispered. His whole body shook.
“To the basin.” Xavier instructed and they helped him to the vanity where Gideon washed out his mouth and cleaned his face. He moved slowly and deliberately.
“I feel like shit,” Gideon mumbled.
“You look like fucking s
Gideon tried to chuckle but it ended up sounding more like a grunt of pain. “Maybe I shouldn’t have sampled from the local offerings. My dick is on fucking fire.”
“Can we take you back to the bed or are you still feeling sick?” Xavier asked.
Gideon sort of smiled, his eyes were glassy and bloodshot. “Still feeling sick but take me back anyway. I think I might need to lie down.”
Xavier locked eyes with York who gave a curt nod. All three of them grunted with effort as Gideon’s feet still mostly dragged on the ground, but they managed to get him to the bed. They lay him down on the clean side, his chest heaved from the effort and a sheen of sweat covered his forehead.
Gideon lay with his eyes scrunched shut, clearly in pain.
“Sheesh,” York whistled. “What a fucking mess.”
Xavier knew exactly what he was referring to. The male’s dick was swollen and an angry red color. One of his balls was in much the same way. There were raised red welts intermittently on his stomach and chest. On closer inspection, there was one on his neck as well. Xavier was sure that if they turned the male over there would be more on his back. His legs and arms seemed clear. The worst area affected was his dick. Xavier winced just looking at it.
“Humans carry and give each other STDs.” York stated as he scrutinized Gideon’s cock. “STD stands for sexually transmitted disease. I think maybe the same is true for elves and vampires. I really hope it doesn’t shrivel up and fall off.”
“Do you think so?” Gideon growled looking down at his swollen member. He groaned. “Fucking hurts like a bitch.” He said as his head flopped back on the mattress. “I’m going to puke again.” They helped him to lean his large frame over to the already soiled side of the bed. Gideon, heaved and choked and heaved some more but nothing came up. After a few minutes, he fell back looking pale and sweaty.
“I’m going to find an elven healer who will hopefully be able to get to the bottom of this,” Xavier said.
Gideon’s face was contorted in pain. “Please hurry,” he choked out. “Save my dick.”
Xavier shook his head, narrowing his eyes on York. “Stop feeding him bullshit.” He turned to Gideon who looked at him through thin slits in his lids. “I’m sure your cock is going to be just fine. There must be a perfectly reasonable explanation for this.” He glanced at York. “Stay with him.”
York nodded.
****
True to her word, Cheri arrived bright and early. Esral had only just finished showering and dressing.
Aside from a pale blue robe that brought out Cheri’s eyes and highlighted her ruby lips, she wore a dazzling smile. Looking like a dew-kissed daisy on a bright summer’s morning. For the first time in her life, Esral felt like hitting something or someone. Okay, may as well admit it, her clenched fist ached to make sweet contact with Cheri’s smiling face.
“You heard that your father is doing so much better, so why the glum face?”
Esral held back a sigh. “I am greatly relieved. He is still in danger so please forgive me for looking a little concerned.”
Her smile broadened. “I didn’t know you could be sarcastic, I’m actually impressed. I’m so excited that he’s moved up the ceremony. Although, you can’t be happy that it’s only going to be a small affair. I would be devastated.” She held her hand to her chest and gave a fake swoon.
Esral had to turn her head so that Cheri wouldn’t see how she rolled her eyes. For the first time, Esral noticed that Cheri had a woolen bag in her hand. “I brought you something.” She handed it to Esral. Cheri laughed. “You just took that like I filled the bag with a nest of vipers or something. Go on.” She gestured to the bag. “You’ll like it.”
Esral wouldn’t put it past her to give her something terrible and pretend like it was amazing. She ignored the comment and opened the bag hearing a crinkling noise. The robe inside was made of the finest silks and lace. It was the color of ivory darkened by age. Esral felt tears well as she removed the garment, she crushed the robe to her chest doing her best to keep from crying.
“I knew you would love it.” Cheri clasped her hands to her cheeks and fluttered her eyelashes. “I had initially planned on wearing it for my own ceremony but it’s just so outdated and”—she made a squeaking noise—“old. I’m having something specially designed for my special occasion. That’s perfect for you though.” It certainly wasn’t a compliment, but Esral didn’t care.
She pulled the dress away from her chest and held it up in front of herself. There were delicate lace flowers and ivy carefully sewn into the silk. It was breathtakingly beautiful. Esral couldn’t help a small tear that fell as she remembered wearing the dress as a small girl. The material had pooled around her feet and the delicate ties were too long but she still felt so pretty in it. Her mother had found her as she stared in a mirror at herself. Although Esme had pretended to be upset, Esral could tell that she really wasn’t.
“One day, Esral.” Her mother said, smiling down at her. “One day you’ll find your handsome prince and you will be able to wear it.” Her face took on a faraway look. “You will look so beautiful.”
“How do you know, mother?” Esral asked, smoothing the fabric down with her chubby hands.
“It’s a mother’s job to know these things.” Esme winked at her. “Now, take it off, young lady, before you ruin it.”
“Yes, mother.” She did as her mother said and watched as Esme folded the beautiful robe before placing it back in tissue paper.
Her mother had worn the robe for her own blossoming ceremony. Esral’s heart felt so heavy. She felt selfish for wanting things to be different.
“Stop with the tears.” Cheri shook her head. “This should be a joyous occasion.”
Esral made a noise of frustration.
“Stop that this instant.” Cheri actually wagged a finger at her.
“Joyous occasion? Are you nuts?” Esral couldn’t hold back any longer. This female had pushed her too far.
Cheri’s eyes widened.
“My father is dying in case you hadn’t noticed. It’s not a joyous occasion. It. Is. Not.”
“Calm down, princess.” Cheri held her hand up. “Did someone not get lucky last night or are you feeling a bit nauseous this morning?” The idiot female had the audacity to look at her midsection.
“Do me a favor and cut the bullshit. I’ve had just about enough of you. You can leave now.” Esral gestured to the door and kept her eyes there while she grit her teeth. If she looked into her smug face for even a second longer she was going to scream.
Cheri snorted, she folded her arms. “Who do you think you are talking to?”
Before Esral could answer, Cheri took a step towards her. “I am the future queen and you will respect me. You, little Esral, may have been something to the elven people once upon a time but you chose to sleep your way around the vampire castle and now you are nothing. Soon to be mated to a nothing and I couldn’t be happier seeing you so miserable.”
“Look, Cheri…” Esral clasped her hands at her sides to stop herself from poking the female in the middle of her chest with her finger for emphasis. “I still have my thorn. I am of the royal oak.” She took a deep breath. “I have more respect for myself than to open my legs to anything with a root. Can you say the same?” She didn’t wait for the female’s reply because she didn’t have to. She knew the answer. “I saw you that day on your knees in front of Zafar. I know you tried to seduce Xavier. I’m sure there were plenty more indiscretions. Why Cheri? My brother may be pigheaded but he is a good male and deserves more. I don’t care that you belittle me and spread untruths but why do you betray him like that? Zafar is his best friend.”
“Me betray him? The highborn males are permitted to rut at will, yet I must serve only him? How is that fair, Esral?” Her face was red with rage.
“He cares greatly for you. He wants to mate you. Has forsaken all others for you. Why did you try to seduce Xavier?”
“Because he was there. Because I figured he was your future mate. Because I felt like it. Who gives a shit why?”
“I do,” Keto growled at the open door.
They had both been so lost in their argument that they hadn’t even noticed his arrival.
“You did these things?” His blue eyes were locked on Cheri. “You lied to me? Not only about your indiscretions but about Esral as well?”
“No.” Her eyes were wide and pleading. “You came in halfway through the conversation. It isn’t what you think.”
Keto looked pained for a few seconds. “I can’t believe I took your word over Esral’s. I’m an idiot in the first fucking degree.” He shook his head and squeezed his eyes shut. Then he turned to her. “I’m sorry.” His eyes looked tortured. “I hope you will forgive me, Esral.”
“Listen to me, Keto.” Cheri closed the distance between the two of them, clutching his arms. “I never did those things. I only said it because it was what Esral wanted to hear.”
“No,” Keto shrugged her off. “I refused to believe what was right in front of me. I will have someone help pack your belongings.”
“You’re only saying that because I’m not highborn. You were looking for any excuse to get rid of me all along. Just admit it.” Her eyes filled with tears.
Keto gave a humorless chuckle. “That couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, the opposite is true, Cheri. I’m a pigheaded fool.” He purposely looked at Esral and her cheeks heated.
“About that,” she mumbled.
“It’s true,” he growled. “So don’t you apologize.” He kept his eyes locked with Esral’s.
“Please, Keto,” Cheri begged. She dropped to her knees in front of him and for a short second Esral felt sorry for the female.
Keto shook his head. “Maybe Zafar will have you. You two like each other so much.”
A glint appeared in the cold bitch’s eyes and she pulled herself back to her feet. “You’ll be sorry,” she shouted as she left the chamber. “You’ll see. You shouldn’t have done this, Esral.” She shrieked, “Should never have done this to me.”
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