REDEMPTION: Queen of Souls (TORMENTED ROYALS Book 1)

by L. N. MALONE

  “Lisette let go of me, for my Queen does not seem to like it. We can discuss this later, for right now I am hungry and wish to enjoy my dinner.” Armand said in a cool collected matter. “WE THREE will discuss this later.” I say trying to push him further.

  He smirks even more and simply says “We three My Queen.” and nods at Lisette as a way of dismissing her. I take my seat once again while Lisette takes her leave begrudgingly might I add as she was giving me death stares the entire way out. The room is quiet once she has fully exited and that is when I finally take a moment to look around the table. I see all his circle plus a few more I do not recognize. “Akasha, dear, you know my circle members let me introduce the others.” He nods at the Seer ``Iris, I believe you saw her briefly.” I nod in acknowledgement. “Next to her is her personal guardian Arian. Then you have his wife Selia.” I greet them both with a smile and my normal nod “Lovely to meet you all.” I say politely. I look over to Armand and realize there is still one seat unoccupied. “Are we waiting on someone?” I nod towards the seat. “Ahh, well you see Lisette usually dines with us however tonight maybe it is best if she does not,” he tells me with a hint of humor in his voice and I see Luke chuckle softly beside him. “I see, well I do not wish to interrupt your normal routine. Call her back in my King.” I said with a smirk of my own. A slow smile comes to his face as I start to hear a growl. “Let us eat.” He said ignoring my words and clapped his hands and moments later then food came in bounds. There was everything from Steaks and potatoes, to turkey and dressing. To say I was amazed was an understatement. This was not dinner; it was a feast. I was so focused on the sight of the food I did not see when Armand had gotten up and was now standing next to me. He looks down and grabs my plate and then walks back and starts to load up my plate. I look at him in wonder. My head is spinning with all of these thoughts and questions such as, what is he doing. Is he really making my plate? Am I supposed to make his in return? Is this a strange food vampire custom? When he leaves the now filled plate in front of me, he bends down and whispers in my ear “Je suis à toi.” Then he is back to his seat and starts to make his own plate. I look to my right and see that it is Spade sitting beside me. She leans over and says, “you are going to give them all hell.” Then winks at me and I cannot help but to smile. Everyone starts to eat and soon there is a buzzing of chatter around the table. Few people had asked me questions to try and get to know me I suppose however, every time I looked up, I saw Armand staring at me with heat in his eyes that I have no idea where it came from. After everyone was done eating and talking Armand stood “For those of you who wish to stay feel free to make your way to the parlor. For those of you who wish to go then I wish you a good night he said as he bowed his head letting them know it was goodnight.

  As I was getting up out of the chair, I saw a hand being offered to me. I look up and see Blane, one of Armand’s circles. I take his hand and allow him to help me follow up by taking his arm and letting him lead me to the parlor. Walking in I can hear soft music being played a smooth soft melody. I look around and see the parlor is decorating in dark maroon and gold. Everything of course screams money and of course history. Large Maroon couches with gold trimming and gold foot falls were lined up throughout the room. Beside each couch are small gold end tables and by the looks of it they are made of solid gold. Above us there is a massive chandelier that is made of pure diamonds of various sizes. This room is beyond beautiful and exquisite, so much so it took my breath away. Blane led me past the threshold of the room and asked. “Would you like to dance?” I gave a nod and raised my arms into dancing position. Blane started moving me around the small area dancing as the music and buzz of conversation was behind us. “How are you liking your stay here so far?” Blane asks, making light conversation. “I look up at him and smile briefly before saying “So far it has been interesting. Thank you.” Just then I heard a growl that made both Blane and I jump, and the buzz of chatter stopped. I looked over and saw Armand with a scowl on his face for which of course I had to smirk and then give him a wink of my eye. OH, ASH WHY OH WHY DO YOU LIKE GETTING HIM RILED UP? I scream to myself. He growled again before walking over to me with power seeping from him. Once he was right above me and Blane, who to his credit did not flinch in the slightest and said. “I am cutting in.” Blane flashed me a quick smile and nodded to both of us as he turned and walked to talk with Spade and Jin.

  “Having fun?” Armand asked with a hit of anger in his voice. “About as much fun as one can have after being assaulted by my soon to be husbands’ toy.” I growled back at him low so no one else could hear. Before I could move, he grabs me by the waist and pulls me close to him as he looks down on me. His eyes are so mesmerizing that I swear they are burning into my soul. “Oh, Mon chaton, trust me when I say I now only have one toy in this castle. One in which I will not share.” He says as he squeezes my waist a bit tighter. I know I should be starting to fear him however instead what I am feeling is the complete opposite. My body is tingling all over making it hard to focus on anything else but the feeling of his body against mine. I take a breath trying to focus and say “Well Vamp beast, it is nice we have something in common. For I also do not share my toys either, you would be wise to remember that.” OMG DID THAT SERIOUSLY COME OUT OF MY MOUTH? WHAT. IS. WRONG. WITH. ME. I scream at myself. What is it that he does to me that makes me just spit out what I am thinking without any filters? UGH! He looks down at me and I glance up to see a huge smile on his face “Oi my jealous Kitten no need to worry. I only have one toy I want and will only want that one for the rest of my days.” I sigh in relief, surprising myself how much I needed to hear that from him. “Your man was just dancing and being polite. I would never disrespect you in such a manner. I do hope you know that.” I say wanting to make sure he knew the truth. “Oi, I know. Blane is a good man and good soldier. He is also a ladies’ man and knew that dancing with you would make me claim my spot in your arms.” Suddenly a bit shy I say, “If that is the case then he is also one smart warrior.” I lean into him more as we dance, and I inhale his comforting scent of peppermint and chocolate. We stay locked together as the music plays and I lose track of how long we danced. I am so relaxed in his arms I swear I start to drift off while standing and dancing in his arms. Suddenly, I feel him swoop down and pick me up in wedding style. I let out a giggle. “Do that again?” he says. “Do what?” I ask slightly confused. “That giggle. By the heavens you are perfect.” He says and I cannot help but giggle some more at that. Then I look around while my legs dangle and realize we are completely alone. “Where did everyone go? Did I do something?” I ask suddenly afraid I let off too much power. “No Mon ange you have done nothing wrong. They simply wanted to give us space and time.” I nodded in approval. “I can walk now” I said letting him know he did not have to carry me to my room. “I know; however, I am enjoying caring you.” He said and gave me a wink. I felt a blush spread across my face and I leaned further into his chest feeling the warmth and the power that felt like it was seeping into my skin.

  Once we reach my door, he lets me down easily and holds on long enough to make sure I am firmly in place before he releases me to open the door. “Have a good night my âme sœur” he says. I have no idea what has gotten into me or why I suddenly feel brazen enough, but I lean up on my tippy toes grab his shirt and fist it so tight my knuckles are turning white. I pull him down and put my lips to his. It happens so fast I am not sure my brain has time to fully respond to my actions. Well to be honest, I do not think his brain has time to fully respond either seeing as it takes him a long pause before he wraps me in his arms and pushes his lips deeper into mine allowing, his tongue to enter and wrestle mine which of course he won. The kiss starts slowly then quickly deepens and increases as if we were in the dying and the only way to survive was each other. The tingles that are now running through my body feel more like fireworks that blinds me from thinking clearly. However, as blindly happy as I am in that moment reality kicks when suddenly
I heard a voice scream. We both whip around and see Lisette standing there with a look of pure hatred on her face. She is shaking, then her fangs start to appear just as her once blue eyes turned red. Not a deep red either this was a fire orange red that looked as if the hatred she is feeling is now turning her eyes into fire. “Bitch!” She screams before lunging at me so fast I hardly register what happens next. I wait for some sort of blow to my body when I realize I feel nothing. I looked around and saw Lisette on against the wall with Armand’s hand around her throat holding her up. “This is my Queen, Lisette. We may have had a time where we were companions to each other, however it was never anything more. You know this, we just discussed this! You will never disrespect her again if you do… YOU WILL DIE” he growled the last part. He drops her onto the floor as she struggles to get up. She looks at him and said, “I was supposed to be Queen!” I could see that this surprises him, seeing as his wide eyes say it all. “No, Lisette you were not.” he simply states. She now has the look of anger as well as sadness and I begin to feel sorry for her. “Armand, maybe Lisette just needs you to explain a little softer, she should have our compassion.” I say in a softer tone. “I do not want your compassion, nor do I need it.” She says before turning on her heels and walks away in anger. I release a long breath and let my tense shoulders relax before turning back to my door. “Good night Armand.” I say without looking back I opened the door and entered my room leaning on the door while locking it. “Good night my chosen” I hear him whisper behind the door. After a wonderful much needed bath I dressed in a white nightgown that I found laid out across my bed. Nadia must have come by while I was washing. It was beautiful and simply made of silk and fit me like it was made for me. I slipped on my white slippers and went to the window. Ah, there he was, the shadow man. I knew I should be scared however, how could I be when whoever this has been following me all this time making sure nothing disastrous happens to me. He was always there when I was afraid, saying nothing just watching. I have never seen his face; goodness knows he may not even be a man. I would never know I suppose. I wondered how long he would continue to stay after learning I am to be married. “My Queen it is almost time.” I heard that same whisper as I had heard just earlier. “Time for what?” I whisper back. “For you to take your rightful place. For you are the Mother. You are now needed.” shock tore through me at these words. “No!” I said in a hard whisper laced with fear and concern. Movement started coming from the shadow and this time a figure stepped into the light. He was a male with long hair black tied in the back with what looked like leather. His dark tan chest was bare and full of muscle that glistened even in the darkness. I noticed he wore wrap around skirts known as the shendyt that had a belt at the waist with Egyptian symbols across the fabric with dark sandals of some sort. He then looked up straight at me. “It is time my Queen. You have been hiding far too long, now is time for you to find and unite with your chosen so you can take you rightful place. Your kingdom is waiting.” He said then nodded before turning away back into the shadows. “Well Shit!” I said to myself, which I usually do when I am frustrated about a puzzle I cannot figure out. I suppose I better inform Armand. I roll my eyes and think… Now he really is going to think I am crazy!

  Eleven

  Chapter Eleven

  Armand POV:

  The weeks had passed as she requested. They were long and full of fun. I was genuinely surprised how much I enjoyed our lunch dates. We talked about everything and the conversation never dulled. I was at ease with her, and she seemed to be growing closer as well. Tonight, was finally the night of the Gala and I being excited and to be honest a little nervous. We have a few hours before we leave though. Her training has also been advancing. With daily updates from Mirella, I have learned she has not only gained exceptional power and control, but her speed and muscle mass has grown faster than possible. Even Mirella, who seems to still be on the fence about Akasha, was impressed. I decide to head down to the training room to check her out before she leaves to get ready for tonight. When I walked into the training room my mouth dropped in surprise. I had to quickly control my facial features. I move to the side to stay out of sight not wanting to alert them to my presence. My God she is beautiful. There she was in a black leggings and matching sports bra with her hair up and sweat dripping on her gorgeous body. I watched in amazement as my guards charged her one by one nonstop and she swiftly knocked them down either by magic or strength. I was hugely impressed how quickly she has improved. When she knocked the last guard down, I heard Mirella give her some quick pointers. I decided to make my presence known. I walk out clapping “Well done princess. You knocked down some younger vampires. How well do you do against an older opponent? Mirella, next week bring in the older guards and magic wielders.” Mirella nodded however Akasha seemed slightly annoyed with my assessment. Then she slightly curled her lips and crossed her arms in front of her chest which just exposed more of her beautiful cleavage and my mouth began to water immediately. It was hard to not to stare and keep my eyes on her face. “Why, my King, why should I wait to see how I would fare against an older vampire when I have one of the oldest rights here.” she challenged.

  I could not help my smirk and I swear if I had a beating heart it would be beating so fast it would explode. Damn she really is extraordinary. As I remove my jacket, I watch her eyes devoured my body watching every movement then I smelled it. She was aroused so I continued and removed my shirt and as I did her scent became stronger and stronger. I could not help the growl that came out of my mouth. Oh, good gracious, she likes what she sees and smelling her arousal is so overwhelming. I am pleased to know that I affect her the way she affects me I smirk when I say, “Well, my Queen. Let us see how well you can handle me.” She raised an eyebrow strutted up to me so close I could feel her breath she leans into my ear and whispers “Oh doll face, I know how to handle someone like you.” She said in a rather sultry voice that shot sparks through me. Then before I knew it and faster than should have been possible, she kicked my leg out which had me stumbling backwards sf fast that had it not been for my vampire reflexes would have landed me on my ass. “Oh, princess that was dirty. That is okay though, I like do not have an issue with dirty.” I said with a deep chuckle and saw the heat spread across her face. Oh, how I love it when I make her blush. She spun around trying to hide her face and I made my move. Using her own move, I knelt down and used my low leg kick to swipe her ankle. However, she did not have full control of her reflexes yes so, she landed face up on the mat. She sweeps my leg so fast even with my quickness I still went falling except I spun my body so instead of falling on my back I landed directly above her. Honestly, it was sheer luck that I was able to pull that off. Just as I started to grin at her she widens her legs with knees bent pushed her hips up and twisted so hard and fast she turned us both. Before I knew what happened this time, she was straddling me with a sultry grin. Her face so close to mine all I could think of was kissing her. However, luck was not on my side because Mirella chooses that exact moment to remind us, she was here with a smart remark. “Ok, can you both can stop flirting and just get a room already. I have some of my own bad decisions to make tonight. I don’t have time to watch the weird fourplay you all have going on here.” As she turns to walk away Akasha, and I look at each other and start laughing uncontrollable. She twists herself off me and I immediately felt the loss of the connection. Once we were both up and had regained our senses Akasha nods politely “Well thank you for the wonderful playtime.” she giggled which brightens her whole face. “I will see you this evening King Armand” she says as she sashes out of the room.

  * * *

  “Are you ready brother?” Luke said as I was preparing to leave for our two-day adventure. “I suppose. I am only concerned about security.” I told him, however in reality I am completely nervous. I know that she cannot fully decline the mating process for if she does it goes against the fates. Going against the fates is not only a death sentence but it is await
ing sentence. You never know when it will be your time, so you live whatever life you have walking on eggshells until it is your time. When your time does come around you will be dying alone as the fates will see to it your death is painful and lonely with no chance of reincarnation. I can only assume going against the Mother Queen’s wishes would be an even worse fate. However, even if that were not enough, Akasha loves her people so she would follow through because of her pure love for them.

  However, I want her to come to me not just out of duty but out of love. I can feel the love just underneath my skin that the Mother Queen put there, however, just like the fates, it is always up to us to follow through and choose to walk through that door and allow our hearts to love. Of course, free will is still a requirement of the Gods, both above and below. So, I guess the only question is if she will allow the walls that she has obviously enclosed her heart with to drop and let love. I look over at my brother and I think about how long we have waited and how lonely we have been.