Caressed by Shadows (Rulers of Darkness Book 4)

by Amanda J. Greene

  “Knight,” Hadrian called, his voice cutting through the wind.

  Falcon’s steps halted. He slowly turned back to his king. Hadrian still stood, his back to the balcony doors.

  Eva placed a kiss on Hadrian’s lips and gently broke his hold on her waist. She walked back to the shelter of the castle, pausing a moment to say, “Welcome home, Falcon.”

  Falcon thanked her and waited for Eva to cross and exit the ballroom before he stepped out into the snow.

  Hadrian clasped his hands behind his back and turned to face Falcon. His black gaze was sharp as he scrutinized the knight from head to toe.

  “Your Majesty,” Falcon greeted. He punched a fist to his chest over his heart and went down on one knee, his head bowed.

  Minutes slipped by as the wind wildly howled. Chards of ice whipped through the air, hitting him in the face. With long strides, Hadrian came to stand before him. Falcon kept his head down, his eyes focused on the ground. Anxiety rocked him, his nerves raw as he waited for his king to speak. Was Hadrian angry with him? He could not bear to see disappointment in his king’s eyes. But he refused to apologize for his action.

  “Rise,” Hadrian commanded.

  Falcon stood and straightened his shoulders.

  “It is good to have you back,” Hadrian said. He clapped Falcon on the shoulder.

  Falcon frowned when Hadrian walked away, heading back into the keep. He followed.

  “My king?”

  Hadrian mounted the steps to his throne, tucked in the shadows of the ballroom. He reclined, his long legs stretched out, his heavy boots crossed. Silence stretched between them. Falcon tried to speak, but couldn’t find the words. His mind raced with questions as he battled an emotion he despised. Anxiety.

  “You should be recovering,” Hadrian said.

  “My king?”

  “You are pale. Your pulse is weak.” His black as night eyes flickered with ribbons of red. “I can smell the poison in your blood.”

  “In our last fight against the hunters−”

  “You’ve made a miraculous recovery.” Hadrian paused for a thoughtful moment. “I must thank Queen Sonya.”

  Hadrian could not read minds or see into the future, but he was a genius and his demon instincts were strong. Had his king somehow discovered he and Sonya were bound? He could smell the poison in his veins. Could he scent their combined blood?

  “Why have you sought me out, knight?”

  Falcon cleared his throat. “I wish to explain my actions of the past few weeks.”

  Hadrian propped an elbow on the arm of his throne. Resting his chin on his palm, he said, “Very well.”

  “When Lady Gwendolyn announced Queen Sonya’s disappearance, I acted on impulse. It wasn’t until after I left that I realized the impact of my decision. Truly, I meant no offense.”

  Hadrian shrugged. “I endured no insults.”

  “The Counsel−”

  “Their opinion does not matter.”

  “If they seek retribution, I fully understand. As a Black Knight, my oath binds me to our Clan. I broke the covenant by abandoning my post.”

  “Yes, that is what they would have me believe.” Hadrian leaned forward. “What other crimes do you feel you are guilty of?”

  Falcon shifted uncomfortably beneath Hadrian’s intense stare. The king’s eyes flickered between black and hell fire red. He could sense Hadrian’s demon, strong and threatening.

  “Love. I am in love with Queen Sonya.”

  In a flash of movement, Hadrian stood at Falcon’s side. “And the Queen, does she reciprocate your affections?”

  Falcon’s shoulders proudly stiffened. “She does.”

  Hadrian nodded. “Good.” He began walking toward the exit.

  “My king,” Falcon called after him, his voice thick with confusion.

  Hadrian stopped and turned back to face him. “I do not want nor do I expect an apology from you. Given the situation, I would have reacted in the same way. I could never allow my mate to suffer.” His hard features softened with a half-smile. “I assume you have consummated your relationship.”

  “Yes.”

  “It seems you did not seek me out this eve to explain your actions, but to confess.”

  Falcon blanched. “I know the Counsel will question me and more than likely, they will launch an investigation. I will not answer, therefore, I will be found guilty. I wanted you to know that my loyalty remains with you and the Clan, but circumstances beyond my control have risen−”

  Hadrian held up a hand, silencing Falcon. “I know. You are mated.”

  His voice cracked from shock, “How do you know?”

  “Allow me to put your fears to ground. The Validus Counsel has been dismantled. It became apparent that during my absence the Counsel exploited its position and abused its power.” His lips slowly peeled back from his fangs. The glowing red of his gaze sliced through the shadows. “They suggested you be strung up and left to burn in the sun.”

  Falcon was not at all surprised. The Validus were a blood thirsty, violent sort. The ugly sense of betrayal spread through his chest.

  “You have loyalty and valiantly protected and guided our Clan. You led them when I could not and they flourished beneath your rule.” He growled. “I will not abide such behavior.”

  “What did you do?” Falcon asked, hearing his worst fears had come true. He had worried the Clan would not accept Hadrian that they would turn on him. Was another civil war brewing?

  “There is no law that state a monarch must have a Counsel. I also pointed out that you no longer reside under their jurisdiction.”

  “Jurisdiction?”

  “You are not a Validus Black Knight.”

  Falcon shook his head as he tried to piece everything together. “I don’t follow.”

  “Some weeks ago, the Shaw High Priestess came to me with a request. She desired a personal guard and specifically asked for you. I can’t say if she will ever summon you to serve or if she only made the arrangement to save your head. I would have told you, but she insisted we keep it a secret.”

  “What the hell for?” Falcon exploded.

  “The Shaw are mysterious creatures and hate to tempt Fate. Your knowing could have changed the course of the future.”

  The information had a staggering impact, literally. Falcon stumbled back and fell to the steps below the throne.

  “As for your question regarding my knowledge of your union with Queen Sonya, it is simple. I can smell the lingering aroma of chard flesh and sex, coupled with my suspicions of the High Priestess’s motives, I assumed you were bound.”

  The room began to spin as Falcon struggled to process. He was no longer a Black Knight, meaning the time he spent fighting his need for Sonya and pushing her away was for naught.

  “Silvie,” he whispered.

  Hadrian’s red gaze narrowed. “Yes. The witch is cunning.”

  “Sonya told me Silvie was the one who suggested she leave the night of your coronation. She had encouraged Sonya to walk into the Red Order’s trap.” Falcon was grateful he was already sitting. “She set this all up.”

  “Indeed.”

  Falcon scrubbed his face with his hands. “What does this all mean?”

  “Four clans. Four mated rulers. The shaman and his niece clearly have something planned. Unfortunately, we can only wait for it to be revealed.” The ballroom vibrated as Hadrian growled low as he turned to leave.

  “Wait. What of the Counsel?”

  “It has been dismantled and those members I felt to be disloyal to the crown were banished.”

  “Do you think that is wise? They were all nobles. They could have supporters.”

  “Civil war is always a possibility in this volatile Clan.”

  “Hadrian, if you need me, I will stay. I can help keep the peace and−”

  Hadrian paused just before the large double doors of the ballroom. “No. Your place is with Sonya. Besides, with my heir as King of the Voidukas, I highly d
oubt civil will come. No one would want to brave the wrath of two Clans.

  Falcon swallowed hard. King. Him? Was he ready for the responsibility?

  “Have a pleasant night, Falcon. We will discuss this more tomorrow, when Dimitri and Dorian arrive. Word has spread that two of the Red Order Hunters Counsel members met their end. Samuel and Oliver. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about the tragedy.”

  Falcon shrugged. “It was nice to watch the bastards’ burn.”

  Hadrian smiled, revealing his fangs. “Carter has called Dimitri. He desires another audience.”

  “Do you think we can successfully negotiate peace?”

  “No one can or will ever fully understand Fate. Not even the Shaw Priestess.”

  With those last words, Hadrian vanished.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  “Oh…my…God.” Gwendolyn’s words came out in shrill squeak. Her eyes were round, her mouth hung open, and her gasp still echoed in Sonya’s ears. “Mates. You and Falcon…” Shock robbed her of her voice.

  “Yes.”

  “How…I mean, when did this happen?”

  “Last night.”

  Gwendolyn stumbled, the backs of her knees hit the bed and she fell. Sitting, she blinked in amazement. “You’re saved. Freed form the Death Curse.”

  For the past hour, Sonya had shared the ups and lows of her past week. She explained that Silvie had been the one to suggest she walk into the hunter’s trap. Gwendolyn scolded her, but Sonya didn’t regret being captured. If it weren’t for the Red Order assholes, she and Falcon may not have ended up together. Her fate could have been terribly different. She could be lying in her bed, tortured by the Death Curse and slowly wasting away.

  She quickly recapped her insane week, from being shot all the way to running through the meadows beneath the sun. Gwendolyn had sat in trance, awed by her story.

  Sonya felt as if she were going to be sick. Her stomach knotted and she tried to control her erratic breathing. She paced, her steps quickly carrying from her from one side of her room to the other.

  “What does this mean?” Gwendolyn asked.

  “I don’t really know. Falcon and I have a few things to figure out.”

  “Will he be coming to live with us? Is he a Voidukas now? I wonder how our Counsel will handle the news.”

  “I dread finding out, but not knowing is equally awful.”

  “Do you think King Hadrian will allow him to leave? He is his Second.”

  “Falcon said he would speak with Hadrian first then address the Validus Counsel.”

  Gwendolyn flinched. “A lot has being going on here since you’ve been gone. King Hadrian has abolished the Counsel.”

  “What? Why?”

  “They were miss using their power and abusing their influence. I heard they actually wanted to kill Sir Kenwrec for leaving. I fear what they would have done if they knew the two of you−”

  “My nerves are fried as it is. Please, Gwen.”

  Sonya collapsed on the bed beside her friend. Placing her elbows on her knees, she buried her face in her hand. She nervously bounced there as she thought about their next step. She had hoped Falcon would accompany her back to Estonia and live with her and her Clan. But it may be best if he stayed. At least for a little while. His Clan and his King needed him.

  God, why did everything have to be so damn complicated?

  A rasping knock sounded on her chamber door. Sonya’s spine snapped straight, her heart began to pound.

  “Enter,” she called.

  He stepped in. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”

  Sonya swallowed a gasp. Damn, he looked sexy in the customary all black uniform.

  Gwendolyn jumped to her feet. “Not at all. Please, Sir Kenwec, excuse me.” She hurried past him and shut the door.

  Falcon closed his eyes for a moment then crossed the expensive yet ordinary guest room to stand in front of Sonya.

  “I spoke with Hadrian.”

  Sonya bit her lip. “What did he say?”

  He shook his head. “He said…a lot. I think it will take me a day or two to process everything and let it sink in.”

  “Is it trouble with your Clan?”

  “No. At least, not yet. I haven’t the details, but he dismantled the Counsel.”

  “Gwen told me.” Sonya reached out and took his hands. She brushed his knuckles with pads of her thumbs. “If you need to stay and help Hadrian smooth things over that’s fine. I’ll stay with you.”

  “But what of your Clan?”

  “Gwendolyn can go home and rule in my stead for the time being,” she offered.

  His shoulders fell with a heavy sigh as he joined her on the bed. “I don’t know. I don’t want to keep you from your Clan and your work.”

  Sonya turned and sat cross-legged on the mattress.

  “What would your Counsel say?”

  “To hell with them. I think Hadrian might be on to something.”

  The tension stiffening her muscles eased when he smiled. “Dimitri doesn’t have a Counsel and Dorian’s consists of his Queen and his Second, Raphael.”

  She playfully punched his shoulder. “See, Counsels are overrated.”

  Falcon chuckled. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he pulled her close and rolled across the bed. Tucking her against his side, they lay together for long quiet minutes.

  “You really don’t mind staying? At least another two weeks.”

  “Nope. My Clan has already survived about a month without me. They can handle two more weeks.”

  “Thank you.” He kissed her brow. “You are truly wonderful.”

  “Besides, I wouldn’t be able to cut and run anyway. Gwendolyn told me Dimitri and Dorian will be arriving tomorrow.”

  Falcon took in a deep breath. “Yes. Carter called Dimitri. He would like to discuss peace.”

  Sonya blanched. Peace between the Red Order Hunters and vampires. Now that Samuel and Oliver were dead, perhaps there could be a chance. Only time would tell.

  Sonya rested her head on Falcon’s chest and frowned. His body was tense, his muscles tight.

  “Is something wrong?” she asked.

  “Wrong?” he repeated, his voice a whisper. “No.”

  “Out with it, knight. I can tell there something banging around in your head and it’s obviously not images of us rolling naked in these sheets.”

  He let out a soft curse. She smiled, watching his shaft swell and press against his pants.

  “I’m think of us now,” he grated.

  She traced her fingers over this hardened length. “Good.”

  Falcon stilled her hand. “I’m not a Black Knight.”

  Sonya sat up. Her arousal instantly replaced by anger. “Did Hadrian strip you of your title?”

  “No. Silvie did.”

  Sonya felt her brows knit together in a deep frown. “I’m lost.”

  “Weeks before my king’s coordination, Silvie went to Hadrian before your capture and asked that he place me in her charge. Apparently, I’m the personal guard of the Shaw Priestess.”

  Laughter bubbled inside her. “Seriously? So, we were never breaking any laws.”

  “This past week, every time I denied us was for naught.”

  Sonya fell to the mattress, with a huff. “All the sexual torment we suffered. Damn. We could have been hooking up all this time.”

  Falcon turned onto his side. Cupping her face, he stroked his thumb over her jaw line. “Oh, love. It has all been worth the wait.”

  Sonya curled into him. Her breasts flattened against his chest. His erection pressed against her belly. She ran her fingers through his hair. Falcon cupped her nape and brushed his lips softly across her cheek. Need ignited within her.

  “Falcon, do you know the title given to those who serve as guardians of the Shaw?” she asked, biting her lip. Sonya tried not to giggle.

  “No.”

  “White Knights.”

  He groaned. “Really?”

  A light laug
h escaped her. “Yes. I think it suits you.” She kissed his chin. “You rescued me from the evil witches.” Sonya kissed the corner of his mouth. “You’re my white night.”

  “And you are my wicked king.”

  Falcon captured her lips with a long, passionate kiss.

  Epilogue

  Gabriel knelt before the line of Clan Chieftains. His fist firmly pressed over his heart, his head hung low. The chill of the cell’s stone floor seeped into his bones. Upon his arrival to the Validus strong hold high in the Carpathian Mountains, he and Gannon had been escorted to the underground dungeon. Gabriel had loudly, yet politely, demanded to speak with the rulers. Apparently, he and Gannon weren’t the only unwanted and untrusted guests in residents. He had overheard some of the guards speaking of Red Order Counsel members who recently lost their leader and were now seeking peace with the vampires. He rolled his eyes. Keep dreaming.

  Dimitri, the last remaining pure blood of the vampire line, broke ranks and came to stand before him. Gabriel kept his gaze directed at the floor, he didn’t even glance towards the shinning leather tips of Dimitri’s shoes.

  “The Clans were established by the four original vampires. Their fledgling all united by blood,” Dimitri stated, his authoritative voice echoed through the dungeon.

  Gabriel remained silent. He may be an outcaste, but he knew the rulers. The Madame had instructed him well. Unless he was granted permission to speak or asked a direct question, he would hold his tongue. Gannon followed his lead, like always.

  “He displayed incredible bravery for coming here,” Sonya said. Her voice was distant. Gabriel assumed she stood by the dungeon’s stairs.

  “Or incredible stupidity,” Hadrian drawled, his tone bland.

  “A new Clan.” Gabriel could practically hear Dorian shake his head.