The Realm

by Leigh Walker

  VAMPIRE ROYALS 6: THE REALM

  Leigh Walker

  Copyright © 2020 by Leigh Walker.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. Purchase only authorized editions. v.kobo.8.4.2020

  Priorities

  I’d hoped to find a decent date for the wedding, but prospects were looking grim. Is it possible to die of boredom? I looked around the room at the vampire sentinels and dignitaries talking in hushed tones. Not one of them was a match for me. Signs point to yes.

  “Tamara.” Eve’s voice was stern. “What on earth is your problem? You look like you just drank sour milk.”

  I wrinkled my nose at my friend. At first glance, her curly strawberry-blond hair and bright, blazing aqua eyes made her look like some sort of angel. But Eve was a vampire, a particularly strong one. Even though I was human, she would never harm me, because we were friends. But she would, and did, scold me when she deemed it necessary.

  “I was just wondering if I could die from lack of stimulation,” I told her.

  “Lack of stimulation? Perhaps you should have a cup of tea.”

  I glared. “Ugh. I meant these men. Not one of them will do as a date for the wedding, and you know it.”

  Eve arched an eyebrow. “Are you sorry your courtship with Lord Bryson ended?”

  “Not a bit.” I yawned. “He was tiresome—just the mention of his name puts me to sleep.”

  “What about that sergeant—the one who brought you the gnome?”

  “Sergeant Lance. He was fun for about a week, then he got all needy. Boring, Eve, boring. I need someone who doesn’t require constant reassurance.”

  She shook her head. “You sound a bit mean.”

  “Well, what do you know about it?” I cried. “You and Balkyn are awfully cozy these days. I bet you’ll dance with him all night at the reception then have a proper snogging session. So you’re all set for a date. It’s easy for you to be nice!”

  Eve frowned so hard her lips turned pale. “If you’ll excuse me, I have to…” She cursed under her breath as she turned on her heel. “Get away from you.”

  “What, you don’t want to talk about snogging your boyfriend?” I called after her, but she didn’t turn around. Balkyn was a recently turned vampire, and Eve totally had a thing for him. But she wasn’t one to gossip, so I’d have to wait and see for myself what was really happening between them.

  There was a rustling from my tote, and I peered into it. Two sets of large eyes stared up at me. “Do you need a walk?” I asked.

  The gnomes shook with excitement and made singsong gibberish noises. I hoisted the tote over my shoulder and slipped out of the formal salon. Deep in a discussion of security at the wedding, the vampire dignitaries and sentinels didn’t even look up. As a Goodwill Ambassador representing the royal family and the settlements, my input would be limited at such a meeting. Still, I attended it because I insisted on attending everything. That was my duty and my right as a member of the royal court. It was also my right to leave such a meeting when it gridlocked due to procedural disagreements that wasted my time and bored me to tears.

  I sashayed through the hall to the kitchen, which was located at the rear of the castle. The staff had left table scraps as per my orders. Elsa and Beast would be thrilled to see the bacon and little morsels of roasted butternut squash. I headed through the doors to the back lawn and took a deep breath of clean, fresh air once we were outside. I would never admit it, but I loved living in the North. The castle grounds were lush with thick, springy grass, and a riot of multicolored wildflowers bloomed in the gardens. I sometimes missed my family’s estate in Settlement 11, but I’d never enjoyed the outdoors as much as I had since coming to live at the Northern palace some months before. It was beautiful country, pure and unspoiled. Now, if only someone would open a day spa around here…

  I set my tote down and called to the gnomes. “Here we are. Elsa, Beast, out you go.”

  Two football-sized puffs of fur—one brown, one black-and-white—rolled out onto the lawn. Each gnome had large brown eyes surrounded by lush lashes. The brown one was Beast. The black-and-white one, who sported a tiny pink bow in her fur, was Elsa. They blinked up at me expectantly, tongues lolling.

  “No treats yet. You know the rules—first you must exercise, then you get your reward. Otherwise, it’s no fun, just gluttony!”

  They loved the outdoors, too, and were game for my requirements. They took off, first whizzing across the expansive lawn then cutting into the garden paths. I laughed and followed them. A brisk walk always lifted my spirits.

  But the warm afternoon couldn’t entirely cure me. It was nothing short of tragic that I didn’t have a date for the royal wedding. My dear friend Blake Kensington was marrying Prince Austin Black, ruler of the North, this coming weekend. I was a bridesmaid, and my dress was absolutely to die for, but it looked as though either Beast or Elsa was going to be my escort. At least my purple gown was stunning. I’d get a matching bow for whatever gnome I brought.

  I hustled to catch up to them, lost in thought. I needed to reassess my priorities. It was almost a year since I’d left Settlement 11 and entered The Pageant, a televised dating contest. Young human women from the settlements competed to get engaged to Prince Dallas Black, a royal vampire. At the end of the show, Dallas chose my friend Gwyneth to be his bride. They’d gotten married several months back and were blissfully happy. Dallas and Gwyn were taking a brief hiatus from their royal duties and coming North for Blake’s wedding this weekend. I couldn’t wait to see them.

  I’d been a finalist in The Pageant, of course. Prince Dallas had asked me to stay on as an esteemed member of the royal court, a Goodwill Ambassador. It was my duty to represent the interests of the human settlers among the vampire rulers. Since my appointment, I’d learned that I was adept at politics. I had a clear head and was able to see the big picture, and I was able to articulate my thoughts quickly and clearly. I enjoyed discussing the status of the settlements, the North, the government, and evolving policies. I’d always believed that I was destined for great things but never knew specifically how my talents would best be put to use. But working for the royal cabinet felt like home; I’d arrived at the work I was meant to do.

  Two of my friends, Shaye Iman and Blake, had also been asked to stay on as ambassadors. Shaye had been working on initiatives to combat poverty in the settlements. Blake had gone to the North to act as a liaison for the king and queen. Now she and Dallas’s younger brother were about to be married.

  I hadn’t seen Blake in weeks, but she was finally coming home this afternoon. A human rebel had attacked her, and Austin had been forced to turn her; otherwise, she would have died. They’d been staying at a cabin in the woods as she’d adjusted to her new life as a vampire. Really, they were keeping her sequestered until she’d reached a point where she wouldn’t attack humans and guzzle their blood. New vampires had a tendency to do that.

  In her most recent letter, Blake shared that she and Austin had anonymously visited a human village and that she’d been perfectly fine. She’d maintained control and was no longer afraid of putting others at risk. She couldn’t wait to come back to the castle, reunite with her friends, and marry Prince Austin.

  Per her request, I’d practically planned the entire wedding, right down to the very attractive bridesmaid dresses. Even though she could no longer consume human food, the only details Blake really cared about were the buffet and the cake. We’d sent multiple letters back and forth and picked out the menu together. Everything would be perfect…

  Except that Beast
was going to be my date. I sighed as I reached the garden. Beast and Elsa appeared to be playing hide-and-seek; they merrily rolled inside the long green stalks of the flowers and intermittently peeked out, looking around. I paced the path. I’d had a few beaus since The Pageant ended but no one special. I’d dated Lord Bryson, a stuffy vampire with a large estate, and more recently, Sergeant Lance, a vampire sentinel. The sergeant filled out his uniform nicely, but he, too, was rather dull. The fact that Gwyn was deliriously happy with her husband and Blake was about to be married made me ache a bit. I wanted to be settled, too.

  Long ago, my mother had taught me to be clear about my intentions. She always said it was easier to get what you wanted when you knew exactly what that was. So as I walked in the garden, I mentally articulated my wants and needs.

  Professionally, I wanted my career in politics to soar. I enjoyed working on policy and making meaningful changes at the top level that reflected the growth of our society. Personally, I wanted to be swept off my feet. I wanted someone exciting, sophisticated, and dashing. I wanted an enormous royal wedding like the one I’d just planned for Blake.

  Maybe I’ll meet someone at the wedding. That thought put the spring back into my step.

  I hummed to myself as the gnomes played. Everything was going to work out fine. Why had I been worried? I was Tamara Layne.

  Things always worked out perfectly for me.

  As If

  “Miss? Ah, miss! There you are.” My new maid, Giuliana, sprinted around the corner, wringing her hands together. “The prince and Mistress Kensington have returned. She’s been asking for you.”

  I narrowed my eyes. “Why didn’t you tell me immediately?”

  Giuliana was young and sometimes shocked by my abruptness. Her cheeks flushed. “Oh, I did! I came as soon as I could.”

  “Beast! Elsa! Come quickly.” They obediently rolled out from behind the plants, and I tossed them each a bit of bacon. “Good boy, good girl. Beast, you are in for a treat—Mama is home.”

  Blake had been the one to get royal permission to keep the gnome as a pet. Historically, gnomes and vampires were sworn enemies, but she’d brought Beast into the castle, and he’d proven an excellent, affectionate companion. Not to be outdone, I’d procured Elsa. I’d been training both of the gnomes while Blake was sequestered.

  “Into the tote, you two. We must hurry.” They rolled inside my bag, and I set off toward the castle, Giuliana close at my heels.

  My long dark hair streamed out behind me as I strode purposefully across the grounds. “Blake will be thrilled to see Beast. She must be beside herself, wanting to get all the preparations for this weekend settled.”

  If it were my wedding that was only three days away, I’d be in tornado mode. Blake was more laid-back. She’d been content to leave the event planning to me, but I felt certain she was eager to make sure everything was in place.

  I was excited and nervous to see my friend in her new state. Blake’s a vampire. I couldn’t imagine my carefree, willowy friend who loved carbohydrates as a deadly immortal who only drank human blood.

  “Tamara!” a familiar voice shrieked. A tall blonde raced down from the palace steps across the lawn. Blake had her arms around me in a strong embrace before I knew what had hit me. “I’ve missed you so much. We’ve got a million things to talk about! The cooks showed me the appetizer list. They’ve got fresh carrots for the cake, and they’ve made the cream cheese for the frosting from scratch. Oh my goodness, they have a sample, and although I can’t taste it, they said it’s to die for—”

  “Blake.” I squeezed my friend hard, unexpected tears pricking my eyes. “Are you quite well?”

  She pulled back so I could see her face. Blake was the same, and yet she’d changed. She was even more beautiful than I remembered, if that was possible. Her high cheekbones reflected the sunlight, her creamy skin sparkled with good health, and her eyes were bright and mischievous, filled with their normal good humor and joy.

  I gaped at her. She looked like she’d had a facial that was so good it had to be illegal. “Blake, you’re glowing.”

  “Well, I’m in love, and I’m getting married in three days, silly! Plus, I’m a vampire, which makes me automatically unusually attractive.” She laughed. “Ah, Tamara, are you sniveling? That’s adorable!”

  “I am not.” I wiped at my eyes before my mascara gave me away. There was a whining from my tote, and I was happy to be distracted. “Someone’s even more excited than me.” I pulled Beast out, and Blake melted.

  “My baby,” she cooed, peppering him with kisses. “Mommy missed you so much!” The furry creature snuggled into her, panting happily, and her eyes brightened with even more joy. “D’you know how much I missed you all? I can’t even begin to say. Now, how are you, my friend? Tell me everything. And where is this girl gnome I’ve heard about?”

  I beamed as I took Elsa out of the bag, and her tongue lolled out. “Blake, this is Elsa. Elsa, this is your Auntie Blake.”

  “Can you even?” Blake squealed. “How much cuteness am I supposed to bear?”

  “Ah, Blake.” I was shocked to feel tears prick my eyes again. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

  “I’m better than okay. Being a vampire isn’t terrible at all, except that I can’t eat like I used to. But I have my health and my friends. Soon I will be married.” She hugged me again. “And I expect you’ll be next. How’s it going with Sergeant Lance?”

  “Ugh.” I hadn’t told her that we’d broken up. “He went into the discard pile. Too whiny.”

  Blake giggled. “We can’t be having that, can we?”

  “Life’s too short—human life is, at least.” I linked my arm through hers, and we walked back up the lawn to the castle entrance. “Do you feel different? Are you changed inside? Tell me everything!”

  Blake tilted her head, her long blond hair swaying out as she considered my questions. “I know that I am changed, but I still feel the same at my core. Although I can’t eat human food anymore. I miss it.” In her human life, Blake had been a bit of a foodie. “Certain things are different—my senses, for one. I can see and hear much better than in my human life. And of course, you smell really, really good. Like a fresh croissant, only a hundred times better.” When I gaped at her, she laughed. “No worries. I have control, and I’ve vowed to only drink donated blood. You’ve nothing to fear from me.”

  “Eve told me you’ve had amazing self-restraint even from the beginning.” Typically, new vampires couldn’t control themselves and attacked any human that came near them. But Blake was different. Even during a battle with human rebels, she’d managed to abstain from biting anyone.

  “I’ll have to thank Eve for saying that. It’s high praise.” Blake’s cheeks flushed with pride. “Now, then, enough about me. If you’ve discarded Sergeant Lance, who on earth are you bringing to the wedding?”

  “One of the gnomes, I guess.” I stroked Elsa’s fur.

  “Aw, come now,” Blake said. “You always have an army of admirers. You’ll meet someone fabulous at the wedding, and you’ll dance the night away.”

  I tossed my hair over my shoulders and noticed that each sentinel we passed was admiring us. I was tall with waves of raven hair, and Blake was a bit taller, with long blond tresses. Of course they’re staring! I shouldn’t worry so much about being single. “I suppose that’s true.”

  Just then, Prince Austin and a bare-chested barefoot man came around the corner, talking amiably. The prince was tall and very muscular, with a fine bone structure and high cheekbones. He wore a black-leather tunic that showcased his physique.

  But I wasn’t looking at the handsome prince—it was his feral friend who had my attention. He was equally muscular; I counted eight packs across his uncovered torso. He had dark skin, and his face was smooth—unlined—his dark eyes framed by enviably thick lashes. I couldn’t help but stare at his prominently displayed rippling muscles and his hair, which was dark with gray flecks, thick, and longer than
mine. He would have been extremely handsome if he weren’t so…shirtless and shoeless. Quite inappropriate for a meeting in the palace.

  Austin smiled at me. “Hello, Tamara. Thank you for all of your help with the planning. We wouldn’t be getting married this weekend without you.”

  I dropped into a flawless curtsy. “It’s my honor, Your Highness.” As I rose, his friend openly eyed me, as though he were starving and I was a scrumptious long-lost pork chop. The nerve.

  The prince beamed at Blake. “There you are, my love. Ugh, and you have your blasted pet back.” He said it with a smile, though.

  “Hello, darling. I’m sure Beast missed you, too.” She spoke with tender emotion and then kissed his cheek as though they’d been apart for days, not minutes. Blake turned to the bare-chested man. “How are you, Rhys?”

  Ah, so this is the werewolf leader. No wonder he looked so fierce—he lived in the forest and phased into wolf form when the moon was full. He was a real live beast. I’d heard about him, of course, and glimpsed him on the grounds, but I’d never seen him in the castle before.

  “I’m good, my lady. Even better now.” But Rhys wasn’t looking at Blake—he was still staring at me.

  “Um…” Blake said.

  Rhys whipped his head toward Austin. “She’ll do.” He pointed in my direction. “I’ll take her.”

  Austin chuckled while I raised myself to my full height. “I beg your pardon?” I asked.

  “Ah, you may beg all you like. I’d quite enjoy that.” Rhys stepped toward me with a wicked grin. His teeth were perfect and white. I shivered, thinking about how they would turn into deadly fangs when he shifted into a wolf.

  “Austin.” Blake lowered her voice. “What’s this all about?”

  Austin stopped chuckling and cleared his throat. “Right. Rhys, you shouldn’t speak to Lady Layne like that.”

  “Lady Layne.” The werewolf arched his dark eyebrows. “Ah, I like the sound of that. You promised me someone appropriate. A pedigreed and beautiful lady should do nicely.”