Page 24 of The Vampire's Lament
“Filth,” I added.
“What do you want to do about him, Majesty? Other than rip his face off.”
My anger continued to churn, causing another memory to surface. One of me tearing out the spine from a Selene human.
I had to find Aidan and do the same to him.
“I still haven’t formulated a plan,” I answered tightly. “Come. Let me address the palace.”
“Is there anything you want me to do?”
I grabbed his right shoulder. “Have a live link set up in the ballroom and have everyone here spread the word as far as possible.”
“You’re making a global address?”
I patted his extremely curly brown hair. “Everyone must hear me. Tell every guard and every thrall. Even those in the dungeons.”
Vaughn cocked his head. “Really?”
“Really. It’s time to strive for unity.”
His smile brought some of his luster back to his face. “Yes, Your Majesty. But if they so much as look at you the wrong way, their heads are going into the nearest wall.”
I chuckled. “Indeed.”
Without another word, he hurried off.
I meant it. I wanted unity. No more divides, no more hate and disappointment. It served no one.
Closing my eyes, I connected with the Heart of All. Although I couldn’t directly communicate with my vampires through it, I could send them a ripple of hope.
I loved them all, even the rebels. We were bound together as a species, no matter what. And we had to find a way forward. We must draw a line under any divisions, try to heal while staying strong against Aidan’s rot.
Suffering was coming his way. I’d make sure of it.
Warmth unfurled in my core, a flush of happiness sent from my vampires. Reticent, yet joyful at the same time.
Finally, I was behaving like their king.
Quickly freshening up, I headed for the ballroom through the onyx corridors, crimson lights illuminating my way.
Paris’s honey scent trailed after me, a buzzing echo of his kiss on my lips.
I want to be back there with him…
No. This distance would be better for both of us. Which led me to ponder my next move.
He couldn’t stay here at the palace. Not in close proximity to so many who’d want him dead. Whatever truth had been discovered, he was still the enemy. He’d killed vampires and tried to kill me. And for me to have him so close to the Heart of All was a risk no vampire would, or should, accept. Having Paris here only played into the rebels’ ideology of locking me up to be a source of life while a de facto monarch ruled in my place.
I wouldn’t allow that to happen. I’d shirked my duty, lost myself to fascination and desire.
That ended tonight.
I reached the elevator leading to the ballroom. Thrall guards dressed in their red uniforms greeted me, and I thanked them for their service.
“You need to be in the ballroom,” I told them.
They glanced at each other. “Lord Vaughn asked us to wait for you.”
