A Dawn So Dark (Blood Bound #1)

Chapter 24

Chapter 18

Daemon

A urora paced the empty courtyard, observing everything with an enthusiasm that made my chest ache. I had ensured it would be empty so she and Arden could freely hone her skills. She asked questions regarding each weapon so carefully displayed, studying their purpose with a profound respect. Aurora had the makings of both a ruler and a warrior. So perfectly compatible with Arden and myself. “You aren't quite ready for that, Princess.” Arden chuckled as she observed the mace. A jade glare shoots daggers at him from across the courtyard. “With your size and…” He searched for the right word but settled on “ Humanness… you need something more suited for you to be able to compete with a Vampire.” He was ensuring she was prepared for any possibility.

He gestured to the shelf of weapons behind him. “You require a light but deadly approach, Aurora.” She did not rebuttal with a crude remark or roll her eyes. She simply nodded and fixated her attention on his words. “ Vampires are stronger and faster than ten men. Your greatest advantage is your wit. Strategy, Princess, is your sweet spot. You're small, an ill perceived threat.” Arden could give her truths I could not. There were truths I could not even share with Arden. If he knew, he would tell Aurora without a second thought and it would ruin any progress we had made with her.

Her father had betrayed me, and what better revenge was there than claiming his only heir to the throne as my mate. Arden could engage her like this, push her to her limits, make her stronger for her own sake and the sake of whichever kingdom she would one day rule. Darkspire or Camelot. “Come on, Princess. Let's see what you know.” When the words fell from Ardens lips a spark lit in Aurora's eyes. Something snapped within her and she struck with the small dagger she had lifted from the wall of weapons. She went after Arden with an untethered fury and a precision that stunned me. While she was up against a battle trained general, she held the prowess of a true Knight of the Round Table. Arden perries gracefully and after letting her wear herself down, knocks the blade from her hand and flips her onto the mat with ease. I gripped the banister so tight I was sure it would crack beneath my hold, my pulse rising as her surprised gasp echoed across the training yard. Arden lay hovering above her in seconds, his hand splayed against her nape, holding her firmly to the ground. The stone cracked beneath my grip, fading to dust in my palms as two words fell from Ardens lips. “ Got you .” With that, he was gone. Leaving our Princess laying there on her back with flushed cheeks. Curses fell freely from her when she realized what had happened. I chuckled, the realization that she was here and trying to understand us better sinking in. Perhaps she wouldn't run. Perhaps she would. Her gaze flickered in my direction, though I knew she could not see me at this distance, I still felt an intense heat rise in my chest. The bond flaring to life beneath my skin, reminding my immortal soul that it had found its counterpart. A guard appeared at my side, eyes set on his feet. The guards knew not to watch Aurora in such a position. They knew better than to defy their King. “Your Majesty, I have news. ”

Chapter 19

Arden

I nvite her to dinner?” I clarified, astounded by Daemon's blatant and remarkably stupid declaration. “That's your plan?” Daemon nods, looking over the maps littering his desk. I knew Arthurs impending arrival was taking a toll, our spies had reported the dispatch of Camelots army. “I don't think wine is going to win our Princess’s heart. Perhaps a dagger or a sword, a trip to the forge. That would suit her.” I tease, knowing that Aurora would likely enjoy such a thing. Any opportunity to ask endless questions and to potentially stab me. The thought of her stabbing me, covering herself in my blood made my cock twitch. I was going mad with the desire to claim her. As each day passed, I felt my restraint thin. Today it felt threadbare as we sparred. I nearly snapped. I was a moment away from using my blade to cut her gown free of her body and claiming her right there on the ground. Fucking her into the stone as I drank freely from her, her gasps echoing across the training yard as my soul claimed hers. I stood at full mast at the mere thought.

“Noa has gone home for the night, I sent word to Alys and Willa to get her ready. She thinks she's sitting in on a dinner with Noa and other ladies of the court.” A laugh forced itself from my lips as I took in Daemon's foolish plan. She was going to be furious. “My sister will be of great use to help her understand this.” I remarked, knowing Willa was well versed in the stories of the old Kings. She would be able to help educate Aurora regarding our mateship when the time finally came.

Daemon looked up from the table, confusion clouding his features. “Don’t think just because I enlisted your sister as her Ladies Maid that we have any more help taming her long enough to get her to understand this. We would have had better luck enlisting my sister.” His sister was indeed a calculated woman and would surely butt heads with Aurora. Lienna was already making waves with our mate by calling Daemon her darling. Luckily she rarely spent time in the castle .

I lean against the table, palms flat against the wood as I huff in annoyance “She's going to understand. She senses the bond. I feel it growing stronger the longer she's here.” The man I called brother, called my King, buried his head in his hands, his brow creased in distress. I could feel the turmoil radiating off of him in waves. “Daemon, talk to me.”

Daemon rises from his chair, turning to the bookshelf lining the wall. Each of his steps are pensive and reserved. “We can't lose this war, Arden. Too much is at stake.” That's why he needed this dinner. He wanted a moment with her. A moment free of impending war or Arthurs threats. “We can't lose her.” His voice nearly breaks, something I had not witnessed since his father died. I sighed, heart wrenching in my chest seeing him like this. I push off the desk to face him. “We will not lose her.” I vow, my hand meeting his elbow. I ignore the hum in my chest at the contact. “Tell me about this dinner. ”

Chapter 20

Aurora Artorias

A fter a confusing and stirring sparring match with the General, who made me wonder if I was actually being trained or simply reminded of my weakness as a human. I found myself being escorted to a far part of the castle I had yet to visit after getting dressed for dinner. The knock on my door had come as a surprise as I sat dosing my face in water. The sparring match had left me with a feeling unlike any other match had. I had felt flushed… frustrated at more than my loss. Arden had been toying with me to win. The game we had been playing since my arrival. The back and forth, our competitive natures clashing. His gentle touches followed by stern and forceful movements. Is that why I was being summoned? To punish me for conducting myself inappropriately? Or to finish what Arden had started?

The guard escorted me through a large set of oak doors, nothing to greet me past them except for complete darkness. I spun to flee, wanting to retreat to the warm glow of my chambers. Closed doors greeted my palms and the guard had vanished. I pressed my forehead to the door for a moment, collecting myself with a deep breath, I turned to attempt to see what dwelled in the darkness. Nothing was visible. I shuffled, stepping forward hesitantly into the dark abyss. “Too cowardly to show your face?” I taunt, knowing that if it were Arden, he would surely speak out with a sly comment. A deep, primal, and vaguely annoyed growl, echoed through the darkness. “A lie that I was to be attending dinner with Noa, from your sister? Are you truly that desperate to fight me again?’’

An icy gust of air brushed past me, caressing my skin in the dark. Goosebumps trailed across my skin as a familiar dark chuckle echoed across the room. “I think she's mad, Daem.” Arden … My heart hammers in my chest, beating against my ribs as I inhale sharply. I squinted, trying to peer through the dark to see where they were. I gathered my skirts and turned to leave. “Where do you think you're going, Princess?” Daemons booming voice sets me frozen in my tracks. Several moments of silence pass as I hold my breath, trying not to give away how enthralled I was. His laugh reverberates against my neck, a large hand wrapping around my waist. Darkness envelops every inch of my body. “Running again, divine little thing ?” Suddenly, the fireplace roared to life and every candle garnishing the chandelier flares. Daemons hold on me vanishes as I spin to confront him. All that greets me is a lavishly garnished dinner table, roses littered across every surface. The table is small, plated for three to dine. My heart nearly skips a beat as I realize… this was for me. Were they… wooing me ?

I slowly approach the table, waiting for one of them to reveal themselves to no avail. “I think I’m done running.” I goad , knowing that remark would push both of their buttons, though the words left me wracked with nerves. “I am quite enthralled with Darkspires…. politics .” Its Ardens turn to laugh from whatever shadow they were hiding in. I spin, trying to pinpoint where they may lay in wait, growing more frustrated with each passing moment. “Right here, our violent little thing .” I look back to the table and both men are sitting with glasses filled with what was likely blood laid before them. The image of relaxed and suave. I swallowed hard, unsure of what exactly to do in this scenario.

“Done playing, are we?” I huff as I take a seat, fidgeting with my skirts. Daemon smirked, his gaze drifting to where my fingers picked at the silk fabric. “We have not begun to play with you, Princess.” His tone held a promise that had my thighs clenching. Servants appeared with dinner and wine for me. I noted that they didn’t touch their food, their only interest in watching me. It was as if two wolves sat across from me, watching their prey. Waiting to strike. “What is tonight's occasion? Noa didn't want to join us?” I prodded, trying to ease the attention that seemed solely focused on me.

Daemon looked to his General with a sly grin, leaning forward as his deep chuckle reverberated down my spine. “Tonight’s occasion did not require Noas presence. We wanted a moment, free of violence, to speak with you. Civilly .” I narrowed my eyes at the suggestion that I could not be civil. Before my time in the tower, I was thoroughly trained and educated for the throne. Most royals complete this training very young in the event that they inherit the throne early.

“What are we civilly discussing this evening, Your Majesty?” I lifted my glass to my lips, needing a libation to get through this remarkably intimate dinner.

Arden took a long swig of what was more than likely blood, shooting Daemon a mischievous look over the rim of his glass. Daemon's obsidian curls fell over his forehead as he flashed me a boyish grin that made me want to swoon. “ You . Besides your deliciously violent tendencies and your sinful mouth, we know nothing about you. Noa has kept you holed away from us.” I was sure my face looked as red as the wine in my glass. I looked to Arden, trying to figure out if this was indeed true. The smirk planted firmly on his lips made me believe that it was actually true. The rage I had felt bubble in my core when I had seen Daemon's dazzling dalliance with him on the balcony after our shouting match in the woods. “Has the woman from the other day occupied your time since, Your Majesty?” Arden’s gaze met Daemons in amusement. Was he aware of Daemon's lover? Did he know her, tease her like he did me? Daemon simply tipped his head back, a bellowing chuckle escaping his lips. I flushed in embarrassment . Daemons laughs fading as he peered down at me in amusement, his lips quirked upwards in a tempting expression. “My sister does love to inconvenience my schedule.” The inflection on the distinguishing title of their connection leaves me beet red. “Now if you're done being adorably jealous, Princess, we would love to learn everything about you.”

I exhale, nervously fidgeting with my silverware, brushing my embarrassment aside. “What would you like to know?” Arden propped his chin on his fist, Daemon leaned back in his chair. Both men chuckled as they answered in unison “ Everything, Princess. ”

I told them of my upbringing, the trouble I had gotten into as a child. I avoided the topic of the tower, wanting to keep the flirtatious air that shrouded the table like a fog. They laughed, asked questions, and made quips regarding my troublesome nature. Occasionally, Daemon would brush his hand over mine, tuck a Stray hair behind my ear, or refill my wine glass. Arden would move his hand to my leg when he laughed, squeezing my thigh before pulling back. My skin was on fire, pulsating with want for these men. “You've hardly touched your food.” Daemon pointed out, gesturing to the assortments of meats and cheeses I had left untouched due to nerves.

“Here.” I wasn't given a moment to protest before Daemon had a bite of cheese pressed to my lips. Warily meeting his intense gaze, I took the cheese into my mouth, his fingertips brushing my lips. His steel gazes clashed with mine as my tongue darted out and cleaned my lips. Arden’s hand grazed my cheek, tucking a stray hair behind my ear. His finger, callous from centuries of expertly wielding weapons, tracing the curve of my neckline. My heart hammered against my ribs, demanding to be set free from its cage to ravage the men before me. I felt myself melting beneath their flaming touch. I suddenly became overwhelmed with questions, realizing I knew nothing of the men who sat before me.

“How old are you?” I couldn't stop the question that fell from my stupid mouth, still chewing the cheese. I had been curious about their age and so much more since my arrival in Darkspire. Daemon chuckled, his touch moving from my mouth, his large hand settling on my thigh beneath the table. Arden’s fingers traced down my neck and mirrored Daemon’s hold by grabbing my other thigh.

“I am one thousand and twenty-eight years old.” Damon's usually serious demeanor had faded throughout dinner, while he had been charming from the start, seeing a pure and genuine smile grace his stoic features made my heart flutter. “One thousand and twenty-four. Daem has a few years on me.” Arden confirms, only four years apart from Daemon. Though in Vampire years that seemed like nothing. “Oh.” I breathed. My twenty-three years seemed like nothing in comparison.

“If you have questions, darling , just ask.” Daemon teased, soothing his finger across the furrow in my brow. The way the term of adoration fell from his lips left flutters in my stomach. They were gods among men. My world called them monsters, here, they were death reincarnate .

“Tell me about the Monster Campaign.” I regretted the words as soon as they left my mouth and all of my boldness faded away. Their hands retracted from me in unison, the warmth pooling in my core dissipating into smoke. Arden watched as Daemon took a long pull of his drink. Their fangs both were visible, pupils flashing red. The Vampires I had crossed in the woods had not looked like this. They had looked as if their flesh was rotting off of the bone and fueled by animalistic instinct whereas this… this was pure power. I swallowed hard. I had only wanted the truth, to know what my father had done to them in hopes of repenting, exacting revenge. Now, I wasn't sure I wanted to know what invoked this kind of rage.

Arden turned his head, his neck cracking as he clenched his jaw. “Run, little human . And do not let us catch you.” His growl rattled my chest, every hair on my body stood on edge. My gaze snapped to Daemon, exhilaration shot through me as his red gaze fixated on me with a hunger that should have wracked me with fear. The echo of my chair crashing to the floor as I shot up reverberates throughout the room as I sprinted towards the carved oak doors. I could hear the table flipping behind me as I desperately pulled the door open, fumbling for the handle. Once I was out, I threw the door shut behind me and pushed myself down the hall that led to my chambers. If I could get there, I could barricade the doors and escape off of the balcony until they cooled off.

I turned the corner down the hall, my door in sight when I heard the doors erupt in splinters behind me. Daemon and Arden’s growls followed me, enveloping me as my silk slippers slammed into the stone flooring. My knees screamed in protest as I came to a halt, shoving my way into my chambers. “ Little human ” Daemon's voice reverberated down the stone halls, caressing me as I hurried inside. Knocking everything off of my chest of drawers, I shoved it in front of the door, under the knob in hopes of keeping them at bay.

I grabbed the cloak off of the chair by my terrace and hurried through the doors. The drop from the bannister to the ground was about twelve feet, a far drop but I didn't have a choice. My heart leapt as I heard the doorknob slowly turn, testing the lock. The door creaked, spurring me on as I tied my cloak around the bannister and scrambled to lower myself to the ground. I could try to lose them in the woods or at least stay hidden long enough to let them cool off.

I winced as the cloak made a ripping sound, signaling it was not going to get me much further. The final tear sounded and I fell the remaining six feet into the bushes. I yelped as the branches dug into my dress and scraped my bare arms. The door and chest of drawers rattled in the room above me, spurring me on. Pushing myself out of the brush, I took off in a sprint towards the woods. My heart pounded in my ears as my slippers slammed against the forest floor. Before I hit the creek where Daemon and I had argued, I heard the sound of my door splintering in the distance, my terrace door being ripped from its hinges. What would they do when they caught me? They hadn't hurt me up until this point. The mystery spurred me on. I did not want to find out what was in store for me, as I doubted it was another candlelit dinner. Running from them felt different than running from the Duke. I wasn't terrified. I was okay with whatever consequences I would have to face. I knew their consequences would not harm me. This was a game. Their way of showing me I was one of them.

The splash of my slippers hitting the creek snapped me back into reality. Two of the most fearsome creatures to walk this realm were right on my heels.

Chapter 21

Arden

C hasing after my mate while my cock was rock hard was both painful and the most arousing thing I had experienced in my thousand years of life. Chasing was a generous term. Letting her think she had a shot at escaping us was half the thrill. Her soft pants, hushed squeals as she ran from us only spurred me on. She didn't stand a chance against us.

Daemon and I had hunted together all of our lives. A thousand years with the same hunting companion ensured a high success rate. There was a reason that Kings and Generals were fated to share mates, they were bonded themselves to ensure their empires remained in power. I could feel Daemon moving in the darkness, stalking our pretty little prey. His strong stride was silent despite the brush. I was ten feet behind her, though she had no clue. We were herding her towards a cove that resided along the river's edge, far enough from the Strays territory that she would be safe and that we would go uninterrupted. Her long auburn waves had fallen from her intricate hairstyle. Twigs littered her lochs, much like they had when I first laid eyes on her. Her skirts were wet from the river, now gathered in her arms as she ducked to dodge branches as she sprinted. Not fast enough . Her milky, freckled thighs flexed as she wove between the trees, vanishing beneath her bundle of silks. I growled at the sight. She was a vision sent from the goddesses. Each day I watched her and thanked them for blessing Daemon and I with her fiery presence. Arthur once told me that the goddesses were jokes, that they weren't real and to revere the seven gods Camelot worshiped. The gods would have sent us to the seventh pit of hell for existing, yet the goddess mated us to Aurora. I would bow at the altar of our mate until the end of time in gratitude.

Aurora turned around a boulder, a gasp falling from her perfectly bowed lips as she came to a crashing halt. I could feel Daemon's satisfaction across the grove as she spun to look for a way across the river. The nearest crossing was miles from here. She wouldn't make it another ten feet with the two of us cornering her. “Had I known dinner was going to end like this, I would have suggested it your first night here, little human .” I grinned as she stood panting in the moonlight, rage lighting those sweet emerald eyes of hers. She spun towards me, squinting to find my form in the dark. Daemon's laugh sounded behind her and our little human shuddered at the sound. The smell of her arousal made my cock throb, our little Princess liked being chased… and we all knew it. “What do you suggest we do with our Princess, General?” She whirled, skirts flaring as she looked for the King.

I wet my lips, my tongue scraping across my fangs in painstaking agony. I wanted to spread her out on the forest floor and feed from every inch of her, claiming her as ours. But that was a price she wasn't ready to pay. She wasn't ready. She needed time. So tonight we would take all we could without pushing her beyond her limits.

“Let's go back to dinner, shall we?” Aurora pleads with a hopeful and desperate smile. “We didn't even have dessert.” Her breathy pleas made my chest ache in desire to consume her- body and blood .

“Are you sure, Princess?” I tease, stepping from the shadows, Daemon appearing behind her. “It seems to me like our dessert is right here.” Her cheeks turn red in rage and arousal. I step so I am crowding her against Daemon's chest. Her pulse thrums, a melody I could listen to endlessly. I vow in that moment to have the palace musicians recreate its beauty so she could understand our obsession and adoration.

“I should retire, it's quite late.” Her feeble attempt to get away stirs me, her argument weaker than the door that we had taken our time destroying to give her a head start. I gaze adoringly down at her short frame, the crown of her head didn't even meet our shoulders. Humans were innately short, Aurora could not have been more than five and a half feet tall. Nothing compared to Daemon and I’s six and a half frames. She nestled perfectly between us. Our perfect little mate .

Daemon hums as he caresses her arms, tracing her delicately scarred wrists before pulling her back flush to his chest. I could have finished in my trousers at the sight of her melting beneath his touch. The fire in her eyes not once fading. “She does look quite delicious, brother.” Daemon growls, his fingers gently digging into the supple flesh of her hips. Aurora gasps, no doubt feeling Daemon's arousal pressing firmly into her back. Her eyes drift from mine and slowly fall down my front, landing on my groin. My trousers had tented from how engorged I was. I was ready to burst from her gaze alone. I nod, adjusting myself while she watched m y movements with blown pupils.

“Certainly, brother.” I agreed as her neck began to flush, her nipples hardened beneath the silk of her gown. “I think she should show us our spoils.” My fingers reached out and grasped her chin firmly, my thumb brushing her bottom lip. The plump flesh tempting me to teach her my bruising kiss and comforting caress. Daemon and I both step back from her in unison, vanishing back into the dark embrace of the forest. “Sit on the rock, Aurora.” Daemon demanded, referring to one of the rocks on the riverbed where Aurora could seat herself comfortably and listen to our instructions. She wavered, looking into the tree line in desperation to find us. Anger lit her features, her hands balled into fists at her side as she insisted “This is nonsense.” She moved to make her way back to the palace.

I moved at a speed she couldn't detect, scooping her up and dumping her on the stone as she had been directed. I remained close, my lips grazing her ear as I hummed “This is your only warning to behave, little human .” Before she could rear her head back to headbutt me, I fell back into the darkness of the forest. She huffed in annoyance, shifting on the stone as she scanned the tree line for either one of us. “When we tell you to do something, it is for your own good Aurora.” I promise, knowing she needed to hear us say this. “We are not the men of your court who would force you into submission for their own gain. We want what is best for you. Your safety. Your happiness. Your pleasure .”

Daemons growl echoed across the clearing as Aurora flushed pink. “You turn such lovely shades of pink for my General.” Daemon paused, and I knew he was about to cross the thin line we toed with Aurora. “Lift your skirts and show us your arousal, Princess. Show us how badly you wanted us to catch you. ”

Her hands fell to her lap, pressing down on the silk as her eyes desperately searched for us in the dark. Her slender fingers twitched, her breathing shallow and needy. “The King gave you an order, Princess.” I taunted, knowing my push would spur her need to antagonize me.

Aurora clutched her gown, eyes ablaze with desire as she slowly pulled the skirts up. “Does the King have to order around all of your women, General?” It's my turn to growl, an amused laugh lacing my threat “Do you want to be our woman, Aurora?”

Her emerald eyes flit across the treeline, sparkling with mischief. “I thought you told me when we first met, General…” She brushes a strand of hair from her face, picking a twig from the waves as she grins “That I was wanted by both you and your King. Perhaps I misheard you.” Her fingers traced the edge of her skirt, hands gently shaking as she trailed the fabric up the creamy smooth contour of her legs. I could have finished in my trousers at the sight, like a three hundred year old who just discovered their bloodlust. I groaned as she reached her knees, parting her legs so the fabric po oled over her intimate part. “You were ours long before we laid eyes on you.” I swore, my teeth gnashing together in an attempt to not ravish her. “Now listen to our King and show us what is ours.” Aurora, for once, was obedient. She slowly parted her skirts, trembling in arousal and anticipation. She wore thin undergarments that did little to hide how much she was enjoying this. I nearly fell to my knees when she flashed a teasing smile and shifted her hips so we could see every glorious inch of her supple skin. I needed to see more. I needed to taste her. I needed to consume her.

“Remove them.” Daemon's demand reverberated through the forest, leaves falling at his request. I was certain her cheeks would be stained pink for weeks after this encounter. She searched for him, begging us to reveal ourselves to her. Her body called to ours, her need for us burned my chest like a brand, desperate for her mates. Time stood still, the forest fell silent as she moved the fabric up her legs, revealing the soft tuft of auburn and her slick arousal. I pulled myself free from my trousers, fisting myself so hard I could barely see straight. I had been hard almost constantly since meeting my mate. She shyly spread her legs, waiting for Daemon to instruct her further. He was ready to snap. We both were. “Touch yourself for us, Princess.” Aurora looked down at herself, her lashes fluttering as she realized what he wanted her to do. Her hand traced down the silk of her dress. Heat barreled down my spine, consuming me with a damn near painful desire to claim our mate.

The winds shifted, an unsavory scent overpowering the divine smell of our mates' arousal. I knew Daemon sensed it too. Strays . Aurora froze, the lust fading from her gaze in an instant. A branch snapped in the distance. Her skirts fell to her feet as she stood, eyes wide as she looked for us. Stuffing my angry and aching cock away, I move to her side. “Daemon, you should take the Princess back to the castle.” I was going to turn these creatures into ribbons for interrupting us.

“Let me stay!” Aurora demanded as I tucked a Stray strand of hair behind her ears, letting my fingers dance along her cheekbone. “They're here for you, little human . Go with Daemon and we can discuss your misbehavior later.” Her cheeks heated in my hold but her eyes still held that fire that made my soul ache to claim her. “I don't need you to fight my battles!”

I lifted my other hand to cup her delicate and ferocious features. “I would start and end wars for you, Aurora. A sword to bend to your will. I am yours to wield.” I hardly had time to enjoy the look of shock and desire cloud her face before Daemon vanished from sight with her. It was time for me to bring Aurora a platter piled high with the hearts of those who wished her harm.

Chapter 22

Daemon

I deposit Aurora in her bed, teeth gritting in restraint. She had writhed against me in protest the entire way back and goddesses above, I need this woman. She had laid herself bare, offered herself to us willingly. She was ready to know, ready to feel what being our mate meant.

Arden and I had shattered her door completely, which was an ill thought out plan. There was no way my mate was going without a door. We may push her limits but privacy is something she would always have. I knew how the Knights had treated her, I saw how they had treated their own Queen. Her comfort and privacy was a priority.

Aurora shot from the bed and made a break for the terrace. I stepped in her path, gently shoving her back down onto the mattress. “All due respect Your Majesty, but I am going back to help the General whether you want to join me or not is up to you.” I held back a laugh at her proclamation. Goddesses above, she was going to be a divine Queen.

“Arden is fine, darling.” I reassured her, finding her worry for him endearing. She ran her hands through her long auburn lochs, her brow furrowed in distress. “Those creatures- they aren't like you. Are they Vampires?” Her question threw me, her vibrant eyes finding mine in the candlelight.

I lowered myself to a squat before her, a hand gently gripping her knee, needing to feel her after the adrenaline rush I had just endured. I prayed to the goddesses that this position would hide the erection that had not faded since our trist in the forest. “Strays were once like us, Vampires. They could feel love, joy, sadness, and empathy as well as being blessed with power from the goddesses. But they let their hunger and blood lust overtake them. Now, they are simply bloodthirsty beasts.”

Her fingers drummed against her thigh, the smell of her arousal still hung in the air. She had wanted us. Our mate had wanted us. Was it time we told her or did we wait until after we dealt with Arthur so we could enjoy the bliss of our mating process? Ideally we would take several weeks to ride out the initial highs of the bond in the mountains, far from all civilization. Weeks of watching our mate come undone for us, wrapping us around her perfect little fingers.

“Was that what you wanted tonight?” Aurora asked, toeing her slippers off. Her tone held curiosity, no animosity or disdain. “My blood?” I always craved her blood. Feeding from a mate was different, raw, emotional, animalistic. But she didn't know that. “What drove us tonight, Aurora,” I hummed darkly, my hand moving from her knee down the length of her shin. “Was something just as delicious.” My Princess swallowed hard, her heart hammering in her chest as she gazed at me through heavy lashes. “What exactly is that?”

A dark grin tugged at my lips as I watched her throat bob in anticipation. “ You , my fire .” Her skin heated beneath my touch, my mate was aroused at the thought of my animalistic desire for her. Her head tilted, hair cascading across her face at the movement. Her words were flirtatious, laced with curiosity. “Would you drink my blood…?” My knees buckled, the sting of the stone floor biting into my pants. A small smirk overtook her plump lips, a mischievousness that left my shaft desperately hard.

“I would beg at your feet for a thousand years if it meant I would know the taste of one drop of your divine blood.” The reverence in my tone reverberated throughout the room, leaving Aurora stunned. She panted beneath my hold, eyes bright with desire. Our trist had left her primed and just as desperate for a release as Arden and I were. She likely thought it was her attraction to us, the heat of the moment, ignorant to the bond that grew stronger with each day.

I felt Arden enter the room behind me, the stench of Stray blood flooding the dimly lit room. Five thuds sounded. One after the other. A dark grin overtook my features as I watched Aurora turn a stunning shade of pink from where she sat on the bed, her gaze fixated on a blood covered Arden. Each thud of a heart meeting the stone floor sends a shiver down her spine. According to Arden, she had a similar reaction when I had offered her a heart. This woman enjoyed violence. And more importantly, it aroused her when we committed violent acts for her. “I would slaughter masses ,” Arden growled, his steps slow and deliberate as he made his way from the terrace door to where I kneeled at Aurora's bedside, forgetting the half dozen hearts on the floor behind him. “I would bring you a thousand hearts,” He gritted painfully, lowering himself to one knee, then two, kneeling at my side. At Aurora's mercy. “I would live a mortal life just to know your taste.” Aurora's emerald eyes shone bright, overcome with emotions. No one had ever shown her respect as Princess nor as a woman. She owned us, body and blood . We were hers to wield as she saw fit. We were hers . Her next words stunned us both. “Finish what you started in the woods. ”

Chapter 23

Aurora Artorias

I was possessed. My lust had taken control of me yet again and here I sat, begging these two achingly beautiful men- Vampires - to consume me. Whatever I had started in the woods, hells, at dinner, had unleashed a deep burning desire to let these men do whatever they wanted to me. The discarded hearts on the floor behind Arden left my pulse elevated, as if my body was elated at the concept that this man had killed for me. He had gone out into the dark of night and slaughtered for me as if it were pure instinct.

Now both the King and General kneeled at my bedside. An offering, a display of devotion I had never experienced. I had given myself to them in the woods, laid my trust in them. Now they offered themselves to me wholly and completely. My demand hung in the air. Desire hung thick in the air between us, mere feet of air felt like oceans of need and desperation. My skin was on fire, heat flushing every inch of my body. A tight sensation tugged at my chest, guiding me towards the men at my feet like a beacon of light amidst the dark. The small fire that always seemed to blaze in the hearth of my chambers illuminated their heated expressions.

Heat pools in my stomach, their eyes gleaming red as they take me in. It’s Ardens hand that finds me first, his coarse grip pulling my ankle so I was forced to the edge of the bed. His grip remains firm on my ankle, warmth radiating from where our skin met in a blaze. His touch lingered on the scars lining my ankle, the skin distorted from the chains that had torn at my flesh for years. Bending to press a soft kiss to the scars, eyes raw with an emotion I couldn't decipher. With his other hand he produced a dagger from his belt, surely one of many weapons hidden on his person. He lets it fall flat in his palm, offering it to Daemon. My pulse flutters beneath Ardens hold. I squirmed, the pressure building in my core growing increasingly unbearable. Their grins were sinister, they knew the effect they had on me. Daemon lifts the blade from Ardens palm, his fingers grazing the General's skin slowly, his gaze never once leaving me. Ardens throat bobs at the contact, leaving me even more flushed than I had been .

Daemon pulls my attention, the blade glinting in the firelight. In one swift movement, he cuts my dress from the apex of my breasts to the hem of my skirts. The material falls limp over my shoulders, baring me to them. I move to cover my breasts but Daemon's growl of disapproval stops me in my tracks. Ardens hand slides up my ankle to my knee, flames of desire licking up my skin in the wake of his calloused touch.

Princesses were supposed to remain pure, stay perfect and untouched. Every Camelotian custom, ridiculous lesson, and ill word I had ever heard in the grand scheme to keep me submissive to the throne left me. I was choosing myself. These men wanted me . A King and General on their knees for me . My heart aches as I watch them communicate their plans for me in silence. A tugging sensation that seems to have found a home in my chest tries to claw free. Daemon slowly moves to his feet, his movements predatory. Arden follows in suit, his hand leaving my knee, both moving to tower over me.

I slide back on the bed, my dress falling to the floor in forgotten shreds. My eyes trail them as they round the bed, eyes locked on my bare form. The desire to stand up and run fades as Arden undoes the ties holding his leathers to his chest, a smirk finding his lips as he watches my cheeks turn pink. He pulls the material over his head, revealing his broad shoulders and expansive chest. My mouth waters as I look lower to where his trousers are unlaced and his manhood strains against the fabric. Daemon follows his lead, stripping himself free of his top. I remember how he looked covered in blood in the training yard, his eyes wild instead of the restrained man I had seen thus far. The same wild look lit his face as his steely gaze consumed me.

Nerves overtook me as their knees met the edge of the bed, ready to strike. “I haven't done this before.” I panic, realizing that these men were a thousand years old and were likely not lacking in experience with women and I had been locked in a tower for what little life I had lived. Daemon pulls me by my ankle towards them, Arden following in suit. “We are at your mercy, Aurora. ”

I had made such a great effort to avoid these men, choked down my attraction and fought them at every turn. Literally fought, most days. Fear and anticipation flood my system as I gaze up at them. This was not what the Princess of Camelot was supposed to do. I was supposed to be prim, proper, and above all, obedient to the crown. Here I was, two Vampires on bended knee for my affection. I was either very brave or very fucking stupid.

“Fuck it.” I hummed, I was a bit of both.

Chapter 24

Aurora Artorias

T heir eyes heat in unison, the charcoal gray and ocean blue shifting crimson as I rose to my knees on the cotton bedding. Their molten gaze melts away any inhibitions or insecurity, confidence and flaming desire taking the lead. I had no clue what I was doing, or what was going to happen. I only knew I wanted these men to consume me, wholly.

“Aurora,” Daemon's growl is threatening, filled with promises. “There is no going back after this. You will be ours, eternally .” The promise hangs thick in the air, a challenge to be met. A languid smile falls across my lips as I slide off the bed, knowing that they were both hanging on by a thread. One move and they would snap. Tonight, I had been their prey. But now, as I moved towards the shattered door, completely naked, I was the hunter. The power was intoxicating. I held them in the palm of my hand. “You're at my mercy, hmn ?” I hum as I toe around the forgotten shards that had once been my door before stepping over into the hall. “So I can torture you both for toying with me all this time?” My tone is teasing as I step into the corridor, the cold stone biting into my bare feet, the cool air pebbling my nipples.

Arden cracks his neck, his dark chuckle caressing my skin “Don’t you take one more fucking step, Princess, you do not want us to chase you again.” His threat is all growl, the deep baritones striking my core. “Because we will catch you and we won't show the same mercy we did before.” I move my foot across the threshold, knowing whoever was in the hall keeping guard would meet a terrible fate were I to actually fully step out. They would stop me before then, of that I was confident. I pivot, ready to step into the hall. In the blink of an eye, Daemon is there, his monumental form crowding the threshold. “As I recall, Princess, I said we were at your mercy. I did not say you were in charge.” Fire thrums down my spine, heating my bare core at his words. His hand moves to cup my jaw, his thumb grazing my lips as glares down at me with molten desire .

“Turn to face the General.” His demand is firm, final. I do as he says, his hands pulling me flush against his bare chest, baring me to Arden who watches with raging desire. Blood still freely drips from his hands, the hands that had killed for me on more than one occasion. “See how pretty our Princess is, Ard? She was made for us.” Daemon's hands moved from my waist to cup my breasts, twisting my peaks between his thumb and forefinger. The movement elicits a gasp from me, leaning into his hold with desperate pants.

When I meet Ardens sharp gaze, I nearly fall apart. His steps forward are predatory, his eyes wild as he grips my chin, angling my gaze to meet his. He towers over me, him and Daemon crowding the space above me. My heart hums in satisfaction, giddy to have them both so close. “Made for us,” Arden growls in agreement, eyes fixated on my lips. His next words are an oath.

“Body and Blood.” Then his lips claim mine. He moved like lightning, pressing me firmly into Daemon's chest, his lips capturing mine in a fervent heat. I gasp in surprise, arching against Daemon as they caress me. Arden devours me, body and soul. He tastes like the wine from dinner, a metallic edge from the blood he had likely consumed, his touch bruising and claiming. Heat flares through me, a desire burning in my veins that leaves me desperate for their touch. A groan falls from his mouth as he breaks the kiss for a moment. “We are going to claim you, Aurora.” He reclaims my lips, his length pressing against my stomach as he grinds into me, into us . Each caress of his tongue has me desperate for more. “More.” I beg, panting between them, Daemon's hands wandering south. My legs nearly fall out from beneath me when his fingers meet the slick bundle of nerves that had grown more desperate with every passing moment. Pleasure floods my body as he circles before pressing down firmly. “I think she likes that, Daem.” Arden chuckles darkly as he presses another breathtaking kiss to my lips. Daemon moved, his lips trailing a path of kisses down my neck, moving in tandem with his fingers. I felt like I was going to melt into nothing. Pressure begins to build in my core as Daemon continues to press firm circles against my clit. Stars flood my vision and I cry out, Daemon grinding his firm member into my back as I ride the wave of euphoria that consumes me.

Arden pulls away, his step back causing me to nearly topple forward at his sudden absence. He points a shaking hand towards the bed, his bicep flexing as his blood covered fist clenches. “Get in that fucking bed, Princess. If I am not inside of you, fucking you like I wanted to that first day in the woods, in the next ten seconds I am going to need to kill a lot more than Strays.” Daemon gives me a small push towards the bed, giving my rear a playful smack. “Do as the General says, Princess. I want to watch him claim you.” Part of me wants to listen, to stride right over to the bed and learn exactly what Ardens plans had been for me all of this time. But the part of me that Arden always seemed to coax out, the violent, powerful, witty part of me wanted it to be exactly like the first day we had met. Flirting, fear, adrenaline.

I crossed my arms over my bare chest in challenge, naked hip jutted as I evaluated him “Since you have already killed Strays for me, did you want me to headbutt you before or after?” Ardens lips twist into a smirk, his eyes dark with lust. He surges forward and pulls me to the bed with him, his massive form crowding over me as I now lay across the bedding. I look down between the limited space between our bare chests and find that Arden is now completely naked, and gods above, that thing was going to kill me. There was no way that thing was going to fit inside me, I had no clue how he had been walking around with it in his slacks. “Eyes up here, Princess.” Arden wraps himself around me, his calloused hands finding my wrists before pulling them above my head to pin against the pillows. Holding my wrists with one hand, the gloriously naked man leans back, gripping the base of his cock to line up with my entrance. I force my eyes to his, the shine in his blue eyes sends a current of warmth straight to my heart. I nod, squeezing the hand he uses to hold mine. I was ready. I needed him, them . I feel Daemon watching from the bedside in apt awe.

The head of Ardens cock meets my weeping folds, his teeth gritting as if he was in pain as he surges forward. I wince in discomfort, the feeling foreign. “ Aurora… ” Ardens groan has the discomfort shifting into pleasure. He rarely called me by my name and hearing him say it so reverently, with so much emotion, made me desperate for him. I needed him. “ Arden… ” His name is a plea on my tongue, a cry of desperation. His hips press forward, stretching me, filling me until he bottoms out. Stars flit across my vision, pleasure wracking my body. Ardens forehead meets mine, his lips clashing against mine as he withdrawals achingly slow . I cry out, missing the contact, only for him to slam back into me with so much force that the bed rattles.

My back arches off the bed as he fills me again and again, his groans clouding my mind. An intense heat ignites in my chest, a craving so intense that I feel like I am losing control. “Arden, more.” I pant between bruising kisses. “I need more.” He releases my hands and flips us, our bodies remaining joined. I now lay atop of him, hands splayed against his bare chest, his hands cupping my ass, kneading the flesh. “Take more, take all you need.” His white hair falls across his forehead, sweat and blood lacing the strands. I push my fingers through his hair, eyes tracing the blood that still coated him “You enjoy killing for me?” I hum, rocking forward and watching in awe as he bites his lip as a growl reverberates throughout his body.

His hands glide up my body, caressing every inch of skin as I continued to rock up and down his hard length. “I would burn the world down for you.” He growls as he grabs my ass, lifting my hips so he can piston up into me without relent. I cry out, pulling his hair as my vision tunnels and I barrel towards my second release. “You better come undone for me right fucking now, Aurora.” Ardens words push me over the edge and fire ignites across my skin, deep in my core. I feel his cock pulse inside me, filling me with his seed, my name a growl on his lips. I cry out his name, my pleasure clenching his cock as I collapse against him. Ardens touch soothes down my back as we ride out the final waves of pleasure wracking through our bodies. His hands find my hair, brushing through the waves as he kisses my forehead. “You are fucking perfect, Aurora.” I hum, spent and satiated as his fingers knead my scalp. “Now you are going to ride our King with that perfect cunt of yours and take every last drop of his cum. ”

Adrenaline shoots through me, my body calling for Daemon as Arden flips us so my back is back against the pillows. I gaze down between us as he slowly pulls out, still hard and throbbing, our pleasure mixed between my thighs. “How are you still…” I look for the best way to ask how in the name of hells he was still hard, but he simply laughs in response. “I have wanted you since the first moment I saw you in that tavern, Aurora. I have been hard since I saw you stab that man.” My jaw drops. There was no way all, gods , eleven inches at least, of him had been erect so long. I suppose his leathers hid him well. Now I would never be able to pass him without looking, which I am sure he would love.

Arden moves around Daemon to sit at my vanity chair, watching eagerly as Daemon unlaces his slacks and they drop to the floor. His cock is firm against his toned stomach. They were nothing short of gods. I prop myself up on my elbows, flushed and desperate. The fire returns, my body calling out for Dameon in a way that has me feral with need. “Show me the mess you made for my General.” Daemon's demand has me salivating. I open my knees, feeling Ardens seed leak out of me. Daemon kneels on the bed between my ankles. With two fingers he reaches out and pushes Ardens pleasure back inside of me, his fingers going so deep that it elicits a moan of pleasure from me. I nearly fall apart when he withdraws his fingers and lifts them to his blood red lips and licks them clean. Ardens groan sounds from the bedside where he sits stroking himself as he watches. “You both taste divine.” The tattoos that wind across his back and creep over his shoulders shift as his muscles flex, tension and anticipation rippling across his form. His gray eyes shine black in the firelight, pupils dilated with desire. Daemon grabs my ankle, pulling me closer until he cages me against the bed, his scent overwhelming me.

“Daemon,” I plead, desperation building in my chest as I pull his chest flush with mine. “I need you.” His forehead meets mine, onyx curls brushing my skin as he presses his lips to mine in an earth shattering kiss. My fingers tangle in his hair as his hips move forward and his cock is seated inside me in one swift movement. By the gods were these men enormous. I stretch around him, gripping his length like a vice as I buck my hips forward, desperate for movement. Daemons kisses shift down my jaw as he slowly thrusts forward, torturing me with his. I fall apart, tears welling as I claw at his back in desperation. I needed to be closer to him, to them both. The need consumes me, licking at my soul like an uncontrollable flame. “I have waited a thousand years for you, Aurora. I am yours, body and blood.” I cry out as his hips piston forward relentlessly, permanently etching himself into my skin, my soul. His body claims mine, as I claim his. His heart calls out to mine, a promise. A promise to return all I had lost and to slaughter my every enemy. A promise of family. “Say it.” His growl has heat pooling in my core, pleasure building so swiftly and intensely, I was sure I was dying. “Say that you are ours, body and blood .” I feel myself nearing my release as Daemon pulls my legs to wrap around his waist, desperately meeting my thrusts. My body hums, shaking with pleasure. They had claimed me. And I claimed them. “ Yours .” I swear, crying out as pleasure overtakes me. “ Body and blood .” Daemon finishes with a roar of pleasure, his member pulsing as his seed mingles with Ardens. Contentment settles in my chest, the insatiable need for the two men still ever present.

I cup Daemon's jaw, caressing his stubble as I let out an exhausted laugh, fighting the sleep that threatens to overtake me. “If this is the result, I think I should piss you both off more often.” Daemons and Ardens chuckles feel distant as I feel Daemon slip out of me, my eyes drifting to a close. I feel both of their kisses meet my forehead, tender murmurs encouraging me to rest. “ Rest, our fire .”

Chapter 25

Aurora Artorias

M y eyes flutter open and I quickly realize I am not in my room. Fear grips me. Had I been taken in the night ? I look around and realize I was still in Darkspire and that I had not been taken and returned to Camelot. The room had dark curtains with dark oak furnishings, a wall lined with daggers, swords, spears. It was then I realized I was in Ardens room. The smell of leathers, dark liquors, and evergreen soothed me as I laid back against the pillows. They had claimed me last night, made me theirs in every sense of the word. And I wanted to be theirs. This was uncharted waters for me, but it felt… right. The flame that ignited in my chest last night had not dulled and I found myself desperate to have them again.

A knock sounded at the door and I worried it would be someone looking for Arden. The door opened and Willa and Alys appeared with a dress to ready me for the day. I knew how this must look, because it was exactly what it looked like. I was naked in the Generals bed where they had likely placed me last night after our rigorous activities. I fell asleep after Daemon and Arden took turns devouring every inch of my body. Willa turned pink as she moved through her brother's room, setting up a small makeshift vanity. I felt like a horrible person, I wanted Willa as a friend and I had gone and been intimate with her brother. Alys smirks devilishly as she lays my dress for the day across the bed. “Late night, Your Highness?” Her tone is teasing and kind but I still blush, not wanting to upset Willa. I nod, biting my lip as I move out from under the blankets, clutching the sheets to my chest. “Yes, I had dinner with the King and General.”

Alys hums in acknowledgement, her eyes sparkling “Must have been quite the dinner, given the state of your door… and your hair.” I whip around to face the vanity and see the mess that is now my long auburn lochs. Having dropped the sheet, all of the love bites they had left across my skin could be seen. “I am going to kill them.” I huff, covering my face.

“Them?” Willa gapes, stunned by this information. My cheeks burn as I face her sheepishly “Uh, yes?” Alys squeals, nearly leaping across the bed to sit me down and brush out my hair. “We must know everything ! Willa pour her tea, she must be exhausted.” I chuckle at the excitement and share the previous night's adventures, leaving out graphic details regarding Arden to spare Willa. After sharing every lewd detail, Alys and Willa escort me to the training yards where Daemon had requested my presence. We arrive, the three of us in a fit of giggles as Daemon comes into view. I had expected at least a warm smile, or a teasing remark, but what I am met with is not what I had anticipated. I was met with a cross-armed King and looks of annoyance . Willa and Alys curtsy and hurry out of ear shot, if that even exists for Vampires.

“I thought you would like to know that Noas spies discovered your fathers men setting up camp in the woods. They have suspicion that you are hiding here.” Daemons firm words struck me in my chest, nearly knocking me off of my feet. I felt my head spin as he held me pinned under his gaze. “You never told me that the Duke of the Northern Isles was your betrothed.” I felt my skin heat with anger. Had he brought me out here to interrogate me? Had last night been a lie ?

“I prefer not to discuss such a foul creature who only viewed me as an object to strike down and a pair of open legs.” I retorted, practically snarling. I was going to be sick. Or kill someone. Whichever came first. Thane was here, meaning Arthur was not far behind . “You never told me that my father killed yours…” Daemon did not seem fazed by my aggressive response, he simply leaned against one of the many vast pillars that littered the training yard, his arms crossed over his broad, shirtless chest. “Arden told me you had been in the library…” I eyed him, trying to figure out what his game was. Nodding, I looked away and paced the length of the training yard. “Your history documents truth whereas Camelot only documents glory and pillaging. My father has committed horrific crimes, and I am deeply sorry that your father was one of his victims.” Arden had transcribed that history's most recent passage. He documented his friends' torment, his kingdom's pain, their betrayal. Daemon's gaze remained fixated on me as I paced, his features pensive and inquisitive . I felt a blush creep up my neck under his watchful eye, only making me far more nervous being here. Perhaps he had brought me here to turn me over. Had talking about our fathers been what pushed him over the edge? He had chased me through the forest for less. Was this his final straw ?

“You made the little Princess blush, Daem.” I spun, Arden now present in the secluded training yard, also shirtless and splattered with blood. The gods must truly hate me. Had I been summoned here only to be turned away? After everything that occurred between us three ? I took a deep breath, taking several steps back from the both of them. To feel a sense of control, tame the heat rising in my chest that demanded their touch. Clearing my mind of worry and letting it fill with rage I asked “How did they find me?”

Daemon glanced at Arden, inviting him to explain. Arden crossed his arms over his chest, tilting his head at me intuitively. He was clearly annoyed by my avoidant behavior towards him. He had every right after I had lashed out at him. “We think that one of the humans who live in our capital may have been paid off to reveal your location. Noas spies are still working on it. I sent a few men to scout in Maynard, so we should know more by nightfall.”

I nodded solemnly, my hands falling numb at the thought of being returned to Camelot. Putting aside the intimacy that now complicated our situation, I brace myself for the reality that I was a bargaining chip in what would likely become war. “I see. I imagine you will be handing me over?” I could try to slip away in the night, but with the guards at my door and the Strays lining the borders, my chances were slim.

“No,” Daemon chuckled darkly, stepping towards me. His gray eyes shifted from a mountain fog to a shade that resembled the crest of nightfall. My heart thrummed in my chest, my voice caught in my throat as he now stood inches from me. “When I said you were ours, Aurora, I meant it. ”

Chapter 26

Daemon

T he sound of her heart pounding so close had me desperate for her. I wanted to lay her out right here and feed until we were mad with lust. I met Ardens gaze over her shoulder, knowing he was just as close to losing control as I was. “Why do you smell of fear, little human?” I hummed, stepping before her, effectively trapping her between the two of us. We dared not touch her, fearful of scaring her off after last night. Arden and I had not felt the need to speak of what sharing a mate would mean, we both were simply too consumed with her to be bothered. Watching him consume her last night, seeing them both barrel towards their release had easily been the most erotic thing I had witnessed in my life. Last night was everything yet not enough. Since claiming her, my craving for her blood had been insatiable.

Her voice was little more than an exhale, her eyes fluttering shut as she forced out “I lied about the true reason I fled…” Her fingers traced the pale scars on her wr ists, the very ones Noa had told us about, the ones we saw when she bared herself to us. This had been the first time I had looked with apt attention. I knew exactly what they were from. Iron chains . “Tell us.” I commanded softly, towering over her. She inhaled sharply, anger now blending with fear. “I am Princess only in title. I have spent over half of my life locked in a tower, in chains…” Blood roared in my ears, my claws emerging as I attempted to hide my labored breaths. I dared not look to Arden, knowing my General was seconds from a fit of rage. Aurora continued, stepping back, gasping in surprise when her back collided with Ardens chest. She went to move from his touch, clearly angry with us, but before I could stop myself, I gripped her hip, holding her flush against him. She relaxes into my touch, her skin igniting with desire. My fingers trailed up her arm, grazing the scars on her wrist, urging her to continue. “Arthur wanted a son, my mother could not give him one. So he punished me by ignoring my existence. I was beaten regularly by guards for talking back, being rude to Knights advances… not being an adequate Princess… I was left forgotten for winter s with nothing but a tattered gown to keep me warm. I would pull at the chains until they fell free from the wall, I paid the price for that…” She shivered as my thumb swiped across her wrist, her head falling back against Ardens chest, big emerald eyes fixated on me. “If you do not plan to send me off, then I wish to face him alongside you both…”

Arden smirked, lowering his lips to her ear, my eyes meeting his has he spoke. He seemed to have gotten his temper under control and was now entranced by what she had asked for… she was asking to fight alongside us . “Are you offering to cause trouble for us, little human ?” His lips graze her ear, earning a breathy gasp from her perfectly bowed lips. Letting my hand graze from her hip, lazily moving north as she panted and gasped beneath our touch. “The General asked you a question, Princess. Answer him.” I growled, my gaze focused on her exposed chest as I continued to caress her waist, teasing my way north. Goddesses , she melted so exquisitely beneath our touch. She forced herself to stand slightly taller, attempting to think straight under my touch. I could barely handle the mate bond tugging at me as a thousand year old Vampire, I could only imagine what it would do to a human in her twenties. She cleared her throat and made an offer that rattled my core. “I want to kill him… and in return, I offer you Excalibur when I claim Camelot.” I wanted to bury my fangs in her, revel in her taste, feel her blood pulsing in unison with mine. Tilting her chin up so she locked eyes with me, I grasp at what little control I have left. “We only want you, Aurora.” She swallows, throat bobbing as she nods softly. Her words are fervent, a vow to us both. “Then take me.” I nearly fell to my knees, desperate to worship her as she deserves. “Body and blood?” My words are hopeful, a vow that I have been prepared to make for quite some time. Her nod is all I need before my fangs pierce the skin at the nape of her neck. The second her blood touches my lips, ecstasy floods me, pleasure wracking my body as I drink from her. She tasted like a raging hearth, like the future Queen of the realm. She tasted of pure power. My hands buried in her hair, gently pulling to expose her neck to him. An offering. Aurora's delicate moans spurred him on, his fangs grazing the skin at the column of her neck. “ May I?” Arden’s question is a growl against her skin, reminding me of how he had growled when he claimed our mate last night. Her hips bucked, rocking against me in desperation as she nodded, a whine of need escaping her lips. His fangs pierced through her skin and she melted between us. Arden groans in satisfaction, the primal sound spurring me on as we all ride the wave of pleasure, the bond solidifying. Body and blood .

“Arden- oh….” We had been so consumed by Aurora that we had not heard Noas approach. I pulled my lips from her neck, leaving Aurora panting and flushed a delicious shade of pink, her eyes glazed over with pleasure. Seeing blood trickle down her neck towards her breasts made me want to kneel and pledge all I had to her. I forced myself to step back, leaving Aurora in Ardens hold, too stunned to react to having been caught. “Yes, Noa?” I cleared my throat, tearing my gaze from Aurora and Arden, erecting my political indifference.

Noa straightened, an impassive, unreadable wall now taking her expression. I had expected a joke or a teasing smile from my friend, which I suppose meant the situation was dire. “I come with news from my informants. Should you two want to make yourselves decent…” Her sharp eyes grazed our bare torsos, lingering on where Ardens hands held Aurora flush to his chest.

As if being snapped out of her lust fueled fog, Aurora pulled herself from his hold and took a few steps back. “Any news on my father?” The way her voice trembled ripped a hole in my chest, nothing more than a hoarse whisper.

“Both Camelot and Tammes armies march on us.” Noa deadpanned. Before I could comprehend her words, Aurora sprinted to the edge of the training grounds and spilled her guts. I punched a hole through a pillar. Arden stood with only one thought between the three of us. “Shit.”

Chapter 27

Aurora Artorias

I don't know which was more humiliating. Noa catching me in the middle of two men, or the three of them witnessing me hurl my breakfast. Daemon had appeared behind me and scooped my hair into his fist to avoid the spew of putrid liquid. My head was spinning. War . I was causing a war . People would die. I would set two kingdoms into ruins. All for what ? So I wouldn't have to marry someone ?

“Make arrangements for Aurora. We will face them on neutral grounds for negotiations.” Arden barked behind me, the heat of his rage caressing my skin like an open flame. “I will arrange for her to stay with the Lords in Astyrn.” Noa responded, already commanding guards to notify my ladies maids. I gasped for breath as I fell back on my ankles, blinking the stars from my eyes. “I told you,” I panted, Daemon pulling me up to my feet, his warm touch igniting the all too familiar ache in my chest. “I am going to be the one to kill him… You can't send me away to stay with these Lords I have never even met.”

Arden moved towards me, cupping my chin in his warm hold, his pupils dilating as he anchored me. Daemon had been commanding, fervent, controlled. As if he had waited eons to have me. My chest had nearly exploded when he grabbed me and pressed me further into Arden. Ardens thumb swiped across my cheek, just like it had over my scars. Arden was a storm, unanchored and unforgiving. “While I would love nothing more than to watch you unleash your full, delicious wrath, we need you out of their reach and safe, little human . If you are here, you will be at risk of discovery. If they find you here, war will ensue.” His fingers moved from their tender hold on my chin to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “You will go with Noa. My sister and Alys will join you in Astyrn soon. You'll leave at first light.” I opened my mouth to yell but his lips ghosted across my forehead, effectively silencing any thoughts of protest I had.

“It would be safer for her to go alone. She will be safe with the Lords, we can send the girls when we know it's safe.” Noa insists, looking between the two men. Alys and Willa reappeared, standing at the edge of the courtyard, not Tomas, but another guard. “Go pack a small bag for the Princess. She heads to Astyrn at midnight. Princess, please join them. We have to prepare.” I looked back up at Arden, waiting for his disapproval of this plan. He simply nodded in his sister's direction “We will find you later, little human .” We, not I . I simply nodded, hurrying to my ladies in waiting, cheeks bright with embarrassment. Hooking my elbows into theirs, I pulled them back through the training yard as if I was being chased.

“What in the goddesses was that?!” Willa squealed in excitement as we ducked into my bedroom. I flop face first down on the bed as the stars return to my eyes. I was unsure of what that was. Daemon and Arden sharing my blood… Noas coldness…

“Why are they sending you to Astyrn ?” Alys sat on the bed next to me, brushing my hair back into place, Willa grabbing a wet cloth to wipe my bloodied neck clean. I sighed, reveling in the feeling. “My father and the Duke of Taames are marching on Darkspire. They are sending me away to protect me. I am more than capable of doing so myself.”

Willas' smile fell as I sat up to allow Alys better access to my hair. She had her brother's spirit, that was for certain. “Oh… I heard that you were once betrothed to the Duke… is that how you came to be with us?” I hummed, recalling how he had struck me down in front of the court, the sharp pain in my face, the sting of my palms. “One of many reasons.”

Alys braided my hair down my back, safely tucking it away from my face before tying a ribbon around its end. “Let us pack for you and I will send for tea to help soothe your nerves.” I nodded, pulling my legs onto the bed and let Willa pick me a dress to travel in.

Later that evening, after Alys and Willa had dinner with me in my chambers, I wanted a moment to myself. I decided to go to the library for an hour or so. No guard stood waiting for me tonight, which I found odd. There had been one posted by my door every night since my arrival. As I clicked my door shut, a muffled sound met me. I quieted myself, holding my breath to silence myself in case I had been caught out at a late hour unaccompanied. Again it sounded, clear as day. A moan. A moan sounded from Ardens room . My stomach knotted in disappointment, hurt. Nausea overtook my body, after last night I had made assumptions about our connection. Clearly I was wrong . I moved to hurry away, desperate to hide somewhere that Arden or the King wouldn't find me when I noticed his door was propped open a few inches.

It would be wrong. An invasion of privacy. But I needed to see, to know what if he was truly bedding a woman after what we had shared last night. I moved as silently as I could, expecting to see two naked joined bodies writhing on the bed, to feel my heart drop into my stomach or more than likely spill my dinner onto the stone flooring. What I saw elicited a gasp of utter shock from my lips. Ardens eyes found me across his lavishly furnished room to where I stood at the gap in the threshold. He sat back on a lush sofa similar to the one in the breakfast nook, his legs spread wide with a woman sprawled across his thankfully clothed lap. Instead of being engaged in sex, I saw his hand in her chocolate hair, pulling it taut to expose her tanned neck to him. My cheeks heated as she let out another moan. He had his mouth firmly latched to her neck, four great fangs protruding from his mouth, two on the top of his mouth and two smaller ones on the bottom. All four buried deep in this woman's neck. And she was loving every second of it. She moaned and writhed in his hold, her nightgown riding up her legs, though Arden seemed far more concerned with her neck and watching me. Blood dripped down the maids bodice from where Ardens lips were connected to her skin. He smirked against her skin as he watched me. He was drinking her blood …. He flipped her, moving to where he lay hovering over her and he… he licked her. From her clavicle all the way back up to her nape. He had done the very same to me in the training yard, taking what I gave him freely. I had seen enough, unsure if I was leaving due to anger or arousal… I had seen enough. I needed to hit something. The training grounds. How could I have been so naive to feel a connection, a spark with this man.

I slammed the door shut and took off running. The training grounds were just off of the throne room . I wiped away tears of anger as I slowed, pushing through the large oak doors that led into the throne room. What met me knocked the breath from my lungs yet again. Just as Arden had been, the King sat on the throne but unlike Arden, a man and a woman sat atop his lap, his lips moving between their necks that had clearly been freshly bit. Why did my stomach burn in betrayal and pleasure seeing them just as it had when I saw Arden? Was it because I knew how good it felt to have their fangs buried deep in my neck ? I backed towards the door when Daemon's gaze met mine, shaking my head as his hand raised to beckon me towards him. He wanted me to do what those women were doing? Is that why he had kept me here? He did not want my expertise or ability to destroy, he wanted my blood, my humanness . Another tear fell as I took off running yet again. All I did was run. I hurried through the castle, unsure of where I was going .