The Darkest Crown (The Eternal Darkness Duet #2)

Chapter 31

Chapter 31

I n only three nights, we worked a miracle. It was actually pretty easy, considering the ballroom had been refurbished and decorated for my wedding to Marius. No one had been in there since I became queen, so it needed to be dusted and swept, but my guards were all too happy to help. In fact, they dove into it with an enthusiasm that made me laugh.

Witnessing seven massive warriors plan a party wasn’t something I ever thought I’d see. They had several heated discussions about Allie’s birthday gifts, then Michael and Gregor drove to the city with an extensive shopping list. The entire time, Allie was kept unaware, being constantly distracted by the two guards assigned to her. She didn’t suspect anything until I woke her up on the fourth night by pouncing on her in bed.

She groaned, then laughed and attempted to push me off the bed. “What time is it?” she asked, pulling the pillow over her head.

“Time to get up!” I exclaimed, slapping her butt through the blankets.

“Agh!” she cried, laughing. She sat up and threw her pillow at me. I caught it and tossed it over my shoulder, and her eyes widened as she saw what I was wearing.

My grin widened. “Happy belated birthday.”

She squealed with delight and jumped out of bed. “Oh my god, you look gorgeous!” She exclaimed.

I twirled in a circle, causing the skirt of my aquamarine ball gown to puff out. I stopped twirling, and my dress swished around my legs. “Just wait ‘till you see what you’re wearing.”

I grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the door. She followed, laughing with excitement. We stepped into the hall, and I pulled her into the bedroom next door. When she stepped into the room, she stumbled to a halt, gasping softly.

The room had been filled with candles and flowers, and there was a copper tub in front of the hearth, with rose petals floating on the water. But it was the dress that held her attention.

Displayed front and center, on a dressmaker's mannequin, was a lavender satin ballgown. Like mine, Allie’s dress had a low scoop neckline and was fitted to the waist, where it flared into a full skirt designed to swirl around her when she danced.

“It’s beautiful,” she breathed. She walked towards the gown as if in a trance, then she looked at me and smiled. “And it’s my favorite color.” She rushed back to me and hugged me tightly. “Thank you so much!” Then she quickly released me and stepped back. “I don’t want to wrinkle your dress!”

“Don’t worry about it.” I waved her towards the tub. “Hurry and get ready, everyone’s waiting.”

Allie squealed excitedly and tore off her pajamas as she hurried towards the tub. She peppered me with questions as she washed, begging for hints, but I refused to give anything away. A short while later she was washed and dried, and I was zipping her into her dress. I wore my hair down, choosing comfort over hairpins, but I braided Allie’s into a crown atop her head. I wanted her neck exposed to display my gift. And right on time, there was a knock at the door.

Maria peeked her head in, and when she saw Allie was dressed, she opened the door wide and stepped into the room. “You look lovely,” she said, smiling warmly at Allie.

Allie beamed. “Thanks, so do you.”

Maria did look lovely. Her soft pink gown gave her an innocent, youthful appearance. It was so different from her normal attire, but I wanted to keep things light and colorful tonight. Vampires were dramatic creatures, often choosing dark, almost gothic clothing for formal events. I wanted Allie to have one last night of rainbows and sunshine. One last night of life .

“Thank you,” Maria said, walking over to us. She looked Allie over from head to toe. “The men have been arguing for the last hour over who gets to escort you downstairs. I finally decided to put an end to it and come get you myself.” She turned and handed me the black box she was holding.

I smiled thankfully and took it, before holding it out to Allie. “Happy birthday.”

Allie’s eyes widened as she took the box from me. She slowly opened it, and gasped, her eyes flying to mine. “Holy shit, Sarah!”

Maria burst out laughing, and I grinned. “I hope that means you like it.”

Allie ran her fingers over the sparkling purple gems. “It's incredible!”

“Turn around and I’ll put it on you,” I said, taking the box from her. I grabbed the necklace and tossed the empty box on the bed, then I carefully fastened the jewels around her neck. “There. Go look.”

Allie stepped over to the mirror and lifted a hand to touch the sparkling stones. “I’ve never seen amethysts like this before.” Her voice was filled with awe.

“Actually, they’re diamonds.”

Allie leaned closer to her reflection. “ Purple diamonds? I didn’t know there was such a thing.”

“Me either. I asked Julian to help me find an amethyst necklace for you, and this is what he suggested.”

“Rich vampires,” Allie huffed, rolling her eyes playfully.

Maria laughed. “Yes, and those rich vampires are all downstairs waiting for you, so let's go.”

We swept out of the room and hurried down to the ballroom. I’d instructed William and his men to be elsewhere, so the halls were empty on the way down. Tonight was for family only.

Allie was thrumming with excitement, her heart beating wildly as we turned the corner and the open doors to the ballroom came into sight. As we approached the doors, the music started to play. Allie recognized the song immediately and threw her head back and laughed before grabbing her skirt with both hands and running into the ballroom. Maria and I exchanged a smile and followed her in.

They were all ready for her. Selene, in a fern green gown, Diana in golden yellow, and all the men in traditional black tie. They all crowded around her, while the sound of Old Town Road filled the ballroom. It was the last song you’d expect to hear in a vampire's castle, but it was Allie’s favorite.

Everyone was talking at once, and I stood back for a while watching them. When the song ended and a waltz began to play, Hugh bowed to Allie, then took her by the hand and led her to the floor.

Eskel told me the guys had drawn straws to see who got to dance with her first, and as Hugh swept her around the room, the others watched with good natured envy. When the waltz ended, Hugh bowed again and kissed the back of Allie’s hand. She smiled down at him, her cheeks pink, then Lizzo came on and the party really got started.

We danced for hours, to everything from Tchaikovsky to Post Malone. Sometimes we partnered up and waltzed, but more often than not we all danced together like a bunch of high-schoolers on prom night. Everyone danced with Allie, even Adam and Julian each asked her once. Adam danced a couple times with Selene and Diana, and Julian danced once with Maria. Neither of them asked me to dance, and I was grateful for it. Having Julian watch me waltz with Adam, or vice versa, would've been super uncomfortable. But I danced more times than I could count with the rest of the guys.

Between dances, Allie, Selene, and Diana drank champagne and ate finger foods from the buffet on the side of the room. A veritable feast had been laid out, for the three women who could actually eat it.

Allie didn’t have much experience with alcohol, and I enjoyed watching her get tipsy. She was currently sitting in a chair, with her skirts spread out around her, trying to catch raspberries in her mouth. Michael was tossing them, and the rest of my guards cheered loudly every time she caught one. Adam sat to the side with Selene and Diana, watching the fun, and Julian stood with Maria.

I stood alone, watching them all with a content smile. But I was more than content. Everyone I loved was in that room.

She’s going to take the world by storm.

My smile widened at the sound of Marius’ voice. I know. I haven’t heard from you in a while.

You haven’t needed me.

A raspberry bounced off Allie’s nose, and everyone laughed.

They were my royal guard for twelve hundred years, and I never saw them this happy.

They love her.

Yes.

I-

“No more!” Allie laughed, holding up her hands.

Michael threw the berry he was holding at Gregor, hitting him on the cheek, and Gregor leapt at him. Michael ran, and Gregor gave chase, the two of them bounding around the ballroom, tussling like a couple of overgrown puppies.

“Get him, Gregor!” Allie shouted, clapping her hands.

I chuckled. I’d better get in there before things get out of hand. “Time for presents!” I called, getting everyone’s attention. Allie wiggled in her seat excitedly, and Micheal and Gregor came jogging back over to us.

Hugh grabbed Allie’s hands and pulled her up from her chair, and we all headed out of the ballroom. Allie begged for hints as we all walked through the castle, but we told her she had to wait. When we neared the room where her gifts were being held, Harald rushed ahead to open the door. Alfred covered Allie’s eyes with his hand as he led her into the room, waiting until we were all inside to let her see. When he removed his hand, Allie blinked and looked around, her smile growing wider by the second.

We were in a small sitting room that had been completely redecorated just for her. The space was barely big enough to hold us all, so we crowded together, watching her take it all in.

In front of a small fireplace were two overstuffed chairs and ottomans, and a coffee table surrounded by large tufted floor cushions. The furniture was upholstered with purple velvet, and the floor cushions were all different colors. Behind each chair was a chandelier floor lamp, covered in sparkling crystals, and the walls were covered with bright canvas paintings. There was an astronaut cat, a cow wearing a crown of flowers, a rainbow over a grassy meadow, and several abstract paintings of bright swirling colors, which had probably cost a fortune. On the right side of the room was a wide bookcase, its shelves filled with brand new books.

Allie slowly turned in a circle, her eyes widening with each new discovery, and when she spotted the bookshelf, she ran over to it. Displayed front and center, under a little spotlight, was The Sheik’s Pleasure. Allie laughed loudly as she grabbed the book and held it to her chest. She spun around and shook the book at us. “Who’s responsible for this?”

I laughed and held up my hands. “Don’t look at me.”

“It’s from all of us,” Gregor declared proudly, and the others all nodded.

Allie turned back towards the bookshelf and ran her fingers over the spines of the books. “Taken By The Pirate King, The Scandalous Duke, Forbidden Pleasure.” She turned towards us and raised her eyebrows. “Are these all smutty?”

Alfred shook his head. “No, they’re romance .”

Allie laughed and turned back to the shelf. She set The Sheikh's Pleasure down and picked up a box, wrapped with a bow.

“Open it,” Marc urged, and we all watched as Allie took off the lid.

She pulled out a handful of tissue paper, then froze, her eyes widening with delight. She dropped the box and lifted her gift high for everyone to see. It was a jar of Nutella. “You know I’m gonna eat this right now, right?”

Everyone laughed, and Marc stepped forward to pick up the empty box. He pulled a wad of tissue paper out of it and handed it to Allie. She looked confused, but took it, then realized there was something inside. She set her Nutella down and unwrapped the tissue paper, laughing when she found the spoon inside. “You guys know me too well!”

She grabbed the Nutella and flounced over to one of the purple chairs. She flopped onto it ungracefully, sending her skirts flying up around her legs.

Alfred grabbed The Sheikh’s Pleasure and held it up. “May I?”

“You may,” Allie said formally, as she took the lid off her Nutella. Us girls all kicked off our shoes, and everyone settled in for what was sure to be the world’s dirtiest story time.

Alfred read aloud while Allie sipped champagne and ate Nutella from the jar with her ornate silver spoon. He read with a dramatic flair, gesturing wildly with his free hand until we were all laughing. As the night grew late, Selene and Diana excused themselves. Adam left with them, offering to walk them to their rooms.

A short while later, Alfred got to an especially spicy scene. He flashed Allie a wicked grin, then paused and fell silent. I followed his gaze and saw Allie asleep in her chair, a half-empty champagne glass titled precariously in her lap.

Alfred's grin smoothed to a gentle smile, and he softly closed the book. For a moment, nobody moved. We all just looked at Allie.

I slowly stood and smoothed my wrinkled skirts. “I’ll take it from here.”

Alfred looked at me and whispered, “Allow me to carry her to her room.”

I smiled softly and shook my head. “No, I’ve got her. You guys can go.” I looked at each of them. “Thank you for tonight.” They all stood and bowed their heads to me.

“It was an honor,” Michael said, shooting one last look at Allie before walking out of the room. The others quietly followed him out.

Maria stood and grabbed the book from where Alfred left it. “I think I’ll do a little reading before bed. Goodnight Sarah. Julian.” She nodded to each of us and walked out of the room.

I looked past Allie to Julian. He was leaning against the edge of the table with his arms crossed and his long legs stretched out in front of him. He was so devastatingly handsome in his tux, I had to fight the urge to stare at him all night. But now I looked my fill. He’d removed his jacket, lost his tie, and unbuttoned the collar of his shirt. His sleeves were rolled up, exposing his muscular forearms, and I let my gaze linger there a moment before looking higher.

Our eyes met, and he uncrossed his arms and slowly stood. He started towards me, his movement slow, like a panther stalking its prey. My heartbeat sped up as he approached, and my lips parted.

Then Allie shifted in her chair, and her champagne glass fell to the floor. Julian froze, his eyes locked on mine, and I smiled ruefully.

“I’d better get her to bed,” I whispered.

“Allow me.” Julian turned and gently lifted Allie into his arms. She mumbled something and snuggled against his chest, and I felt my heart swell with love for them both.

The castle was quiet as we walked up to Allie’s room. The only sound was the clicking of Julian's shoes on the stone floor. I opened her door and stepped aside so Julian could carry her in. He laid her gently on the bed and adjusted the pillow beneath her head before straightening. Our eyes met, and he walked back over to me.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

He took my hands in his, lacing his fingers through mine, then he lifted one hand to his lips. His lips lingered on my skin a moment before he released me. “Goodnight, Sarah.”

His voice was soft, sending a shiver through me. I lifted on my toes and pressed a kiss to his lips. “Goodnight, Julian,” I whispered against his mouth. I sank back onto my heels and he stepped away. He looked at me one last time before walking out of the room, quietly closing the door behind him.

I let out a breath and turned to look at Allie. She looked so young when she slept. She was lying on her side, with her legs curled up in front of her and one hand resting on her pillow by her cheek. I carefully unclasped her necklace and lifted her head enough to get it off. I placed it on the small table beside the bed, then I unzipped her gown to make her more comfortable.

I walked around to the other side of the bed and lay down, facing her. She was so beautiful, just like mom. I took one of her hands in mine. This was the last time I’d ever see her like this, and I refused to waste it sleeping. I lay awake all day, holding her hand and watching her sleep. I listened to her breathing, and her heartbeat, and all the little sounds she made in her sleep. When the sun set, and she finally woke, I was still there, holding her hand.

Allie opened her eyes, grimaced, and closed them again. “I’m never drinking again,” she mumbled.

I chuckled. “That bad, huh?”

Her forehead wrinkled. “Shhhhh.”

I slipped off the bed. “I’ll go see if Diana can fix you up.”

Allie mumbled something unintelligible and turned her face into her pillow, and I chuckled again as I left the room.

I found Diana in her room, eating breakfast with Selene at a small table in front of the hearth. Diana was already dressed, but Selene was still in her nightgown, wrapped in a fluffy robe.

Selene’s eyebrows shot up when she saw me, still dressed in my rumpled ball gown. “Rough night?”

I grinned. “Wonderful night.” I looked at Diana. “When you’re done eating, could you check in on Allie? She’s in rough shape, and I’d like her at full strength before…”

Diana put down her fork and stood. “I’ll go now.” I thanked her, and she hurried from the room.

“Are you okay?” Selene asked, setting her coffee mug on the table.

I nodded. “Yeah.” Then I exhaled shakily. “No. Not really.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

“No, but thank you. Eskel’s going to guide me through it.” I started to turn towards the door. “I’ve gotta go change.”

“Don’t be afraid,” Selene said, stopping me. “Allie’s strong, and so are you.”

I nodded and left. I hurried to my room and was surprised to find Julian there. He was standing by the window, looking out, and he turned towards me when I entered. I paused, seeing him, then closed the door behind me. He was still in his tux, and I wondered if he’d been in my room the whole day.

Without a word I crossed the room and wrapped my arms around his waist. I lay my head on his chest and felt his arms go around me. We stood that way for several minutes before I finally pulled away.

“Can you unzip me?” I asked, turning my back to him. He unzipped my dress, and I slipped the straps off my shoulders, letting the fabric fall and pool around my feet, leaving me in my bra and underwear. I stepped out of the dress and crossed to my dresser to grab some clean clothes.

“Are you alright?” Julian asked softly. He knew I was going to change Allie tonight. I told everyone, when I first told them my plan for her party.

“Yeah.” I took some clothes out of the drawer and turned back to face him, clutching the clothes to my stomach. “I’m scared, but I know it’ll be okay.”

He took a step towards me, then stopped. His dark eyes bore into mine, and I could tell he wanted to say something. Then he squared his shoulders. “I’ll leave you to change.”

I watched him leave, feeling disappointed. What was it he wanted to say? I forced the thought from my mind and quickly changed into some black leggings and an oversized t-shirt. I brushed my teeth and ran a brush through my hair, then hurried back to Allie’s room.