The Darkest Crown (The Eternal Darkness Duet #2)

Chapter 34

Chapter 34

T he night had come, and guests were arriving at the castle. The eight Strategoi arrived, along with the heads of the most powerful families. In total, sixty vampires had been invited, and each one arrived with an entourage of lovers, servants, and spies, no doubt.

William’s men were now acting as castle servants, allowing them to hide in plain sight. They showed guests to their rooms, carried luggage, and wandered through the crowd carrying trays of wine glasses filled with blood. Julian was there, playing his part. Everyone knew I had once belonged to him, and they were curious to see how he was taking the sudden shift of power in our relationship. He remained aloof, fueling their gossip.

I was dressed to impress, in a fitted black gown with a slit up one side. My hair was swept up, thanks to Maria, and I wore a strand of diamonds around my neck that would put England’s Crown Jewels to shame.

Eskel was with me at all times, always standing just behind my right shoulder. He wore his leather armor, with his sword at his hip, sharp enough to split a hair. His face was cold, and he acknowledged no one but me. My guests glanced at him nervously when they spoke to me, and I was pleased by their discomfort. I wanted them nervous. I wanted them to fear us.

My remaining guards were stationed at strategic places around the room, all but Hugh and Gregor, who were upstairs with Allie. She was a vampire now, but I still didn’t want her wandering around with assassins present. Adam and William remained hidden as well. The Strategoi loathed Adam ever since he escaped his execution in New York, and we had no way of knowing if they suspected William’s involvement in the resistance.

I mingled with my guests in the great hall, while waiting for everyone to arrive and get settled. During that time, I practiced my mind reading. The size of the crowd made it difficult, but if I focused on the person closest to me, I could separate their thoughts from the rest.

Everyone was curious about me, and many were envious of my position. Most of the males thought if they bedded me, they could gain control over me, and it was all I could do not to roll my eyes at their arrogance.

When everyone finally arrived, I called the Strategoi into the library for a meeting. Just as I was exiting the hall, I heard a thought that nearly stopped me in my tracks. I forced myself to continue walking, even as I reached out to Eskel’s mind. Someone’s looking for Allie.

Eskel continued to follow me, not giving any outward indication that he’d heard me. Send Alfred to her, he thought.

Without turning to look at him, I spoke to Alfred’s mind. Someone’s looking for Allie. Go to her, but slip out unnoticed and make sure you aren’t followed.

Yes, My Queen. I heard Alfred’s thoughts as I headed to the library. I tried to remain calm as I led the way, focusing on keeping my heartbeat steady, so as not to alert the Strategoi to my distress.

I walked into the library and stood at the head of the long table. The Strategoi followed me into the room, looking as if they glided on air. I waved a hand towards the table, and they sank into their chairs with unnatural grace.

My guards stood behind them, surrounding the table. It seemed like an intimidation tactic to me, but Eskel had informed me it was Marius’ custom. And indeed, none of the Strategoi seemed bothered by the armed guards looming behind them.

I looked around, studying each of them in turn. They were an intimidating group. Proud and confident, they exuded power. Three women and five men, they all looked at me with blank expressions, their faces void of emotion.

I assumed what I hoped was a regal pose, looking down my nose at them as I read their minds. Most looked upon me with curiosity, envy, or lust. But there were two who were completely focused on their hunger, thinking only of blood, and who they would drink from that night. Their thoughts repeated, like a mantra, and I almost smiled at their obvious attempt to keep me from reading their minds. Not that I needed to. William’s spies had already informed me they were the two who plotted against me.

There was Cateline, the first vampire to be turned by Marius. She had a thing for him ever since he changed her, and felt since she was the first vampire he created, she should have seniority over the others. She never gave up hope Marius would one day wed her and make her his queen.

And Roland, the newest Strategio, who advanced to his position two hundred years ago when a former member was killed. Roland spent a thousand years bowing and scraping to the Strategoi, waiting for his turn to advance. He was pissed that a pathetic newborn appeared out of nowhere, and fucked the king to gain a crown.

I finally sat, giving them no indication that I suspected anything. “Thank you for coming,” I began. “I’m sure you’re all wondering why I’ve called this meeting. You must have many questions for me, your new queen. ” I paused, letting my words sink in. “I’ll get right to the point. I’m dismantling the Strategoi. You are all relieved of your positions.”

Seeing them about to protest, I quickly held up a hand to silence them. “You’ll retain your wealth and holdings, all you’re losing is your occupation.”

Their thoughts bombarded me as I spoke, making it difficult for me to concentrate on what I was saying. Two of them visibly relaxed. They were actually relieved to be rid of their positions, having only kept them out of loyalty to Marius, their king and sire. With him gone, they were happy to move on.

Four of them were disappointed to be losing the prestige their title came with, but as long as they got to keep their riches and their armies, they’d be satisfied. I could only imagine what Cateline and Roland were thinking. They both doubled down on their false thoughts of feeding, but I could see the anger in their eyes.

“My Queen,” one of the Strategoi spoke up, and I struggled to remember his name. “Who will govern the vampire community? It was difficult for the eight of us, surely you don’t intend to do it alone?”

He was asking out of genuine concern. I looked him in the eye as I answered. “A new council will be formed. Each member will be chosen, not by me, but by the vampire community.”

One of the others scoffed, and I turned to him, raising my eyebrows. He immediately looked regretful, but he lifted his chin and met my stare. “Forgive me, My Queen, but what you suggest…” He waved a hand in the air as if searching for the right words. “A governing body voted into office.” He frowned. “We all know how that turned out for the humans, with their rigged elections and corrupt officials. Is that truly what you want for us?”

He wasn’t trying to offend me, he really believed that would happen. “I will not allow that to happen,” I told him.

“How can you be sure?” he asked.

I clasped my hands on the table in front of me. “As queen, I will oversee the council, and the voting process.” What I didn't say out loud was that I fully intended to read the minds of everyone involved.

The man frowned, but nodded. “It is your decision.”

“Yes,” my lips slowly curved, “it is. If there are no more questions?” I looked around, purposely keeping my expression bland. Trying to ignore Roland and Cateline’s false thoughts was starting to give me a headache. Blood, thirst, bite, drink, blood, thirst, bite, drink. I stood and my guards stepped back, allowing them to rise from their seats.

“Enjoy the rest of your evening,” I said, as they stood. “I’ll see you all at tomorrow’s ball.”

They all bowed to me before leaving, and when the last one exited the room I let out a shaky breath. “That was intense.”

“You were excellent,” Eskel said, and the others nodded in agreement.

“William’s spies were right,” I told them. “It’s Cateline and Roland.”

Eskel’s eyes sharpened. “Do you know what they’re planning?”

I shook my head. “Their attempts to block me from reading their minds were embarrassingly obvious, but successful.”

“Then we proceed as planned.”

“Not exactly. I want four of you with Allie from here on. Someone in the hall was looking for her, and they still think she’s human.” I watched them react to my news, and what I saw on their faces almost made me feel sorry for my enemy. “I don’t care who stays with her, but the rest of you will have to accommodate for losing two men.”

“We will protect her without lives,” Godwin vowed, his eyes growing black with anger.

I touched his arm to calm him. “I know you will.”

We returned to the hall, and for the next few hours I mingled and laughed like I hadn’t a care in the world. When dawn approached, Eskel escorted me to my room. I said goodnight and went inside, knowing he wouldn’t leave until he heard the lock fall into place.

I turned and leaned back against the door, my eyes immediately going to Adam. He stood by the fireplace, his body tense and alert. Since no one knew he was at the castle, he was my secret weapon, should anyone attempt to kill me while I slept. Not that any of us would be sleeping.

They’re looking for Allie, I silently told him. From now on, four men will stay with her, so we’re down two.

He took a step closer. Are you alright?

I nodded and pushed away from the door. I crossed the room and sat on the edge of the bed, then immediately stood back up and started pacing. I was far too nervous to relax. Adam watched me silently, and I shot him an apologetic look. Sorry. I just can’t sit still right now.

It’s okay.

I continued to pace, my mind going a mile a minute. I wanted to check on Allie, but couldn’t risk revealing her location. I knew I’d be alerted if anything went wrong, but I still felt sick with worry. I felt my power stir inside of me and tried to push it down. If anyone tried to hurt her, I feared I’d lose control and bring the whole castle down, killing us all.

Sarah.

I jerked my head towards Adam. What?

I can feel your power. You need to calm down.

I nodded, and took a deep breath, shaking my shoulders and arms in an attempt to loosen up. I gave Adam a tight smile and went into the bathroom to change. I struggled to get out of my dress, hearing seams rip as I attempted to get the zipper down. I quickly put on some leggings and a t-shirt and went back into the bedroom. Adam hadn’t moved. I walked over to him and took his hand. I’m okay. I promise.

Adam nodded, squeezing my hand before releasing it. Good. Now get into bed.

I rolled my eyes at him and nudged him playfully with my elbow when I walked past him towards the bed. As I climbed under the covers, Adam moved into position, sliding his body into the dark recess between the tall wardrobe and the wall. I lay my head on the pillow and closed my eyes. And then we waited.

Hours passed, and no one came. I began to feel guilty for making Adam stand in the corner all day, and was just about to say something when I heard a scraping at the door. The soft click of the lock lifting. They really thought they could just tiptoe into my room without waking me and kill me while I slept? Their plan was laughable.

I lay on my side with my back to the door, and feigned sleep as the door opened, then quietly closed. There were two of them, and one step was all they got before I latched onto their minds, paralyzing them. I could taste their fear as they realized what was happening, and my fangs came down, hungry for the blood of my enemies. I sat up and slowly turned to face them.

I didn’t recognize them, but that wasn’t surprising. Roland and Cateline had brought many with them, and only the highest ranking accompanied them to the hall that evening. Their servants, and in this case assassins, remained out of sight.

I climbed to my knees, and let my lips part, exposing my fangs to them. Their panicked thoughts flew at me, and I drank them in, reveling in their terror. The audacity of them, believing they had the strength to defeat me. That they had the right to even try. I would make them sorry. I would make them beg.

“Sarah.” I jerked when Adam said my name. I was so distracted by my captives, I’d forgotten he was there. He’d stepped out of his hiding place, and was slowly walking towards me with his hands held up. “We have them. Stick to the plan.”

I felt a growl building in my throat, but I forced it down. Adam was right. I needed to get my shit together and stick to the plan. I looked at my captives. They wanted to scream, but I kept them mute. They wanted to run, but I held them in place. They thought I’d be an easy target. They hadn’t known I inherited Marius’s mind control power, and now they knew their lives were forfeit. They prayed I’d make it quick, but they feared I’d make it painful.

Yes, I hissed in their minds. I could make it very painful. I could make your deaths last for days, weeks even.

Their lips twitched as they attempted to speak. Please! We’ll tell you everything!

I smiled wickedly. Don’t bother. I’ll find out on my own. Their silent screams echoed in my head as I tore into their minds.