The Darkest Crown (The Eternal Darkness Duet #2)

Chapter 36

Chapter 36

I woke up the next night with a sense of purpose. My enemies were captured, the rest of the Strategoi accepted their fate, and I was one badass, powerful queen.

After fearing a vampire war was coming, defeating Roland and Cateline so easily was anti-climatic, but I wasn’t complaining. I knew that out of the millions of vampires in the world, they couldn’t possibly be my only two enemies, but they were the two most powerful. With them out of the way, and a new council being formed, hopefully the others would learn to accept me as queen.

So with a spring in my step, I headed down to face my guests. Eskel intercepted me in the hall, and informed me that after last night's drama, most of them were eager to leave, but they waited for my royal dismissal. Also, two of the Strategoi were in the library, hoping to speak with me.

I groaned, even as I turned towards the library. “It’s too early. I haven’t even had breakfast.”

Eskel chuckled, falling into step beside me. “Don’t worry, Eleanor and Aldric aren’t so bad.”

When we reached the library, he opened the door and allowed me to pass into the room. The two Strategoi were seated at the table, and they quickly stood and bowed to me.

“You may rise,” I said, as I walked over to them. “You wanted to speak with me?”

“Yes, My Queen,” Eleanor said. “Thank you for seeing us.” I nodded and waited for her to continue. “We wished to tell you that though we are no longer Strategoi, we are still at your disposal.”

“Yes,” Aldric nodded in agreement. “Dismantling the Strategoi was a wise decision. Some members let the power go to their heads, as you well know. We agree it is time for a change.”

“Thank you for your support,” I said, and I meant it.

“We loved Marius,” Eleanor said, surprising me with her candor. “He saved us from death and gave us the gift of immortality. But more than that, he was our friend. He hated what vampires had become. He blamed himself, and shut himself off from the world. When he reemerged, we knew it was because of you. He chose to make you his queen, and we will forever honor his decision.”

Eleanor’s words affected me, and I curled my hands into fists, digging my nails into my palms to distract me from my emotions. “Thank you. I’m sure I will ask for help at some point. I don’t have much experience ruling a kingdom.”

Aldric raised an eyebrow. “You’re off to a good start.”

I huffed a laugh. “Thanks.” I shot Eskel a glance over my shoulder, remembering what he’d said before. “You both have my permission to return home,” I told them, and they bowed to me again before walking out of the room. I watched them go, then sighed heavily and turned to face Eskel.

“They're a good pair to have on your side,” he said. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah. I just need a minute.”

“Should I inform your guests that they may depart?”

“Please.” I rolled my eyes dramatically, and he chuckled. He bowed his head and walked out of the room, closing the door softly.

I sank into a chair, and spent the next hour staring into space, pondering my feelings for Marius. It wasn't until Eleanor spoke of him that I realized I never dreamed of him or Phaedra anymore. Not since the night Julian woke me from my nightmare and we rekindled our relationship. And my talks with him were growing further apart. After he was killed, he spoke to me almost every night. But now it was maybe once a week? I know I hadn’t heard from him since I changed Allie.

“Marius?” I whispered his name, fearful he wouldn’t answer. A knock on the door startled me, making me jump, then the door swung open and Gregor was there with a grim look on his face.

“You’re needed in the dungeon,” he said quietly, and I quickly stood, casting thoughts of Marius aside.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, hurrying towards him.

He glanced over his shoulder, then shook his head. “Not here.”

I followed him out of the room, my steps slowing when I saw how crowded the halls were. Vampires were hurrying by with luggage in hand. Everyone stopped and bowed when they saw me, and I nodded absently as I passed them. Gregor led me away from the crowds, to the back of the castle and the doorway that led down to the dungeons.

As soon as we entered the stairwell that led to the dungeons, I could hear Eskel and Julian arguing. And I could smell blood. I rushed down the stairs, almost falling in my haste, and saw them standing at the end of the corridor.

“What’s going on?” I asked, hurrying towards them. Cells lined one side of the corridor, and I glanced into them as I walked past, but all were empty. All but the one Julian and Eskel stood in front of.

I came to a stop, gasping at the sight of Cateline and Roland’s bodies. What was left of them anyway. Roland’s throat was torn out, to the point of almost decapitating him. Cateline was decapitated, her head in the corner of the cell, several feet from her bloody body.

I gagged and quickly turned away. I stumbled away from the cell, and Gregor grabbed my arm to steady me.

“What happened?” I gasped, trying not to puke.

For a moment, no one spoke. I looked at them with wild eyes. “What the fuck happened?”

“Julian killed them,” Eskel said, glaring at Julian.

I looked at Julian, waiting for him to deny it, but he just lifted his chin. “What the fuck Julian!” I screeched, my voice echoing off the stone walls. “They were supposed to stand trial!”

“You should have killed them last night,” he said, showing no remorse.

“When? How? You were with me all day!” I looked to Eskel for help. “What do we do now? I told everyone I wasn’t that kind of queen, and a few hours later they’re dead? What do we do?”

“I’ll take care of it,” Eskel assured me. “Return to your guests and act as though nothing is wrong.”

I huffed with disbelief. “Act like nothing’s wrong?” I shook my head and turned back towards the stairs. Julian said my name, but I kept walking. “What the fuck?” I mumbled, shaking my head again. I went back upstairs, barely aware that Gregor accompanied me. I kept to the back halls, away from the departing guests, and cut through the kitchen to get to the walled garden outside.

Gregor hesitated in the doorway, and I waved him away. “I need to be alone.”

He nodded. “I’ll be just inside.” He stepped back into the kitchen and closed the door to give me privacy.

I closed my eyes and lifted my face towards the sky. I took several deep breaths, trying to banish the image of Cateline’s headless body from my mind, but I was unsuccessful. I let out a frustrated grunt and started to pace. Given the overgrown state of the garden, I hadn’t much room, so soon gave up.

I leaned against the stone wall, trying to come to grips with what Julian did. I don’t know why I was so surprised, the first day we met he ripped a guy's heart out right in front of me. But it seemed like he’d changed since then. We fell in love and he changed . Didn’t he?

I heard the kitchen door open, and I turned my head to see Adam step out. I looked at him hopelessly, and he walked over and pulled me into his arms.

I squeezed my eyes shut and leaned into his embrace. “Julian killed them.”

He stroked my hair. “I know.”

“Why would he do that?” I asked, not expecting an answer.

“Because he loves you.” I pulled back to look up at him, and he smiled sadly. “And you’ll forgive him, because you love him.”

I blinked, struck by the raw emotion in his eyes. I didn't know what to say. He reached up to tuck my hair behind my ear, brushing his fingers over my cheek. “I know you love me too, but it's not the same. It will never be the same. And watching you with him is torture. I would do anything for you, Sarah, and if you ask me to stay, I will. But I beg you, don’t ask.”

All I could do was shake my head, as my tears began to fall. Adam wiped my tears away, and I grabbed his hand and held it against my cheek. “You can’t leave me now,” I whispered, my voice cracking.

“If not now, when? There’s never going to be a time when saying goodbye to you doesn't tear my heart out.”

I swallowed against the lump in my throat, but I knew he was right. I was in love with Julian, and it wasn’t fair to ask Adam to hang around and watch us be together. But I would miss him so much. I released his hand and looked up at him through my tears. “Thank you for giving me this new life.”

He leaned down and pressed his lips to my cheek. “If you ever need me, I will return,” he whispered against my skin.

All I could do was nod as he turned and walked back inside. When the door closed behind him, I let out the sob I’d been holding in, and leapt into the sky. I flew over the wall, passing the field in an instant, and soared out over the ocean. I cried as I flew, shedding tears for Adam, and for Marius. I cried for my parents, and for Phaedra, and for little Dora. I cried until there were no tears left in me, then I flew in silence, letting the darkness soothe my soul. I don’t know how long or far I flew, but somewhere along the way, I found peace.

When I eventually returned home, the castle was quiet. I landed in the empty courtyard and headed inside, finding Eskel in the great hall with Marc and Godwin. They were sprawled out in chairs in front of the hearth, looking as relaxed as I’d ever seen them.

When they noticed me, they started to stand, and I quickly waved them back into their seats. “Please don’t get up.”

I crossed the room and flopped down into an empty chair next to them. I knew I must look a mess after crying all night, and my hair was one big tangle from flying, but I didn't care. “It's quiet,” I said, stating the obvious.

“Finally,” Godwin grumbled, making the rest of us chuckle.

“Your guests have departed,” Eskel informed me. “Half of William’s men have gone as well. The other half have retired for the day.”

I was relieved to hear it. “Adam’s leaving as well.”

Marc cleared his throat. “I believe he’s already gone.”

I stared at Marc for a moment before nodding. We said our goodbyes- I was okay.

“Selene and Diana plan to depart today as well,” Marc continued. “I’ll escort them home as soon as they’re done packing.”

“They’re packing now?” I asked, sitting up straight. “What time is it?” The sun wasn’t even up yet.

“Adam woke them before he left, to say goodbye. He ah- he healed Selene.”

“He healed Selene,” I murmured, pushing myself to my feet. “I’m gonna go up.” I started to walk away, then stopped and turned back towards Eskel. “What about Cateline and Roland?”

Eskel stood. “Their bodies have been burned. What’s said about it will be up to you, but I recommend we maintain the pretense that they are imprisoned and awaiting trial. After a time, we can say they were found guilty of treason and executed for their crimes.”

I frowned. “So I'm starting off my reign with a lie.”

“A lie is always the wiser choice, when the truth would bring violence.”

He was right. “You’re a lot better at this than I am. Maybe you should be in charge.”

Eskel smiled slightly. “I’m happy with my current position.”

Godwin huffed. “And a good thing too. If this old man were in charge, we’d never have any fun.”

Godwin winked at me, and I laughed and shook my head. “I’ll see you guys later.”

I headed up to Selene’s room, and when I turned down the hall I saw her door was open, and I heard Allie’s laughter from within. I knocked on the doorframe as I said hello, and they all turned towards me. Diana was there with Selene and Allie, and I wasn’t too surprised to see Alfred and Gregor as well.

“Sarah!” Allie exclaimed, bouncing over to me. “Adam healed Selene!”

“I heard.” I smiled as I let Allie pull me into the room, then I stared at Selene in amazement. Her skin was as smooth and flawless as Diana’s. My eyes moved back and forth between them, barely able to tell them apart. “You look like twins.”

Allie grinned. “That’s what I said!”

I stepped closer to Selene and took her by the hand. I held out my other hand to Diana, and she placed her hand in mine. As the three of us stood with our hands clasped, I searched for the right words. “Thank you,” I finally said, knowing it wasn’t enough. “Thank you for everything.”

Selene squeezed my hand. “My mother is alive because of you.”

Diana looked between us, smiling warmly. “There has never been a bond between a witch and a vampire until now.” She squeezed our hands. “I’m so proud of you both.”

I blinked rapidly, determined not to cry again. “I will never forget what you did for me, and I will never forget the pact we made. When you’re ready, Marc will see you home with a supply of blood. And if you need help fighting your enemy, I’ll be there.”

“As will I,” Alfred vowed.

Gregor stepped forward. “And I.”

“Me too!” Allie exclaimed, sweeping Diana, Selene and I into a big hug. “I Love guys so much!” She waved a hand towards Gregor and Alfred. “Get in here guys!”

We all laughed as Allie pulled everyone together. She really was the best of us.