Novels by Timi Rachael

That evening, I spent some time going through the wardrobe in my chambers. They were full of things that would be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars in my former life. From intricately woven dresses to delicately crafted shoes, it was a noble lady’s dream come true.While I was doing that, marveling to myself, Helen entered.“Lady Lena, you should not be rifling through your drawers like that. You should act dignified. Are you looking for something?” She asked in a monotone voice with an eyebrow raised.This is unbelievable. How is it undignified to go through my ‘things’?“Helen, you don't have to be so stuck up. Do you ever just loosen up? I am just checking out my new stuff. Moreover, I am so, so bored here. I feel like I am dying of boredom. All I do is eat, sleep, and study documents. What do you guys ever do for fun around here?”Helen just stared at me like I had suddenly grown two heads, and it looked like steam was coming out of her ears. She was trying to control her out

"Consort," Alistair said, his voice deep and slightly rough. He did not ask me to sit, forcing me to stand. "My Lord," I replied, maintaining the posture and tone Helen had drilled into me. "I am told you grasp the materials you have been studying with unusual speed," Alistair observed, his tired eyes scanning my face. The intensity in his eyes was astounding. "Most nobles' daughters are ignorant. All they think of are fine dresses and glittering jewelry." "I stayed indoors most of the time, My Lord, but I was not idle," I explained, using Lena Hale's already established solitary life as an excuse for my academic discipline. "I spent my time studying the library’s limited collection. Reading was my only occupation." Alistair gave a slow nod. "Reading. An efficient use of time." He then slid a dense military analysis across the desk. It detailed a strategic review of the House of Drakos on the eastern border. "Forget the pleasantries," he commanded. "Tell me your assessment of th

When I woke up the next morning, I was already exhausted just hours later. Helen watched my every move like a hawk. She corrected my clothing, my posture, my tone. She explained that my role was to be a political symbol. I knew that already duh. "You represent the Lord's choice, Lady Lena," she instructed, her voice flat. "You must reflect his status. Your preferences are unimportant now." I realized that fighting her on such minor points, like the color or style of a dress, was pointless. I needed to pick battles that yielded information. I spent the morning trying to pry things out of her. "Tell me about the Valerius history," I asked while she was organizing a tray of glittering stones. "The Valerius line is ancient, spanning thousands of years," she replied, her eyes focused on the jewels. "What specific part interests you?" "The King's death," I stated directly. "What happened? It wasn't due to old age I presume." Helen stopped and slowly placed a heavy silver piece back o

The ride to the residential area of the Palace of Eternal Night was a tense affair. I sat facing Commander Axel, the stern-faced vampire who was maintaining a social distance like I was the plague. The strange scent of the palace carriage was overwhelming and it constantly reminded me of the beings who owned this world. "My duties," I finally asked, cutting through the silence. "What exactly does a Consort do here besides satisfying the Lord's blood needs?" Axel shifted, adjusting the immaculate collar of his uniform. "The Lord Alistair Valerius requires stability. You will be trained to be his official human representative. You will receive petitions, attend minor diplomatic functions with him, and maintain the affairs of the Consort's Wing. Mostly, you are a political symbol. You represent his interest in the human territories. This is the vampires way of showing the cordial relationship between us and humans. That the humans aren't just food." Oh. "And the blood?" I presse

The enormous ballroom exploded into noises. People were talking all at once. I could see the door now, oh sweet escape, only for strong steel-like arms to wrap around my waist. I should have known that escape was impossible. How could I have thought to run from a vampire. “Silence.” He roared. His voice carried throughout the entire ballroom. Then, he picked me up and dumped me on his shoulders like a sack of potatoes. Every eye, human and vampire, was fixed on Lord Alistair Valerius and me, the unknown girl hidden under a thick veil. I was shaking, but I forced myself to remain perfectly still. Shane’s frantic warnings echoed in my head. Do not draw the Lord's eye. I had done the one thing I was absolutely forbidden to do. When we reached Lena's parents, he dropped me down. "Shane Hale," Alistair repeated, his voice deep and demanding. "I asked who this female is. I will not ask a third time." Shane stammered, sweat beading on his forehead. "My Lord, she is only Lena, a d

The carriage ride to the palace was tense and silent. Shane, Irina, and Alice were focused entirely on the coming social event and we're chattering excitedly about it. I sat in the corner, covered by the thick veil.What's so good about being chosen by the Lord anyway? The woman whose blood appeals to him? Oh God, he is going to drink her blood. I felt a little sick at that thought. So why are they so eager to become living blood bags? I stared out the window. As we approached the center of the city, the buildings changed completely. The human districts were grand but felt worn down. The vampire territory, however, was superior in comparison. The streets were perfectly maintained, lit by gas lamps that cast a clear, steady light.Then, I saw the palace.It was made of stone and dark tones. It looked impossibly huge and stretched upward as far as I could see, then topped by spires that looked sharp enough to pierce the sky. How was such a thing even built? It was the grandest building