Chapter 17

Zephyr’s heart leapt when he received the message in his mind. Did Lazarus just give him permission to have Jezzebelle. It has been over a year since she went through the change. Along with Lazarus, he also had been helping her train. From her Blood Thirst which was kept in check constantly and making sure her Blood Magic was kept up from going berserk, she grew more and more amazing. Almost every High Council Member helped in a certain task.

His thoughts went back on that day that Lazarus told him no on taking Jezzebelle as his wife. He wanted his approval on the courting process. For any vampire male to start the process he had to have both parents approval. Her mother Lilly already knew and she had stated a couple months ago as long as he did not break her heart, she was willing going to allow it, but every time he tried to ask Lazarus. He gave him a disapproval look and a growl he came to hate. He still assisted in helping Belle down the right path.

A grunt caused him to move out of his mind, and he focused his attentions to Belle. Her face was planted in the matt, and the little psycho was laughing. From the looks of it, she had knocked Bryon out of the matt but Cassius was the one who knocked her down. That's when a brilliant plan came into motion.

He gathered up his paperwork and then sat them on the arm of his throne, he got up from his throne. Belle lifted her head from the matt and saw him getting up. She jerked herself to her feet and brushed off any dirt that was on her. He walked to the matt and just stood their examining her.

It gave her goosebumps all over her skin. It made her a little uneasy and excited all at the same time. Zephyr tilted his head, his eyes studying her going up and down the length of her body. That is when he removed his outer jacket he had been wearing. Reaching down he removed the boots he had been wearing, walking back to his throne he placed his shoes and jacket at his throne. With his back turned Belle looked at her father with worry. Her father was studying the King as if he knew what was going on. Belle turned her attention back to the King. He unlaced his shirt and pulled it over his head.

Holy crap, the guy is built! Jezzabelle’s mouth started to water at the simple fact the King had muscles built front and back. Her hands were itching to run her hands all over him to feel the tone in his skin. When he turned she made her eyes do elsewhere as she was very correct. He was built like a god. His back was strong and the front was well built with a literal six pack. He could probably bench lift a lot of people if he wanted to.

Lazarus looked at Zephyr, sending a warning glance to him.

"Go easy on her Zeph. Remember she is a baby. You are just as strong as me and she is full of surprises."

"What are you doing Zephyr?" Lazarus was trying to cover up the fact he had just gave the King all rights to his daughter. Zephyr smirked, pushing his blonde hair to one side of his shoulders. "What does it look like? I am needing a break and thought a certain someone would like to spar with me. Besides Jezzebelle has already put two Ancients on their faces, so she needs a serious whipping." 

His eye's went straight to her's and noticed she had an eyebrow raised and was looking at him, her eyes moving up and down. Noticing that the King saw her starring, her face went beat red. She looked away, her face felt very hot.

"I think I am good. I do not want to mar your skin Your Grace."

"Oh trust me Jezzebelle I do not mind it. I need a break from paperwork and could use a stretch." 

Smiling he walked up to Jezzebelle, but she felt really uncomfortable with him that close so she started to move a little bit towards her father. Lazarus noticed his daughter's uneasy so he sent a mental warning to Zephyr.

"Zeph you are making her uneasy, tone it down a bit."

Zephyr smiled showing his fangs at Jezzebelle, he stood there standing in front of her.

"I challenge Jezzebelle to a practice duel. If she wins, she can choose whether she wants to remain in our world or if she wants her freedom to choose the human world with no rules or regulations. No arranged marriages at the age of 18."

Jezzabelle’s breath got caught in her throat. She was not expecting that deal. The one thing she had asked her father about. She hated how children her age if they were some what powerful or had a certain power were forced into a marriage at 18. They were usually arranged to their age group but if there were multiple suitors the same age, the family with the most standing would win. 

Her father already told her that due to her power level, nobody her age would be allowed. That it was more likely going to be an Ancient who can help her along the way to help train her to manage her power levels. Unfortunately that scared her more than anything in this world. To her the Ancients were gods who had untold powers. Not to mention they were sometimes mostly rude and mean. Lazarus made it quite clear to her that he would not force her into an arraigned marriage unless she wanted it. Unfortunately just because he was a High Council Member and 5,000 years old did not make him higher than The King. 

Jezzebelle looked to her father, than back to The King.

"And if you win? What would you suggest then? What will my punishment be?"

Zephyr chuckled under his breath, muttering punishment. He placed himself in front of her, he then picked up a strand of her hair rubbing it between his fingers. He forced himself to stop and the he took a hand and cupped the side of her face, rubbing his thumb on the side of her cheek.

"If you lose to me, you will be placed into an arranged marriage of my choosing. It will be with a Head or Higher. Your father will not be able to deny the right coming from me, as I am King."