When we finally returned back to the estate, the guards looked happier than I had ever seen them. The servants bowed and the maidservants that had cast me dirty looks were now smiling at me. The busy, bustling morning crowd was suddenly a small celebration banquet. His entourage cheered for him, and the foyer dispersed a narrow path for him. I simply walked behind him, witnessing it all. Alan came bounding down the stairs. His gaze automatically landed on me, out of habit, and his eyes slightly showcased his concern before diverting to Aldrich. Grinning, he approached his friend with one of the hugs that men do when they’re excited to see each other, but still want to appear masculine. “You didn’t alert me of your arrival,” Alan accused lightly, his gaze secretly flitting back to me again. That one gaze screamed: we are in deep shit. “I didn't tell anyone,” Aldrich said, looking around at his people, “it wasn’t much of a victory to celebrate. I would’ve rather

He did not flinch, but he had the decency to look upset about it. Aldrich stepped back, regaining a couple shreds of his composure after realizing what he was doing. “I’m sorry,” he muttered reluctantly. “I don’t care,” I sniped. “I have the right to know if my son was in danger. I need to know what happens to him!” he insisted, glaring at me. The thought of Theo being in danger seemed to hurl him into a spiral, and he was containing himself very well. Don’t say, don't say it, don’t say it. “I never told you he’s your son.” He froze. His rage froze. His body froze. His face froze. As if he was a volcano icing over, but would erupt even harder once thawed. “We’re still playing this game?” he demanded, his voice acidic and dripping with malice. He was so angry, he didn’t even seem like he was talking to anymore, rather a soldier that disobeyed him or an enemy. “I’m not playing a game,” I said weakly, “I was going to tell you what h

My eyes detached from his wound and reluctantly met his. “I wanted to leave before you could ask me to.” He frowned at me, a mix of confusion and exasperation clouding his features. “Why would I ask you to do that?” I stood up suddenly, wanting to increase the space between us as my confessions plagued the air. The willow watched us wearily. “You do all of this because you think you care for me.” I insisted, waving my arm toward the garden that he made glow. “I know that I care for you,” he corrected me matter-of-factly as he leaned back on his hands, “but go on.” “No, you don’t,” I said, turning my back to him. “Why do you think that?” he demanded with annoyance still in his tone. “That makes no sense, Cathy.” I whirled back to him. “Just listen,” I hissed through gritted teeth, glaring. He stayed silent when he saw my expression. “I believe you when you say you care for me. I see it in your eyes, your word

“Get down,” Aldrich immediately ordered in a hushed voice, standing up before positioning himself in a defensive stance. I shot a glare at him. “You don’t have to protect me,” I whispered, listening intently. There was someone out there for sure; my scent did not recognize them through the vegetation, and I couldn’t hear any breathing or voices amongst the chorus of the forest. “I’m the war general here,” he reminded me, and barred his arm against my chest. “Stay here. I’m going out there.” “Can you just shut up and listen for once?” I hissed, grabbing his wrist to pull him down to the floor. He reluctantly obeyed, crouching down over the dust. His hearing was better than mine. I stared at the floor as he listened outside, holding my breath. Fear made my heart flutter tidal waves in my stomach acid. The moon was dimmer now, casting a ghostly puddle on the floor. I inched away from it. “Whoever it is, they know we’re here, and don’t

Aldrich looked like he was going to be sick. I wondered why he didn’t plan on telling the King what his son had done; maybe he feared he would take Ben’s side. “Father, do you think that’s the best idea right now?” he asked, his voice doubtful but still high in respect. “What if the vampires decide to attack during the banquet, when we’re the most vulnerable?” The King shook his head, laughing. “I commend you for being humble, but we shall not skip our tradition of revelry. We waited a day after your return to ensure it was not too soon.” “It’s already being prepared?” Aldrich asked. He sat down, and I swiftly followed suit, choosing the chair next to him, out of eye sight from the King. I did not want to be present for this conversation. “Of course it is, son!” the King exclaimed, grinning proudly. His gaze then flickered from him to find me cowering behind Aldrich, and realization passed over his face. “How rude am I to not greet your lovely wife?”