I sucked in a large lungful of oxygen, inhaling her scent. “I do. I’ve got this.”
Then I was out the door of my apartments in the blink of an eye, not peering back at my friend’s hopeful and determined face. If I didn’t accomplish this goal, not only would I be devastated to have to wait again, but also so would Adelie. I couldn’t be a failure.
My steps were measured and precise as I walked through the halls of the stronghold. Pictures, modern to ancient, hung on the black stonewalls. The quiet lighting was intimate and natural to the senses. Errant lounges or chairs lined the halls for whatever purpose a vampire could want them for—pleasure or business. The grand staircase was a chaotic curve and retreat, only to twist again, enough to boggle the mind.
When my feet landed on the massive foyer tiles, I kept them silent. This area echoed, all the way deep into the castle, the ceiling so tall no human eye could see the top. Large windows framed the doorway—black wooden doors meant to be in a fairy tale with giants—all the way up seven stories. Lighting hung on the rock walls, casting shadows to and fro.
I let out a shaky exhale and continued my trek.
Many vampires passed by. A few on cell phones, more wiping the blood from their mouths.
The chattel quarters weren’t far away. Little nips were taken by any who wanted.
My fingers wiggled down at my sides. Almost there. Almost there.
Six more turns down hallways, and the area quieted.
Private overlord caverns were in this section. Even their offices close by.
I stopped at the far door. This was the room.
I took a moment to collect myself before turning the doorknob.
I stared inside, my stomach dropping and fury burning in my throat.
Those. Motherfucking. Bastards.
All eyes turned in my direction.
Four other possible candidates stood before a raised dais. The overlords rested on their ornate chairs atop a lifted area, four body lengths taller than I was from the floor. The space echoed just as greatly as the foyer as I closed the door with false calm behind me. This was a true cavern deep inside a mountain, the smell of damp stone and dirt attacking my nostrils.
And the overlords were motherfucking bastards because their invite had lied.
The four possible contenders were dressed in their finest attire.
Even if the overlords were merely in black matching suits.
Glitter and splotches of vibrant, dark color marred the room from the women’s elegant dresses. They were glorious and stunning, stars upon the night, their lips blood red and hair perfectly coiffed.
The only sparkle I had going for me would be my shoelaces.
My eyes wanted to narrow, and my fangs wanted to descend.
I bit it all back, swallowing my fury.
Gradually, I peered up to the overlords and dipped my head to them.
Fine. They were above me. Figuratively…and literally right now.
I strolled with subdued confidence, just the right amount, to stand next to the ladies.
Lord Belshazzar sat on the far left, in order of age. He was the eldest.
Lord Xenon next to him.
Lord Cato—asshole father—was in the middle.
Lord Otto followed him.
And last but not least, Lord Pippin brought up the tail end. The youngest.
Lord Belshazzar had a history of being astute and caring. Lord Xenon was always a mystery, never letting his emotions show. My father was just a dick—and had ruled with an iron thumb. Lord Otto prided himself on his intelligence, a scholar. And Lord Pippin enjoyed life to its fullest, robust, and hungry for more adventure.
My gaze raked over them, trying to decide who had thought it would be humorous to lie on the invitation. Because, obviously, the time was even off with everyone already in here and waiting. The individual wanted to humble me, to test if I had learned my lesson or if I would react with force.
If I were a betting woman, my money would be on Lord Xenon. Mystery Lord.
In fact, it was he who leaned forward in his chair. “How lovely of you to finally show up.”
I would have won big at a casino.
Instead of retorting with anger, I dipped my head once more. “My apologies, Lord Xenon.”
He snorted softly under his breath and rested back in his cushioned and jeweled chair. His attention eventually turned from directly toward me, allowing his eyes to scan the group of women. Lord Xenon explained calmly, “You all know why you are here. And I’m sure you all at least know of each other, even if you’re not friendly with one another. So please line up in order of age. The oldest to our left, youngest to our right.”
I peered around the group, my first time getting a good look at who they actually were versus how the four others were dressed. Lord Xenon was correct. I did know all of these women. How could I not? All were well known and were the oldest female vampires left on planet earth—that weren’t already previous queens, since they weren’t allowed to rule more than once, only with their king. It was exactly who should be here, by the law, to stand up for the position of queen.
Anna was the oldest. Far, far older than me.
She went to the left.
Cleo was closest to her age.
She stood next to her.
Somewhat surprised, I was next…which meant a few female vampires had died since the last crowning. I hadn’t been invited to that one.
I stood in the middle. Ironic, my position put me directly in front of my father.
Hortensia was a few centuries younger than I was.
She stepped on my other side.
Deborah was the youngest.
She walked to the end.
Silent, we peered up to the dais. We waited.
Lord Belshazzar stood from his chair and walked with confident ease down the steps on the back of the dais. He strolled to stand before us, his eyes never leaving our group. Once he was centered between the other overlords and us, he explained calmly, “Two of you have been here before, but three are new. So I will explain. The way a Queen Novitiate is picked happens in two parts. I will ask the oldest if they want to be the candidate. If they say yes, then the overlords will decide if she is the correct choice. If we say no, then we will move on to the next in line. Do you understand the rules, which are law?”
“Yes, Lord Belshazzar,” we stated.
“Once the candidate is picked, the first Challenge is given right here. If that woman fails the first test, then we will immediately move on to the next woman and begin again. Do you understand the rules, which are law?”
“Yes, Lord Belshazzar,” we answered.
My hands began to perspire, and I clenched my fists behind my back.
The lord nodded once. “Also, once you leave this room, the compulsion we used to get you here will disappear, no more.” His attention turned to the woman at the end. “Anna, what say you? Do you wish to be the candidate?”
I peered down at her profile, observing cautiously. My nails dug into my palms.
She peered straightforward, not looking at him. “With much respect, Lord Belshazzar, I decline once again. I will not be able to perform all of the trials required of the Queen Novitiate.”