He sighed quietly. “No disrespect taken. The overlords respect your choice.”
My brows snapped together as I straightened.
Why wouldn’t Anna be able to accomplish the trials?
She was a marvelous vampire. It didn’t make sense.
Were the trials even more dreadful than I had anticipated?
And damn, who was the leak who told her what they were?
I wanted that information too.
Though, with another peek at her, I didn’t believe she would tell me.
Her jaw was as hard as granite, her eyes like steel.
A perfect specimen of loyalty to the law.
Lord Belshazzar turned his attention to the next oldest. “Cleo, what say you? Do you wish to be the candidate?” His eyes were expectant, all-knowing…and suddenly kind.
Cleo cleared her throat, staring directly into his gaze. “With much respect, Lord Belshazzar, I decline. I plan to take my Eternal Slumber soon to join my soul mate.”
He nodded gently. “Lord John is missed by all. The overlords respect your choice.”
I stood blinking like an idiot. That was what happened when you went into Rest. Occasionally, you missed out on the big news, like a rare soul mating. I hadn’t even known Cleo was no longer married to her previous mate, her husband.
The women all turned to her and hugged her.
The declaration of an Eternal Slumber forever. She would end herself.
And yet, while all the women cooed over her choice, a few tears running down their cheeks, all I could do was stand stalk still in place. I blinked repeatedly, not seeing anything before me. My dreams of ruling the vampire people…were right in front of me with the two oldest declining. I sucked in a sharp breath and shook my head, clearing the shiny gem of real possibility from my gaze.
And, belatedly, I realized I was staring right into my bastard father’s eyes.
Calm as a dropped stone, he was gazing back.
All the overlords were staring right at me, ignoring the women consoling Cleo.
I stood all by myself. Alone from anyone else.
My life in a nutshell.
Except for my one true friend. I always had her.
I blinked when Cato’s lips twitched.
He knew I was back from my mental merriment.
Lord Otto spoke loudly, “Everyone back in line. Save your words for later.”
The women scurried back to their places on either side of me.
I cleared my throat and stood tall—or as tall as I could.
It was my turn. My throne to win. My people to lead as I saw fit.
Oh, and the good I could do for them.
I would protect them with every ounce of intelligence and power I had.
Lord Belshazzar turned his attention to me, his eyes never leaving mine. “Gwynnore, what say you? Do you wish to be the candidate?” That gaze gleamed, already anticipating my answer.
“I do, Lord Belshazzar.” My chin rose, my voice steady. “I wish to be Queen Novitiate.”
Next to me, Hortensia sucked in a sharp breath. Disappointment radiated off her in waves. The woman had wanted the spot…and wanted it bad if the reek of her aggression told the truth.
I didn’t bother looking in her direction. My eyes were for the overlords.
They decided now if they wanted me.
And, so far, I don’t believe I had impressed them.
The eldest lord’s lips twisted into a crooked grin. “The overlords respect your choice.” He dipped his head to me, peeking up under his lashes. “And the overlords accept you.”
My eyes widened in shock—it couldn’t be held back.
They hadn’t even convened to talk about it…
Unless they already had. Cunning bastards.
I swallowed down my shriek of joy, barely managing to stay in place. With an unruffled tone, I murmured, “Thank you, overlords. You humble me with your acceptance.”
And…they did. It wasn’t just Adelie or myself who thought I would be an excellent queen. It was the most influential and powerful individuals in our race who thought so too.
As far as I knew, none of them knew Cato was my father. I kept that private.
This was all me. It was my time to shine.
Lord Belshazzar gestured for me to come forward. “Your first Challenge happens now. Please, come stand next to me.”
I yanked my hands from behind my back and attempted to walk with forced calm. I hoped I was pulling it off. My excitement was barely contained. I would need to get my act together soon, hopefully when the adrenaline left my system.
I stopped next to him and peered up, waiting patiently.
He opened a slot inside the stone dais. Small and functional, it opened easily.
An ancient tomb lay inside. Brown leather flaked off it despite the magic that sizzled around the massive book. The pages had yellowed with time, and the spine was breaking.
With careful fingers, the lord lifted the book from his hidden spot.
He flipped through a few pages until he stopped. His eyes met mine.
“Queen Novitiate, your first Challenge is to agree to these trials listed.” Lord Belshazzar maneuvered to stand directly next to me again so I could see the text. “It is spelled so you’ll be able to read the ancient language.”
I leaned closer to him and stood on tiptoe to fully view the page.
Surprised, he grunted and bent his knees, lowering the book to my short height.
“Thank you,” I whispered, and my feet went flat on the floor again.
Just as quietly, he answered, “You’re welcome. Now read.”
I cocked my head, studying the words. It was all a jumble of scribbles…until it wasn’t.
Suddenly, I could read it clearly, the magic working.
There were five trials. Each vastly different.
I didn’t speak, reading them through. Multiple times.
1. Agree
2. King 3. Secret
4. Truth
5. TERMINATE
My brows puckered in confusion. “Why is number five—”
“Quiet,” Lord Belshazzar snapped, cutting me off before I could say too much. All kindness vanished from his features as he straightened to his full height. He closed the book, his nostrils flaring. “Gwynnore, what say you? Do you accept the trials?”
I closed my eyes, running them through my mind again.
Why was terminate capitalized?
It was extremely odd.
My eyes opened and wandered to where Anna stood.
Her gaze flicked in my direction, stalled, then swiftly looked away.
Whatever the trials were, they would be brutal.
That much I knew.
I sucked in a sharp breath when fingers gripped my chin, pulling my face forward and yanking my attention off the other woman. I slapped at the fingers, and growled, “What the hell?”
Cato had appeared directly next to my side without me even hearing him. His fingers gripped my chin harder, stinging my flesh. But his words were cool and composed, even their meaning was just as brutal as his touch. “No one—past, present, or future—is allowed to reveal secrets of the trials to other candidates.” A hard shake of my chin. “It is punishable by death. For both parties involved.”