Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 85552 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 428(@200wpm)___ 342(@250wpm)___ 285(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85552 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 428(@200wpm)___ 342(@250wpm)___ 285(@300wpm)
“Yes.” Xander returned his view to Ian. “I’m explaining that your ridiculous display of terror is an attempt to convince me to release you from your spell by ruling over you.”
“And why would you not? You have power. It runs through your blood.” Ian stepped forward. “You’re ripening. You’ve feasted on your queen’s flesh. And how could you not? I know I would love to. Her blood sings to me.”
Xander advanced and snarled. Veins bulged on his face and neck. His fangs lengthened an inch more. Even with Leeta in his arms, Xander appeared ready for battle and prepared to tear Ian’s head from what was left of his body.
I gripped my wooden dagger hard.
I’d witnessed Xander killing two Royal Guard vampires within seconds. He’d ripped their heads off like they were made of paper. Surely, Xander could handle a starving, old vampire with no problem.
But what about all the other ones crawling on the ceiling.
Ian lowered his head in a half bow. His head wobbled a little, like it would fall off along with the bones from his chest. “No disrespect, Xander. I’m merely trying to say that you chose a queen with powerful blood. Good job.”
I glanced up as more misshapen vampires crept on the ceiling right above us.
Shit.
I hugged myself and rubbed the goose bumps sprouting on my arms. A chill ran up my spine as I tried to count all the starving vampires above us, and lost count several times.
Xander, just tell them you’ll lead so we can get out of here.
But I don’t want to be their king, Xander replied in my head.
I groaned as five vampires flipped down from the ceiling and positioned themselves behind Ian.
“We need a new king,” Ian declared. “The Quiet King has no plan to release us from the punishment spell that keeps us down here. And if he did, he would only mistreat us and continue to rule our kind with an iron fist. At least you are fair and capable.”
“Am I?” Xander snorted.
“Yes. You are.” Ian did another weird bow that resulted in dust falling and bones rattling within his chest.
More vampires dropped to the ground and stood behind Ian.
Others dove behind us, sniffing the air. My skin shuddered as if thousands of tiny bugs were crawling over me. My teeth chattered against themselves.
I’m scared, Xander.
Trust me, Camille. You have nothing to fear. His voice caressed my mind, but still my panic increased the thumping of my heart.
“For now, your powers are just blossoming,” Ian said. “One day you will be worthy enough to sit on the Quiet King’s throne with your hooved feet resting upon his decapitated head.”
Hooved feet?
Ignore him.
Just be their king, I said in my head. There are too many of them around. We can’t fight them all.
I can fight them all, he replied.
You’re stubborn and overconfident.
I cleared my throat. “You want my king to lead you?”
“Our queen speaks.” Ian grinned and immediately dropped to his knees.
The other vampires followed and went down to their knees.
Okay.
Xander snorted and rolled his eyes.
They’re sucking up to you, Camille. They think you have the power to convince me to be king.
Do I?
I faced him.
Xander growled so loud it shook the walls around us.
That’s not an answer.
I placed my hands behind my back to hide their shaking.
His voice throbbed inside my head. You know I would do anything for you.
My eyebrows raised as my mouth dropped open. “You would?”
Ian jumped up. “Did he agree, Queen?”
The other vampires remained kneeling on the ground.
Please just agree so we can get out of here.
I shivered.
There’s no way you can take them all while holding Leeta and protecting me. We’ll be killed.
Sighing, Xander asked through clenched teeth. “What would being your king involve, Ian?”
I exhaled in relief.
“I simply request that you release us all from the spell and help us get a better life.” Ian opened his arms. “We may not seem like much right now, but with the queen’s blood and your guidance, we could be an army that is worthy of a king such as yourself.”
A smirk spread over Xander’s face. “And if I say no?”
The area thundered as all the vampires stood. Dust rose to the ceiling. Many of them were missing arms and legs, but they still scared me as they hissed and bared their fangs.
“Xander?” I centered my gaze on him.
Xander’s voice boomed inside my head. I don’t like to be forced into anything, not by Ian or my queen.
Well then, I’m lucky I’m not your queen.
I edged away from him.
“Oh really?” Xander’s face slowly turned in my direction. His eyes brightened, illuminating the entire tunnel until the area lit up around us. A cool breeze brushed against me, but I had no idea where it was coming from.
Is that his power?
It seemed to be having an effect on Leeta too, as she stirred in Xander’s huge arms.