Chapter 38
Chapter 38
38. A Cruled Front
MORGANA
I walked alongside Kian as we headed towards the summit, a place where women did not usually attend. It shocked me how this kingdom’s power was completely in the hands of men.
Today was a large summit, many of the visiting Alpha’s Beta’s or Delta’s would attend as well. I knew something was up from the way Kian’s Beta and his two Deltas that were attending were exchanging looks as they flanked us.
“You know, it’s rude to mind-link when someone else is present.” I stated, giving them all a sweet, dangerous smile, one I have been told looks quite creepy. That was the aim though.
I wore a red high collared top with fitted sleeves, paired with black pants and heels. My hair was in a fish plait and although I wore some eyeliner and red lipstick, I kept the rest of my face make-up free. Small studs were in my ears and the huge ring Kian had given me sparkled brightly on my finger, something all three of Kian’s men noticed.
He had given me blood but he had put it in a glass. I wasn’t sure why the change, but I did wish I could sink my teeth into that perfect neck of his.
“Ready?” Kian asked me.
“For anything.” I replied.
Our eyes met and his gaze flickered to my lips.
“Good.” He said quietly, leaning over, he pressed his lips against mine.
Pleasure flowed through me, the taste of his mouth made me want more, but he simply moved back, leaving my heart beating wildly.
Ajax opened the door and we stepped inside; Kian’s hand was on the small of my back as all eyes turned to us. Everyone in the room stood, I could feel the power that rolled off these men. Something I realised always surrounded Kian, yet I was so used to it, to him, that I never even let it get to me. But now, in this room where all eyes were now on me, curiosity, anger, disgust, confusion, interest and suspicion mixed together as we walked to the head of the table.
Luca pulled out my chair and I sat down, giving him a polite small smile as Kian sat in the large chair by my side.
I glanced over at him, realising he truly was the Alpha in the room. The power that exuded from him was a turn on alone. I looked away from him and held the gaze of a few men who were looking at me, making sure they looked away first.
Kian had told me a few things that were causing problems for his kingdom and the basic issues that would probably be brought up. What moved me the most was when he talked about his people… That emotion, that protective instinct of his, the way his eyes burned with
worry that he tried to mask. It was unnerving to see this side of him.
“This is…” An Alpha spoke.
“That is the first thing we will discuss today. As you all know, I have brought a woman from the Sanguine Empire home. However, what you may not know is that she is no ordinary woman. She is the princess of the Sanguine Empire, sister to their king and a woman whose reputation surpasses the borders for her wit, beauty and intelligence.” Kian said clearly. His aura radiated off him and I knew he was giving a silent warning that if anyone dared defy him, they would be punished. “I present to you, Morgana Araton, the soon to be Luna of the Midnight Eclipse Pack and the future queen of Clair De Lune.”
As expected, the room erupted in whispers, gasps and a wave of questions that swarmed through the room.
“Are you all fucking done?” Kian asked coldly after a moment.
“Your highness, are you sure about this? I mean… this is no small fete... Yes, Lady Morgana is indeed a beauty, but she is a vampire.” One man said, bowing his head apologetically.
“Which would mean your children could be hybrids or even vampires.” Another added.
Kids with Kian? Ok, these people were thinking far too ahead. Who said I was going to be sticking around? 1
“And? It’s not like my son needs to take the throne. If he doesn’t turn out to be a werewolf, it isn’t an issue.” Kian said coldly, once again he was shocking me, I wasn’t used to this side of him.
“Can we ask why you chose a vampire woman when there are many daughters of Alpha’s available?”
Kian looked at me and although only his Beta’s could probably see, he took my hand in his. I was about to pull away but he held it tight, lacing his fingers with mine. I looked at our combined hands. The stark contrast between our skin made me smile softly, opposites in every way, yet we fit so perfectly.
My heart skipped a beat when his thumb brushed my knuckles and I smiled. I was the milk t o his chocolate, together just like that delicious hot chocolate drink I loved. I smiled at the thought, that was kind of cute. I looked up realising I was getting suspicious looks, and simply smiled extra sweetly, turning to Kian when he began to speak.
“What better way to settle unrest between two kingdoms than a marriage?” He said coldly. “A s you all know, the attacks on our borders may or may not be due to vampires. However, if we decided to work with them and come to an agreement where both our kingdoms could benefit, then why not?”
“You do know King Kian, your father was killed by a vampire?” Another added.
My eyes snapped to Kian, my own heart thudding at that. Sure, I had heard the rumours, but
really?
Kian frowned
“And? Does one vampire’s actions account for the rest?” He asked coldly.
“Has she cast a spell on you that you are so blinded?”
“Your father was killed before you. He too tried to bring peace. Do you want to go down the same path and die in the process?”
“Morgana Araton is known for her battle skills too. Are you allowing one in your bed? Do you trust her?”
“My king, we respect you and your decisions. You have done nothing but prove how capable you are of this position, how the well being of your people matters to you, but to allow a woman of the Sanguine Empire to be by your side. Losing you at this critical time would be catastrophic for the kingdom.”
“You won’t fucking lose me, I know how to protect myself. As for Morgana, I trust her.” Kian said, his eyes now meeting mine.
My heart thudded, yet the sudden guilt that slithered through me made me uneasy. Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.
Don’t trust me Kian, don’t be so foolish.
I frowned in concentration, trying to hear their thoughts. I tried not to flinch when the shrill sound erupted in my head, before their words followed.
‘He’s stupid… He’s going to die and leave us to rot. Why would he agree to this?… Something isn’t right, this is madness… We can never bow to a vampire queen… Kian cannot remain on the throne if this continues…’
There was no one who was on his side, and as much as I had my own issues, I was not going t o let him do this alone.
“Alpha Kian may be taking a risk, yet he’s doing it for his people. The Sanguine Empire need crops and produce that sadly do not grow on our lands, and the Clare De Lune kingdom needs the water that my people are withholding. I understand that seeing a vampire in this position might be alarming, frightening even, yet remember what your king is capable of.” I said clearly and instantly, silence fell and all eyes turned to me. “Alpha Kian has not only defied all odds and taken the position as Alpha of Alpha’s despite being the second born, but he was only nineteen at the time. Despite his birthright and his status, he challenged it all and demonstrated himself as far superior than all of you. Are you really questioning the one man who has gone against everything to prove himself? Has time not shown you that he will do anything for his people? Taking me as his future bride only shows he would go to any lengths
it of his people. I am not of this kingdom, yet even I can see the love and compassion he has for his people, no matter how cold and ruthless he may act. Don’t judge his actions until you have a reason to conclude.”
My voice didn’t falter, remaining strong as I stared each of the Alpha’s in the eye. I could actually see Kian’s arrogant smirk on that annoying face of his. As the men began to converse quietly, a lot calmer now, Kian leaned over, his shoulder brushed mine as I felt my heart skip a beat.
“Impressive.” He murmured, those sexy hazel eyes of his staring into mine.
“Obviously.” I replied airily. “I am M-”
“Morgana Araton, and you are fucking incredible.”