George walked back to his rooms after a meeting with his staff for the day. Nothing so far beyond the accident and other investigations appeared suspicious in any way. He couldn’t study the vehicle today since Ana needed to go to a social event. The Druid ambassador announced they’d host a gathering to celebrate the first successful sitting of the Ruling Council. George tried before his meeting to persuade Ana to let him stay behind and look over the remains of the vehicle. She insisted she must go, and she would not go with Maximus, as she feared he would say or do something that might expose the discontent with the Vampiric delegation. Now here he was dressing to take her to this event, and he knew it would become a lesson in humiliation for him. George’s rank within the Royal Guard would most likely place him as the lowest ranking official there. With no title or power of his own. Add to that, he was a guard an
They arrived at the event, though they had to use a different vehicle from the small pool of vehicles they had. George assisted Adriana from the vehicle. He could feel her nervousness from riding in a vehicle so soon after the accident and George prayed, she could keep herself together for the few hours they’d be here. “You’re sure you want to attend this event? I’m sure they’d understand your situation.” Adriana straightened her sapphire blue gown and fox fur stole after she stepped from the vehicle. Her hand finally gently touched her hair to ensure it was still neatly in place. Adriana sighed, tired of all the arguing over this specific subject. This was only one of many social gatherings she’d be forced to attend. “George, I’m sick of arguing. I’ve been arguing with Maximus and yourself for hours now. I’m fine, and this is important.” “I feel like I’m a terrible choice for this evening’s events.” George tried
Ana watched George from the corner of her eye. So far, he’d stayed back and observed. She didn’t need anyone to fight her battles, and it didn’t matter if those battles were political or physical. This was absolutely not acceptable. The female representatives weren’t so bad, but the males. The males appeared threatened by females. Ana wasn’t the only female having issue or taking issue about this issue. “Sir, while I appreciate your condolences and offers of assistance. I would like to clarify that I have never presented myself as a damsel in distress at any point. That is a narrative created by others to try to limit my abilities because they perceive me as a threat. I, on the other hand, couldn’t care less about their narratives and I will continue on as I have been. The emperor chose to send me here because I am the daughter who can say no to him. Think about that for a moment. I’ve told the Blood Demon no and I’m still standing here.”
Franco finally found himself alone. This was something that rarely happened. He’d lost his rights to privacy when he’d foolishly followed his mistaken belief. Franco believed at one time only he knew how to rule the Vampiric Empire and carved a bloody trail through every single province that existed. He’d betrayed friends and family to achieve this and ended up with a life partner he despised and would never trust. Franco didn’t know what to do with himself. This time occurred so rarely, he didn’t know what to do. He felt he needed to do something. Then he saw the new post on his desk. Edger already opened and read it. Now Franco only had to read it and the response Edger composed. If all went well, Franco would sign and seal it. This filled several hours in most days. His life was a revolving schedule that randomly switched up to avoid becoming a target for an enemy. Franco stopped beside his desk and saw Adriana’s signature on th
Dionysius ran like mad down the corridor. She’d fallen asleep while reading again and she didn’t have time to dress because of it. Who knew where Tatiana was again? She was supposed to wake her up on time and she didn’t. Now she tried to make up the missing time by speeding up the travel by running through the servant’s corridors. She happily smiled when she enter the private dining room and promptly lost her smile when she notice two male vampires seated at the table and her parents weren’t there. Tatiana was there already and flirting outrageously with one of them. The other male looked unimpressed and bored. Another pair of prospective suitors and Tatiana got first pick again. At least when Adriana was there, Dionysius had a chance to choose as well. Now she received Tatiana’s discards, and she feel like a dog whose only means to survive was to beg for table scraps. “Dionysius, how kind of you to join us? These are the Edelweiss brothers. Jacob and
It didn’t take George long at all to get all the information he needed. He suspected that these situations and events weren’t connected to their problems. Adriana’s issues were with someone who didn’t like her personally and wanted her out of the way. George’s issue was why there were multiple reasons various people would like to see her gone. From her position as ambassador, to where she stood on the list with a claim to the emperor’s throne. Adriana didn’t understand the danger she was in, and right now George was ready to burn it all to the ground to make sure she was safe. He knew it wasn’t a sane thought or a smart move to try. When George returned, he discovered the Dragon shifter ambassador arguing with his mate before Adriana. It looked pretty heated. If he didn’t know any better it could become dangerous, but they knew Dragons would covet mates more than treasure itself. They were the ultimate treasure in
Lolita hid her annoyance with her family and tried to keep the dinner conversation civil going for a while. Her ungrateful daughters and life partner made her look like a fool. All because she’d wanted a son and was promised one. It was difficult enough to hear the ancients lamenting about how she’d failed to produce a male heir and the empire would fall without a strong male figure on the throne. Her mother was at the head of that lynch mob and the topic was her favourite one to start a fight with, or to dig a little further at Lolita’s self-confidence and pride. Tatiana all but fled the room at the end of that conversation, but Lolita would speak to her about her rudeness once dinner was over. They set dessert before them, and they ate it. Lolita had watched Franco barely touch his meal, and it was the same with his dessert. That wasn’t unusual. Whenever they fought, he’d lose his appetite. He’d feed on blood al
The evening’s social event was anything but relaxing for Ana, and she wanted to go home before it barely started. She despised how people treated her like a flake and a child. Her age and gender shouldn’t be underestimated. She was smart and strong, wasn’t she? Or was that all foolishness that others lied to her about? She’d done things her sisters never would, and she was trying to progress through all the obstacles others kept putting in her way. How much more did she need to deal with? “Penny for your thoughts?” George asked when she’d stopped responding to him or anyone else. He didn’t think it was good that she was this distracted. “Just wondering how much scandal I would stir up if I punched a vase or wall in sheer frustration.” Ana knew he’s find her thoughts funny but take her frustration seriously. If anyone could get Ana out of her mood, it was George. He just had a way about him that made it possible fo