Page 108 of Of Shadows and Blood

“They don’t do a lot, I’m afraid. It’s a manifestation of my power. Only the strongest vampyr can wield the ‘Other’ magic.”

“Other?”

“Regular vampyr can learn to blitz. Generally upper-class vampyr can manifest this with tutors. It’s not hard to wield, just hard to control. The stronger a vampyr’s bloodline is, the better they perform. So, long distances. But the Other powers are things that are not naturally given by Erees. They’re a blessing, if you will.”

I nod, closing my eyes as he rinses my shoulders with a small rag.

“My shadows appeared when I ascended the throne. It was shortly after your accident and likely spurred by the anguish of it.” He swallows. “That, alone, is the strongest sign confirming my place as king. They can provide some sort of camouflage and do small tasks but I haven’t had a chance to really test them in combat.”

We drift into a comfortable silence, the water sloshing as we clean one another. Cedric works up a steady lather in my hair and I have to withhold any noises because this feels amazing. This intimacy is the kind that matters. Cedric may be a brute in so many areas, but his gentleness and intention with me goes beyond simple care.

Thoughts of him, of us, form another pit in my stomach.

“What are we going to do about Duresden?” I ask quietly, scenarios playing through my head.

Cedric leans back further into the tub, his fingers tapping on my thigh. “Duresden is refusing any missives. A messenger in our post went missing. Refugees are arriving daily, which is incredible considering how tightly their soldiers are controlling the borders. Sawyer holds Krue. Duresden has not breached our lands, but our military is ready to be on the defense.”

“No offense?”

“Why would we? We’re not the kingdom trying to expand or cause more distress on Duresden’s citizens. The High Council has been called next week and Rolan is commanded by law to show.”

Fear laces me. “Is he going to be killed?”

“That’s to say he shows, Liv,” he says as a matter of fact. I can’t help but to agree with him.

“So, we wait.”

“Yes, we have spies in Juris as well as military scouts operating close by. Once we get more information, we can act accordingly.”

“And the other kingdoms? Has Duresden armed against them?”

He shakes his head. “As you know, Baron indicated they had a slight encounter with their navy, but maybe it was them just stretching their feelers out. Kilare, Hollisland and Gruyere all sent missives they are well and ready to meet, though Kilare has recently been a firm ally of Duresden. But the High Council is the agreement. Allied powers.”

I crane my neck to look up at him. “We will protect Lux.”

Cedric kisses my cheek. “Yes, we will. Once the High Council comes to a decision, de-escalation conversations will happen and we can find a mutual ground of agreement.”

His shadows snake up my neck and I lean into him, feeling his desire harden once more.

“Again?”

Chapter 28

Looking ahead, looking back, what difference will it make if everyone is gone when I wake?

Avonde is pleased with my physical health due to regular feedings and the small amount of training I’ve managed between the cess and Garreth.

Isadora, Jett and I are walking past the Chalice Room on our way back from the castle’s library, where we searched for tomes on heat and magic. Things have been tense in the halls since the High Council could not decide on a date to meet. Week by week, Duresden refugees continue showing up across Lux, and Cedric has been called away at random times to order nobles into opening their homes. Many have country estates that go unused during court time. It feels like a game of waiting, the training with Garreth, practicing with the cess. My magic still simmers and I was able to drag a leaf across a table the other day but I still feel that link that is missing.

Cedric steps out from a courtyard, shaking hands with a stout nobleman. His wife curtsies swiftly before they depart.

“Your Majesty,” my ladies both drop into a curtsy. I follow suit with them, evoking a deep laugh from Cedric.

“Ladies, do you mind if I steal Lady Liv for the rest of the day?” Isadora and Jett look at each other, a cheeky expression on both of their faces.

“Why, that would be most agreeable.” Isadora looks over at me, unlinking her arm from mine. “Liv was just talking about wanting to leave the grounds,” she hints.

He simply winks and takes my arm in his, walking us back down the hall to the front of the castle. The carpet of the stairs muffles our steps and the twinkling magical sky of the entryway is a sight for sore eyes.