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“The king is not to be disturbed,” one of them grunted without looking down at them.
“The princess needs to speak with the king,” Lucy said, an air of command in her voice.
“He is in a m—” The guard’s words were cut off as the door behind their crossed spears opened and Harker poked his head out.
“Is everything okay out here?” he asked, smiling at them each in turn.
“I need to see the king,” Mina said, returning his pleasant smile.
He opened his mouth and glanced behind for a second, and then turned back to the guards. “It’s alright. Let them inside. The king’s meeting is over. He should have a few minutes.”
The guards lifted their spears, and Harker took a step back out of the door, letting her and Lucy pass. The library to her surprise was massive. The wide floor to her right and left was lined with two rows of books, and then there was a small staircase down into a space on the floor where a long table sat with chairs enough for every member of the High Council. She could see there were stairs leading to the upper floors, but she’d explore later.
Vlad…or Erik, as she’d have to learn to call him, looked up from his place at the table where he was speaking with the woman from the council. What was her name again? Sabine?
Erik stood up and smiled at her. “Princess. I thought you’d still be sleeping.”
“I was woken up by a visitor, but not to worry,” Mina said as she strode around the table.
He turned to face her, and she swung her hand as hard as she could, slapping him across the cheek. His head snapped to the side in surprise, and pain radiated through her palm and up her arm.
Erik turned back to her and narrowed his eyes. “May I ask what that was for?”
“For not telling me that Vlad means King,” she said, struggling not to react to the throbbing of her palm. She was positive she’d hurt herself more than she’d hurt him, but the shock on Sabine’s face was worth it.
A deep feminine chuckle echoed from the far side of the room. “I see you’ve picked a feisty one, My King.”
Erik went rigid and swallowed visibly as he straightened up. “Andrea. So good of you to join us.”
Mina turned following his gaze, and she watched a tall woman in a white dress with white-blonde hair step out of the shadows. Her eyes were pale blue, and her lips and skin were nearly as white as her hair.
“I apologize, My King, for not being present at your homecoming, but I was consumed with other duties.”
“Princess,” Erik cleared his throat, stepping around to stand beside her. “Please allow me to introduce Andrea. High Witch of Nilumaria.”
“It’s a pleasure,” Mina said, giving her a stiff bow.
Andrea gave her a once over and turned back to the king without a word. “We have much to discuss, you and I. Should I return later when you are unburdened?”
“I um,” He turned to look at Mina. “I must speak with her alone. Will you be alright with Lucy?”
“I’ll be fine, Erik.” She gave him a fake smile and backed away. “We’re off to explore.”
He nodded and looked to the werewolf hovering at the door beside Lucy. “Harker, send your brother with them please.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Mina made to walk away, but the king caught her hand and brought her knuckles to his lips. “Please forgive me for not telling you, Starlight.”
She narrowed her eyes at him, smiling from ear to ear. “We’ll see.”
