To Claim A Crown Book Two: The Winter Harbinger (Complete)

Chapter Twenty-Six: The Classics

Jackson shoves open the large doors guarding the main entrance to his new home. From the gate he could hear the buzzing from within the home. He smiles as he steps into the warm foyer.

Horatio appears from the lounge. "Welcome home, Sir Jax. May I take your coat? Everyone has reconvened in the lounge. I believe that they're waiting for you."

Jackson shrugs off his coat and hands it to Horatio. "Is something going on?"

Horatio nods. "The Queen has requested a movie day to watch 'the classics' as she put it. Aside from that there was an incident that occurred. Perhaps it may be better to hear that from her grace directly."

Jackson nods and strides into the lounge. Naomi and Raurlin are tucked against each other on the couch, covered in a thick blanket. Sarah is just slightly beside them. She is typing at the screen of her phone with a blanket covering her legs. As soon as Jackson enters the room she looks up with a bright smile.

She takes the blanket beside her and Jackson walks to the open space on the couch and flops down, tugging off his boots.

"We'll have to get a shoe rack at the door," Raurlin states, "I'm sure Horatio is having heart failure with us walking in with muddy, snowy shoes."

Horatio trots into the lounge and perches on a far couch. "Your Grace I can assure you that I am not having heart failure or any other cardiovascular issues. However a shoe rack and perhaps a carpet would be a great help."

Sarah grins at Horatio. "I love the way you speak," she announces as Jackson shimmies onto the couch beside her.

Horatio fights back an eye roll and settles with a look of sheet exasperation. "I have learned not to ask Miss Sarah. Perhaps I will connect the projector?" Horatio glances at Raurlin who nods his agreement.

"I'm surprised you know how to do that," Sarah teases, earning an actual eye roll from Horatio.

"Miss Sarah, please, I walked this earth long before technology was so much as a thought process. I am far better equipped to manage this than either of you."

"Did you build the pyramids?"

Jackson pats Sarah's knee. "Enough now Sarah, you heard the man is having cardiac arrest."

Horatio merely offers a glance at Jackson before he sets to work unboxing the projector. Jackson twists his torso to face Raurlin and Naomi who watch on in amused silence.

"I heard there was an incident."

Naomi sighs as she tugs the blanket up to her chin. "Yes, that man Axel made the sheriff do some digging on us. He approached me today when I was out and threatened to arrest me."

Jackson shifts in his seat uncomfortably. Naomi raises an eyebrow in question that slowly turns to a frown of frustration.

"In light of this information I do believe that I have been perhaps overzealous in my approach. I met him today. His niece too. He strikes me as a good man. And I suspect he is exhibiting early signs of the Illness."

"Gods be good," Horatio mutters as he turns to face Jackson with a pained look on his face.

"I do not think it is a fair assumption to act as if he is acting of his own accord. He needs help. And his niece will too. She's still human. Lovely girl. She reminds me of you Naomi."

There's a string of uncomfortable silence. Naomi is the first to speak.

"Back home there was a place for sick vampires. We should see to it that a facility is set up here. Perhaps the wolves can help. And Sarah maybe you can do a spell when we meet with him to see how far the Illness has progressed. Raur you mentioned sympathizers, we should contact those we know. Set up a network."

"It would be an honour to assist with this Your Grace," Horatio urges, "many of my friends over the years have succumbed to the Illness. That wretched curse!"

Raurlin straightens in his seat. "My Queen, you honor us all with your words. It will be seen to at once. Allow me the day tomorrow to begin gathering Intel. Horatio with your blessing the new facility will be built in memory of the fallen. More specifically Lyjil."

Horatio straightens his frail torso then steps in front of Raurlin and Naomi. He falls to a knee, his head hanging low. Naomi swallows down an unexpected lump forming in her throat. She watches on as Raurlin stands, then Jackson. Raurlin holds a hand out to Horatio and he pulls him to his feet.

He crouches slightly to match Horatio's height and he presses his forehead to Horatio's. Raurlin pulls back, a solemn look on his face. Horatio looks up at Raurlin with misty eyes.

"Please excuse me, Raurlin." Horatio's voice is hoarse. He makes for the door and no one attempts to stop him.

"My heart breaks for him," Sarah mutters, breaking the silence. "I'd love to help in any way that I can. But Jax, what you've revealed warrants a conversation. This guy Axel..."

"Yes. Naomi, Raur, how would you like to play this out?"

Raurlin sits back down beside Naomi, tugging her back beside him.

"I say we let it play out. Eventually he will go back to Lex, the sheriff, and then he will know to come to us. We will have our eyes and ears open and we will know then. For now we focus on the building. We contact the wolves and see how that goes. But for today let's watch our movies. Let's just take it easy. We have to take our breaks before things get hectic."

Naomi swallows again. She becomes aware all at once that all eyes are on her. Jackson and Sarah are watching intently and Raurlin is smiling at her fondly. There's a soft knock on the door and the four turn their attention to Stellan and Delilah as they walk into the room.

Delilah is clad in a new thick tracksuit and thick fluffy socks. She is freshly showered, smelling like lavender shower gel. Her face is free of any make up and her hair is tied completely out of her face.

She steps into the room hesitantly, her eyes darting between each person. She walks forward carefully and stops in front of Raurlin and Naomi. She drops into a low bow.

"My King, my Queen, thank you both for allowing me to stay here. I will honour your home and your authority. Sir Jackson and Sir Sarah, thank you both too."

"You're welcome," Naomi directs with a nod. "Sit, get comfortable. We're about to watch a movie."

Delilah looks to Stellan for direction and he points to the far end of the couch that had stretched out leg room. She walks briskly over and sits down, spine straight. Stellan skies a soft thank you at Naomi and walks to where Delilah is sitting.

Shortly after Horatio returns with a tray of freshly made popcorn and a variety of snacks. He makes his way through the room offering snacks to everyone. Once the snacks have been delivered he sits down between Stellan and Jackson.

"What shall we watch first?" He asks.

"Pretty woman!" Sarah declares loudly.