Claimed (Bloodline, #2)

Chapter 28

28 : Claimed Victory

Heirship is a serious commitment to royal families since the continuity of their blood means dominance over the throne. Lack of one would bring the kingdom down and would give the nobles opportunities to take control of everything. But producing one too many poses the same severity of problems.

Hanaia got her point across, and I understood that my very existence was a threat to the longstanding ceasefire among the vampiric kingdoms. However, they too, had crossed several lines.

My memories as a human had become all fuzzy, but I did remember that I wasn't the patient type. I had a quick temper and would fight or talk back to anyone who would harass me. Perhaps the only ones I dared not cross were Roesia and Baldric who were posing as my grandparents that time. I had a lot to complain because of their overprotectiveness, but their intimidating aura would always hold me back.

Even as Vyrka, I was not the type to hold back my tongue. Whenever the nobles try to torment Zaria, I would always tell them off with snide remarks. However, it felt different this time.

I should have hurled back at Hanaia after the audacious things she had said, yet I felt strangely calm. Perhaps because I knew I had the upper hand in the matter.

"Chaos, you say?" A smile appeared on my face, which confused the two. "I suppose you're right. War may be inevitable if I choose to retaliate right now."

Despite their impassive expressions, my words made their eyebrows twitch. They must have not expected that threat from me.

"But we have more pressing matters to discuss, don't we? For instance, the kingdom of Vrivarya demands reparations after both Remis and Slovar failed to abide by the ancient laws."

"You jest," remarked Hanaia.

"We have enough evidence to convict you of your crimes. Your synders are quite easy to tame," I retorted.

There was a chilling cast of enmity to her face, and it prompted Sigrid and Kei to step forward. Consequently, my attendant's sudden movement led Hanaia and Rojan's attendants to defend their lieges. With everyone's weapons drawn, the tension just skyrocketed to its highest, and I could see from Zaria's face that this was the worst scenario she had expected.

"You're quite audacious for someone who was only acknowledged as an heir almost a year ago," she returned.

The ethereal aura she had a while ago turned into something sinister and greatly intimidating that for a second, it felt like I was in the presence of Mother. I admit I was bold because my abilities seemed unrivaled. Wielding my pride had always worked out in my favor, but this time, it didn't.

Hanaia exuded a different kind of presence that could only be attained if one had been preparing herself to the throne for a long time. She had the dominating demeanor of a ruler.

On the other hand, I saw Rojan suppressing a grin on his face. He seemed amused at how things turned out, and honestly, that bothered me more. The heir of Slovar was quiet this whole time as if he was just a spectator. He must have known that Hanaia and I would clash the moment we see each other, and if things had escalated, the kingdom of Slovar would have greatly benefited from our hostilities.

What a cunning bastard.

"Vyrka may have worded it a bit brazen, but it still stands that the two vampiric kingdoms violated the ancient laws and broke the oaths of our forefathers, Princess Hanaia."

Napatingin ako kay Zaria na ngayon ay nakatayo na sa gilid ko. Despite their attendants ready to act if needed, she still had the guts to take over the conversation.