Spurned Queen

Chapter 32: Two Moms in a Day

Aevran

War.

We were going to war, not for a cause, unless you count survival. I was immeasurably frustrated, but even I knew that the vampires couldn't afford to stay out of it this time. If we did, we would be caught in the crossfire of both sides, and our chances of survival would be far lower than if we fought an orderly war and got it over with as soon as possible.

I walked briskly back to my chambers, my brow creased in thought. The warrior vampires weren't very many, but they would suffice. We were a powerful race.

I made a turn and came face to face with the one person I did not need to see right now.

"Son," she said, her lips already tight with disapproval.

"Mother," I grit.

She walked into one of the side parlors and I followed reluctantly. "I attended the council. What do you think?" she said.

"I'm already assembling warriors— you were there. Of course we have to fight; it's the best option we have. What is this about?"

"Do you intend to fight, Aevran?"

"Yes, Mother. I'm not sending my subjects out there to fight battles that concern the entire race while I sit home and twiddle my thumbs," I said as plainly as possible.

"I see." She took a slip of paper from a pocket and handed it to me. I glanced at it and growled. "Wedding invitations to be sent out by tomorrow," she continued as if she did not hear. "We perform the ceremony, dance at the ball, and you go off to war safely married."

"No, Mother, for the umpteenth time. I'm not getting married. I wonder why you still try. Imogen is not my mate," I grit.

"And who is your mate, dear Aevran? She hasn't shown up, has she? At first I was content to know you were getting to meet the eligible ladies of the Court, but now you are going to war— the kingdom needs stability. You will marry Imogen in five days' time, then you can do as you please. Be grateful I chose for you someone you like personally."

"You see Mother, that's just the thing. You don't get to choose for me. I get to choose for myself— and I also choose when I'll marry. I'm sorry, but you just don't have a say in this. This," — I tore the invitation card in my hands to strips — "You can burn it. There will be no wedding, and that's that."

She glared at me, eyes alight like green fire. "Fine," she relented. I sighed, relieved. "I will make you a compromise. You go off to war, and if you do not find your precious mate, you will marry Imogen."

"I won't marry Imogen or anyone else, unless she is my mate," I spelled out for her, again.

"Oh yes you will. Those cards will be all over the kingdom by the time you get home. I am your mother. Unless you plan on blatantly, publicly disrespecting me as well as your proposed bride, you will do my bidding."

I wanted to strangle her. "I am a vampire and I have a mate, mother. No one can force me to decide otherwise."

"Your kingdom can," she hissed. "Whether you like it or not, you were a ruler before you were a vampire. Before you were conceived. Your parents were king and queen; that was all that mattered. Your heritage, Aevran, demands certain things of you, including marriage and an heir. It is high time you stopped acting like a headstrong teenager and did your duty. If you are fit to rule, rise to the challenge."

That was all she said before she turned and left.

I caught myself just before I punched a hole in the wall. I couldn't lose my cool. I needed a quick break. Maybe I would go out hunting...