To Seduce a Mortal |18+✔

Book 8⌇42. We Say Goodbye

Chapter 42  ∣  We Say Goodbye

-Maverick

I never would have thought that taking my father's place as King would feel like the weight of the world was placed on my shoulders. At that moment when I ascended to the throne, I knew everything would fall on me from this point forward. Not only I but Eris also.

The room erupted with clapping, gazing out over the coven of not only mine now, but the few neighboring ones that had come to witness the truth. The truth is, the rogue vampire prince has now become the King, and everyone would look upon with skepticism. Not only because I was now King, but a mortal stood by my side reigning as the Vampire Queen.

What a disappointment to many of those who wished my father were still in command. It was my time now and I wasn't going to stand around anymore hiding in the shadows or killing any werewolves on sight. No, we needed to take the fight to them, the ruthless killing we all were partaking in wasn't drawing out Alpha King Chase.

Nothing we were doing was working, so the only thing I could think of was to partake in a retreat with the many coven leaders across the world as this war was not only affecting the U.S. covens. I didn't want to leave, but I didn't want to be like other rulers where I sit behind the walls in safety while the killing is done for me. I would be at the front lines, just like my mother as a princess...she didn't care what title she held, she wanted to change this world.

She accomplished that with the hunters however, that very thought was shattered the second sides had to be chosen among the hunters. Peace crippled and now I don't see any way for peaceful coexistence without being allowed a single meeting with the werewolves' King.

Eris was nervous, standing beside of me when all of the vampires had left, save for my grandparents, my parents, Zak, Arlynn and Killian. It was an ominous silence that fell upon us, no one daring to be the one to speak first.

When the silence had gone on long enough, I said, "The calls have already been made," eluding to the coven leaders agreeing to meet in a secluded area unknown to the wolves. I continued, "Zak and Killian," I turned my attention on them, their eyes meeting with mine as I finished, "I am charging the two of you with keeping Eris safe while the rest of us are away."

They both nodded, not questioning my judgment for a second. When I turned next to Arlynn, her fiery red hair was covering half of her face. She pulled it back and tied it at the base of her neck. I stated, "Arlynn, you will remain here as commander and advisor to Eris as you have been to my father for many years. She has the final say on any matter but guide her with your years of wisdom."

Eris remained silent, but I could see the tension in her jaw when she realized that I would be leaving as well. We had spoken about it a few times, but nothing was ever decided on until now. I'm not putting her at risk and she's safest with a lethal commander, one of the strongest assassins I know and a hunter with undying loyalty to this family like no other.

"We should be on our way," I noted to the ones who would join me, watching them disperse to gather anything they would need before we left.

Zak was the first to speak as he asked, "How long will you be gone for?"

"I'm hoping just a couple of weeks," I replied while Eris' eyes glanced my way and I reassured her, "it'll be alright. You're safe here."

Eris giggled and sighed, "Oh I've heard that one before," she paused and nodded, "then again, no one is ever safe anywhere so if you wish for me to stay here and perform my duties as your Queen, I won't argue."

"Just be careful," Killian shook his head and reminded me, "with all of you leaving...that leaves no pureblood on-site, weakening us if anything does happen. Not only that but having you all in one place at one time isn't exactly the most logical option."