Catching A Queen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Sixteen
Vladimir Of Verish

I hadn't slept since I heard the news last night. Not telling Violet wasn't an option, but that would require her to know the full contents of the letter. Lucinda stirred beside me, opening her eyes while she frowned. "What is it, Lucy? Are you alright?"

"The more appropriate question is 'are you'? I can feel your frustration in my sleep, Vladimir. What is it that you aren't sharing?"

"We need to let Violet read the letter."

She sat up, suddenly becoming wide awake. "Now?"

"Sometime today, yes."

She sighed and leaned against my chest, intertwining our fingers together. "Do you think she's ready for that?"

"I'm sure the curse is still in place, she'll be able to feel it."

She looked up at me, a puzzled and concerned look gracing her face. "Feel what? Has something happened?"

I sat up and pulled her into my lap, sighing. "She's dead, Lucy. They killed Helena."

She gasped and burst into tears, clutching my shoulders. Her tears wet my skin and I felt my heart break for her and my sister. "She deserves to know," she hiccuped, "but it's going to be so difficult. I hurt for her, Vladimir, I feel as if she is my sister and I don't want her to be in any more pain than she already has been in!"

"We can't keep this from her," I insisted. "She'll bee able to feel it until the curse has worn off."

"I know we do, but I just...Goddess, she's going to be so torn." She sniffled and I pulled her closer to me and kissed her hair. The fact that she has gotten so close with Violet makes my heart soar, but I know that, as her brother and King, it will be me who has to tell her.

"You take my sister to Nadia with you to pick out a dress for her and take measurements for yours. That should take your mind off of it and put my sister at ease before we talk to her." She nodded and pulled away. I wiped away her tears with my thumbs, kissing her tinted cheeks. "You bring out something in Violet that I haven't seen since we were children, Lucinda. She cares for you and she knows you care for her."

"But will she be angry with us for keeping the letter from her in the first place?"

I paused, contemplating the possibility. "I don't know." She leaned her head against my shoulder and kissed my skin, sending pleasure throughout my body. She nuzzled closer to me and we stayed like that for quite a while until I knew I absolutely had to leave. I got up and showered, dressing in a suit and tie, and came out to find Lucinda still in bed. I leaned over her and pressed a firm kiss to her lips. She slid her arms up my shoulders to the back of my neck where she gripped slightly at my hair, making me groan. "Try not to think on it for now," I whispered. "I will tell her, but I would like you to be there."

"Of course I will be; she's my sister too." I smiled and picked her lips, cheeks, and chin before saying a small 'goodbye' and heading to the office. I just hoped that Lucinda could keep everything together today.

Lucinda Of Celestials

I walked into the training room, Violet sparring with a man on the mat. Once she had pinned him, I clapped and stepped up to the ring area. "You aren't properly dressed for sparring," she teased.

"You are absolutely right. I'm kidnapping you for a day to do girly things," I smiled.

"Is that so?"

I nodded and crossed my arms, showing her that I wouldn't budge. "It's about the ball."

"Ah, So there will be one after all."