Blood Ward

Chapter 37

I rode straight to the castle andwas admitted immediately. I'd gotten quite a reputation during thebattle and no one questioned my presence. "I need an audience withthe prince," I demanded, barely off my horse.

It took a few hours before I wasfinally escorted into the prince's audience chamber. Having heard Iwas there, Valkyrie and her entourage were sitting off to the side ofthe room to hear what news I brought. The prince held a sour look onhis face as he addressed me. "Lady Drakor, I'm told you camebursting through the palace gates demanding an audience. What is sourgent?"

"My lord, my companions and Ihave chased the vampire horde back to Lunda. I have people stationedat Cheyr Peak, prepared for a siege. I believe it best for thekingdom that you allow me to lead an army back there and eliminatethis threat once and for all," I said with determination.

"And why should I listen toyou? A woman who likes to play at being a man," he said.

"If I remember correctly, a fewmonths ago, you thought this woman would make an excellent queen,"I snapped.

"We do not have the resourcesto conduct a siege," he said, simply trying to find an excuse.

"Brian, don't be a fool."Valkyrie's voice shocked me.

"Valkyrie! I am prince, notyou," he said, obviously as shocked as I was.

"As such, you would risk theentire country, simply because you're bitter over Anastasia'srefusal to marry you? That is not very princely, brother," shesaid.

Both of us gaped at her. Wherehad Val learned to speak out of turn? That was more my thing. Shelooked a bit flushed, but stood her ground. Finally, Brian lookedback at me and still glaring said, "Fine, you'll have your siege,butone of my men will lead it."

"That is acceptable," I said,bowing. "Thank you for seeing reason." With that, I turned on myheel and without being dismissed, walked out.

Minutes later, Valkyrie caught upwith me. "Ana, how are you?" she asked excitedly.

"Me? What about you? You justacted like you've been taking notes on propriety from me," Isaid, slowing my pace and smiling.

"You're just so strong,"she said in awe. "I decided to give it a try. How did I do?"

"You'll find out later whenyou get a talking to from Brian." I smirked.

"Oh my," she said, as if thefacts of what she'd done had just settled on her.

"You'll be okay," I assuredher.

"Will you stay with us thistime?" she asked hopefully. "Brian says it will take a week ortwo to prepare to march."

I thought about two weeks livinglike a queen versus two weeks camped in the woods and my back agreedthe castle sounded like a solid plan. "Of course we'll stayhere."

"Wonderful," she squeaked."Ana..."

"Yes?" I asked as she lookedready to burst.

"May I have one of myseamstresses get your measurements and make you some proper clothes?"she asked quickly as if I would shoot her down before she finished.

Lord knows, I wanted to, butinstead I sighed and said, "If it will please you."

"Yay!" she exclaimed,clapping her hands.

"Don't get too excited," Isaid smiling. "I'm going to visit my own clothing maker thisafternoon." I was already beginning to feel my clothes starting topinch a little.

"Did they make those for you?"she asked, scrunching her nose.

"Yes," I said. "What? Youdon't like it?"