Blood Ward

Chapter 41

A few hours later, we werewalking through Lunda toward the castle. Reif held my hand as we ledour little group through the city. He'd chosen Cyrus and anothervampire named Zane, who I recognized as the very first vampire toacknowledge Reif as his general the day Stefan had died, to accompanyus. We were admitted into the queen's throne room where we'd mether before.

An older looking vampire stood infront of the throne and to my surprise when we approached, he bowedlow. "Greetings, General," he said in a gravelly voice.

"Lucard, you wished to meetwith me," Reif said returning the bow.

"We felt the demise of ourqueen. I assume this was by your hand," Lucard said sadly.

"One of my people," Reifadmitted.

"Ah, the mage," Lucard'seyes fell eerily on Anders. I stepped forward reaching for my sword.Reif touched my arm and held me back. "Relax, SalonulSange. I mean your...mate, no harm. I simply needed to know the connection of Genovia'sslayer to Reif. Do you understand what this means, brother?" Hiseyes flicked to Reif.

"I do not wish the throne,Lucard," Reif said wearily.

"You do not have a choice inthis," Lucard responded.

"Reif is your king?" I askedwith astonishment.

"If a human bonded to a kindredis responsible, it is as if the kindred himself struck the blow,"Lucard explained.

"Well, color me stunned,"Anders said.

"It is unavoidable," Lucardsaid.

Reif looked shaken. "This isnot how I wanted this to end, Lucard."

"It is our way." He would notbudge.

Reif glanced around at me and therest of his adopted family. He was torn between his duty and hisheart. Being separated from me again was not something he wanted tothink about, and he knew I was not going to stay in Lunda. I put ahand over my stomach as we stared at each other. He set his jaw in adecision and turned back to Lucard. "As you wish, but I cannot, forobvious reasons, stay here in Lunda. I will name a regent to rule inmy stead while I am away and return for extended stays as needed."

Lucard did not look pleased buthe could not argue with Reif. "As you wish, your highness."

They had a short discussion aboutReif's plans then we were free to leave. "You just gave up akingdom for me," I said in surprise.

"I don't wish to rule overall of these... people," he said sneering. "I didn't even enjoyruling these 30. You know me, Stasia."

"Mr. Solitary," I teased.

"Indeed." He smirked.

"So, who is going to be yourregent?" I asked.

"Zane," He turned to look atthe vampire in question. "If he wishes it."

"Of course, general. I would behonored," Zane said smiling.

 "I'm glad, my friend. You'vebeen with me from the start. You deserve this reward." Reif smiled.