Blood Revenge

Chapter 23

The following week provedstressful on Stefan. Beri tried her best to be the mother she thoughtStefan wanted her to be, but it was hopeless. Like I'd said, itwasn't in her. She would do what she had to, but Stefan would getHenry back within minutes. Luckily for Henry, Stefan was a naturaland he had all of us to help him out.

I was giving Stefan a chance fora nap when Steph came to inform me that I should make my way down tothe gates. I handed Henry over to her and went, curious about what Ishould be so interested in.

"Oh my goodness! Val?! What areyou doing here?" I gasped, pulling her into a hug. She had her babyswaddled close to her chest.

"I didn't know where else togo," she said, starting to cry.

I led her up toward the castleand asked, "What happened?"

"Weston took off two weeks ago.He said he couldn't watch me with Keifer any longer. I tried to lethim go, but I just couldn't. I left Keifer in the middle of thenight, then I realized I didn't have a plan." She sighed rockingChristian.

I smiled. "How fortunate thatyou came here," I said cryptically. Reif,bring West to the dining hall will you?

You're giddy, Stasia. Whatis happening?

You'll see.

"What do you mean?" Valasked.

"I just so happen to haveexactly what you need." I smirked.

"I'm tired, Ana. What are yougetting at?" she sighed.

We're coming in now, Reifwarned.

"Look." I pointed behind heras West walked through the door with Reif.

She turned and when she saw West,her jaw dropped open. "Weston!" she cried. "You came here?"

He looked as shocked as she did."What're ye doin' 'ere, Valkyrie?"

"I... I... left Keifer. Ididn't know you were here. I came because I had nowhere else togo," she stammered.

"Why would ye leave the prince?I thou' ye was supposed ter bear 'im an heir an' take over thekingdom." He crossed his arms.

"I don't care about thekingdom, not if it means losing you, not if it means Christian won'tknow his father," she said, tears flowing freely.

He stared her down, but I couldalready see the acceptance in his eyes. Finally, his smile broke outand he opened his arms. "Tha's all I needed ter hear."

She ran to him and he took hergently in his arms. She didn't get the bear hug I'd gotten. "Ilove you," she whispered as he held her.

Come Reif, I think they needsome privacy.

This is going to end badly, hewarned as we left them alone to catch up.

Do you think Keifer will starta war? I wondered.

It depends on how wounded hispride is.

"So I hear the lovely princessValkyrie has joined us," Anders said joining us. Dante clung to himas usual.

I ruffled his hair and said, "Shefled Banaila after West left. She's left Keifer."

"He's going to be miffed,"Anders said.

"That's what I said," Reifsighed. "I think we ought to make certain preparations."

"Keifer will march his wholearmy here to try and take Val back. I know his kind," I snarled.

"He reminds me a bit ofCompton." Stefan materialized as if out of nowhere.

My fists clenched, rememberingwhat Compton had done to Stefan. "My thoughts exactly."