Chapter 53
My memory refreshed our last conversation about Lady Elara. Damien had said she was terrifying, but he trusted her to tutor me well. By terrifying, what did he mean exactly? 1 was about to find out.
1 let Christie eat with me, certain that Agatha would deprive her of food after what happened. The moment we finished and she cleared the plates onto the trolley, the door swung open, startling us both.
I stood in the presence of the king.
“Meet my mate, Freda.” Damien’s hand gestured toward me as he made the introduction. The aura in my chamber changed the moment Lady Elara walked in. Her black cloak didn’t case the eerie feeling.
“Ah, Freda.” Her voice was low and cautious. “I see you’re prepared.”
Christie, sensing the tension, curtsied quietly. “I’ll leave you to your discussion, my lady.” She rolled out the trolley.
Damien moved close to me. My eyes met his, and I shook my head slightly. I wanted to tell him privately this was a mistake. Elara’s presence instilled fear in me. There was no way we could work together.
“You’re in safe hands.” He seemed to sense my fear. “I’ll give you both some time.”
Without another word, he walked out, leaving me with the witch.
“His queen–to–be, Freda.” Elara stepped closer. “Tell me, what do you know about us vampires?”
Her statement made it clear Damien had told her I was half–human, half–werewolf. He truly did trust her.
“Isn’t that why you’re here? To tutor me, like Damien asked?”
Her lips curled into a knowing smile. “Impressive, Queen.” She nodded, keeping the same expression.
In a blink, she was beside me. She held my shoulders and pushed them back. “Stand up straight, Freda. A queen does not slouch.”
I straightened my posture.
“We’re covering royal etiquette.” She paced around the room. “Vampire customs…” She stopped in front of me. “When you meet the nobles, you curtsy deeply, but not too low. You’re a queen, not a servant.”
I practiced the curtsy and earned a shrug from Elara.
“The vampire Lords and Ladies are addressed with their titles: Your Excellency, My Lord, My Lady. You must be used to ‘Sir‘ or ‘Ma’am‘ as humans use.”
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Chapter 53
I’m an Alpha’s daughter too. You seem to forget, Elara.”
She lowered the hood of her cloak, revealing her face better. She was not as young as she sounded. I realized I must have spoken rather
rudely.
She circled me like she was placing a spell to restrict me. “Every word you utter and every move you make must be well thought out. Remember, you represent the crown. You will not embarrass Damien or the kingdom.”
“Yes, Lady Elara.” I succumbed to her intimidating energy.
“Your actions must complement the king’s. He is a man of authority and dominion. Other vampires should trust your decisions if the king is unavailable.” She stared at me intently.
Other vampires?
“Here’s a book on coronation rites and vows. Study it. All protocols for the coming coronation are there.” She threw a thick book onto the
bed.
“Coronation?” Damien had mentioned it, but I never realized he was serious. “And when is that?”
“Sooner than you think, Freda.”
Lady Elara continued to tutor me while my mind drifted. Licita’s death crossed my thoughts, and my chest tightened. I was going to become queen of a kingdom that killed my people. A queen of a kingdom where life was barely valued, even by the king himself. A queen of a kingdom where my father was held prisoner.
Was this the life I’d always wanted? Wasn’t this worse than the life I’d struggled through with my stepmother and sister?
Was this the sacrifice one had to make for a mate?
I was beyond puzzled. Things were not right. I knew it within myself.
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Shawndra Robinson
So he would make Uncle Kieran his right hand man, but he doesn’t want to tell him about Freda? Hmmm
7 days ago
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MATED TO THE VAMPIRE KING SON
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
