A Clash of Storms (A Shade of Vampire #50)(85)

Tamara needed a couple of minutes for her anger to subside, but she ultimately agreed with Draven. There were enough Druids now to help the Lamias reproduce, not just the forty on Calliope, but also the couple hundred who’d survived in the other kingdoms. We’d been surprised to see that many had survived, and subsequently thrilled as it made replenishing the entire species a lot easier.

“I’ve already removed the stigma from the Lamias,” Draven added. “Relations between Druids and Lamias are no longer forbidden, nor will they be frowned upon. However, I do expect the Lamias to stay civil and not go after innocent children.”

“I am speechless, Druid.” Tamara graciously nodded. “After all these years, you’ve finally done what your forefathers were too afraid to do… Thank you, on behalf of all Lamias.”

“It is the least I can do in return for not keeping my word regarding our alliance against Azazel,” Draven replied.

“Also, let’s get something straight,” Tamara frowned. “The Lamias have not gone after incubus and succubus flesh in thousands of years. So, please, do not feed into that old hysteria about Lamias eating children. I would never do such a thing, and neither would any of my sisters…”

The door opened, and Flynn, one of the young Druids, walked in. He wore elegant black velvet trousers tucked into navy-blue Wellington boots, topped with a white cotton, sleeveless shirt and a short black velvet cape on one shoulder. His arms were still reddish from his new tattoos, as all the young Druids had been tested and initiated into their appropriate skill levels. Flynn had earned himself direct entry into the Fiftieth Circle, judging by the number of black bands tattooed on his arms.

He stopped before us and bowed respectfully, his gaze darting to Eva. The young Lamia immediately reacted, sitting up straight, beautiful, and dignified like the princess she was. I was amused and relieved to see she’d already forgotten about Draven.

“Pardon the interruption, Master Druid,” Flynn said.

“It’s fine, Flynn. Is everything okay?” Draven asked with a frown.

“Yes, sire. You asked me to inform you when it would be ready.”

I noticed Draven’s expression change, his forehead smoothing and his eyes briefly flickering black before he nodded.

“Thank you, Flynn,” he replied dryly. “And congratulations on your Fiftieth Circle.”

“Thank you, sire.”

Flynn walked away, unable to resist glancing at Eva on his way out. The corner of her mouth twitched as the doors closed behind him. Our obnoxious but not all that bad little Lamia had a crush.

“Tamara, will you please excuse us? Serena and I have some business to attend to.”

Draven didn’t even wait for Tamara to respond. He just took my hand and walked us out of the throne room.

“Make yourselves comfortable, if you wish,” Draven said over his shoulder before the doors closed behind him. “Lunch will be served soon. There’s lots of raw meat!”

I stifled a grin as I followed him up the white marble main stairs, bathed in ribbons of sunlight pouring in from the tall lateral windows.

“Where are we going?” I asked, keeping up with his rushed pace.

I could feel his excitement and a hint of nervousness.

“You’ll see,” he replied, not leaving room for other questions.

That made me even more curious, but I decided to let him lead on this.

“Well done in there, with Tamara and Eva.” I changed the subject as we reached the mechanical elevator at the top of the stairs.

He pulled the large iron doors open for me to get in, then joined me, shutting them tight and pulling the lever on his right. We were going upstairs.

“I thought they’d be a lot more difficult to handle!” I added with a sigh.

“Me too,” he replied. “I could’ve sworn Eva had developed an obsession with me. The way she leered at me was not easy to ignore. But, in the end, I did make a point. There are plenty of Druids for them to be with. Besides, if she were to persist, I would’ve just referred her to the Daughters for a final judgment.”

Draven had begun appointing new Master Druids to the other planets. Thadeus and Ori had been given Persea and Purgaris, respectively, with seventeen more kingdoms left to assign when the remaining Druids were tested and approved by the Daughters.

It had become the general rule that all disputes were to be handled through a judiciary system, independent of the Master Druid, and, if they couldn’t reach a resolution, the case would then be referred to the Nine Daughters of Eritopia for a final judgment. They would listen to each argument carefully, then vote on a verdict. It was fair and impossible to overturn.

Slowly but surely, order was being restored in Eritopia. In a month or so, the treason trials would begin for all the incubi who had fought against the free nations. Sverik was going to be the first to be judged by a jury of his peers.

The elevator brought us to the top level, where we took the last flight of stairs leading up to the terrace. It looked absolutely stunning in white marble, with ample archways dressed in red and yellow roses, and pale yellow organza veils fluttering in the warm summer wind. Elegant benches and tables had been set in the middle, as the platform now served as a relaxation space for the Druids and the upper-echelon officials of Luceria.

A pale flying horse waited on the edge, its white mane thick and curly.