Zane and Brant had given this male far too much slack. First because they felt guilty about Esral and then later because of Katar’s failing health. They didn’t want a war but this level of insolence was fucking unacceptable. It was the male’s treatment of his own sister that angered him the most. “I’m telling you that Princess Esral was well guarded and well protected and that none of which you are talking about is true. I highly respect Esral. She has stuck true to your elven ways and has not put a foot wrong.”
The male was taken aback. He visibly paled. It took several long minutes before he finally spoke. “I apologize for any disrespect shown.” His neck was corded and his eyes narrowed. It was funny because, although the male had shown fear, he didn’t look like he felt one bit of remorse. “With my father ill and Esral…” He let the sentence die. “I do not wish to argue with you. The last thing I want for my people is a war. It is not one we could win.”
Why did it feel like he was leaving the words right now out in that sentence?
“I have it on good authority that my sister was rutted without being claimed. Regardless of whether that is true or not, she is seen as defective. None of the elven males will have her now.”
“The vampires will keep her,” Xavier growled. He wanted to claim her right now but knew that it would be for the wrong reasons. If Esral ever suspected that he had claimed her for any reason other than love it might always hang over them.
“It’s not enough. I’m worried about my father and what word of my sister’s ill reputation would do to him if he were to find out. He will blame himself.” He shook his head. His shoulders slumped and for a second fear flashed in his eyes. Then he set his jaw. “Please try and understand the reasons for my acting the way I have. I want this rectified as a matter of extreme urgency. I don’t want a war between our species.” Only because he knew that he would lose. “The time for patience has come and gone. One of you bloodsu—” Keto seemed to think better of the word that he was about to use. “One of you vampires must mate her and soon.”
In the interest of doing his duty, namely to strengthen the relationship between vampires and elves, Xavier nodded. It had nothing to do with the realization that he would never allow another male to take the princess.
“As much as I care about my people and don’t want a war, Esral is my sister and if no one claims her soon then I will pick a male. She will mate him whether she wants to or not. I hope that we understand each other.” Keto seemed to have already forgotten their earlier conversation. The male looked at him with contempt.
Xavier wanted to tell him where he could shove it. That he had zero jurisdiction over the vampires or even over Esral for that matter. She had been given to the vampires fair and square. “I’m not sure what the hell us vampires ever did to make you hate us, but I would suggest that you find a way to get over it. One of these days, probably sooner rather than later, you are going to take the leadership role. You act too much based on emotion. On what is important to you. The time has come for you to put aside your own desires. You need to keep the interest of your elven species in the forefront of your mind at all times. Get over the beef you have with us.”
The male’s gaze narrowed, his eyes even flashed red. Clearly a sign of anger. Although rage was probably more an apt description. Finally, he nodded once. His teeth clenched so tight that Xavier was sure that he had heard something crack.
Chapter 2
Esral showered and changed and on any other day she would’ve made her way out into the forest. Spent time running and dancing among the trees. Only once her legs ached from exhaustion, would she have gone for a swim in the great lake. Basked in the sun. Unfortunately at the moment, doing any of that would mean having to run into others. Having to face their snide comments while watching how they talked about her amongst themselves.
She felt such enormous sorrow. Overcome with fear for her father. Scared for what the future held. She still had no idea what had happened earlier with Xavier. She didn’t know if she had done something wrong? He ran out of her chamber like his back end was on fire, it had hurt so bad inside to watch him leave in such a way. He had given her a gift, shown her what being together with him could be like. The reality of which was so much better than any of her fantasies. She felt closer to him in that instant than she had ever felt to anyone before.
Xavier had admitted that he had feelings for her, but maybe she had misread the whole thing? Only heard what she wanted to hear. Maybe it was just lust. Though if that was true then surely he would have taken it further? It appalled her to know that if he had not stopped them then she would’ve given him everything. Her thorn, her future, her very honor.