Awakened by the Vampire Prince 2(5)

There was more? May the gods of all that was green keep her sane because she didn’t think she could handle much more.

“Your father has asked to see the family. He has something he would like to announce. Do you think maybe that you should change your robe?” She wrinkled her nose while looking down at the perfectly fresh, bright garment that Esral was wearing.

The robe she had only just put on. “I’m good, thanks.”

“Suit yourself. Let’s go.”

“Right now?” Although she tried to speak in a normal tone and to remain calm, there was a slight quiver to her voice and Cheri definitely noticed it.

The female both smiled and narrowed her eyes at the same time. “Yes, princess. He is waiting. You don’t want to keep your father waiting do you?” She made the title sound like a swearword.

Esral shook her head, what could she say? They left her chamber. She was momentarily taken aback when she saw that York had replaced Gideon. He threw her a smile and gave a nod in greeting. Esral nodded back, noticing how he fell in behind them. The royal chambers were built into a cluster of great white oaks so they didn’t have too far to travel.

Her mind was reeling from what she had just been told, her hands were shaking. She knew surely that Cheri had to be lying about Xavier, yet Esral still couldn’t help but to feel a knot of worry in her gut. Xavier had been with many females over the last few months. He had said himself that he was a male that had needs. Had he sought the female out before or after she had asked him to honor her? Would the answer to that question make any difference as to how she would feel about it? She hoped and prayed that Cheri was once again being her conniving, lying self. Esral would seek him out, as soon as the family meeting was over, and gain her answers. There had to be a reasonable explanation and in order to make it through the next few minutes, she would hold on to that thought.

This helped to calm her, somewhat. This meeting could not have come at a worse time. Her mind was a jumbled mess.

Esral knocked on her father’s door while forcing a smile. Her greeting died on her lips when she saw Xavier standing next to Keto. What was going on?

Her heart was ripped from her chest when she saw recognition flare in Xavier’s eyes as Cheri walked in behind her. So Cheri had not lied after all. What a big surprise that the first time the female actually spoke anything of the truth was now. As if in confirmation, Cheri narrowed her eyes at Xavier and pulled her robe closer around herself. The female pursed her lips in disgust. She lifted her chin, turning her eyes from Xavier.

Esral took a shuddering breath, pulling her shoulders upright while working hard to keep her lip from quivering and her eyes from welling with tears. There was no way she could feign a smile but the best she could do was try to look indifferent.

Xavier’s forehead creased with…concern. His eyes narrowed in question and he gave a small shake of his head.

She must look a mess because even her dear father’s expression turned to one of concern as she approached him. “Are you feeling all right? We can postpone this meeting if you are unwell.”

Keto immediately stepped forward with a jerk of his head. “No,” he growled. “This is not something that can wait. Five minutes is all that I ask. If you are capable of attending this meeting, father, then I’m sure that Esral is too.” He looked pointedly at her.

She nodded, moving to her father’s side. The only way she would survive this, regardless of what this gathering was about, was if she kept her focus on him rather than on the other three present in the room. If she so much as looked at Xavier or Cheri again, she would lose it.

“Since both you and father are unwell, I’m not going to waste anyone’s time and I’m going to get straight to the point.” He clenched his jaw for a few beats. “Tell us the name of the male that you plan to take as your mate? I’m not sure why you insist on keeping this a secret.”

She heard Xavier shuffle his weight from one boot to the other and back again.

“I am beginning to think, sister, that you are withholding this information on purpose.”

“It’s not true.” Esral whispered, wishing she was anywhere but here. She couldn’t deal with this right now.

“Well, then why not just say who he is?” Her brother didn’t wait for her response. “Our dear father has heard some upsetting information.”

Esral couldn’t help the gasp that escaped her lips. She looked down at her father, his gaze was firmly on his lap. His lips were set, his eyes more watery than normal. Esral noticed that his hands were shaking even though he had them clasped tightly together.