“What is the meaning of this?”
Gaijryc’s deep, puzzled voice resonated throughout the room. She stole a glance around Ryce. Gaijryc either wasn’t aware she was there or didn’t care. He made her no mind, just stared at Ryce as he removed his mask. He tossed it to the floor and the delicate material flittered by her feet. She looked over at the redhead, her murderous gaze trained right on her. Helina’s mouth went dry and she swallowed, stepping more fully behind Ryce, her flight or fight response screaming for her to run. Gaijryc’s eyes were glazed and unfocused, his body swaying ever so slightly.
“This is a mistake, Gaijryc, and you know it. Tell them.”
Gaijryc was quiet for some time and Helina wondered if he would even answer Ryce back. She could see his eyes narrow as he stared at Ryce, his fists clenched so hard they were white as bone.
“I don’t know what you are speaking of.” Gaijryc spoke through clenched teeth, his slurred words a little hard to understand.
Ryce laughed bitterly. “Do you really want me to tell them?”
“What is this all about?”
Helina looked over at the woman who spoke. The queen stood, her royal gown sparkling as the light hit it.
“Gaijryc, what is this Ryce speaks of?”
“Nothing, Mother. Just a drunk speaking out of line.”
Ryce and Gaijryc stood perfectly still, their gazes trained on one another. In the next instance Ryce pulled Helina forward and thrust her toward the front. Helina looked around, her breathing labored as she stared at the podium. Gaijryc looked down at her, his brows knitted in confusion. His eyes suddenly grew wide and he involuntarily took a step back. He looked from her to Ryce. Helina removed the mask slowly and let it fall from her fingers.
“What is the meaning of this, Ryce? What have you done?” Gaijryc’s voice sounded strained and she could see beads of perspiration dotting his forehead.
The queen stepped forward and, even though she wore a mask, Helina could see the barley contained anger starting to surface.
“Ryce?” Gaijryc spoke the words softly.
“I think it best you leave…with her.” Helina heard Gaijryc swallow. He flicked a hand toward her as if dismissing her.
Had Ryce been wrong about Gaijryc and his feelings toward her? She turned and looked at Ryce. His expression was sad. He didn’t speak, just nodded for her to continue. She knew he wanted her to confess her love for Gaijryc, but as she looked around at all the guests—at all the vampires, she wasn’t so sure that was the best plan. Taking a deep breath, she grabbed what strength she had and spoke. “I love you, Gaijryc, so much.”
Loud gasps sounded throughout the room. She didn’t take her eyes from Gaijryc even though terror filled her. She stared into his eyes, pleading with him, urging him to tell her he loved her back. He looked at her with such deep emotion that she was positive he would profess his love to her in front of everyone.
“I…”
She smiled, her heart beating quickly at the thought that he would speak those three words. He looked at Iena before turning and looking back at her. The next words he spoke crushed her very soul.
“I don’t love you.”
The queen started to laugh, her eyes boring into Helina’s. The noise was like nails on a chalkboard. “You are nothing but a lowly human. You could never mate one of us, especially Gaijryc. I should kill you right where you stand.”
Her heart was pounding something fierce and her gaze went back to Gaijryc’s, pleading with him. He stared at his mother and then turned back to Iena. When his eyes finally turned back to Helina, the expression on his face was almost painful. A dark cloud had covered his features, all emotion seeming to be gone.
“You were nothing to me. I only fucked you to pass the time. I could never love a human, never will. Just go and stop embarrassing yourself as well as me.”
Helina gasped and gripped her chest, right over her heart. She stumbled back, never taking her eyes from Gaijryc. Iena curved her thin body around him and smiled in triumph. Helina felt her knees give out, but before she hit the floor strong arms wrapped around her waist. She looked at Gaijryc, his gaze trained to the floor, never once meeting hers. Warm, wet tears slid down her cheeks, but she didn’t care who saw. Ryce led her out of the room. She was aware of Ryce swearing under his breath and could hear comments filter around her. The next one more painful than the one before.
“Such a pitiful little thing…”
“Actually thinking she could mate one of us…”
“She’ll probably be all over Ryce before she even gets to his room…”
Helina closed her eyes and let Ryce lead the way, her whole body numb with shock and pain.