Chapter 42 Commander Lucian
“Vance told me but they were not this close…” Valerio fisted, irked by the information. “The hunters are close and are waiting to draw an attack anytime soon.
“You are now married to Raven, right?” Lucian began as Valerio stared at him awaiting his full statement. “This is her time make herself useful rather than looking to smite Evyths over you…” Lucizn added as Valerio nodded. Sometimes he hatedhoe blunt his half-brother could be but it was nothing but the truth.
“Vance? Fetch Raven, now!” Valerio instantly ordered.
“Yes, your majesty!” Vance bowed and vanished to find Raven.”
“I think you should consider being our war commander in the meantime…” Valerio let out as they strutted out of the study.
“I don't want to answer to you because you act like a groin sometimes,” Lucian snapped as they chuckled shortly.
“You are not far from that yourself.” Valerio teased too. “Besides, the war is impending and I gave my loyalty to question. Raven has bought and threatened my officials, I could do without her stench at the moment...”
“Are you asking for my help?” Lucian raised a brow.
“If it weren't important, I wouldn't ask. I cannot carry out every task myself. It is better to win the war with my brother than fight with a bunch of traitors who would flicker in fear once it was about sorcery,” Valerio explained seriously, his expression unshaken.
“Kaya would approve of your choice,” Lucian said as they halted their steps.
Again, the war reminded Valerio of his beloved sister, Kaya. A psmg seethed through his heart and features.
“She definitely would, Lucian. Please, be my commander until the war is over, that is, if you still prefer to be an executioner,” Valerio asked politely as Lucian placed a hand over Valerio’s shoulder assuringly.
“With pleasure!” Lucian chimed in with a faint smile as Valerio nodded thankfully.
Instantly, Vance escorted Raven towards the king and his brother.
She knew that their union was unbreakable even if she tried to sway Lucian.
He was just like Lucisn, unbendable and fierce.
It gave Raven no hope, there was no way she could have her way.
“Your majesty!” she bent while Vance bowed and stood aside. “Sir Lucian,” she bent again, keeping a friendly smile on her lips.
“Let us walk, shall we?” Valerio asked as they began to walk gently through the long hallway that smelled like fresh daisies and grass.
“The war has drawn closer than we have imagined. Are you aware?” Valerio began, asking Raven.
“No one tells me anything, your majesty!” Her gaze was straight and firm, she was still angry and awaiting Valerio’s apology for what he had done to her earlier.
“Well, you know now. I will not beat around,” Valerio stopped as they all did. “Our marriage was for a purpose and that purpose should serve now,” He said. His harsh tone hurt her, he couldn't even pretend to sour it, she told herself.
“Cer- certainly!” she snapped, bracing up.
“My brother has sighted the hunters’ tents miles away from Ravencroft. You will fortify the grounds and walls and make it impenetrable until we have concluded our plan before dawn. Can you do that?” Valerio asked sternly.
She caught the hint of disgust in his eyes, he still didn't care if she did or not, he was merely asking out of his duty to the throne.
Raven swallowed hard, “I don't know if I can—”
“The king wasn't asking if you could, Lady Raven, he is commanding you to do so immediately after you are dismissed from here!” Lucian instantly cut in.
Raven shot him an angry look and quickly stared back at Valerio.
“I will fortify the grounds and walls, your majesty!” Raven said to the king.
“Good! You will answer to him as well. He is one of the commanders in charge of our armies and war strategies,” Vslerio informed her mouth partly lightly in shock.
“Sir Lucian is? I thought that Commander Nord is already—”
“Commander Nord I'd your commander now, not mine nor the crown’s. Lucian is my new commander and you will work with him and answer to him without objections. Understood?” Valerio charged authoritatively, he left no room for arguments or disobedience.
“Yes, your majesty!” Raven bent as Lucian shot Valerio a knowing gaze.
“Go ahead, I’ll finish the rest and fill you in!” Lucian said to Valerio as Valerio nodded. Lucian darted his gaze to Raven who couldn't believe what was going on and the sudden turn of events.
As far as she could remember, the king and his brother were ebemises and she was about to use that to her advantage which flipped.
On the other hand, Valerio knew her games but quickly made peace with his brother even if he had long wanted that to happen.
“Lady Raven, come with me!” Lucian said as she followed the new commander.
Valerio watched them leave as he turned to Vance instantly.
“What do you think, Vance?” he asked as Vance drew closer to his king.
“I think that you have made the right move keeping Lucian close. Although I think that he is transparent while Lafy Blackwin’s plans would have a rethink, your majesty!” Vance ecolaomef truthfully as Valerio nodded knowingly.
“He’s my brother, I won't hurt him and he won't do the same. If we had wanted, we would have done so. If us unfortunate that we have different mothers. That aside, keep an eye on Raven and leave Lucian’s trail otherwise he would think that I am two-timing him. And as for Octavio, pay closer attention. You can leave now, I will be back soon…” Valerio said as Vance bowed and turned to him.
“Vance, be careful. Do not leave a trail like you always don't!” Valerio added as Vance nodded and sprinted off.
Valerio’s mind flew back to Evyths whom he suspected would be in Crystal’s room. He was eager to see Evyths again.
Crystal was usually asleep in the afternoons to recharge, she was still growing and mastering her ability.
Most afternoons, vampires off duty were mostly asleep except advanced vampires like Valerio, the royal family, and most nobles and soldiers. They were built and trained that way.
When Valerio knocked on Crystal’s door, Evyths instantly reached it.
When it opened, a smile hugged her lips. She pulled the king inside and embraced him tightly before she could stop herself.
Valerio’s gaze looked down at her exposed cleavage. She was wearing an off-shoulder flowy dress with simple fabric. It looked alluring to Valerio and her hair was tied into a low bun.
If only she knew how much he had been thinking of her, she was everything he could think of and that alone intrigued him.
They both glanced at Crystal who was still asleep with a small sleeping reptile on her right and a small box on her left.
“She’s fast asleep and I didn't think you would come by so early,” Evyths said, crossing her arms while they watched Crystal peacefully asleep.
“I made peace with my brother but we couldn't conclude what we wanted to do about you just yet, we are still very much enemies once it is about you,” Valerio blurted like it was nothing.
Evyths was muddled and mortified at the same time.
“I didn't think… so!” she managed to say as Valerio cut in, digressing from the matter.
“For how long has she been asleep?”
“Three hours ago! She's very exhausted from the training. You are straining her with lots of practice…” Evuths said truthfully, her gaze was compassionate towards Crystal.
“Kaya wasn't weak, Cystal cannot be weak. I promised her mother that I would make sure Crystal pans out just like her…”
“Well, she isn't... Kaya, Your majesty. Don't make her young days boring like yours. She's a vibrant young girl who acts bravely. I've watched her fight several times. She's basically Kaya, you don't have to force one...” Evyths stated thoughtfully as Valerio gave a thought, slowly nodding.
“Eva, I didn't come to talk about Kaya or Crystal even if I would love to.” he let out, his voice shaking with need. He took Evyths' hand and placed it over his bulging dent. Evyths moaned unconsciously—he was very hard—as Valerio placed his free hand over her mouth. “Come with me, I have somewhere to show. We are going hunting as I promised,” Valerio asked as he vanished with Evyths before she could think about anything else.