Chapter 9 Chapter 9 My Queen
The great doors opened as we were announced.
He took my hand in his, and together we walked through the gathered crowd toward our thrones.
Cheers erupted. Silk and velvet rustled as they stepped aside, bowing deeply as we passed. Love and reverence filled the chamber. This was his kingdom — Mayan Vampyrs, pure-bloods and hybrids alike — a realm bound by blood and ancient law. Only the Demi-gods ruled the great houses, and tonight, they all bore witness.
We took our seats. Silence fell.
King Rryan rose.
“My house,” he began, his voice carrying through the chamber, “Kamesotz — who dwells in the ninth level of Xibalba. Lord of the night. Ruler of the darkness.”
He reached for my hand, pulling me to his side.
“Tonight, we stand in fulfillment of a sacred betrothal promise. My Queen, Syla, was pledged to me at birth by her wise and noble mother, Beloved Lady Maya of House Ixchel — goddess of fertility and new beginnings. Our alliance was forged in blood and vow… until her death, when Syla was stolen from me and hidden in shadow.”
A ripple of anger moved through the crowd.
“She was taken from her rightful place. Found by a thief who dared attempt to sell my own mate back to me.”
Rryan’s gaze hardened. He turned slightly toward Valin and spoke in a low voice meant only for him.
“Bring the others. From the dungeon.”
Valin bowed and disappeared.
Rryan faced the court once more.
“Now, as we reign side by side, I claim Queen Syla as my rightful mate, my partner, and my Queen. Our bond was formed in darkness, sealed by ancient power, and bound by blood. Together, we will strengthen this realm and secure its future.”
His voice softened — just for me.
“Syla, though our paths were chosen for us, I vow to cherish, protect, and honor you for all eternity. May our union flourish, and our power grow with each passing night.”
Then he straightened, his voice thunderous once more.
“By the sacred laws of our kind, I claim you as my mate, my companion, my Queen, and my only love. We represent Death and Rebirth. Tonight, the old ways end. Our kingdom will rise anew. Our children will walk in sunlight and reign as shapeshifting immortal demi-gods.”
A roar of approval shook the chamber.
As our vows ended, Valin returned — dragging the vile men before us. They were strapped to stone slabs at the center of the court. Every Vampyr present knew what was about to happen. Fangs gleamed. Tongues traced lips.
Rryan descended the dais.
His voice was gone — he had torn out their tongues months ago for what their leader had dared say about me.
“These are the ones who took my mate, my Queen.”
The first man’s eyes pleaded. Mercy meant nothing here.
With a swift, brutal motion, Rryan plunged his hand into the man’s chest and ripped out his heart. He lifted it high before sinking his fangs into it, draining the life from the one who had dared lay hands on me.
Then another figure moved forward.
I knew him instantly.
King Danyel Niklaus Delacroix.
He smiled at me — warm, loving — the kind of smile I remembered from childhood. It vanished as he turned toward the remaining body. With one graceful movement, he tore off the man’s head and held it aloft as the court surged forward, filling goblets with blood spilling freely from the neck.
“No one touches what belongs to us!” his voice thundered.
I saw no horror.
Only devotion.
Only family.
Rryan signaled, and the celebration erupted. Wine flowed, laced with blood. Music rose. The vow was sealed.
King Danyel approached me and kissed my hand.
“It has been far too long, my sweet child.”
Tears fell as I embraced him. His love for my mother still burned fierce and bright.
“You look just like her,” he murmured, wiping my tears before pulling me into a long, protective embrace.
Later, he turned to Rryan.
“If I had done what you did, she would still be alive — reigning as my queen. I am proud of you, my son.”
They embraced — strength and respect bound between them.
He took me to the dance floor. We moved as one, gliding effortlessly as the court watched, some openly weeping at the sight of their king smiling again.
Rryan leaned close during the next dance.
“I haven’t seen him smile like that since your mother died.”
My heart softened. I finally understood how deeply she had been loved.
As dawn approached, the court slowly dispersed. King Danyel retired to his old chambers within the pyramid. Hybrids remained on watch, untouched by the rising sun.
I chose sleep beside my king.
I curled into Rryan’s arms as the sun rose over our kingdom. Valin stood guard outside our chambers — loyal, unwavering.
The love that bound us was beautiful.
And deadly.