Chapter dedicated to Bluewaterstorm. Thanks so much for reading and pressing that delicate little vote button! You are awesome!

Chapter 43 – Introductions – Raine's POV 

We were led quickly by the palace guards through multiple corridors and flights of stairs. I remotely took notice of the splendor, but missed all of the details in my nervousness. It took about fifteen minutes to actually make it to our intended destination.

When we reached the ornate double doors, I stopped and dug in my heels, pulling against Gen. Raed's hold on me. I was afraid of his wrath, but couldn't seem to stop myself. My heart was beating too quickly, and all of the air seemed to have evaporated from my lungs. I was surprised when he stood patiently, waiting for me to pull myself together. And then shocked when he murmured, "You can do this. You faced Armand and Vladimir under much worse circumstances. Now you are a princess and will be treated as such."

I stared at him with wide eyes and nodded, as my breathing and heart rate returned to almost normal.

"Good girl," he whispered, and opened one of the doors. As we passed through the entrance, he disentangled my arm from his and gave me a short nudge in the right direction.

Once again, it was not a traditional conference room, but it wasn't quite to the Vegas style of Armand's either. The walls and ceiling were painted deep blue with contrasting white molding. There were two large ornately carved hardwood coffee tables in the center. However the surrounding dark teal couches were more modern in their shape with unusual white swirl armrests.

It wasn't difficult to pick out King Quinn and Prince Alaric. They sat separated from the rest. The King was handsome with older features, slight lines on his face and grey hair. His expression revealed surprise and then shifted into fierce inspection as he watched me with piercing brown eyes.

Only one thing about me could have surprised him so severely – my scent. I wondered why they had not been made aware of my differences before now, but didn't have time to dwell on it as I continued forward.

Even seated, it was not difficult to identify Prince Alaric's strong and muscular build. He wore an expensive black suit, tailored to fit him flawlessly. Truthfully, he was gorgeous. He had blonde hair that stood up a little chaotically on his head, warm brown eyes and a 5 o'clock shadow along his prominent jaw. His expression held a hint of cordiality; however he too looked surprised and confused. Shit.

I walked until I was right in front of them. Since neither was standing, I didn't extend my hand. Instead I curtsied, and lowered my eyes, holding the position as I waited for their cue.

Every second felt like an hour.

Finally one of them said, "Welcome."

I couldn't be sure which, since I was looking at the floor. And then a man was standing right in front of me. He murmured quietly, "Please."

I straightened and held his gaze. He spoke, "I am Prince Alaric. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

I followed the proper protocol for an introduction with extending my hand, another curtsy and again inspecting the floor beneath my feet, as I replied, "I am Princess Raine, Your Highness."

He took my hand, lightly kissed the back of it and gently tugged me back into a fully upright position. He motioned toward a couch  next to his and across from where the council members sat. "Please, sit down."

I was immensely thankful that I could sit, not sure how long my legs would have been able to handle the strain of the emotional turmoil running through my body.

Prince Alaric looked past me and nodded toward Gen. Raed to advance. When the General reached us, Prince Alaric shook his hand and said, "Gen. Raed, it is good to see you again."

"You as well, Your Highness. Thank you for welcoming us into your home," the General replied easily.

Prince Alaric motioned for Gen. Raed to join me on the couch, and then he settled back next to his father.

Once everyone was seated, King Quinn introduced his counsel. I recalled each person that Talia had taught me, and put their face with their name. Ludvig and Hanon stared at me impassively, almost as if they were bored or disinterested. Iva's expression was surprisingly welcoming. However the other two caused anxiety to run hard and fast through my veins.

Ramir stared at me much like Vladimir had; cruel anticipation his most prevalent feature, as he blatantly looked me up and down. I shuddered hard.

And Ladislava's expression oozed displeasure and irritation. I wondered what I had done to already cause her to dislike me so overtly. I tried telling myself that maybe she was that way with everyone but for some reason I just couldn't believe it.

Once the introductions had been completed, the King faced me and began carefully, "You have a very unusual scent."

His words lacked a question, so I simply replied, "Yes Your Highness."

"What is the origin of it?" he demanded.

"It is unknown," I answered honestly.

The suspicion in his eyes increased. He glanced down to Armand's family crest, still showing on my bicep. The image was clear, but much lighter than it had been originally.

"Are you an Immortal?"

Shit, not this again. Memories of my previous inspection flooded my brain and I subconsciously slid closer to Gen. Raed. Not that he could stop the King from doing whatever he wanted to me, but Armand had indicated Gen. Raed was also here for my protection.

I whispered, "No."

Gen. Raed interjected, "She is the daughter of King Armand and Brialle, the Immortal."

That information did not seem to alleviate their concern. If anything, it made it worse as loud gasps resounded in the room.  Before anyone could speak, Gen. Raed continued, "Admittedly her lineage is unusual. However she bares no marks of an Immortal, nor did she experience accelerated growth. What is absolutely certain is her relationship to King Armand as his firstborn and only child. Continuing with her distinct differences, King Armand's family crest was only made visible as she ingested his blood when he healed her a few days ago. It has faded since then; we suspect it will only remain visible during the time she has his blood in her system."

He was right about that. Armand's mark had begun to fade, however the complex mark with the tiger, on my lower back remained vibrant. Only Cage and I knew it existed and for now, I suspected it was wise to keep it that way.

"Are you even a vampire?!" The sharp question came from Ladislava. Her face was screwed into a look of fiery contempt. I recoiled back slightly, startled by her level of animosity.

"No," I answered her question, knowing I had no choice.

There were more loud gasps in the room.

Ladislava continued severely, "If she is not a natural born vampire, how will she even be able to procreate an heir with him?! I recommend that we send her back where she came from, and allow the Prince to choose another Royal member."

Gen. Raed said, "We believe that once she is turned, she will have no problem conceiving his child."

Ramir inquired, "When will she be turned?"

Overwhelming panic flooded my entire system, causing adrenaline to flow unchecked through my veins. Cage had explained I would need to become a vampire, but he had been willing to give me time. I realized now that Alaric could require me to change as soon as this evening!

I fought to control my devastation. I couldn't cry here; I couldn't break down. My hands trembled. Gen. Raed motioned just slightly toward me silently; an obvious order to relax.

But I couldn't.

My heart raced and my attention shot to Alaric to see his response.

He was studying me intently. There was no doubt he could see my fear. Abruptly he turned toward the Council. His deep baritone voice spoke authoritatively, not allowing for any disagreement, "The timing of our relationship and the events that occur will be at my sole discretion, and not open for discussion."

I stared at him with wide eyes.

He nodded slightly at me as though we were having a private conversation. And then I realized we were! His words were directed toward the Council, but meant to comfort and calm me.

I exhaled and felt the tension release from my body.

He watched my response and just barely nodded again, this time in approval.

I understood.

The King responded to Ladislava dangerously, clearly admonishing her, "We do not disregard our laws and established protocols."

She flinched and remained silent.

He continued, "Our meeting is adjourned for now. You are dismissed."

The King and Prince Alaric rose and walked toward the far exit of the room, in quiet conversation.

Gen. Raed and I stood. I wasn't exactly sure what they expected me to do now. I looked at the General questioningly. He shook his head, silently indicating we were to wait for instructions.

After another moment, the Prince finished his discussion with the King and approached us.  "Once you are settled, I would like to take you on a tour of the complex, provided you are not too tired from your trip."

I answered, "I am not too tired, and would appreciate seeing more of your home. Where will I be staying?"

He watched me carefully as he answered, "With me."

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Good news is, I am back on a roll with this story. Bad news is my schedule...teensy bit crazy right now. But I am hoping I can get at least one more chapter in with the next day or so. I am soooo excited to get through some of the upcoming scenes because trust me, they are going to be intense.

You guys are awesome for reading. I cannot even begin to tell you how much I appreciate your support and kindness, not to mention how much I love your quirkiness and sense of humor. You are the absolute best!!