|73|~Pledge Of Allegiance ~

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Nicklaus POV.

My monster gets ready for another battle when Rufus makes his way over to Claire.

I toss Cyrus body to the side, like a rag doll and place my attention onto the possible new threat at hand. "Rufus," I warn, struggling to keep my monster at bay within me. Screw that! There is no need.

No one can be trusted if you ask me. At this point, anyone can lose their life. No matter, what extent of pain it brings me. Although, I understand why Cyrus pushed my buttons his actions has cut me deep.

For this reason, I brace myself to go to war with another man I once consider to be my brother. Xander still remains crouched in a threatening stance behind her and Marcellus face remains emotionless, careful enough not to give away how loyal he is to Claire, due to my instructions. On the contrary, his eyes tell another story. They are filled with ravening anticipation.

In that moment, Claire holds up her hand to stop me in my tracks.

I know she feels my pain. That's why she prevented me from taking Cyrus life in the first place.

During battle, I was able to observe everything. I never allowed my monster to take full control because there was really no need.

She was the one to demonstrated true strength. He disrespected her. That is one thing that no vampire can stomach, half vampire or not. That is one trait that roars through our toxic vampirism veins indefinitely.

Everyone knows that. Specially, another vampire that's exactly why Cyrus did what he did. He knew one word against my beloved would force my hand to go to war. Even Claire, herself purposely use too provoke my kind because of her idiotic death wish. Our monsters aren't strong enough to fight our demonic wills. But Claire once again, managed to defeat the odds and demonstrate true strength.

When she had every right to request Cyrus head on a platter, she requested mercy. Now, that is the epitome of inner-strength.

To further illustrate, look at her now standing proudly, with her chin pointed in the air. Her head is held high, and her shoulders are straight as King Rufus approaches her. Claire's character draws people in, making them want to follow her lead.

In a room full of predators she somehow remains fearless and poised. In short summary, Claire is demonstrating that she is a quintessential courageous confident woman- distinguished, dignified, and daring.

Slaves, chosen's, servants, and vampires all alike watch the scene in tight silence. I'm certain that even they can all agree.

Maybe, that's why Rufus is making his way to her. I can sense that his monster is not present, could it be that he has decided to pledge his allegiance to the both of us? Could it be that he is able to see what I can see. Of course it is.

Once he bows his head in the process of kneeling onto his right knee my suspicions are confirmed. Claire stopping me from talking Cyrus life has proved to him that she not only respects the bond of the kings, but she cares about the wellbeing of our people.

One dead king can destroy the entire vampire monarchy.

When she ignored Xander pleads she proved that she can be vicious. In addition, even a blind man can see that she is beautiful. Standing here just thinking about everything that Claire did throughout the fight, Rufus current actions adds up.

"I pledge my loyalty to King Nicklaus and Queen Claire, The Queen of All Vampire Kings," he declares. Not even the proudest vampire, who has been bewitched and smitten by his beloved could understand the pride of my most precious possession following within me.

Claire my most powerful prized possession. I'm amazed.

She has managed to capture the short-temper King loyalty. Her regal bearing is astonishing. I'm captivated. Blessed and certainly favored to be paired with a woman as such. This once human girl, who wasn't raised for royalty, continues to demonstrate how fit she is for our Vampire Monarch. This woman was born to rule.

How could I ever have doubted her? Since, day one she has demonstrated distinctive traits of a True Queen.

I sit back and watch Claire continues to analyze the short-tempered king. Then, her smokey green eyes search for me. I burn her with my stare, tucking and hiding away all emotions. This one is up to her.

I will not direct her to accept his loyalty. I will not hold anything against her if she refuses him. I may be the King, but she is my Queen and she needs to make her own decision. She was born a natural leader.

Now she needs to learn how to carry the crown. Claire must be able to think for herself. Furthermore, I refuse to force a bond. Once she realizes that the decision is for her to make.

She shifts her gaze back onto the kneeling King. She studies him for a long drawn out moment. I know how she feels about him. Will her personally opinion sway her away from him? I can't help, but to wonder what going on in that pretty little head of hers.

I miss reading her thought. She used to be an open book, and the story was entertaining as hell. Thanks to that pendant of hers I don't have the luxury of exploring her beautiful mind, unless she wants me to. Not to mention, she has learned how to conceal, and when to reveal her emotions.

This is another reason why I'm crazy about her. The upward growth of that woman is heroic. Beauty and brains how the fuck did I get so lucky?

Without instructions, she places her hand onto his left shoulder. After that, she places her finger underneath his chin, staring him directly in the eye.

"I accept your loyalty, King Rufus," She declares, once again making my stillborn heart skip a beat. Xander body instantly relaxes, and the thick tension inside of the room dissolves.

Seneca is next to follow suit making his way over to pledge his loyalty to his new Queen.

I shared a little information about the Kings to Claire before this bloody dinner began. I wanted to make sure she was aware of whom and what she was dealing with, but I intentionally left important details out.

For instance, I didn't tell Claire that Rufus and Seneca are cousins. I knew very well if Rufus showed loyalty Seneca would follow suit, or vice versa. They are closer than they appear to be and only the inner circle knows that.

I purposely left out that Rufus was enslaved by humans, many centuries ago and that's why Seneca willingly lived amongst humans, learning their strengths, and weakness to ensure that we vampires would be victorious during the Awakening War.

He played a part in enslaving a race to avenge his cousin. I'm not saying that makes it right. But it is what it is. We are monsters. The world knows that. We don't hide our true nature and we never did.

However, Claire will soon learn the true meaning behind the phrase, "Don't judge a book by its cover." Nothing in our world is what it appears to be. She will learn that fairly soon. Now, that five out of eight Kings accepted her. We are one step closer towards becoming unstoppable. The council is not ready.

Seneca stops directly in front of Claire. He bows his head low, and then kneels down onto his right knee. "I pledge my loyalty to King Nicklaus and Queen Claire, The Queen of All Vampire Kings."

A tiny peaceful smile appears on her lips and her smokey green eyes are filled with warmth, as she accepts his loyalty with no hesitation.

I'm very well aware, that Claire is curious about the legendary King Seneca. He is known for his quick-wit and violent nature, which can be very useful for Claire if something ever happens to me.

She can learn a lot from him if I must admit. That's doesn't necessary mean, I will. I don't want her to feel like she needs anybody but me.

Next, Cornelius takes a stand. His eyes briefly flicker in his chosen's direction, before he confidently makes his way to Claire. Cocky little bitch.

When Seneca stands up, Cornelius lowers his head and kneels down. Claire soft heart beat starts to beat wildly. Her eyes briefly scan the room for her friend. Cornelius chosen winks at my beloved, almost causing her to laugh.

I don't even want to know what that is about. That human is strange.

"I pledge my loyalty to King Nicklaus and Queen Claire, The Queen of All Vampire Kings," he tells. Then, he turns to face me and wink. Ignoring, the smug bastard my eyes travel to my good friend King Luscious. His hatred for Claire ancestry runs extremely deep.

Overall, he is a good man and I truly understand the dilemma going off inside of his hard deeply brown eyes. Some old wounds really do run too deep.

"We shall see," he states harshly more to me then her. Before, he breaks eye contact.

"That was quick," I hear Marcellus say underneath his breath, and then he directs the slaves to come out of hiding and serve dinner.

Cyrus groans beside me, regaining my attention. "Take him to the medical wing," I direct some random servant. "And clean up this mess," I point to another random slave. There are still important matters to discuss in hand. Everyone, please take your seat."

***********

Claire POV.

The energy in the room is charged with electricity.

Nicklaus uses that damn silky tone and directs everyone to take a seat making my heart skip a beat. Tonight has been a night to remember. That is for sure.

I can't believe that three vampire Kings have pledge their loyalty to me. All of this feels like a dream. Never in a million years would I've would expected anything like this to happen to me.

I'm absolutely stunned. Surely, lost in a trace into, Nicklaus makes his way to the center of the table, exactly where he belongs and holds out his hand for me to take.

"My Queen," he states proudly. I can feel his love.

"My King," I respond, making my way over towards him. I stand by his side feeling as if this is where I always belonged. Paired with him. Then we take our seats in unison and in sync.

"Now that we've solved that issue, let's focus on the problem in hand." His eyes roam over each and every king's face. Sounds familiar? "You all are already aware that Claire is my beloved. You all are aware that the council has summoned us and her." Now, this is new.

I didn't know the council summoned them or me. Why the hell did they summon me and why the hell hasn't he mention this before too me?

Question after questions start to speculate, but I know now is not the time or place to receive answers.

This still doesn't mean that he won't provide me with answers by the end of the night. Trust and believe me when I say that he will.

"Does anyone have any questions that they will like to address?" Nicklaus asks them all rather harshly. He might as well have said speak now or forever hold your peace.

King Luscious is the first to respond just like he did during my very first feast. Okay, I'm starting to feel like I traveled to a past memory inside of a parallel universe.

Once again, I recognize something dangerous and lethal lingering inside of his eyes while he directs his question to me. "The hunters inside of my kingdom whispers about the devil king human born beloved, having a soft spot for dogs. Vampire's natural enemies. Why should I follow you?"

I stare him directly in the eyes, not even bothering to silent plead with Nicklaus to provide me with the right thing to say. I know that King Luscious is testing me. "You are entitled to do as you please, King Luscious," I answer him curtly.

I will not beg, persuade, or demand anyone to follow me and I damn sure will not explain my action to anyone. Nor, will I address anyone rumors. I mean what I say. King Luscious is entitled to do whatever the hell he wants to do. It is that simple.

He smirks. Well every soul currently sitting at the table forms some type of victory smile.

Besides, Jasmine. She is a jealous woman, always and forever.

"Any more questions," my beloved once again ask. This time no one seems to have anything to say, or so I thought.

"Why would the council summon Claire?"ask King Rufus. It's strange hearing him casual state, my name with his foreign and unusual accent.

"That's one reason why I requested a feast," Nicklaus answers. "At first only assumed my father was aware of me bonding with Claire. I didn't want anyone of you to be caught off guard. After, meeting with my lovely sister this pass noon," he sarcastically explains. "I'm certain that my father is certainly aware now. I just can't figure out his end game."

"I tell you what," King Cornelius is the next one to speak. "The council surely doesn't have a slightest clue. There would have been an uprising everywhere by now."

Xander moody sighs. "I also share your thoughts," he openly admits. "If the news would have been public knowledge there would have been hell out there by now, and at least one vampire would have attempted assassination."

Hell out there? Um... newsflash! Hell has been unleashed onto earth a long time ago, buddy. Starting with The Awakening.

Nicklaus stares at me with amusement, like he knows what I'm thinking. "Based upon what I observed at the airport, many people believe Claire is nothing but a mistress. They didn't recognize for her to be my golden haired chosen," Golden hair chosen? Where did that come from? 

"The commoners believed that she was another vampire lady. At this time, don't see her as a threat due to no one knowing what or who she truly is." Nicklaus explains to me and them.

"Tell me, Nicklaus," King Luscious says. "What exactly is she?" My head snaps in his direction. He is referring to me as if I'm not sitting right here. My monster takes instant offense.

Nicklaus places his hand on to my lap. He too has peeped what I just have. I can feel his monster on the horizon as well. Swallowing down my pride, I run my finger along his hand. We wouldn't want another episode to happen.

Now would we?

"To begin with, Claire isn't a it! She is your Queen," hisses Nicklaus. His mood shifts quicker than one can flip a light-switch.

en," hisses Nicklaus. His mood shifts quicker than one can flip a lightswitch.

"My apologies, brother," Luscious speaks bullshit. I roll my eyes. He can shove that apology up his ass. He can't fool me. I place my focus onto him, and of course he smirks. He knows I know that he is full of shit.

"I only ask because of safety concerns. Don't fear for your Queen safety?" See. I didn't miss his empathize of your queen. He is trying it.

"Do you not fear for your own," I respond to his question myself.

King Luscious releases a chilling laugh. The tension inside of the room returns. "You have balls. I'll never take that away from you, half-breed." Oh, so he does know what I am. Interesting.

"I hate to be the one to disappoint you, my dear, but your sharp tongue and vampirism isn't enough to make me, or any other vampires to bend the knee, bow before you, or follow you. blindly."

"Whelp! She has certainly has earned loyalty from just about everyone else." Marcellus comes to my defense.

"Yeah! Speak for yourself," King Rufus adds in.

King Seneca doesn't respond to his words. Instead, he stands from out of his seat and simply bows in my direction, and then once again takes his seat. Xander is oddly quiet, but his blazing red eyes speak for himself, and for the second time tonight, Nicklaus's body tense up beside me.

He is offended. Yet I mind will be a blind woman when it comes to King Luscious pointless insults. "Oh, really," I simply state while raising a single one of my eyebrows. "Interesting," with that being said I take a stand from out of my seat.

King Luscious stares at me boldly as I make my way over towards him.

With a smirk plastered onto my face, I embrace the feeling of tingling chills, traveling all over my skin. I ravish in pure delight when my soft heartbeat starts to increase in speed and I welcome the itching sensation, buzzing all around my neck.

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