Forbidden Blood

Chapter 12: The Queen's Divided Empire

The empire was vast, stretching from the rainy forests of Evergreen to the hidden covens in Europe, a network of power built on blood and loyalty that I had claimed as my own, but even as the vampires bowed to me and the werewolves submitted under truce, the cracks in my rule began to show, cracks that stemmed from the divided loyalties of the men who loved me and the growing darkness in my own soul that whispered temptations I could no longer ignore.

Lucian remained my constant shadow, his cold presence a reminder of the night he changed me, his golden eyes watching me with a mix of devotion and possession as he helped me navigate the politics of the vampire world, his hand on my lower back during council meetings a silent claim that made the other ancients bow deeper, while Kai, ever the wild one, pushed for more integration with the pack, his warm touch in private moments a contrast that made me ache for the human life I had lost, his golden eyes pleading for a future where I chose him completely.

The child — Victoria — was the glue holding it all together, her small hand in mine as she showed early signs of power, silver light flaring when she laughed, shadow when she cried, a perfect blend of vampire and werewolf that made both sides see her as the future, but also the threat, and as she grew, the kings fought for her affection, Alessandro teaching her control, Matteo wild games, Lorenzo strategy, Rafael magic, each trying to win her — and me — in their own way.

One night, after a long council meeting where the ancients debated expansion into human territories, I retreated to the balcony, the rain soft for once, the city lights below twinkling like stars fallen to earth, and Lucian joined me, his cold arms around my waist, his lips on my neck as he whispered promises of eternal rule, his fangs grazing my skin in a way that made my body respond instantly, the bond flaring as he pressed me against the railing, his hands sliding under my dress, cold fingers finding heat that made me gasp.

We made love there, under the stars, his thrusts slow and deep, his mouth on my breast, fangs piercing gently, pleasure building in waves that crashed over me until I was moaning into the night, the power flaring around us like a shield, and when we came together, it was intense, eternal, his cold seed filling me as I bit his shoulder, tasting his blood that tasted like forever.

But as he held me after, Kai watched from the shadows.

His eyes golden with rage.

The next day, he confronted me in the garden.

"You chose him again."

"I chose the empire."

He pulled me close.

His kiss hot.

Desperate.

Hands rough.

We fell to the grass.

Clothes torn.

His mouth on my neck, biting hard.

Pleasure wild.

I came screaming.

He thrust deep.

Came with a growl.

After, he held me.

"The child needs a father."

"She has four."

He laughed bitterly.

"But only one real."

The war simmered.

The kings jealous.

The Queen torn.

The empire divided.

The darkness growing.

The choice coming.

The rain returned.

And my heart bled.