Love Before Blood

Chapter 15

Peri’s POV

He must’ve been ashamed that he couldn’t prove his theory that the humans had an ulterior motive. I was so happy about the loss he had today. We flew down to the city to celebrate with a few drinks at our usual bar. After those drinks, I saw a huge black dragon come down from the sky. The dragon looked exactly like Midnight, and there were two people riding on it.

When they landed, I got a closer look at the couple, and it turned out it was Azriel and his bride. When I saw her fall off the dragon, I thought she was a bit clumsy. He easily caught her and helped her adjust to her feet. “What are you looking at, Brother?” Grey asked behind me. “Wait, is that, Azriel and Princess Avalon?”

I shushed him and they were going down the busiest shopping streets while holding hands. We were able to catch up to them before they went into one of the dress shops. “Why are we following them?” Grey hissed in my ear.

“I just want to see what they’re up to,” I replied.

“That’s just rude,” he said,” You were never interested in love. What’s making you so curious?”

I didn’t answer the question. I was too busy being distracted by the smile that Azriel had on his face when Princess Avalon went behind the curtain to try on a dress. I’ve never seen him smile like that, so relaxed. And so in love. “Peri, just answer the question.”

“I assumed that he would be in his room sulking or disappearing to one of his hiding places or doing whatever he wanted, but I didn’t expect to see him there. With his bride and having a good time. How is he able to relax when he loses, while I have to scrape up any idea possible to surpass him?” I said, my voice rising to a shout.

“We are both aware how smart he is. Just because he can’t prove it now, doesn’t mean he can’t prove it later,” Grey said. “The trade agreement you proposed was a good idea because we need to keep our end of the deal, even if there are suspicions that the marriage alliance was meant to buy the humans some time to recuperate. You gained Father’s trust again because you saw the bigger picture, but that can only last for so long.”

I grunted in frustration and left the street. I let the cool air help me recollect my thoughts,” So what you’re saying is that my work isn’t done yet? How am I able to push for more ideas when he’s already so many steps ahead of me?”

“Brother, leave that to me,” Grey said before we flew back to the palace. I don't know why, but at the same time, I have a good and bad feeling about this.

Avalon’s POV

When we got back to the palace, the first thing I asked for was some paper to write a letter to my mom. After changing out of my clothes into a nightgown and putting on a simple robe, I began to write. In my letter, I told her that I'm doing fine and that I’m receiving training from Azriel’s commanding officers and how I’ll be starting fighting maneuvers soon. I also told her how much I miss her and how I wish she could be here with me. When I finished writing my letter, Azriel walked into the room with dinner under a tin cover. “What are you up to?” he asked when he saw the desk lamp was on behind me.

“I’m writing a letter to my mom,” I replied, heat rising to my cheeks as I thought about our moment on the beach earlier.

“Hungry?” he asked.

I chuckled and said,” Every single time I see you, I always seem to be hungry for food.”

“Well, every time I see you, you’ve either just finished exercising or haven’t eaten for long periods of time.”

I scrunched my face up and stuck my tongue out at him. “If you don’t hurry up, the food is going to get cold.”

He sat down at the table that was in the middle of the room. It was just big enough to fit our two plates. Each of our plates had the same chicken, rice, and various vegetables on the side. When we finished that, dessert magically popped up in front of us. A fruit bowl with a side of whipped cream for us to dip the fruit in. Now the dessert was nothing compared to the crepe we had earlier today. When we finished, the plates disappeared and so did the dish that was supposed to be in the center of the table. “When do you want to send that letter out?” he asked.

“I do want to send it out to you as soon as possible. I haven’t talked to my mom in a while, and I hope they’re treating her well.”

“I’m sure they are,” he said with reassurance. I nodded my head even though I had a hard time believing his words. “If you’re done with the letter, I can have it sent out first thing in the morning.”

I went to the desk and sealed the letter inside an envelope. “I didn’t really tell her that much about the land, but I did tell her that I’m getting training.”

He gave me a sad smile,” You don’t have to hide anything about the land. She is your mother. She is entitled to know how you’re doing.”

He gently took the letter from my hands and set it back down on the desk. “There’s something I need to tell you,” Azriel said softly. “This morning we sent a treaty to your family about trading. We will be opening trade routes with your country once we get the treaty ratified.”

“That’s good,” I said. “That means we’re one step closer to a long-lasting peace, right?”

“I’m not sure,” he said, leaning his head back. He rubbed his temples as if he'd been having a headache. “There’s something evil that is arising, and I just can't seem to wrap my head around what it is. However, I have a feeling it’s going to ruin this marriage alliance.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“I don’t think this war is over. Not just yet,” he said. “I’m not doubting the intentions that you have in this alliance or your people, I just think it’s something much darker.”

“Do you have proof that something bad is going to happen?” I asked.

Azriel shook his head. “On the day of our wedding, one of my guards was attacked by something inhuman. He was fine, but the marks he got from the attack indicate that a vampire may have done it. That’s the only proof I have so far, but I can’t seem to find any more tracks or hints. I have a feeling this trade is only the first step in their plan.”

“And the only way for you to find out is after the treaty has been ratified?” I asked.

“Apparently so, if I can’t find any more proof soon, both of our people will be in danger. Cassian knows and so do the other members of our council, but they’re starting to lose faith in the theory that I have.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?” I asked.

“There is, but not yet,” he said, he stopped rubbing his temples. “The last thing I want to do is put you in danger over something that is still hypothetical.”

I nodded my head in understanding. “We should get some rest. You have intense training tomorrow.”

I take my robe off, suddenly feeling a little bit colder and hurriedly cover myself in the bedsheets. The nightgown was a short, sheer dress that was barely above my knees with spaghetti straps. Azriel lay flat on the bed, while I lay on my side. After we turned the lights off, I slowly scooted closer to him to the point where he could pull me into a hug and we could cuddle all night. I made a mistake on the beach today. I can’t make another one, especially after everything he’s done to make this alliance and this relationship work. I turned toward him and snuggled into his chest. I heard him inhale sharply in surprise. I also put a hand on his chest, and I could feel his heart beating really fast.

Azriel then wraps his arm around my shoulder and I feel him pull me in just a little bit more before whispering,” Good night, Princess.” And for the first time in a while, I didn't have a nightmare.