Ascension Of The Blood Throne by Mikel Wilson (red scrolls of magic .TXT) 📗

“I am royalty as well,” she informed the giant as she showed off her royal ring.

“Interesting,” King Timaeus said with a smile. “We will see you soon, Prince and Princess.” And with that, he stalked off with a hearty laugh.

The knights all turned to look at Lillith as Christian spat, "Sister, do you have any idea what you have just done?"

“No! What did I do other than stand with my brother, so that if that thing attacked you, I would be at your side!” an angry Lillith snapped.

“What you did was to let the giants know there is dissension between the vampires! Only one can ascend the throne. Not to mention the small detail of no one knowing about you! We must go to the Federation immediately!”

The knights looked at her, confused. "The king had a daughter?" one of them could be heard asking, but they were all whispering again, just like they had when Alisha was given a horse.

"We must go quickly!" Christian directed urgently.

They dashed quickly through the forest, swords ready just in case there was an ambush awaiting them. As they arrived at the castle, the royal knights met them at the entrance. Their bowed heads didn’t keep them from checking out the company their prince had brought with him. They also smelled that Alisha was human, and they reacted just as their counterparts had.

The palace walls were magnificent, embossed in gold and diamonds while the floor was a beautiful otherworldly stone. At the very center of the castle was a giant golden fountain filled to the brim with fresh blood. This beautiful display was a paradise for vampires. Not so much for Alisha, who cringed. Mackinzie and Lillith, however, smiled as the scent reminded them that it had been a while since they’d fed.

Two pillars marked the entrance to the most powerful and oldest of the vampires, simply known as the Federation. It consisted of two men and one woman, all vampires who were aged and respected. For three generations, they had served as a kind of governing body, sitting just below and to the side of the thrones. They weren’t royalty, but they held power and influence.

Christian entered the throne room with Mackinzie, Lillith, and Alisha at his back. Kale and the brood they’d brought with them were directed to stay behind. Christian had much to explain before the Federation found out for themselves, and he would need as few distractions as possible.

The leader of the Federation stood to address the prince. “We see that your trip was a success, and it looks like you brought us a present.” He smiled, looking at Alisha. “Now, who is this other that you have brought with you?” he asked, nodding toward Lillith.

“Federation members, I come, bringing you news of a discovery I have made as well as my bride to be. This is Mackinzie, the future queen,” Christian announced, holding her hand and spinning her in front of the Federation as they all smiled in approval of her.

The one lady of the Federation, Gwen, spoke. “A fine choice, my prince.”

“The others?” the leader, Giavace, asked intently.

Alisha broke protocol and stood before the Federation, earning their anger and disdain, which they showed with low growls and snarls.

“Growl at me all you want. I am Prince Christian’s mother. Your former king and I were in love, and I gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl. Your king chose Christian as he is pale like him. My daughter took more after me, and he was afraid she would not be accepted, so he left her with me.”

“How dare you presume to tell this Federation what we feel or do, human! This is our world, and we will teach you your place!” They started to signal the guards, but Lillith stepped forward and held out her hand, showing them the ring of her father.

“She speaks the truth,” Christian affirmed, also showing his ring. “This is my sister, my twin. She also has a right to the throne.”

The Federation huddled together and spoke silently between themselves for several minutes. Finally, they settled back in their seats, and Gwen explained, “We do not doubt that it is possible she is the king's daughter, but why hide it? We must now decide If she is the rightful heir or if you are, which shall be done in the way of old. The way your father became king. I assume he never told you of his own twin brother, Arthur.

“The Elite before your father had twin sons, both rightful heirs to the throne. With no idea what to do, they were taken before the prophet who forged a powerful sword and placed it inside a stone. The one to pull it out would be king, the other a servant. Arthur was very upstanding and true, and many thought he should be king. Your father, however, did not hold the hearts of the people. Before the day they were to be tested with the sword, Alexander challenged his brother to a Rising challenge. The challenge was lawful and carried out according to the Elite’s customs.

“Only ten of us were allowed to witness what happened that day. They each made the blood oath and were carried to the coliseum. There they walked to the altar and used the knife to open their veins, pouring blood into the sacred cup. Each took a sip while uttering the words One has been called to take the claim, but to the High Spirit, I offer my name.

“The fight began, and Alexander’s swordsmanship paled in comparison to Arthur’s, who easily took the upper hand and had the sword to your father’s neck. He ordered Alexander to yield, but your father grabbed the blade, pushing it into his own shoulder with all his might to bring himself close enough to stab Arthur in the throat with a hidden dagger, killing him. The battle complete, Alexander was crowned and anointed as the next in line. The people