Blood Legacy: Heir to the Throne (4 page)

The woman pulled him back towards her, enjoying the hardness of his young body. “Neither have I,” she said with some amusement.

Ambrosius did not see how that was possible, but instinctively knew that on some level she was telling the truth. For the rest of the night, the two were intertwined, coming to passion more times than seemed humanly possible.

Many hours later, Ambrosius awoke to find himself alone. There was no sign of the woman, nor any indication she had ever been there. As he rinsed his mouth, trying to rid himself of a strange metallic taste on his tongue, he was quite certain of one of two things. Either he had been visited by a forest goddess.

Or he had dreamed the entire thing.

Ryan awoke with a start. She was seated in the overstuffed chair in her den. How strange. Not only was she dreaming through the eyes of some stranger, now it seemed she was dreaming his dreams.

She sat upright and slowly turned her head to the side, cracking her neck. She turned it the other direction, and it gave another satisfying crack.

That had been quite the adolescent fantasy, Ryan thought. The dark-haired boy seemed familiar somehow, although Ryan knew she had never met him. And the woman she definitely had no recollection of.

A phone rang off in the distance. Although it was clear across the mansion, her hearing was so exceptional she could hear Edward’s side of the conversation from the den. She heard his footsteps, purposeful in her direction, and felt his presence as he stood in the doorway.

“What news?” she asked, staring into the fire.

Edward paused, then said simply “She lives.”

Ryan found herself releasing the breath she had been holding. She had maintained certain human gestures long after they had no purpose, and this sign of tension relief was no exception.

“And her condition?” Ryan asked, her tone deliberately casual.

Edward was not fooled. “Dr. Ryerson is well.”

Ryan turned to look at him. “No complications?”

Edward cleared his throat. “No more than might be expected from Marilyn’s presence.”

Ryan raised an eyebrow. “Marilyn was there?” She then answered her own question. “Of course she was.” She turned back to the fire, settling back into the chair. “Send a summons and my plane. As soon as Dr. Ryerson is well enough to travel, I wish her to return here.”

“Oh, and Edward?”

Edward stopped and turned.

“I am sensing we will have a visitor very soon.”

Edward frowned. He was not aware they were expecting anyone.

Ryan cocked her head to one side, her gaze focused on a very distant point. She appeared to be listening to something only she could hear. Her focus returned to the room, and then to Edward.

“You will need to prepare the entire east wing.”

Edward’s frown increased. There was only one person who traveled with such an entourage. He nodded stiffly.

“Very well, my lord. I will have the staff prepare quarters immediately.”

CHAPTER 4

RYAN STOOD AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS watching the caravan approach. Were she so inclined, she would have counted the limousines, but it seemed something close to twenty, which was as precise as she cared to be. The lead car pulled around the circular drive, stopping just forward the stairs. The car second in line came to a stop directly at the bottom of the stairs. Ryan steeled herself as doors began opening.

Men and women began pouring from the vehicles. Mostly male, all were attractive and moved with an elegant athleticism. They glanced up at the figure at the top of the stairs, bowing in respect if they had previously met Ryan, and standing dumbfounded if they had not.

Ryan was oblivious, her eyes on the car at the foot of the stairs. A manservant opened the door and extended his hand. The hand was accepted, although this occupant needed no assistance.

A strikingly beautiful older woman stepped from the vehicle. Regal and mesmerizing, she flowed with a grace that was hypnotic. She raised her eyes to Ryan, and Ryan felt the gaze pierce her to her core. The wave of power emanating out from the woman washed over her, bringing her both pleasure and discomfort. Ryan knew she displayed none of this outwardly, and knew just as surely Abigail was fully aware of it.

Those in the entourage watched the scene, astonished. Even those who had seen the crown prince and the matriarch together were surprised at the currents flowing between them. The interaction between Old Ones was always intense, and these two were arguably the most powerful of their Kind.

Ryan started down the steps. Abigail watched as the girl approached, noting the same careless, boyish sense of fashion Ryan had possessed for centuries. She also noted the girl wore it with the same devastating effect. Abigail extended her hand as the girl neared.

Ryan grasped the fingers and bowed, brushing her lips across the hand in a chivalrous gesture. Abigail felt the shock of electricity flow through her arm and inwardly smiled at the girl’s impudence. Ryan ever was one to tempt fate.

Ryan raised her head and offered her arm. “Welcome, my lady. Your usual accommodations have been prepared.”

Abigail took the arm and they started up the steps. “I appreciate your hospitality, as always, my dear.”

They passed Edward at the top of the stairs, and he bowed low. Abigail glanced at him.

“Edward,” she said with something close to disdain.

“My lady,” he replied. He stood upright and watched as Ryan and the matriarch entered the great doors. He was not so foolish to display any disrespect, but he was also very protective of his master. This One was exceedingly dangerous.

Ryan glanced backward over her shoulder at him, a look of mischief on her face. Then again, Edward thought, his master generally did not require any protection.

Ryan led Abigail to the stairway. “Would you like me to show you to your quarters?”

Abigail tilted her head, extending her senses throughout the estate. She turned to Ryan.

“I think I would like to pay my respects to your father first.”

Ryan bowed, perhaps a bit stiffly as the mention brought her pain. Abigail watched the reaction knowingly.

“Of course,” Ryan said, “I will take you to him now.”

Ryan led Abigail into Victor’s chambers, and the beautiful matriarch moved to his bedside. Although Abigail was always tightly in control, Ryan sensed a moment of genuine emotion in her, a deep sadness and sense of loss. Abigail laid her hand on Victor’s chest.

Ryan moved to her side, looking down at her father.

“There has been no change?” Abigail asked, although it was more of a statement than question.

Ryan swallowed, another distinctly human and unnecessary gesture.

“No, no change. I have sent word for Dr. Ryerson to return as soon as she is well enough to travel.”

Abigail glanced at her. “That is wise,” she said, “for many reasons.”

Ryan turned to her, sensing her disapproval. She knew Abigail would elaborate and was not disappointed.

“Dr. Ryerson is a liability to you,” Abigail said. “There are those who would strike at her to strike at you.”

Ryan felt her anger rise, but maintained her composure. “I find it difficult to believe there are those foolish enough to risk the consequences of harming her.”

Abigail was calm, but unyielding. “Perhaps not by harming her. But there are also those who would court her to curry your favor.”

Ryan was unyielding as well. “Then let us hope Dr. Ryerson possesses better judgment than that which you attribute to her.”

“Yes,” Abigail said smoothly as she turned away, “let us hope.”

Ryan took one last look at her father, briefly touching the hands folded on his chest, then joined Abigail at the doorway. “Allow me to show you to your chambers.”

Ryan led Abigail down the hallway and through double doors that opened inward into a brightly lit room. “I trust you will find this to your liking.”

Abigail surveyed the suite, noting it was decorated in the pale blues and whites she preferred. There was a coolness to the suite that perfectly fit her demeanor.

“It is ideal. Thank you.” She turned to Ryan, her gaze lingering on the girl. “Would you care to join me for some tea?”

Ryan noted that Abigail’s servants had already completely taken over the wing and were setting up tea service. The irony of being invited to tea in her own house was not lost on her.

“Of course,” Ryan said.

Abigail settled onto the couch and Ryan sat down across from her. A handsome young man brought tea, then just as quickly vanished. Ryan inhaled the fragrant scent of the leaves, not recognizing them. Apparently Abigail’s staff had not trusted her selection of tea and had brought their own. She took a drink of the scalding liquid, enjoying the burning heat.

Ryan became aware that Abigail was watching her with the unblinking gaze of their Kind. Ryan took another drink, then replaced the cup in its saucer. She sat back and returned the unblinking gaze.

“I seem to have somehow displeased you.”

Abigail watched the girl intently. “You have never failed to please me, my dear.”

Ryan shifted uncomfortably on the couch, the innuendo targeting her with great precision.

Abigail reached for her cup, took a sip, then continued.

“But perhaps what you sense is my impatience.”

Ryan held her gaze as Abigail placed the cup down.

“Ryan,” Abigail said firmly, “it is time.”

Ryan could hold her gaze no longer and looked away. Abigail could see Ryan’s jaw clench, and pressed her attack.

“The hierarchy has been without a leader now for almost two centuries.”

“Most of which has been my fault,” Ryan interrupted.

“That is of no matter,” Abigail said. “With your father unable to fulfill his duties, and your defeat of Aeron, you stand unchallenged. You have the full support of the Grand Council.”

“And why do you not take this position yourself?” Ryan asked quietly.

Abigail did not hesitate. “It is not my place.”

Ryan looked at her. Abigail had left it unsaid, but it was not unknown, and Ryan would not let it pass.

“A King can dominate subjects,” Ryan said with a tinge of sarcasm, but no trace of bitterness, “but the One who dominates the King rules all.”

Ryan sensed the very dangerous shift in Abigail, although outwardly the matriarch’s demeanor did not change. When Abigail responded, she did not speak aloud, but Ryan heard her voice quite clearly.

Do not tempt me, little one.

Ryan knew she had overstepped. It took a moment, but she apologized.

“Forgive me,” Ryan said, “that was unnecessary.”

Abigail gazed at her intently. “But not untrue.”

A smile tugged at the corner of Ryan’s mouth. Abigail was incorrigible, not to mention incredibly dangerous. The elegant woman was capable of a maternal seduction that Ryan had no defense against.

Abigail was also perhaps the only one capable of swaying one so stubborn.

Ryan’s posture changed as she sat upright. Her shoulders squared and her tone became suddenly business-like. She addressed what appeared to be empty space behind her.

“Edward–”

Edward materialized.

“Send word to the members of the Grand Council to convene in two weeks time.” Ryan’s eyes were on Abigail. “We will gather here.”

This surprised Edward, but he quickly recovered. “Of course, my lord. I will send word immediately.”

Ryan was not finished. “Also send word to the keepers of the Grand Council chambers.”

Edward paused, waiting for instruction.

“Tell them to begin preparations for a coronation.”

Abigail gazed at her expectantly, and Ryan turned to Edward.

“Mine.”

Edward was stunned, although his patrician manner did not reveal it. He could not, however, conceal his pleasure at the announcement.