Page 73 of His Stolen Queen
"You have served me faithfully for centuries. I thank you for your loyal service."
"My King—"
"I need to get my affairs in order. Anoint a new King and speak with the Territory Kings regarding Damon's betrayal."
I desperately wanted to exact revenge, but my need to be with Alice was greater. I had dragged her into my world, and I sorely regretted it. I should have left her in her human world, with her human husband. Where she was safe. She should be living out her life, having children, and growing old. Not being killed over something that had nothing to do with her. Not having her last moments with her chest ripped open and her heart bitten in some selfish attempt to keep her with me.
"I am so sorry, Alice. I have failed you." My voice broke, and I placed a lingering kiss against her cold forehead before rising.
I shuffled to the door, my movements unhurried and weighed down by grief.
Von gasped behind me, but I ignored him.
"You know the plan, Von."
"My King—"
"Do not hesitate to execute it."
Behead me. Burn my body.
"King Acheron—"
"Donotmove her,” I ordered. “Wait until I return—"
"King Acheron—"
"Once I speak with the Territory Kings, I shall return. Have my sword ready—"
"Acheron!"
I turned to him, annoyed by his constant interruptions and by the way he addressed me so informally. I was still the King.
But Von was not watching me. His eyes were wide and fixed on Alice.
"Look." He pointed down. I did not want to see Alice's lifeless body again, but something in his tone urged me on.
"What is—" My eyes widened as I glanced at Alice's body. The wound where Damon had pierced her was gone. In its place was smooth, unblemished skin stained with blood.
I rushed forward, my brow furrowed in confusion. "What is this? What happened?"
"Her skin knitted itself together."
I inhaled and held my breath. A little kernel of hope formed in my stomach at his words. Our Vampire flesh repaired itself like that when injured.
"Watch."
Before my eyes, her open chest began to close until it, too, was smooth. Her skin slowly regained its color, and her lips turned pink. With a trembling hand, I slowly placed it onto her chest. Over her heart.
I sucked my breath in.
"Call the physician. Now!"
Chapter 30
Alice
The first thing that hit me was the scent of blood. But it was unlike any smell of blood I'd ever experienced. It had a slight hint of metallic underneath, but then a very strong mix of leather and freshly mowed grass on top. All of it combined together created an overpowering sensory overload.
