Chapter 20: The Longest Night

Had Emilia made a mistake bringing Tommy and Dulcinea to an enemy of her husband?

She was vulnerable. He could make demands and she’d either have to accept them or be cast out.

Vampire King Hotaru hummed, his eyes catching the flickering light of the torches that lined the garden paths.

“You think so poorly of me?” the king asked, the corners of his mouth turning down slightly.

“I think you have all the power in this situation,” Emilia admitted.

“Clever girl,” he said with a subtle nod. “It’s true, I have strength and resources that rival yours, but power plays and games no longer intrigue me.”

“What does intrigue you?” Emilia asked, following the king’s eyes as he glanced at the night-blooming flowers.

“Your presence here. Your artist,” he admitted.

“Sire, Queen Sada has returned,” a samurai guard called from the castle doorway.

“Shall we see the lady of the house?” Hotaru asked.

Emilia nodded. She rose from the bench and followed the vampire king.