CHAPTER 171: THE GOBLET

"How was your day?" Drevon asked softly.

"Good, I guess, but still so much work to be done."

"Is it that plan you told me about? It was out of the blue."

"Did you have time to think about it?" I asked.

I had told him about my idea early this morning, but there was no time to discuss it.

"No queen has ever made the inner court hers. It was not made for that purpose, but knowing my little wife, she might pull the impossible off."

I smiled. His faith in me was everything, like that early morning boost of energy that came out of nowhere. Drevon was my strength, and he never ceased to amaze me with his support.

"It’s going to take a lot out of you. Breaking a system will raise negative whispers, but there’s a chance for it, given the loopholes you found. Only you can make it work."

"Hearing you say that gives me courage. Think of how much could be done if this works. I can lead a court and have the experience I need, putting those talents to use. Benefiting all the noble ladies, too."

"You’re already doing a good job as queen, without my mother’s teachings, and I’m proud of it." He kissed my knuckles.

"A rare sight..." I heard the painter praise.

"How do you rule, my liege?"

"Curious, Your Majesty?"

I nodded.

"I told you already, I follow the example my Father left behind. He was a good monarch to his people. It was strangely easier when I did. The marriage alliance was also a first step, even if it wasn’t the main goal. But... Here we are, harvest flourished in the time of winter. And we have the longest winter, I can brag I’m the first monarch to kill starvation in this season."

"Killing two birds with one stone. How fashionable, clever."

He chuckled. "Unintentionally, but a good, quick decision. I got you."

"Hmm... I have much to learn from you then," I leaned close, and he did too.

"I don’t think of myself as a teacher, but I can see what I can do."

"The lessons should be strict lessons."

He flashed me a grin. "But of course, I want my student to be excellent."

"If you are going to teach me, then allow me to ask this."

"What?"

"When you said you wanted to leave it all for me. You could have abandoned your people, which shows an example of a bad leader."

His gaze softened. "I couldn’t bear to rule in an empire that wouldn’t accept you as queen."

My lips parted before it formed into a smile. "Fine, you earned your points."

"Points? I had no idea we were doing such a thing."

~•~

The portrait took an hour or so, and the first stage was done. We were back in our chambers.

I brushed my hair when Drevon came behind me. "Have dinner with me." He kissed my cheek.

"I already had so much for lunch. I’m full." I dropped the comb and stood, facing him, and placing my hand on his chest, lining my fingers on his tattoo and following the ink waves.

"Eloise."

"Hmm?"

"It’s been a long time since you had blood."

At his words, I got tense. I was hoping I could avoid that, but it was catching up faster than I expected.

"I-I’m fine, if I do feel I should, you’ll be first to know," I said, walking to bed.

"Is this because of Damon?"

I halted my steps.

"You shouldn’t worry about him coming to you. He won’t."

"I know... Diana told me he leaves a goblet of blood out the door." I veered my gaze to the table where I saw it; it had been coming, but I never tasted it.

I heard Drevon’s footsteps coming closer, and then the heat of his body pulled me in. His pleasant spicy scent, and my mouth watered.

"I shouldn’t have mentioned him. I know he—"

"It’s okay." I turned to him. "I’m a bit scared to ask for it knowing how much it hurts you when I feed from him."

He shook his head. "I don’t care about that, not when your well-being is on the line. You can take it as much as you want." He cupped my cheek. "It’s the only reason I kept him alive."

For some reason, the thought of Damon being alive solely just to live as my blood servant didn’t feel right.

My disapproval was written over my face, and Drevon saw this. He placed a hand beneath so that our eyes connected.

"Did what I said displease you?"

It did, but saying yes will give him the wrong impression.

"No, I just don’t want to think about him right now."

"I understand."

I forced a smile, placing my hands on his chest, and then my attention dropped to his neck.

I didn’t know how to ask him, but when Drevon suddenly picked me up, I realized he knew. I buried my face in his neck, lip brushing against the heat of his skin, and without wasting any moment, I sank my fangs into his neck, moaning.

Drevon stroked my head gently, murmuring loving words to me, but they all faded away as I sank my fangs deep to take more. No matter how much I took, I wasn’t satisfied, and I knew why.

Suddenly feeling off, I released his neck. Drevon walked us to the table and sat me down.

I eyed the goblet beside me, and the scent of wine filled my nose.

"Eloise."

I looked at Drevon.

"It’s okay."

I grabbed the goblet and gulped down everything in one go.

"You don’t have to feel guilty."

"I don’t want to hurt you."

"You’re not," he assured me. "Your well-being comes first." He kissed my forehead, lips dragging to my nose, and I closed my eyes in bliss.

He used the napkin to wipe my lips before he picked me up and carried me to bed.