The Kings Series #2 His Silver Hand
29. The Demands: Anna Marie

The hours spent making love had not eased the heavy feeling in her heart. By late afternoon, they decided to join their guests at the library. Hands joined and clasped tightly. She was afraid to let him go.

To her surprised, Esmeralda and Lucifer were waiting for them.

Anna Marie blushed. She didn't mean to be late. She and Lucas shared a bath then well..

"Your Majesty, I am glad you heeded my advice." The priestess inclined her head. Though her face was unreadable, her palest of green eyes showed hope.

Out of character, which surprised the lady, Rie closed the distance between them, embraced her tightly, and bussed her cheek.

It took a few seconds, however, Esmeralda recovered and patted her back like a loving mother. A soothing sensation slithered down her spine. Anna Marie was grateful to the priestess.

Then her attention was riveted to man elegantly sprawled on a cushioned chair. Eyes as black as night, thick lashes, nose straight like of a Roman god, his jaw and cheeks chiseled. With his dark hair, a stark contrast to Esmeralda’s white locks, open collar black dress shirt, and black pants, he fitted the picture of a sinful beautiful demon. Ready to guide to commit wickedness. A pulling sensation enveloped her. Her dragon spirit resurfaced and was displeased.

She blinked and looked away. Lucas was hotter.

"Stop doing that, Lucifer, or I will roast you until you are ashes on the ground.” Lucas suddenly said in a harsh voice beside her.

"My apologies, my friend. I was just reading your queen. Not seducing her." He murmured. Unfazed. His voice was silky and smooth. Like an aged brandy.

Her mate muttered something in Greek then both of them occupied the loveseat beside the Vampire couple

From the corner of her eye, she saw her sister Mish, cheeks adorned with a fiery blush, her hand securely held by her beloved was looking around them with a lot of unspoken questions.

Rie inwardly frowned. Did Xavier reveal to her sister all her past? She hoped so. No one wanted to deceive her anymore.

"Have we heard from Ruby yet?" The question came from Alexander. Impatience lacing his voice.

Setting aside her thoughts, the dragon queen gave all her attention to the discussion.

"Yes. She sent me this. This is the key to her world. " Esmeralda held out a baby onesie for everyone to see.

Anna May, the Lycan's mate gasped and cried out as if physically hurt. She burrowed her face on Alexander's neck who growled and tightened his hold on her.

"The cloth has Annalisa's scent.” His voice was guttural and rough.

"A warning if you don't comply with her ransom demands." The priestess answered in disgust. Her hate for her estranged sister reflected on her face.

"And we will. We will do anything for the pups.” Lucas voice out. And everyone else agreed including their seconds-in-command. "We just have to be prepared for what she had in store for us.”

"You do know that Ruby is not just a psychotic witch right?" It was Lucifer who voiced it out. His black eyes flashing in disdain. "Even I myself couldn't hold off easily from her advances.”

What did he mean by that? Uneasy glances were shared by everyone in the room except for the three sisters.

"What is she?" Mish asked softly. Xavier stiffened by her side.

"Ruby is a succubus, the only daughter of Lilith, who seduced Samael, an Archangel, Esmeralda’s father, during his travels in the underworld,” Lucifer informed them.

"What is a succubus?" She couldn't stop herself from asking any longer. She needed to know what type of enemy Lucas would be facing. "Sweetheart," from beside her, he draped his arm on her waist, hugging her to his side.

"Ruby is a half breed demon, a succubus, seducing any man to her bed. She uses them for sex to gain more power. And her victims had no power to resist her." Esmeralda informed them bluntly.

"No one is going to put her hands on my mate. I will be going with Alexander and that's final.” Anna May

stood to emphasize her anger and she clenched her hand into fists. "Baby girl," her mate softly coaxed.

Rie herself was so worried and so revolted at the same time. She couldn't imagine Lucas with another woman. Her stomach recoiled at the thought.

"Shhh, that won't happen, sweetheart. My dragon will burn her if she touches me.” He murmured on her temple. Lightly touching his lips to her skin.

"l will go with you." She declared.

"Me, too." Mish seconded.

"No, beloved. It won't be safe.” Xavier answered. His ice-blue eyes piercing hers in a warning.

"You can't tell me what to do. You're my beloved, I am your equal.” Mish shocked everyone with her commanding attitude. It was the first time seeing her so confident. The vampire king actually smiled down at her indulgently.

"A cloaking spell,” Esmeralda murmured. Almost to herself.

"What did you say?" Alexander asked. Still displeased with the idea of his Anna May going with him.

"The four of you will need to travel to her realm. Of course, I am going with you. And your queens, too. But we will be hidden by a cloaking spell. One Ruby had never suspected before. Your seconds will also be disguised. I know my sister. She will be ready with an army and yours would be obviously waiting at the edge of her property, so only I, your mates, and your seconds can provide you assistance while you are inside.” Esme outlined her plans. She really wanted to get her hands on her evil sister and kill her once and for all.

"We don't want our queens in danger.” Xavier opposed.

"They are stronger than you think." Clucking her tongue, the witch answered. Glaring at the men. All the women were on her side. "Remember, Luc, I am your dragon's heart. You will need me." Rie stated flatly. She wouldn't be denied.

"Goddess, Rie." He looked away and ran his fingers through his hair impatiently. His jaw clenched.

To either of her sides, the lycan, and vampire couples were also occupied on a heated debate.

Anna Marie was confident she and her sisters will win. Her gaze collided with Lucifer's and he had a smirk on his lips. She rolled her eyes.

"We do not have time to spare! Our pups need us! I want my babies back. So please, I beg you..." The Lycan queen, on brink of losing her control, said in a guttural tone. Voice shaky and tinged with unshed tears. She was trembling where she stood. Her mate went to her to comfort her.

Absolute silence reigned in the room.

"Please, Luc,” Rie beseeched, cupping his face. "I'm worried sick, too. I can't imagine what I would do if it's our children. I'd go crazy as well." He kept looking at her, devoid of any expression. Beyond his tough exterior, she knew better. Then his hazel eyes softened. "Fucking fine! But you will do exactly what I tell you. Promise me, Anna Marie."

Lucas had rarely called her by her first name. In fact, this might be the first time. She nodded. Eyes sober. She was not a fool.

Looking around her, every couple had reached a general consensus as well.

"This will be fun,” Lucifer uttered dryly. Dark eyes filled with anticipation.

The Castle of Evil

Ruby

Eagerness filled her blood. Four kings. All fuckable. But...she knew the Lycan King couldn't get it up unless it's his mate. The Dragon King, well, his beast was spitting fire, it was useless. And the Vampire King could move faster than the speed of light and also mated to his china doll of a beloved. Impotent to other women. Her lips curled in disgust.

That left her with the Demon King. Could she? Dare she? He was mateless. And he could also appreciate a succubus since he was her counterpart. The fucking problem was, over the centuries, before she was incarcerated by her bitch of a sister, she had tried to seduce him several times and he always refused. Always showing his revulsion. Not tonight.

Her price was his claiming or she will kill the lycan pups. Those brats were grating on her nerves.

She hated the sounds they made. Their crying and whining. It left her disoriented. A pity she couldn't kill them. Yet.

Leaving the pups in a secured, dark dungeon was a brilliant idea. Let them starve. She didn't care.

After killing the mated kings, she will dispatch her minion Zachary and claim Lucifer for her own. Paving the way to get the queens and drain their blood for her master. No one would be able to stop her.

In a few hours, she will be crowned the Demon Queen. More powerful than her pitiful sister, Esmeralda.

Yes.

They will be here soon. She had better prepare. A lot of surprises were in store for her guests

Anna Marie

The godforsaken realm they entered was one's worst nightmare. A place so bleak and barren, wind blasting so hot on their skin.

Clifts surrounded the entire area and a dark castle can be seen at the horizon. Only one bright light akin to that of a lighthouse, illuminating the area. More like a patrol beacon.

Their combined forces of elite armies at the edge of the portal, awaiting instruction.

Anyone watching them would only see a lady, all in white and four men journeying.

Michael, Oliver, and her brothers in law, Platos, and Hughes, were assigned to protect them. Also cloaked and invisible like the ladies from the spell Esmeralda had concocted.

Though the lady herself hadn't donned the spell, having her own powers. Having resigned to fight Ruby, she wanted the evil witch to know she came for that purpose.

Lucas had wished to fly with her perched on his back. Ruby would know right away his powers were enhanced, putting two and two together, Anna Marie's blood would be ripe for the picking.

They couldn't take the chance and alert their enemies.

"He was here," Lucifer murmured.

"Who?" Esmeralda asked.

"My twin brother. He was kept here." Everyone slowed their pace. The demon king had a brother?

"Are you sure, my friend?" Lucas asked. On alert and every part of him ready to attack.

"Yes. Long before the realms were created he was declared the High King, a ruler of angels. More powerful than any being. As a child we were inseparable. I was honed to rule the underworld and my brother, the Earth, and the heavens. But one day, someone took him from us. And that's the reason my father and Esmeralda's declared war on the Death Angel's people. The reason we killed and vanished him." Lucifer's voice became bleaker. "Still, there was no chance of finding my brother. This is the first time in centuries I felt his presence.”

"I have an apprentice, soon, she will reborn with the full potential of her power and she will help us more than we could ever know. We will get your brother back." Esmeralda, sure of her strengths, assured the Demon King.

"I would like to meet your apprentice,” Lucifer said softly.

"You will soon.” The priestess assured him.

Anna Marie was stunned by all the revelations. Obviously, everyone was too. Shaking the unease from her shoulders, they continued walking. Her sisters on either of her sides held hands with Alexie and Sofia. They can do this.

Dead leaves and flowers surrounded the castle's open garden. Too quiet. Not even cicadas were present.

Evil and more dwelled in this place.

Laughter, deep and cruel echoed all around them in welcome. Ruby. "Welcome, sister. I see you've brought along the boys." A tall, sultry, and attractive woman dressed in all silk black, with flowing red hair and deep blue eyes greeted them.

Alexander growled from her derisive tone. "Give me my heirs back, witch. Now!" He snarled. His body quaking in barely suppressed rage. "Tsk. Tsk. Patience, Lycan King. We are just starting. And you have to pay the price first." The evil witch announced with a triumphant smile. "I could give you the ride of your life, Alexander.” She said in a sultry voice.

No remorse reflected on her face. She could be beautiful but her heart was just pure evil.

Anna May stiffened by her side. Rie immediately squeezed her hand in a warning.

"I belong to my queen and no else's. I'd sooner kill you than fuck you! So your magic won't work on me, bitch.” The Lycan spat. Lips curled in revulsion.

Ruby threw her head back and laughed harder. The sound really grating on their nerves. "I'm sure your friends will compensate.”

Rie really felt like killing the bitch with her bare hands.

"Stop playing games, Ruby. What do want in exchange for the lycan heirs?" Esmeralda asked. Halo and white light surrounding her.

"Uh oh. Don't use your power here, sister or you will never get them back. I want the kings to fight my bodyguard. Winner takes all.” She laughed again. Something in the tone of her voice made Rie's skin crawl. "You all know him. Well, he is different now. Zachary?" Ruby waved her hand.

A creature appeared before them. A fucking huge creation of depravity. His body gleaming red, skin as thick as armor, face contorted, fangs showing, eyes huge and bloodshot. An ugly giant transformation with a massive head and horns. The Zachary they all knew was long gone, replaced by a killing machine.

"And he is ready to get his revenge. But before we start, I promised him one thing when he wins...

The Dragon Queen.”

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And a lot of revelations to come.

Enjoy, babies!

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