Free Defying Eternity (An Obscure Magic Book 5) by Viola Grace Page A

the clock. It was only ten in the evening. She was probably going to faint when the connection to Matthias kicked in and that was going to hurt her position as his representative.
    She had two hours to complete this entire process, or at least to introduce herself and start the negotiations.
    She tapped the lily and smiled at the scent that shivered out of the flower.
    Zora looked from Leo to the gargoyle. “Are you ready?”
    Leo nodded. “I am ready. We can leave whenever Leah is ready.”
    The gargoyle nodded and smiled. “I am ready. Let’s bring Octavia home.”
    Leo got to her feet, picked up her plant and followed the gargoyle out of the building and into an SUV limo. Lima and Coren were with her all the way.
     
    She hadn’t anticipated being kept waiting. The clock ticked by, and it was eleven by the time she was able to introduce herself to the vampire king.
    “Greetings, your majesty, from Matthias of Redbird City. I have brought you a gift from Matthias.” She nodded her head and then met his crimson gaze.
    Olvadi leaned forward and laughed. “He sends me a flower? I thought that you were the gift.”
    She inclined her head. “I have in my hands a lily watered with Matthias’s own blood.”
    The laughter died. “You are serious?”
    “Delivered to me the moment before I left.”
    Olvadi nodded to one of his attendants, and the skittish vampire nearly dropped the lily as she carried it over to her king.
    The king took it with reverence, inhaling the fragrance. “It is a princely gift. I will have to offer him something of equal value.”
    “I believe you are aware of the reason that I am here.”
    He sighed and made a gesture.
    A pale, thin vampire called out, “Court is closed.”
    Olvadi heaved himself to his feet, and he towered over her. He reached out and touched Leo’s cheek. “Matthias has surprised me.”
    “Apparently, he does that a lot.”
    He turned and left the room. She followed him with her entourage trailing after. Leah, Coren and Lima stayed close. They walked up some long, low stairs, down some hallways and into a boardroom.
    The woman with the shaking hands was at his side, flinching whenever he moved. He sprawled lazily in his chair—the literal king of all he surveyed.
    Leah faced him across the table, seated with her wings folded behind her, and Leonora stood next to the table, between them as arbitrator.
    “We are here to obtain the possession of the vampire Octavia.”
    Olvadi reached out and pulled Octavia against his side. “I do not think so. She has been mine for centuries, and I will not release her any time soon.”
    Leonora watched as Octavia’s emotional stability cracked, just for an instant.
    This was why she was here. “Your majesty, as you are aware, if a fair offer is made for one of your retainers, you must at least listen to it.”
    He looked at her and gave her a slow leer from head to toe. In a moment, he was out of his chair and had grabbed her to pin her against the wall. He slid his hand up her inner thigh. “What will Matthias give me to consider it?”
    When his rough fingers caressed the marks that Matthias had left on her, she felt a surge of heat that filled her from her core outward. She grabbed Olvadi’s throat and squeezed. The sensation must have startled him, because he dropped his hand and stepped back.
    “I am here to ensure that you listen to the offer, Olvadi. I gave you all the respect due you as king of this city, but you will not lay hands on the apprentice of Matthias again.”
    Olvadi’s eyes widened as she backed him up to his chair.
    “Resume negotiations and resign yourself that Octavia will be leaving your service.”
    He scowled. “I do not wish to part with her.”
    “You assaulted a representative of Matthias. Be happy that this is all he demands.” Leo stood silently and watched as the threat she had issued was obeyed. Cool.
    Her body was humming with energy, and her mind was calm. A green wash had come over her