Free rogue shifter 07 - cut off by gayle parness Page A

death to have meaning."
    I was overwhelmed by her courage, so I nodded with my hand on my heart and forced myself to bite her wrist. As per the ritual I took only one sip. "I, Garrett Cuvier, accept the terms of our agreement and your sacrifice. I will honor your memory, Niral, and do all I can to aid your sister, Elle."
    "Will it hurt to die in this way?" Her violet eyes were wide with fear.
    I stroked her hair and kissed her forehead, trying to soothe her. "You'll fall asleep."
    "Please, find Elle," she whispered. "The queen makes her work in the fields without the use of magic."
    "I promise to do everything I can."
    She smiled and laid her thin hand on my jaw. "Thank you. Hurry now, before the queen returns."
    Her bleeding wrist brushed against my lips, but I pushed it away, trembling with the need to feed. "The neck will be faster and more merciful." I moved her into my lap as I leaned against the wall farthest from where the queen had appeared. I brushed aside her lovely dark hair, bit down and began to drink. Her blood was ambrosia, full of the magic of Faerie, yet I was heartsick as I drank away her life. I drank until her heart stopped, then I laid her on the floor in as dignified a pose as I could manage. "Thank you, Niral. I'll never forget you. In Cascade they will accord you full honors."
    "That is so sweet." Fionna smirked in triumph. She had hold of another young female fae, pulling on her long braid and causing her pain with each yank. Fionna pushed her into the room and the girl collapsed on the floor near Niral's body.
    "Your sister was drained by the vampire. Look how he bit into her neck and wrist. He was brutal, Elle." The queen laughed and disappeared, leaving the new female where she'd landed. She scooted closer to Niral and then began to tremble.
     
    CHAPTER FOURTEEN
    During the meeting, Aislin showed up with a message just delivered to Cascade from the queen. Because of Aedus' warning, none of us were surprised when she stated that she would not release Garrett until Charles arrived at court. Her message continued, stating that if she found out we did not intend to bring Charles, Garrett would be tortured until we complied with her demands.
    "This caveat regarding Garrett's torture was not in the original message." Farrell protested.
    Liam took hold of my hand. "She will be forsworn if she hurts him, and even Fionna is not that stupid."
    "What would that mean?" I asked.
    "According to our system of honor, her own people would turn away from her, casting her down and supporting a new monarch."
    Farrell shook his head. "She's drained them of most of their powers. They cannot cast her aside."
    I held myself together as the group continued to discuss the situation, deciding at last on another message being sent stating that we would come and negotiate for Garrett's release under a binding truce. It was decided that I would go, accompanied by Caelen, Aedus, Farrell, Keara and Brina. All five fae were close relatives of the queen, so it would be a group worthy of her attention. We decided not to mention Charlie in this note.
    When the meeting ended, everyone left the room except for the four fae. Because Lord Caelen's absence had been conspicuous, I asked Aedus, "Is your father afraid that Charlie will side with Naberia?"
    "The elders have expressed some concerns."
    "That's not what I asked." Aedus arched a brow, his version of showing shock at my snippy tone. Well, too bad. I was way past any attempt at diplomacy. "I respect the opinions of the other elders, but I'd like to know what your father thinks."
    "I can assure you that he does not believe you or Charles has any loyalty toward Naberia nor interest in her schemes."
    "Well, that's something at least. I was kind of freaked out that he didn't attend the meeting today."
    Aedus sighed. "Would you like the truth?" I nodded. "He feels betrayed by a friend. My father has done nothing to cause you to believe he would not or could not keep Charles safe, or