Chapter 140: John Lennon - Give Peace A Chance
King Luciver slammed his palm down on the carved stone table. "Somebody explain to me," he growled, his fangs elongating just slightly with rage, "why there are things happening outside my kingdom and I am the last to know!"
"Tell me how an entire rogue vampire army waltzes into werewolf territory, slaughters Alpha King Magnus Sinclair—the princess’s own father—and not a single one of you knew? How?!"
The council remained silent, eyes downcast. Even the usual sharp-tongued nobles, who were often eager to outwit each other in debate, now seemed like chastened children before a furious parent.
"Commander of the army!" he barked, and a tall, broad-shouldered vampire stepped out from the arc of guards near the door.
The commander bowed deeply. "Your highness, with due respect, I do not believe this threat originated from within Blood City. The movements are erratic. These weren’t trained soldiers."
Gabriel stepped forward. "Where is the princess? I would like to offer my condolences."
"Keep your condolences to yourself, Gabriel." The vampire king turned slowly to face his younger brother. "I told you to stay away from the princess."
Gabriel lifted his chin and gave an exaggerated bow. "Of course, your highness. Though I must admit..." He stood upright again, "It’s quite suspicious, don’t you think? The princess and the prince are not in Blood City. With the madness going on out there, shouldn’t they be safe inside our walls? Are you hiding something?"
Luciver’s hands curled into fists at his sides. The nerve. The sheer audacity.
"You truly have no shame, Gabriel," he hissed. "You’d pick this very moment to poke holes in my leadership? Or is it that your thirst for power can’t even be quenched by the stench of war?"