In Darkness We Must Abide (The Fallen King, Episode 8) by Rhiannon Frater Read Free Book Online

tight hug, nearly cutting off all feeling to her limbs.
    “ There’s plenty of time to talk,” Roman said, winking at her.
    Armando was very still and silent throughout the entire scene, but Vanora felt his golden gaze urging her on.
    “It’s important.” Vanora drew a deep breath.
    “ Here you are, darling!” 
    Carlotta ’s presence flooded the room as she grandly entered dressed in a red crushed velvet gown that clung to her sensuous curves.  As she sauntered toward Roman, a long red chiffon sash trailed behind her, wavering like a flame.  Her jet black hair was skimmed from her face and twisted into a chignon, revealing her dark, lovely eyes. 
    Roman ardently kissed Carlotta, then turned her about, his arms about her waist.  “Look, my sister Vanora has arrived.”
    Carlotta made a great show of kissing Vanora on both cheeks, much to Vanora ’s discomfort.  One elegant hand gently caressed Vanora’s face as the vampire smiled her sly, yet charming smile.  “I’ve heard so much about you from Roman and Alisha.  You fled before we could become friends. And now here you are!”
    Vanora didn ’t like the seductive creature touching her and deliberately stepped away.  Forcing her lips to spread into what she hoped would look like a friendly smile, she said, “I’m pleased to meet you again.”
    “ Of course you are!”  Carlotta leaned against Roman, staring up at him adoringly.  “We’re family.”
    Roman affectionately kissed Carlotta ’s cheek while, behind Roman, Alisha rolled her eyes.
    “ Vanora, we’re having a party tonight. Carlotta and I are going to announce that we plan to live as man and wife from this night forward. “ Roman was positively beaming with happiness.
    “ That’s just great,” Vanora managed to say, glancing quickly at Armando. The vampire appeared annoyed by the whole conversation.
    Carlotta ’s gaze captured Vanora’s, drawing the girl into their luminous darkness.  “Tonight is a night no one will ever forget,” she said smoothly.  “I can promise you that.”
     
    * * *
     
    The rest of the conversation had been small talk and meaningless. It had been very apparent that Armando and Alisha did not want to speak of the impending threat against Roman in front of Carlotta, so Vanora was forced to wait.
    When at last Carlotta and Roman departed to oversee the final party preparations, Vanora frowned at how wrapped up in each other the couple appeared to be. Roman was madly in love with Carlotta and that fact annoyed Vanora. It complicated everything.
    “Can I trip her into the pool?” Alisha rolled her eyes.
    “ I’ll help,” Vanora offered.
    “ Both of you...behave.” Armando admonishment was filled with annoyance.
    The sisters glared at him.
    Armando glowered back.
    “ We have a purpose for being here that has nothing to do with the party,” Armando reminded them.
    “ Right. Saving Roman’s stubborn ass.” Alisha lifted her eyes to the heavens. “God made no one more stubborn than our dear brother.”
    “ I think I can match him. I’m going to try my hardest to get him to listen to me.” Vanora knew it would be difficult, but she was determined.
    “ I’m so sorry the party is happening tonight.” Alisha took Vanora’s hands into her own. “After all that has happened, I’m sure you’re not up for this.”
    “ I’m here for Roman. If I have to put up with a party so I can talk to him, I will.” Vanora squeezed her sister’s fingers, then drew away. “We might be running out of time. Armando had to kill two vampires on the way here last night. They were attempting to kill me.”
    “ They didn’t hurt you!” Alisha seized Vanora’s arms and studied her with terror in her eyes.
    “ I’m fine. He got them before they got to me.” Vanora cast a look in Armando’s direction to see his somber gaze was on her. “He was my hero.”
    “ I did what I had to do.”
    Alisha gave Armando a sharp look. “Have you told Roman?”
    “ I