NocC 009 - Laura Kaye - Vampire Warrior Kings 1 - In the Service of the King - Harlequin 2012-02 by Nocturne Read Free Book Online Page A

He marched through the empty halls to the small industrial kitchen. Although vampires could only consume the flesh of animals or liquids, particularly spirits, they kept other foodstuffs around for the few mated females, who retained most of their human physiology and still required regular nutrition, as well as for their human employees and the occasional human guest. Whistling, Kael pulled open the refrigerator door, unsure what he might find. He didn’t spend much time in this room.
    But he was determined to lay out an offering for her—one his own hands prepared.
    A hearty sausage frittata sat on the center shelf. Perfect. He pulled it out and placed two thick slices on a plate. A container of paper-thin prosciutto caught his eye. He retrieved it and some cut-up melon, and wrapped the ham around the juicy, orange chunks. His chef swore by the combination of the sweetness and saltiness, even if Kael couldn’t enjoy the fruit. Next, he ladled marinated olives, artichoke hearts and red peppers from a covered dish into a bowl. It was likely he’d just raided the human staff’s breakfast, but suspected he could find a way to make it up to them.
    Kael cleaned up his mess and turned to the pantry. He added apples, oranges and mixed nuts to the tray. The meal was turning into quite a feast, igniting a satisfied warmth in his gut. He yearned to see her nourished at his hand. He added a chilled bottle of water and a crystal goblet to the tray. He debated wine, but wanted them both clearheaded for the conversation he hoped they’d have.
    As he wandered back through the halls, he whistled again as he juggled his load. Liam sprung from an armchair in the corner of the feeding room when Kael breezed in. The warrior’s eyes went wide as he surveyed the contents of the weighted-down tray.
    Kael settled the meal on the round table next to the bed, then poured the water into the glass. Satisfied, he turned and surveyed the room. The goblet of Shayla’s blood and his dagger still sat on the stand across the room, and the blindfold and a single white flower lay on the floor.
    They needed a clean slate. Those things had to go. He glanced at Liam. “I’ve got it from here.”
    Liam nodded. “As you wish, my lord.” He didn’t even try to hide his smile as he left the room. The ornate door clicked behind him.
    Kael busied himself picking up and putting away the blindfold, cleaning and sheathing his dagger, and placing the small white flower on the edge of the plate of food. All of this allowed him to avoid deciding what to do with her blood. He hated to waste something so precious—precious not just because it was a virgin’s blood, but because it was her blood. But if she rejected him, he wouldn’t deserve it. And if she didn’t, well…hopefully he’d never have to feed from a cup again.
    He stared at the goblet a moment longer, then finally placed it on a shelf inside the large cabinet. His fangs stretched out in his mouth as the scent of it infused his consciousness. His throat burned and constricted as he secured the doors. Hunger clenched in his gut. Hunger for blood, for companionship. For love.
    Before long, footsteps echoed in the exterior corridor and a knock sounded at the back door.
    Kael swallowed hard and strode to the center of the room. “Come.”
    Simon Freneau pushed through the door and stopped on the threshold, bowing his head. “Good evening, Your Highness.”
    Kael stepped forward and offered his hand. “Simon. Good to see you again.” He nodded and shook Kael’s hand, but his furrowed brow didn’t speak of pleasure. Kael knew how protective the trainers were of the Proffered. He clearly had some amends to make. Kael’s mistake, the failed hypnotism in particular, had made Simon look bad too. The women were told the pain of the whole experience was minimal to none, and that was true. Usually. “It won’t happen again.”
    Not the least because he hoped to never again require the services of the