Turning Night by Viola Grace Read Free Book Online Page A

candidate has come forward.” He looked around and there was challenge in his eyes.
    The courtiers shifted but remained silent. Max could feel their nervousness and inability to contradict his decision.
    “I gladly accept the appointment.”
    A room full of people, who didn’t need to breathe except to speak, all exhaled in relief.
    Gregori stood and opened his arms. “Welcome back, Max. Your party awaits.”
    She laughed and ran to him, hugging him tightly. It had only been a few hours, but it felt like those years had all passed between them, keeping them apart.
    “I had to destroy Robert and his offspring.”
    Gregori stroked her hair. “I could smell them on you. The scent may have stopped those who were planning a final attempt.”
    She chuckled. “No doubt.”
    He ran his hand down her back. “You need to get changed.”
    “I know. But tomorrow, we need to address a little matter of someone who was prodding Robert along.” She looked up at him, and he kissed her quickly.
    “Tomorrow, Max. Today, we have an entire herd of the living, and they need you to defend their honour.”
    Max nodded and headed to her changing room. Her dress was on a dummy, and Raven and Hellebore were already halfway into theirs. They both smiled with huge grins when she entered the room set aside for them.
    Max peeled out of her clothing, down to the skin. The dress went up and over her head and then came the tugging to get it down around her hips. It was always easier with Galfor there, but since she was down with the rest of the party, Max was on her own.
    The moment she got her hands free, it became easier. The corset bodice almost snapped in place when she got it into position. She expertly laced the corset with pulls from top to bottom and back again. When it was cinched, her breasts were supported and on display, her stomach was flat and the curve of her waist was exaggerated. Perfect.
    She sat at the dressing table, cleared her skin with the waiting wipes and applied careful and precise makeup. Her hair was a lost cause, so she brushed it and left it loose.
    Raven and Hellebore were already joining the party.
    A knock at the door and Keeting delivered a box full of jewellery.
    He was eager and chipper, but she wasn’t up to altering her mood to accommodate him. She took the box and looked at it once she had closed the door.
    Gregori, did you just send me a box of gems?
    No. Why?
    Sigh. Never mind. That domestic matter may come sooner rather than later.
    Who betrayed you?
    Keeting. He actively encouraged Robert to attack me and just brought me a pile of cursed jewellery.
    I will rip him in two.
    Not before you tell Anthony. Elves deal with their own, just as we do.
    I will still rip him in two.
    You don’t need to. His clan leader is here tonight. Just tell Joffray, and he will take care of it. Once he knows that there will be a price on Keeting’s head, he will extract him, and you will never need to see him again.
    That is too civilized.
    Tough. The Abomination has spoken. Now, I am ready. I am coming down.
    I await your radiance eagerly.
    She would have been lying if her stomach didn’t do a little flip at the warmth in his mental tone. Max took a deep breath and left her changing room.
    Time to join her party already in progress.

Chapter Eight
     
     
    Subtle music was playing as Max passed through the ranks of vampires and headed to the garden for her party.
    Gregori greeted her at the doors and kissed her cheek before taking her hand and leading her down into the party. “You look lovely.”
    “Galfor’s best work, I think.”
    “Possibly, but it is you that brings it to life.”
    “Flatterer.”
    “I have had practice. Now, come to the receiving line.”
    Max blinked, “But everyone is here.”
    “And they all have gifts for your turning night. You must receive them and thank them one by one.”
    Max paused, “This is going to be worse than what I did this afternoon.”
    He laughed, “But now, I can remain