Vampire Legacy (Book 4 of the Dragon Heat series) by Ella J. Phoenix Read Free Book Online

be needing me again, your majesty?”
    If you do your duty well, no. “Maybe.” He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her hips against his, giving her another hot memory to share. He knew women talked, he just hoped this vixen would serve him well not only as blood bank but as a means to his success. “If you promise to be a good girl and share your appreciation with Lady Natalia, I will consider asking for you again before I depart back to Wallachia.”
    She nodded vehemently.
    “But don’t tell her I have asked you to do so,” Petran warned. “That indiscretion would not please me.”
    “I won’t, your majesty. I promise, I’ll do you good,” she mumbled, kissing him on the neck.
    “Good.” Petran gently grabbed her wrists and pulled her away. “So now, off you go.”
    She smiled sensually at him before turning on her heels and leaving. She was far from being his type, but she wasn’t the worse coupling he’d had. Maybe he would consider requesting her services again before he left. But only after he’d finished with the sweet Lady Natalia.
    Heavy steps descending the stairs toward him caught his attention. A moment later, Arthur came into view accompanied by a matronly looking woman.
    “Where in Hiad have you been?” Petran asked coldly.
    “Here, your majesty,” he said beaming with pride. “It took me almost an hour but I found a suitable candidate to serve you.”
    Petran looked at his chamberlain and rolled his eyes. “Get in here, you daft, and help me get ready.”
    Without giving the woman a second look, he turned around and went back into his quarters. By Apa Dobrý, he would have to teach Arthur how to be more spirited. Fair enough, despite having been in his payroll for decades, Arthur was new to the position of royal personal assistant and his English heritage prevented him from relinquishing his inherent stiffness, but taking over an hour to find him a pitiful human to drink from was definitely not acceptable.
    “Arthur, you must—” The sound of heavy stomping and shouts muffled the rest of his words. Outside his chamber, several servants rushed across the dark hallway. Some carried buckets of water, others supplies, and even chains. All held desperate expressions on their faces.
    “What in Hiad is happening?” Petran muttered then quickly grabbed his shirt off the chair and rushed out.
     
    **********
     
    The house was in total disarray—servants rushed up and down the corridors, and Somenski’s seneschal was bellowing orders, which made no sense.
    Petran grabbed one of the scullions, forcing him to a halt. “What is the matter?”
    “It’s happening again! The lordship,” the boy replied frantically, and then pulled his arm free to resume his quest.
    “ What is happening again?” Petran shouted after the boy but it was too late. He’d already disappeared around the corner.
    “Your majesty,” Arthur called, pointing down the hall. “I believe they are running toward Lord Somenski’s chambers.”
    By the gates of Hiad!
    Petran rushed along with the others, praying for the Soartas to be merciful with his neighbor. He was plotting his daughter’s downfall but that didn’t mean he was impervious to the agony his neighbor was in.
    He stormed into Somenski’s quarters with Arthur in tow. The chaos inside was even greater than outside with his good neighbor at the center of it all. Somenski was standing on his bed flapping his arms around, wearing his hard hat and royal robe on top of his nightshirt. Several servants were rushing around like headless chooks trying to calm his lord down. Natalia was at the foot of the bed begging her father to drink the medicinal tea in her hands, but her pleas met deaf ears. Somenski seemed not to notice anything at all. We seemed to be hallucinating, lost in his own world, bellowing words of war. Then suddenly, he tore his chemise into pieces revealing bare skin.
    The entire room froze in place at the sight.
    Someski’s chest was