General Sterling

Eight

Armad: 

    The attention she attracts is not something I expected. The women are all talking about her. The men can't stop complaining about the changes we're making and how much they all want to f**k her. She's completely oblivious to it. The only thing I'm okay with is that now that she's cutting weight, she needs more blood and asks for more than she's ever before. He's right, having her legs wrapped around my head is fun. 

    "We're going back to the Heart of Darkness after tonight's council. The Queen gave birth to a little girl a couple of days ago and she wants us to catch her up on what they've allowed. The way things look, we're going to start the next stage," 

    "Finally," she sat up and went over to her robes. 

    "Also, Alex wants to know if you'd like to receive the markings of the ranks?" I asked. They'd look amazing on her bronzing skin in red. 

    "It's custom. A tradition I actually like," she agreed. "I was thinking of using the red powder," 

    "Whatever you want. You're the one wearing them for the rest of your life," I reminded her. 

    "Why don't you get them?" she asked. 

    "I'm not one to keep things permanently. I move around a lot and change constantly. I'd end up hating them," 

    "I can see that happening," 

    "Ada-" she put her hand up stopping me. 

    "Do you want to stop?" she asked. 

    "For a while. The Queen isn't going to like our scents on one another. They know, I just-" 

    "I understand. I'll get rid of it," she shrugged. 

    "Get rid of it?" I asked. 

    "Yes, I can burn out the scent of your blood and get a new one," my ears are burning. Just like that she can get rid of it and she chooses not to?  "I can do the same for you. All you need to do is feed on another female," 

    "Do you want that?" 

    "I don't mind it. I know you're spoken for," there's not contempt or any emotional tick giving away her truth. She honestly feels that way. 

    "Why me?" I asked. "I mean why just me. You can have whomever you please,"

    "Is it starting to mean more to you?" she sighed. She came over and sat next to me. "Maybe we should stop this for a while. Or maybe we can add a little fun to it," 

    "What?" I laughed. She motioned me to follow her to the balcony. Below, the woman she likes to watch is watering the newly planted roses. She's laughing and talking with the other servants. 

    "She's beautiful," she smiled. "Willing. You'd like her taste. It's sweet. Has a bit of a kick. Rare for a mortal," 

    "You've been feeding on her," I laughed. 

    "Among other things," she grinned. 

    "Maybe," I shrugged. "I didn't think you'd be open to suggestions," 

    "Why not? My needs are at par with your own. I've always taken what I've wanted," 

    "I'll remind myself next time," I finished getting dressed. 

    "Is that a no on the scent thing?" she asked when I began to make my way to the door. There's no need to piss the tiny princess off more than I should. 

    "Is it painful?" I asked. She laughed, making me look back at her. 

    "Does it matter? It's not for you. It's for her. She's a baby now but she won't always be. You're going to have to face her one day," 

    "Right," I nodded. 

    She came over to me. The scale-like markings on her skin flared. Her jade eyes turned red. She placed her hands on my chest and pushed some of the warmth of her body into mine. It doesn't hurt. It actually feels good. My body is reacting to it. I growled when I reached for her arms. Her skin is blazing hot. She chuckled. 

    "I didn't think you'd do that. Now you know better," she waved me off. 

    "How do you know how to do that?" I asked. I don't smell like her anymore. 

    "When we were stripped of everything. I had to survive and provide for my family. I'd feed and I'd steal. I'd change my scent in pursuit to get them off my back. When Ash started going out there with me, I learned to do it to her," 

    "Criminal," 

    "Thank you," she laughed. 

    It's not difficult to feed here. Alexander likes to keep his people happy. The new scent is setting and I'm glad Ada knows her place. My stomach is in knots knowing that I'm going to see her today. It hasn't been long but I've missed being close to her. Seeing her tiny form. Watching those cold eyes of hers take everything in. She's a baby. An innocent little thing. 

    "You aren't having your daily dose of Adaleigh Darius," my mother walked into my chambers with a smile on her face. There's only one reason why she would walk in here without chewing me out. She got what she wanted. She even placed a kiss on my cheek. "Thank you. You don't hear this from me much, but I am proud of you, son. You surpassed the old man ten times over," 

    "That's not why I do it," I waved her off. 

    "I know. Edwardian will understand when her time comes. She is after all a female. Queen or not she knows where she stands. You are much older," 

    "You talk like you know her," I looked over at her. "You've been watching the princess?" 

    "Since the prince was abducted. You may not believe it or think it but I do have your best interests in mind. Losing her means losing you and that is not something I'd ever want. I wanted you to take-" 

    "The path of the scholar. I know," I turned away. "f**k that," 

    "Too much of your father," she patted my shoulder. "Are you and Ada at odds?" 

    "No, why do you ask?" 

    "The last time I saw you, your scent was penetrated with her. She smells amazing," 

    "Like the homeland," we both looked at one another and laughed. "Yeah, I know. No, we're not at odds. We have to report and she suggested we spare the princess," 

    "That's oddly considerate of her. Does she not reciprocate your attachment?" I turned to look at her. 

    "What makes you think I'm attached to her?" 

    "Mad, are you kidding me? You love this girl. She's the first person you've let in since your father's passing. You're not fond of me or Ava. Not the way you are of her," 

    "I trust her. You, not so much. Ava is well looked after no thanks to you," I rolled my eyes. 

    "You know what would await her here. Alexander doesn't have the same self-control you do, Mad. Keeping her away from him is in everyone's best interest. When she comes home to take my place, she'll understand," 

    "I have to go," I finished packing my reports. She came over to me and smiled. 

    "You're starting to look more and more like that animal," she placed her hands on my face. 

    "I miss him too, mother," I nodded. She backed away from me and nodded. 

    "Alright, get going. The witch is not one to wait for anyone," she shooed me away. I stepped into her and kissed the top of her head. 

    "I'll send her your love," I promised. She nodded and let me go. Ada is waiting for me at the gateway. The portal is already open. 

    "You have pigment on your cheek," she pointed at her face. I growled wiping my mom's kiss away. That s**t she wears on her lips is hard to remove. "What is this?" she laughed coming over to take it off. "You-" 

    "What?" I asked looking up at her. 

    "Nothing. It's off," she turned away. "Ready?" 

    "As I'll ever be," 

    "Ladies first," Helbourne. Where the hell did he come from? He wasn't here this whole time, was he? 

    "After you then," I growled at him. He smirked. 

    "You guys are idiots," Ada growled. She took his hand and pulled him through with her. 

    "Ooof," the witch laughed. 

    "Agreed," I nodded. She gave my shoulder a squeeze before we walked through together. She was waiting for me alone when we stepped through. "Where'd he go?" 

    "I don't know. He said he had errands to run. I told him to be back here tomorrow," 

    "We're going back after the council is over," 

    "Right. He doesn't know that," she laughed. She motioned me to take lead. 

    The look on people's faces to see me back is always welcoming. Now, they all have the same greetings for her. I can tell it's making her nervous. The gates to Duke Mountian opened up for us. We walked right up to the front where my sister and Edwardian are waiting. 

    "Mad," Ava cried out when she spotted me. She rushed to me and jumped. I barely had time to drop my bag and catch her. Ada caught my things. 

    "You are fast," I complimented. 

    "I'm faster than the princess on foot," she proclaimed. 

    "On foot?" Ada asked. 

    We both looked up at the princess to see her tiny red wings spread out behind her. Her eyes are crimson red. They're glowing brightly. The color looks beautiful against her snow-white hair. They cut it short when they caught her the night she reached where they had taken the prince. Had she not killed them herself, I would have killed them and anyone around them when I finally found them. 

    "Princess," I bowed. 

    "Hmm," she scoffed at me. She floated over to me taking in my scent and then did the same with Ada. She is adorable. I'm tempted to reach for her. I almost did when she turned her back on me. Ada stopped me. 

    "You need to calm down, General. She's a child," she whispered. I cleared my throat shaking my head. 

    "Mother is waiting for both of you," she spoke. 

    Ada growled at me knowing exactly what her voice is doing to me. I nodded, setting my sister down. She ran over to the princess and the two of them disappeared inside. Ada gripped my arm when all of my instincts screamed in me to go after her. She knelt down in front of me. I didn't realize I had fallen. 

    "Shhh," she put her finger to my lips. The tip of her finger pressed against my fangs. "You're fine. She's a baby," she reminded me. She stood up offering me her hand. "You're alright," 

    "Thank you," I swallowed by the thirst flaring in my throat. 

    "Don't mention it," she shrugged. "You'd do the same for me," 

    "Armad," I looked up to see Prince Phillip standing in the doorway. Unlike his twin, he has his wings tucked behind him. 

    "My Prince," I smiled. 

    "I'll kill you if you ever reach for my sister like that again," he flashed me his fangs before he ran back inside. Ada laughed. 

    "They are so precious," she beamed. "Come on. Let's get this over with so we can get you out of here," 

    I motioned her to follow me. The Queen is sitting inside holding a bundle in on arm and scroll in the air reading it. 

    "Armad. I knew the kids were fired up for a reason," she greeted us. 

    "My Queen," both Ada and I bowed properly to her. She came over to us and let us up. 

    "Ada, you are not at all what I pictured to be. My male's description of you did you no justice," 

    "Ada, you've gotten smaller," the Incubus King. 

    "My King," she bowed properly. I'll pass. "Yes, I've been training with Councilman Deanian Helbourne and he's having me cut weight for new sparing techniques and to gain speed," 

    "Brilliant," the Queen nodded. "I'm glad you're improving yourself. Before we head over. How are things, Armad? How many did we lose?" 

    "More than half," I answered. "Ada holds their attention, but we're behind in certain areas. We need to fill in the missing seats," 

    "How are you two getting along?" she asked. 

    "Fine," the two of us answered at the same. Ada laughed. 

    "Good," the Queen smiled. 

    "I'm sorry. I have little sisters and-" she pointed at the bundle in her hands. 

    "Of course," the Queen smiled handing Ada the infant. "This is Katherian,"

    "Oh, wow," Ada's eyes lit up like nothing I've ever seen before. "Her eyes are amethyst," 

    "Yes, they are," the Queen second her excitement. 

    "What does that mean?" I asked. 

    "She's blessed by the moon," Ada looked down at her. "Adored by darkness. Fitting for the princess of it," 

    "You like kids," the Queen smiled at her fondly. 

    "I love them. I remember the first time I held Mat-" she stopped. 

    "Your brother?" she asked her. Ada nodded. 

    "Yes, Mathew,"

    "I'm sorry for your loss," she went over to her and placed her forehead against hers intimately. 

    "Thank you," Ada handed the princess back to her. The princess cooed making them both laugh. 

    "Ada, as Major General. You're not required to attend the council tonight. In fact, I only asked our esteemed General to bring you so that you can take your sisters home," the King offered her the key to the old Darius mansion. Ada looked down at it with tears in her eyes. "For all your hard work. Armad will fill you in on the details of what comes next. Take it," 

    "I-" she looked at me. I nodded encouraging her to take it. "I don't know what to say," 

    "Thank you," the Queen suggested. 

    "Yes, thank you," she laughed taking the key. 

    "We can spend the night here and go back tomorrow," I suggested. She nodded. "Be careful," 

    "You too," she bowed to them and smiled at me before walking out. 

    "She is gorgeous," the Queen looked up at me. "If Edwardian-" 

    "I know," I cut her short. 

    "You've been keeping your distance from her," she leaned into me taking in my scent. "Good. You are ours. No one else can have you Armad. You belong to my daughter,"

    "Always," I agreed. 

    "Let's go,"