The Dark Prince

By Elizabeth Loraine

The Royal Blood Chronicles - Book III

The Dark Prince

Elizabeth Loraine brings us the third book in her series Royal Blood Chronicles. Katrina having lost the love of her life, embarks on a new journey to America. New evil stalks the Five and once again threatens not only Vampires but all the peaceful races. New friends, old rivals, wizards, witches and elves join the fray in this classic battle between good and evil.
"The Dark Prince is as fast paced, mysterious, and adventurous as the first two books.. Elizabeth Loraine successfully combines historical events and a small dose of vampire history to make a modern story that readers will love. The story continues with Katrina and the Chosen Five as they leave the old world and travel to America. Colorful descriptions of the scenes combined with a strong story line make the reader feel as if they are walking the streets of New York with them. The Dark Prince is a true example of the continued strong female leads in this series. Katrina's continuing story of relationships among family, friends and lovers make the reader hold their breath until the very last page."
Bertena Varney, The Vampire Examiner
But in order to continue to succeed the Five must become the many. Join us.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elizabeth Loraine
• Release date: Apr 16, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311065612

Elizabeth Loraine

I grew up in Minnesota, married my husband of now over 30 years and had my two children (Matthew now 30 and Andrea 28). In the early 80's we moved from Minnesota to Florida and I've lived on the beaufiful Central East Coast ever since. I've always been creative, and my career life focused on interior design, painting and garden design. I didn't start writing until I turned 52. I loved the Vampire genre and after years of enjoyment found in the pages of other author's books, I decided that I wanted to know more about the characters than was there between the covers. What had these long lived vampires been doing, what had they seen and done throughout history? My two wonderful children were grown and my fantastic husband has always supported my career choices. So, my mind made up, I would take up the challenge of creating what I wanted to read for myself and offer the books to anyone else who loved this genre. Thus began the Royal Blood Chronicles. I am now working on ten book in the series, have written the first book in another series and Phantom Lives, my paranormal series has two books, Collier and Power. I'm writing book three of that series. Look for new books in 2014 Enjoy

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The Dark Prince

A Royal Blood Chronicle

By

Elizabeth Loraine

Royal Blood Chronicles -The Dark Prince copyright © 2010 by Elizabeth Loraine

Smashwords Edition April 2014

Preface

In the beginning we were creatures of the night, killing humans and drinking their blood to sustain us. But in the passage of the centuries, we have evolved and now walk amongst you both in daylight or night, as peaceful, moral beings satisfied to hunt and drink the blood of animals. We live with the support of our Watchers - humans who have been chosen to live their lives in our protection. In return, Watchers take sacred vows to safeguard our species from those that would do us harm. Watchers consider it a privilege to be allowed to donate their blood to us. This blood is gathered medically and is mixed with an elixir devised by the ancients that magically multiplies the volume, and allows it to remain fresh indefinitely. We call this elixir Crimson and use it as a supplement to or a replacement for our normal diet.

My name is Katrina and I have been chosen as the leader of the Five. The coming of ‘Five’ or ‘The Protectors’ has been prophesied in many cultures throughout human time. I, along with my twin sister Katherine (Kate), and my friends Rosalinda (Rosa), Eleanor (El) and Arletta (Letta), have completed the protection ceremony and have taken an oath to protect the races, all the races, paranormal and human alike, from the evils that seek to feed off them, or use them as slaves.

But in order to succeed, the Five must become the many. Join us.

CHAPTER ONE

We had left Europe by ship on a mission to choose locations in America for the new clans that would establish our presence in the new world. All during the crossing from Glasgow to New York, I called to Damien with no reply. Although Ivan, Damien’s Watcher, had pledged his loyalty to me and offered to accompany me, I couldn’t bear to see him every day and I finally sent him back to Mormont where he could help Gunter train the new crop of Watchers. I had Quinn with me; I didn’t need anyone else.

Upon landing in New York, we were met at the dock by Damien’s lawyer Timothy Davidson and his financial advisor Corbin Jacobs. Philepe and the rest of the envoy had disembarked and were making made their own arrangements for accommodations and travel.

Philepe was waiting for us on the dock. He face brightened as he strode over to greet me. He kissed my cheeks and placed his arm over my shoulder. He nodded to Davidson and Jacobs. Katrina, we leave you in very capable hands. Corbin will know how to get a hold of us. If you need anything, please contact us.

Thank you, Philepe, I will.

I gave him a parting hug. How long are you planning to stay?

At least through the winter; I’ll know more as we go along; how about you?

As long as it takes. I’ll contact you before making final arrangements to return home. We will need the Five for the finalization of our plans as well. Our most important decision on this trip, will be finding the location of the first clans.

I agree, I said as we walked to our waiting transportation.

The girls said goodbye to their fathers, and we were escorted to the house that Damien had purchased after our earlier mission.

I’d forgotten how beautiful this place was, Rosa said as we stood in front of the home, taking in the beauty of the entire three stories of the baroque chateau-style mansion.

As I agreed with her, scenes of last time we were here ran through my mind. I had shared its comforts with Damien. Now, everything had changed; everything except the mission. Right now, this mission served as motivation to get me up in the morning and drive me forward.

Our various business transactions would be handled in the cities. In the past our clans had established themselves in population hubs both to transact business, and because a large population base guaranteed easy access to human prey. Now, in this time, for our clans and a lifestyle that wasn’t centered on a need for human blood, the countryside was the preferable locale. It offered the things that we valued the most: the privacy we craved and easy access to game.

Although we needed access to the cities in order to manage our wide-ranging business empires, our blinding speed made living close to them unimportant. We could rapidly get anywhere we needed, anytime; this ability was one of the many benefits we had as Vampires. Trips taking days, weeks and months in human terms, would be reduced to minutes, hours and days with Vampire speed.

For the location of the new clans, my mission was to seek sites that were distinctive, easily protected, and in places that contained their own special power. My skills, my unique personal gifts coupled with the inherent gifts of my species, would aid me now.

Well ladies, your trunks have arrived. Would you like to show us where to put everything? Quinn asked, as he joined us.

I’ll take care of that; you just start hauling things in. Sarah huffed as she brushed past us, strode up walk, climbed the stoop and went through the front door.

Exchanging a look, we just laughed, shrugged and followed her. Why would anyone think things had changed? Sarah, just like she had back home, would rule this household with impunity. All we would have to do is show her which rooms we preferred and leave her to her to do what she did best.

Damien had the servants’ quarters moved to a smaller house at the back of the property. He was sure you’d need your Watchers in the main house, Corbin said, And Sarah, of course.

I laughed, "Don’t worry, she’ll take care of all that and keep everyone in line."

If you’ll follow me to the library, I have things I wish to discuss with you alone.

We walked together down the center hall and into the wood-paneled library. Corbin sat behind the desk, and I took my place in the rich, aged, brown leather wingchair in front of it. I had been dreading this moment all the way across the ocean.

Your father informed you, I’m sure, that Damien left all his assets to you, he said, glancing at me as he opened the folder in front of him.

He did, I said steadying myself. Corbin was going to finalize things, and to me it meant that Damien was really gone.

Since you were last here, the purchases of land, and the transference and diversification of funds have never stopped and continue on even today. Damien’s holdings are extensive.

I want to thank you for that and for managing everything so effectively. As a group, my friends and I have personal wealth that is quite significant as well. We will each need representation, as our own interests will differ and we’ll each have wishes to be carried out.

Of course; we can set up all of those meetings later.

He hesitated then, seeming to wait for further instructions, so I continued.

As for Damien’s estate, I wish to keep it separate from my own, to be held in its entirety as if he were still here. I want you continue to fulfill all his wishes and expectations.

Corbin iterated, He was very specific Katrina, so let us be clear. You want me to complete everything that Damien instructed us to do, and make sure these assets are managed just as he wished?

Yes. Of course I’ll want to oversee everything. I’ll want to make my decisions to compliment his, as well as implementing things that I want and need to do on my own.

Very well.

I heard his heart rate decline as he relaxed. I could see from his expression, he was relieved and somewhat impressed.

I’ll leave these accountings with you then, and of course I and my staff are always available to explain and to advise you regarding any of the financial arrangements seen here, or you will be making later. Please feel free to call upon us at any time.

As he continued looking through the folder, I took a minute to look at him with a critical eye. My impression, as my eyes roved over his dark suit, starched white shirt and narrow black tie, he sure looked the part of conservative businessman. His dark hair had yet to show any gray, but the few lines gathering at his eyes put his age at about fifty and meant that he was well over a hundred in Vampire years.

Yes, everything is in order. The last purchase he made was land in California, a stand of ancient trees he insisted I buy, but not touch. The U.S. Government wouldn’t sell all of it, but I purchased as much as I could; fifteen thousand acres more or less. If we couldn’t own the land, at least we found through our contacts, the government has no immediate plans to develop the property and for now the rest of the forest will be protected. Now, are there any other directions that you would like to give to me, Katrina?

No, thank you for everything, Corbin. I’ll look through all of this a little later, and then we’ll start to make our decisions.

Ah, Timothy, come in. I’ll leave the two of you; I have a lunch meeting.

Timothy, Damien’s lawyer, replaced Corbin behind the desk, and scooted the chair in closer. He looked over to me, and then back down to the reports on the desk. He was very handsome man, with short golden blond hair and green eyes. He was about six foot two with medium build, and when he smiled, his cheeks dimpled and he showed even, white teeth. Yes, very cute, I decided.

He removed a folder from his portfolio and now as he paged though the paperwork he stopped every once in a while to add his signature to a page. Finally finished, he looked up and addressed me

According to his Last Will and Testament, Damien left his full Estate, to include, lands, property improvements, extensive business holdings, all his investments – stocks, bonds, and cash – all his financial assets to you. The summary list of his holdings are provided in addendums to the Will in this folder. In addition, in the safe in your room, there is a file cabinet, The folders separate the assets into categories. Land, businesses, Financial instruments. Within the folders is in-depth information - Identifiers - account numbers, maps, surveys. Histories - date of acquisition, worth, contact information, addresses. Current statements. In other words, everything about the asset you would need to manage it.

Timothy paused. I know this is a lot to take in. Take your time, but I urge you to familiarize yourself with the extent of your holdings and we will meet later to discuss your concerns.

Timothy’s face softened. I promise I won’t hold you much longer.

He continued. Corbin and I have established accounts for you and the other women with several different banks across the country, he handed me copies of the paperwork to look over as he continued. These are the firms that will be handling all our business until we have established ourselves and have opened our own financial institutions. In addition, as I mentioned, you will find a safe in each of your rooms containing cash, letters of credit, traveling papers, birth certificates and identities for every scenario and situation that we’ve ever had to use in the past. Corporations have already been formed to handle any business ventures you wish to undertake.

Looking at the documents in my lap, I stated, Corbin left paperwork for me to look over, but what I would like to have is an overview of the businesses Damien already had you form or buy interests in. If you wouldn’t mind doing that for me, I would appreciate it.

Of course, Katrina, I’d be glad to. Frankly, I am happy that you’ve shown an interest in such things. Most women in your position would just leave it to staff, he smiled and then continued, Let me give you’re the abbreviated list. We started with banking of course, then added, real estate, lumber, steel, oil, transportation and shipping. He looked up at me then, I have learned that your father has just purchased a shipping company as well.

It seems Damien thought of everything. As I told Corbin, we’ll decide what else we want to add and let you make the arrangements.

I appreciate the confidence you have in me.

Damien trusted you both, without question, and Petrovich assured me that if there were any problems, he would take care of them himself, I said giving him a knowing look and a smile. His heart rate increased. He knew exactly what was inferred - that any betrayal would be dealt with quickly and severely.

All the information, codes, combinations and instructions are in the files. We can change the combinations to the safes tomorrow. He stood then and handed me the folders. I assure you, my loyalty to you is exactly the same as my loyalty had been to Damien. I will miss him too.

Thank you Timothy, I have no doubt of that, I said, giving him a smile. As I too, rose to leave, I reached over to take the folders from him.

We’ll speak soon. I shook his hand and left the library with the files. Entering the hall, I found Sarah energetically directing the actions of the men bringing in our luggage and the supplies just delivered. Her presence made it feel like home.

On my way to my room I met Quinn on the stairs.

There you are. This place is amazing. I’ve sent Avery and Max out to check the neighborhood. As it stands right now, it looks like most of the houses on this block were purchased by family and friends. That should make it easy to keep us safe, he said, as he followed me back up the stairs.

Is everything all right, Katrina?

It’s fine; I’m just a little tired. I had to meet with Corbin and Timothy about Damien’s Will and it made me sad, that’s all.

Why don’t you change and we’ll go out for lunch. Victor said that there’s a nice restaurant in the park by the lake.

Victor, the same butler we had before?

I guess.

That sounds nice. It’ll give Sarah a chance to get everything in order without our being in the way.

Good. The skin around his blue eyes crinkled as he smiled. I’ll tell the others and meet you downstairs.

I went into my room and as I unbuttoned my fitted, light-weight, gray wool jacket, the tears I had worked so hard to restrain during my meetings, spilled from my eyes, and ran down my cheeks. I didn’t want to be strong. I wanted Damien. I took off the jacket, laid it the on the bed, and moved to the window facing the park. It was a beautiful, sunny, fall day. If we had to be in a city, at least this one was vibrant, and had this wonderful green space.

Katrina, is there anything you need? Sarah peeked in my door. I just unpacked some simple blouses and skirts and put them in the closet for you.

Thank you, Sarah. I’ll change in a minute. I hastily wiped the tears from my face.

Oh Katrina, it’s going to be all right. She came to me and gave me a loving bear hug.

I had cried many times enfolded in her arms. Sarah’s Vampire gift was her ability to fulfill a need also before it was known to exist. Throughout my life she had always known what I needed before I did. Now, she had expanded her gift from surrounding just me, to including all the rest of our newly gathered family, easily managing us all.

I know you miss him, Katrina, It’s all right to cry; we all understand. It’ll take some time, that’s all. I know you want to be strong, but don’t shut us out, Katrina. We want to help you get through this. Now let’s get you changed.

After dressing in a simple white, long-sleeved blouse, and long dark blue skirt, Sarah took down my hair and humming ‘Green Sleeves’, brushed it out into long, soft curls that cascaded down my back. Gradually the pain that had been balled up in my chest began to uncoil and I began to feel better.

You’re so beautiful. She stood back, hands on her full hips. I’d better see how everyone else is doing, unless you need something else?

No, I’m fine, Sarah.

I was lacing up a new pair of ankle high, black, leather boots when a knock came on the door.

Come in.

Are you ready? Everyone’s starving, Quinn said as he entered.

Really, how strange, I said sarcastically with a chuckle.

He walked over, knelt down and finished lacing up the boot on my right foot, then lifted his face to mine and smiled. I reached down and brushed the hair out of his eyes, those beautiful, bright blue Voss eyes.

Let’s go, he said as he stood, offering his hands to me.

I smiled back, took his hands and let him pull me up.

We were apparently the last ones down. The girls were lined up at the foot of the stairs.

About time. Rosa, ever impatient, stood with her arms crossed over her chest.

Quinn burst out laughing. Rosa’s eyebrow arched. I could see she wasn’t amused.

I’m sorry, but I’m just not sure this country is ready for all of you. He continued to laugh.

We all had to laugh then, even Rosa. Maybe he was right, but it didn’t matter if they were ready or not, we were here now.

We walked across the street and leisurely walked through the park, our destination a lovely small restaurant on the lake. Couples were strolling along the pathways at its edge and rowing around on its surface in small boats.

Letta’s Watcher, Ben, had elected to remain at the house, leaving Max and Leo, Rosa and El’s Watchers to pick a table outside the restaurant to be on guard. Avery and Quinn, who were as much family as anyone of us, came in and ate with us.

Once we were seated, El leaned toward me. Did you hear Sarah tell Corbin that none of the servants he hired would be retained while we’re in town? She told him that ‘she’ would take care of us herself, with her own staff, thank you very much’. El smiled as our first course was deliveredd.

She’s right as usual. It’s safer and more efficient if we have only our own people with us, Quinn acknowledged.

So, what are we going to do first? El was clearly excited at the prospect a new task.

"Our main goal is to pick three locations for the new clans, as quickly as possible.

That’s true, but this time we’re going to enjoy ourselves too, Letta added.

We’re also going to find a location for our main residence. I think we all know it won’t be in the city, Kate said, and I could tell, as I looked at the faces gathered around the table, that we all felt the same way.

Well, for me, Avery broke in as our entrees arrived, I quite like what I’ve seen of New York; it’s an exciting city.

I guess we forgot that you hadn’t been with us last time, Kate said. Believe me when we say this is nothing, this whole country is…amazing!

Stunning!

Majestic!

Enchanting!

Okay, I get it. Avery held up his hands as if to fend off the adjectives. Do you think having said that, it’s going to be difficult to choose three worthy sites?

No! we all said in unison and then laughed. We spent the rest of the meal in enjoyable and easy conversation

When do you think will we start choosing sites?Quinn asked me as the waiter began clearing the service.

I see no reason to wait; we can look at the map Corbin left for us when we get back, I said as a hint of excitement flared inside me.

That’s right. Letta stood to leave. The sooner we can get back to Mormont to help train the new clan members, the better.

Agreed; once we made the location decisions, the envoy can take care of the details and make arrangements for all the structural elements and resources to be put into place.

I was starting to feel better, I had purpose again. After we finished dessert, we decided to continue exploring the park.

Look, they have stables, I said, excited at the prospect, We can have horses right here in the city!

I can take care of that if you like, Quinn volunteered, as we walked over to take a closer look.

No, I want to do it right now! They must have a stable manager, I quickened my pace.

Can I help you with something? asked a young man approaching us as we continued walking through the large stable complex.

We’ve only just arrived in the city, but we’d like to have horses, El announced she stopped to stroke the face of a beautiful bay with a white blaze in stall closest to us.

Of course, he said smiling while giving us a look of lustful appreciation.

Do you have any appropriate stock for sale on the premises, or do we need to arrange for mounts from another source? While the words were business-like, Quinn’s attitude reeked of righteous indignation, as he tried to divert the young man’s attention away from us and over to him. Quinn’s eyes flashed when the man’s gaze never wavered from the five of us as he answered.

We have everything here you could ever possibly need, he said looking at each of us in turn and smiling.

Why thank you….

. . . Kenneth. He finished for Letta.

Thank you, Kenneth. Letta stepped forward. Lead the way; show us what you’ve got.

He walked away and Letta followed, giving us a wink on her way by.

Quinn just shook his head. See what I told you? This city and these people are just not ready for the five of you, he whispered to me.

We knew horses very well and in short order had purchased seven of his best along with a full set of tack for each. After signing an agreement for their care and lodging, I handed him Corbin’s card. Here is the name of our advisor, please contact him. He will be making this and all future payments, I said.

"We’ll be here for our