Legacy

By Elizabeth Loraine

Legacy - book six of Royal Blood Chronicles continues Katrina's journey as leader of the Five, and the Protectors. If there is any way to convince the spirit of Elysewin to release Cain, Katrina is going to find it. The thought of him imprisoned in its roots because of her, is too much to bear. Elsewhere, Vampire Royal rule is being challenged and Katrina's world is torn apart by more than one loss. Devastated by betrayal so close to her Katrina now questions everything in her life and the tension between Quinn and Damien comes to a head after a secret is revealed that will change all of their lives forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elizabeth Loraine
• Release date: Jun 4, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311524980

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

Book preview

LEGACY

A Royal Blood Chronicle

By

Elizabeth Loraine

Legacy –Royal Blood Chronicles Book 6

Elizabeth Loraine.

Copyright © 2011 by Elizabeth Loraine

Smashwords Edition

Prologue

Bells rang out, and echoed through the valley, signaling to the residents of the entire countryside that the royal wedding ceremony had been completed.

The bride and groom walked back down the aisle while friends and family watched, and the bride’s mother cried. The reception hall at the royal compound was filled to capacity.

Well, that’s it, I said to Quinn.

Yes, finally. Next the baby will be here.

Five babies, actually, El said as she joined us, rubbing her belly. Didn’t Rosa look beautiful?

Yes, she did and you were as beautiful at your wedding, too, El.

Thank you, I am very happy, even if my family is not. If I didn’t have all of you…

Don’t start that. Your parents will come around after the baby is born, you’ll see, El.

Her head sagged, You didn’t marry a human.

She married someone that used to be human. Thomas loves you, and you love him. That’s what matters, Quinn said.

I hope you are right. We won’t have to wait long to find out, will we?

No, we won’t, just a few weeks. Should we go congratulate the bride and groom?

I was exhausted. Five weddings within six weeks and all I could think about was sinking into a hot bath and putting my feet up. The five of us had decided that the safest place for us to have our babies would be the one place no one would ever look for us; Althar. So after spending time with our families, each couple made their way to Ceron’s palace in Carpayntha. Quinn and I were the first to arrive and were greeted by the magnificent Demon King, and his companion.

Ceron, thank you so much for offering to protect us, it means a lot to all of us.

My pleasure. I am looking forward to it. This palace has never been filled with family and children before. I am only sorry that I didn’t understand the true evil that stalked you earlier and the lengths they would go to in order to break the Five.

None of us did.

Conversation was the last thing on Quinn’s mind. I could tell he would much rather tour the magnificent palace.

Perhaps you would like to see your accommodations and relax.

I would be happy to escort you, Sherlah said as we walked.

Why don’t you give Quinn a tour while I have a few minutes with Ceron?

Of course, Sherlah graciously agreed.

Quinn kissed my cheek. Don’t be too long.

As we walked towards his private sitting area, Ceron clasped his hands behind his back, I’m sorry, Katrina. If it weren’t for us you wouldn’t have been sent to Faralea in the first place.

There is no need to apologize, Ceron. When I got to Faralea it was obvious that Leonard had been planning to send me there for some time.

Ceron stopped and turned to me. Really?

Yes and if it weren’t for Cain’s sacrifice, I don’t know what would have happened. I paused, my face showing the profound sadness I was feeling. We have not lost any hope that we will see Cain again, but there must be something that can be done to free him

I know. It is the bravest, most courageous thing I’ve ever heard of. I don’t understand why he’s being held.

I wish to go there and plead for his release. If you would take me…

Katrina. So close to your delivery? No, I can’t allow that and I cannot believe Quinn would agree either.

Quinn is my husband, not my master. I don’t ask him for permission to do what I need to do.

This is the Underworld. As safe as this palace is, Althar is full of danger and evil of every kind. No, Katrina. You must promise me that you won’t do this on your own. Think of your child.

All right.

Promise me, he demanded as he grabbed me by my shoulders.

I promise. Is there anything else you can do for Cain?

Believe me I have tried and so has Cathos. Even being a Demon King has its limitations when it comes to sacred things. I found that I neither had influence nor any power over the tree. It was quite humbling actually.

"Liridon and Letta waited with Gruen, but when Letta heard Cain had scarified himself to the massive guardian of the Underworld the sacred tree Elysewin in return for his wish that I be freed from Faralea, she came home. It was then, we found that all of us had been altered by the powers we received, and we were all with child, everything changed."

I can imagine what all of your parents thought.

You have no idea. I consider myself the lucky one. No one thought they would ever see me again and they already knew I was having a baby before I returned.

Thanks to Cathos.

His blurting out the news was a shock to everyone, but he did the only thing he could think of to save me.

Ceron was quiet for a moment as we continued to walk. Damien was here for a short time. He left just before you arrived.

How was he?

Angry, sad, frustrated. He just doesn’t know what to do with himself right now.

Damien will adapt. He’s been around a long time.

Arthur asked him to take more of a leadership role, and if I’m not mistaken, your father agrees.

He’ll have to decide what he’s going to do for himself.

So you don’t care one way or another?

I didn’t leave him, he left me.

A surprising amount of anger from someone who supposedly has moved on with her life.

It is obvious that I have. Of course I want him to be happy, but it’s not my decision what he does or doesn’t do with his life now. I guess it never really was.

Why don’t you rest now while you wait for the others to arrive? Cathos will be here later to welcome everyone as well.

Kate should be here any time now. I missed her so much while I was in Faralea.

Everyone missed you, too. Now let me show you to your rooms.

We walked together past the throne room and took a sharp right.

This wing looks different from the rest of the palace.

It is. This wing was made especially for all of your needs. You will find private sitting areas as well as large common rooms, staff rooms and something very special.

Each of five separate quarters had a door that opened into one large nursery complete with five regal looking furniture sets. Each set had a canopy crib, a rocking chair, and matching dresser.

This is beautiful, Ceron. Thank you so much.

I gave him a big hug. Sherlah did most of it and I think now I will be able to talk her into finally becoming my bride.

Another wedding?

Ceron laughed. Not for a while.

There you are. What do you think, Katrina? Sherlah said now joining us.

I just love it. Sarah will be coming with Kate and Eric. She’s personally selected five nannies to help out.

I would think your mothers would want to be here with you.

My mother will come and go. Everyone else seems to have issues with their mother’s so I don’t have any idea about them.

"Well my mother will be coming too," Eric said, as they entered, surprising me.

Eric, Kate, isn’t the nursery wonderful?

Amazing. Thank you Ceron, Sherlah, for providing us the safety that we wouldn’t have in our world. We would be so vulnerable anywhere else but here.

We are more than happy to do it.

My parents are beside themselves with happiness. Imagine their joy at the prospect of having a grandchild after they thought they would never even see their son again.

I can imagine. How far behind you are the others? There is much to discuss.

Everyone should be here within days. Rosa and Kale will be the last couple to arrive. Where is Quinn anyway?

He is still touring the palace. It’s his first time here and he seems fascinated by it, Sherlah said.

That is exactly how I was when I first saw it after Cain described it in such detail, I said, again feeling sad about Cain’s situation.

I think I will go look for Quinn and have a look around myself, Eric said.

We’ll go too and let you rest, Ceron said motioning for Sherlah to join him.

Eric gave Kate a kiss before he followed them out.

All right, what’s going on? Kate asked once we were alone.

So many things, Kate. The babies. Our being pregnant at the same time is just like the five of us coming together in the first place, it can’t be a coincidence. We are so young, with so much to do.

But aren’t you excited?

Of course I am. The five of us, with all our added power are having children with such amazing men. Two Royal Vampires, a Human, a Shape-shifter, and a made Vampire.

These children are going to be a handful, even for Sarah.

Did she come with you?

Oh yes. She’s getting everything and everyone settled. She’s so excited. Althar is never going to be the same.

Being here is going to be very helpful. We can have anything that we need by simply asking. Listen I want to talk to you about Cain.

Just then the door opened and Letta walked in. She looked radiant. El was right behind her. It reminded me so much of the day we all met for the first time.

What’s going on?

We’re glad you’re both here.

Liridon and Thomas are wandering around with Quinn and Eric, Letta said, but we knew that something was going on. What is it?

It’s about Cain. I can’t bear the idea of him just existing, held captive by Elysewin when he’s the one who rescued me from Faralea.

I know Liridon feels terrible too. Gruen refused to leave Cain and as far as I know is still there, Letta lamented.

Ceron declined my request that he take me to the sacred tree and made me promise not to go…alone.

Katrina, no, El’s concerned expression said that she understood my meaning immediately.

You are the one that is closest to delivering, the rest of us are weeks away.

We really have no idea if that’s true, Kate interjected. Our physiology is unlike that of any other being and certainly our children are going to be even more unique."

We can’t go now, Letta said forcefully, trying to close the door on the subject

The nursery is just perfect, isn’t it? El said trying to distract me.

Yes it is. I gave in to her peacemaking.

We each sat in a rocking chair, the gentle back and forth motion calming us as we took time to individually reflect in silence.

How are we ever going to keep them safe? Letta’s soft voice asked after a few minutes.

That’s something that we have to discuss once everyone is here.

We fell silent again immersed in the comforting support of our special group. Finally our husbands came looking for us.

Even though I heard so much about Althar and this palace, nothing could have prepared me for the real thing, Eric said as the four of them joined us.

As Quinn listened to the men talk about Althar, I could feel his gaze rest on me and then look at each of us in turn. His eyes narrowed as his senses took in the situation. What’s going on with the four of you? Are you feeling all right?

We’re a bit overwhelmed, Letta answered looking over at him.

We’re afraid on several levels, El added.

Liridon soothed, Everything is going to be fine. Once you are settled and rested you’ll feel much better. Why don’t we go to our rooms now and we’ll meet later for dinner. Ceron mentioned that Cathos will be joining us.

Good idea, Quinn said. He walked over to me and looking lovingly into my eyes, offered me his hand. He pulled me up, swung me off my feet and up into his arms. As we made our way across the room in the direction of our quarters, I couldn’t help think of this strong, loving man and how our love had grown. I put my arms around his neck and sighed as I rested my head on his shoulder. I heard his heartbeat tick up and smiled to myself. He was right; it was all going to work out. I was going to make sure of it.

Once in our room, Quinn set me gently on the bed and taking a position beside me, soothed me to sleep, his large hands massaging my tired back. In a few minutes, the same thing that had been happening every afternoon happened again. While I was supposed to be the one resting, it was Quinn that fell sound asleep and rather loudly at that.

Since I had rested, but found now, I was not at all sleepy, I quietly got up with the intention of making my way over to the observation room. In one of my first visits to this magical place, I had discovered the room’s special ability to project on its walls a vision of any requested location. Luckily, I had memorized the original palace layout, making it easy to navigate through the enormous spaces and after a short walk I reached my destination.

Once in the observation room, I made myself comfortable and needing to see that my home was safe, I asked to see Mormont.

The projection in front of me gave me the sense that I was flying. The view approached from the south, over the forest and then the lake. As my flight approached the walls, I crossed inside the protections, and I could see the grounds and the outbuildings but not inside the castle.

Well, the protections are still in place. I guess that’s a good thing. Then I thought of something else I wanted to see.

Show me Cain, I demanded.

Nothing came into focus.

All right, how about the sacred tree roots of Elysewin.

This time I was shown what looked like a lifeless forest in the reddish glow of Underworld light. Tears filled my eyes. It was a horrible thought that Cain would have to spend an eternity in a place like that because of me.

Spirit of the sacred tree of Elysewin, speak with me. I prayed fervently. How is it that you can hold someone so full of virtue that he would willingly give up his life for another; me? Free him, or all faith in you as a true judge of another’s worth will be lost.

No answer came. I didn’t know why, but there was someone else I needed to see.

Show me Damien.

He was visiting his father in Austria. I was glad he was home. I found in that moment that I still had such strong feelings for him. I probably always would.

Crimson, please.

A goblet appeared and hovered in the air in front of me. As I reached for the drink I realized I was even hungrier in my condition than ever, so this ‘ask and receive’ aspect of the palace was going come in very handy.

There was one more person that I need to talk to.

Tao, can you hear me?

Katrina, are you all right?

Let us be able to see each other please. I instructed.

The room now allowed for a two way conversation as Tao’s face appeared on the wall in front of me. Incredibly, it was as if we were in the same room.

I’m fine, Tao. We are all fine. I need to ask you something very important. If in any way you can’t, or don’t want to do this for me you need to tell me. I will understand.

You know I would do anything for you. What is it?

"Once the babies are born you must make a tracking potion that is unique to them. If anything happens to me, I want you to take my son with you somewhere safe."

Katrina, what about Quinn? I…

I didn’t say it would be easy. It’s the only way. Please Tao. You are the only one I truly trust to do this.

For an Elf he looked very emotional. Of course I will do this for you, Katrina.

Thank you, Tao. I am so relieved.

Nothing is going to happen to you, Katrina.

I have to be prepared.

I know and should the unthinkable happen, I will make sure your son becomes the man you expect him to be. I could tell he was having trouble keeping his emotions in check. I have to go, Katrina. Be safe, be well.

Tao turned and walked away as the picture faded. I was satisfied and relieved. My father had made the best arrangements he could in case something ever happened to him and I knew to do the same, just as each of us would.

I left the observation room and walked back to my quarters. As I looked down at his sleeping form, I knew that Quinn only slept because he felt we were safe here and he could relax. The stress of all that had happened had drained all of us. I felt the same fear I had always felt. No one could change that for me, only planning and careful preparation could help me now.

~~~~

Cathos joined us for dinner.

It’s good to see you. Being back as King of all Althar seems to agree with you, I laughed.

It does. The kingdoms of Althar are united once again. How long it will last, I don’t know. It does me so much good to see you all well and glowing with new life. All boys! he marveled.

Yes, five boys, El beamed.

How long do we have to wait until the first arrival?

Just a few weeks we think.

Cathos looked at each of us in turn. I’m thinking much sooner than that. Your bodies regenerate much like mine now. Much faster than mere Vampires. Have you thought about what you will do after they are born?

Every minute of every day we worry about protecting them, Eric said, looking at Kate and taking her hand.

Suddenly Cathos and Ceron both stood. Someone just entered the throne room. Stay here. The two demon Kings rushed out of the room.

I surveyed the area with my enhanced gift of scent and found two familiar to me.

It’s Gruen! He’s brought Cain!

My words brought a flurry of action as the men jumped to help us out of our seats and as a group we raced over to the throne room. There we found Cain hanging limply in Gruen’s arms.

He got us here, but it took all of his strength. Gruen’s deep voice was filled with sadness.

I’ll take him, Cathos offered, gently taking Cain from the reluctant Gruen.

Don’t worry, he’s very thin and weak, but we’ll make him well again.

With that promise, Ceron accompanied Cathos, as he left the room with Cain in his arms.

What happened, Gruen?

He stumbled out of the roots just hours ago. He was starving. If he hadn’t had Crimson tablets he would never have been able to get us here. He tried to call to Cathos and Ceron…

Overcome by emotion the loveable giant shook his head.

Come with us, we were just about to have dinner, I said. You can order whatever you want. I put my hand into his and looked into Gruen’s eyes. Cain is going to be just fine, I assured him.

We sat down and Gruen looked at me and I nodded my head in a ‘go ahead’ motion and he ordered suckling pig in a loud voice.

Thank you for staying with him, Gruen, Liridon said.

I just knew the tree spirit had to let him go. He didn’t hesitate; he was fearless in his quest to free Katrina. How could she keep him there?

No one was more worthy, Gruen, I agreed. Did he say anything about the spirit when he joined you?

No, he just asked if it had worked. If you had returned from Faralea. When I told him yes, he said ‘it had all been worth it’.

There is no way I can ever thank him enough, but I am going to try.

Smiling at Gruen’s delight at his suckling pig and knowing that I would not be able to converse with him for at least several more minutes, I turned to Liridon.

Have you heard from Yanna since the wedding?

No, she is obsessed with finding our family in the Underworld. She promised me that she wouldn’t go alone, but now I am afraid that is just what she’s done.

Well, none of us saw this twist to our lives, did we? Letta said, putting a hand on her large belly.

Katrina, are you all right? You don’t look very good.

I don’t feel very well either. I think I’d better go upstairs.

As I stood, pain stabbed me like a hundred knives. It began in my back, radiated around my belly and caused me to double over.

Katrina! Quinn gasped as he tried to lift me.

Stop, it hurts too much, I panted.

Cathos, El called franticly.

Instantly he appeared. What happened?

I think it’s time. Can you take her to her room, please?

Cathos strode to my side, wrapping his arm around me as he supported my weight. I’m dizzy, Cathos…

When I woke, I instinctively I ran my hands over belly. My heart stopped as what I found was not comforting mound but a heart-stopping flatness instead. Frantic now, I turned to Quinn as he stood at my bedside.

What happened, where is he?

With his voice breaking he told me, He’s gone Katrina, they are all gone.

What do you mean, gone? I want him, I want him right now!

I tried to get up but Quinn stopped me. Cathos came up behind him. Katrina, it’s for the best. You couldn’t have…

Noooo… I cried. I want my son!

I’m so sorry, Katrina, Cathos said as Quinn and I leaned into each other and sobbed.

CHAPTER ONE

"Fifteen years have passed and they are starting to ask questions," Torgar said, wringing his oversized, dwarf hands.

So you think the time for explanations is at hand? The old man replied. "Just three; three more years, Torgar, it’s all we need. Then they will come of age and will have learned all we can teach them. If they seek out their parentage now, with the outside world once again in turmoil, it