Vampire Court: Black King: Vampire Court, #10

By Ingrid Seymour

Nyro was wrong about Bianca.

He wanted to ask for forgiveness and explain everything, but what he discovers about the woman he loves tears him to pieces.

Now, he has no choice but to fight against her, even if it means joining the Black King.

A vampire tale like no other.

If you love fantasy with spellbinding world-building, this COMPLETE series is for you. The action, romance, and intrigue will sweep you off your feet and leave you wanting more.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ingrid Seymour
• Release date: Nov 8, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201674601

Ingrid Seymour

Ingrid Seymour is a USA Today Bestselling author. When she's not writing books, she spends her time cooking exotic recipes, hanging out with her family and working out. She writes young adult and new adult fiction in a variety of genres, including Sci-Fi, urban fantasy, romance, paranormal and horror. Her favorite outings involve a trip to the library or bookstore where she immediately gravitates toward the YA section. She's an avid reader and fangirl of many amazing books. She is a dreamer and a fighter who believes perseverance and hard work can make dreams come true. She lives in Birmingham, AL with her husband, two kids, and a cat named Ossie.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Bishop Dragoslav and I stood in front of King Maximus in his throne room. The King sat on the ornate, glorified chair, presiding over us from the dais.

Knight Arcos was also there, as a witness.

What are you playing at, Nyro, the king asked, anger shaping his features and the color red flashing his eyes.

I am not playing, I said. I wish to challenge Bishop Dragoslav.

The King’s sister would not put me in that pit again. When I issued the challenge against her, I had been trying to follow Bianca after my phenomenal mistake, one I thought would protect her. I’d allowed her to overhear my conversation with Maximus, letting her think I had betrayed her. But I’d realized too late that all I’d done was hurt her. She needed to know I hadn’t been using her to get to the Queen.

Maximus shook his head. Why? he demanded, clearly frustrated.

I frowned at the question, shouldn’t it be obvious? Why had he challenged his way all the way to the throne?

WHY?! he asked again when I didn’t answer.

Because I realize I need more power to accomplish what I want.

No, no, no! You are lying. You treasure your humanity too much. Maximus stood, regarding us from his elevated position.

His eyes were narrowed as he considered. Slowly, he came down from the dais, taking each step slowly and methodically.

I offered you a bargain, the King said. A task for your brother’s freedom. You’re not stupid, Stonehelm.  You know becoming a Bishop would put that at risk.

He could think what he wanted, but I wouldn’t tell him the truth. Dragoslav had threatened to hurt my brother if I told Maximus about her interference, about all the times she’d thrown me in the pit. For reasons I ignored, she didn’t want him to get the Queen’s scepter and had been actively working against him for centuries. I glanced down, averting my gaze and biting my tongue.  I would not give Dragoslav any excuse to hurt Timotei.

As a Bishop, he continued, you won’t be able to fulfill my task, won’t be able to go anywhere without a robe to hide your hideous features.

I flinched. In my rage to challenge Dragoslav and stop her from throwing me in the pit once more, I hadn’t considered that.

Idiot! Maximus spat in my face. You have ruined everything. You are no good to me now. The deal is off.

No, I said.

What had I done?

Maximus leaned into me, nostrils flaring, eyes narrowed once more. This is unlike you. Timotei has been your priority ever since you arrived. Why would you do something without considering the consequences?

He pulled away and began pacing in front of us, his red gaze going from Knight Arcos, to Dragoslav, to me. At last, he stopped in front of Arcos.

Tell me what all you know about this challenge, the King asked Arcos.

The Knight bowed. Not much, your Majesty. I was walking my horse into the stable when I heard Knight Stonehelm issued a challenge. That is all.

Maximus huffed. Be gone then. He flicked a hand toward the exit.

Arcos wasted no time and left, his hurried steps echoing in the large room.

And what about you? Maximus turned to Dragoslav. What can you tell me about the reasons for this challenge?

With all due respect, my King, Dragoslav said, Stonehelm’s reasons are his own.

The King rolled his shoulders in a visible effort to keep control of his anger. He was not stupid. He knew something was going on.

He sighed, shaking his head and coming to stand in front of me once more. I hate to do this, but you leave me no other choice.

I glanced up from his boots, dread balling in my chest. Next to me, Dragoslav shuffled from foot to foot, clearly nervous about whatever Maximus was about to do.

Tell me, Nyro, the King said, his voice gentle and sweet like that of a loving father. Why did you challenge Bishop Dragoslav?

The answer rose to my throat, solidifying into a hard lump as I tried to swallow it back. What was this?

Maximus shook his head sadly. I knew you were lying. Why would you do that to me, Nyro? After all I’ve done for you.

He laid a hand on my cheek and smiled. I wish you had been truthful, Nyro. I wish I could have your loyalty without doing this. His fingers caressed the side of my face. I clenched my teeth as my blood seemed to boil in my veins, lurching in his direction as if he were a magnet and I was a piece of iron.

Why did you do this? The King asked again, his tone even sweeter than before.

Because... I bit my tongue, trembling as I fought the words back.

Maximus laid his hands on my shoulders and held me at arms’ length, his gaze holding mine. Because... please continue, my dear Nyro.

Because Dragoslav was going to throw me in the pit again. The words slithered out of my mouth easily as if I had meant to say them that way when, in reality, I’d been fighting with all my will to keep my mouth shut.

Maximus’s hands fell from my shoulders as he took a step back to look at me better.