Chapter 1
Georgia Stephen
Her Vampire King
1
Chapter 1: Illyria
The pirate grinned as he gazed at the wonder before him. Truly his slew of bad luck had come to an end and at the end of a dark tunnel filled with rough waves and dying crew members here was this wonderland set before him. Truly this land with its plethora of waterfalls was indeed paradise and unchartered paradise at that. How many times has he sailed these waters and not happened upon this land. He rubbed his hands greedily, the sweet, verdant grass glistening like an emerald as lush fields gave way to majestic waterfalls.
She was standing beneath the waterfall and his breath hitched as he watched the little nymph plunge into the water only to reemerge on the back of one of the dolphins that swam and frolicked with her. Her full breasts strained against the sodden silk of her corset. He had to have her, whoever she was, whoever she belonged to and he would take her by force if necessary. Her mocha skin looked velvet soft, hair the color of ravens gleaming as it snaked down her back. She would be his!
Terra plunged into the cool water with a grin. This was her hideout, her tiny bit of heaven where she could just be Terra. Nobody judged her for an act she had no control over or a birthright she had come to loathe. Here, she was just Terra, jungle queen of Illyria. Her subjects never sneered at her mocha skin nor did they chastise her for her boldness. She felt a prickling at the back of her neck and turned to see the huge old barge in the distance. Terra shivered as she eyed the skull and cross bones that decorated the tattered flag.
" Pirates!”
She dressed hurriedly, running barefoot as she made her way to the palace. Almost out of breath, she collapsed at her father’s feet.
" Terra love, princesses do not cavort about barefoot..”
" Pirates! I saw their ship in our waters, fathers.”
The King tensed, inwardly dreading this untimely sighting. Their once elite army had grown complacent and idle as peace and prosperity reigned alongside King Tartan. He had heard of pirates and none of the tales were a boon to the kingdoms in question.
" Send for Caspian!”
His bellow echoed through the Great Hall, drawing the Queen’s notice. Her porcelain skin glistened like the finest ivory as she glided into the Great Hall, her daughters, miniature versions of herself in tow.
" What troubles you, my love?”
Her dulcet tones grated on Terra’s nerves as she fluttered around the King.
" Terra spotted a pirate ship in our waters.”
The princesses, aged sixteen to ten from oldest to youngest twittered nervously.
" Terra, why must you paint these tall tales to get your father’s attention? I have tried…”
Her usual diatribe was cut short by a furious Caspian. His shirt was bloody from battle and he was clearly still fuming.
" Your Majesty, there are pirates on our shores. We engaged the scouts but their force and fighting style are overwhelming.”
Terra stuck her tongue out, careful not to let her father see the childish gesture. Caspian stifled a grin as he pat her on the head fondly. It was Caspian who had taught her to use a sword. Caspian who listened to her when everyone else fawned over her little sisters.
" They say their captain wishes to parlay.”
" What does that mean?” Tianca, oldest and most favored of the sisters whispered.
" It means he wants to speak with father.”
She glared at Terra in response.
" I will hear what this pirate has to say.”
Terra felt her heart fill with dread. Caspian had told her many tales of pirates and none of those tales had ended in anything but bloodshed. Wringing her hands, she watched as Caspian, his hulking body rigid, stomped from the Great Hall.
