Daughter of Death -Chapter 19 (Patreon)

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CHAPTER NINETEEN

“Arnaud!” Edeline grinned seeing him by the stream awaiting her. She fell eagerly into his arms and held him tightly.

“Darling Edeline,” he murmured gently.

She pulled back to behold him and saw the serious expression he bore. Was he not pleased to see her?

“Whatever is the matter, Arnaud?”

“Much is wrong, dear one. My daughter—”

“Oh Arnaud I didn’t want you to find out but you should know that...she’s...not well.”

“She must be stopped,” Arnaud spoke plainly, “Too much has happened already that cannot be undone. Edeline if you do not do something she will destroy you too.”

The Dowager felt her face fall in worry and concern. She touched her beloved Arnaud’s cheek. He looked so pale. Sick with grief... “My dearest she’s... she’s gone. I put a stop to her actions; I had to. I am so sorry.”

“It is not that easy, Edeline. Deception is rampant. Trust no one but yourself.”

“My brother—”

“Deceived you. It was not his fault. I love you Edeline and I do not blame you for the sins you will commit against my house. You represent The Crown and Bayern herself now. Do us proud for if you do not neither you nor your adopted kingdom are safe. The evil will keep spreading.”

Edeline was momentarily distracted from his words by shadowy figures; small like children standing on the opposite side of the stream. It scared her.

“I will put an end to the deeds of the vampir I only need know how,” she vowed to her late husband.

He remained silent to her and turned a little to gaze behind him. She followed it and gasped as she saw the stream was crimson red flowing hard and fast.

“It may already be too late,” Arnaud whispered and Edeline barely made it out. “Out of this life only death has followed. So much blood... So much sorrow...”

“I want to stop her, Arnaud, and I will.”

“Not just her, love...”

“I cannot...I do not know how to end the vampir Arnaud! When will it end? How can I do so much with so little?”

Arnaud turned back to her; the expression he wore was terrifying. Edeline took a step back in fright feeling as though she were looking into the soul of Lucifer himself. She stumbled and fell down and as her gaze shifted above her she realized she was surrounded by dark figures. She let out a cry and they moved in on her grabbing at her limbs, her hair, her gown and soon her silver necklace.

Queen Dowager Edeline began to scream but the sound was drown out by some other unearthly screech. She screamed louder before complete darkness engulfed her—

“Your Majesty! Your Majesty!”

Edeline’s screams did not cease as she gazed at the dimly lit figures around her bedside trying to hold her and comfort her from her night terror. She thrashed around and cried out –tears streaming down her face as the guards and steward attempted to soothe her.

Long after they were able to and her lady’s maids helped settle her back into bed, poor Edeline was still shaking knowing that her dream was not just a nightmare but an omen –and a warning.