Chalice Moon by Pat Sawtelle

Author:Pat Sawtelle [Sawtelle, Pat]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dark Oak Press
Published: 2016-11-17T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 22

Knowing everyone would be waiting and worried about the outcome of the night’s events, Chris drove them back to the Pines as quickly as possible. Looking very weak and tired, he worried Kimie might need Dr. Megan’s help to recover. On the way, he talked softly to Steve trying not to wake Kimie. “Thanks for helping me back there, Steve. I really blew our cover.”

“Your King isn’t stupid even if some of those around him are. Didn’t it occur to you that no one asked us how we knew about the meeting or how we knew where and when it would be held? Only a Vampire could have given us that information. Yet no one asked because he chose to keep the conversation away from the question. The King knew we were Humans when we entered the room and waited to see what we would do. King Joseph plays his cards cautiously.”

With a longing look in his eyes, Steve brushed a gentle hand down her cheek. “When you caught Kimie, it only confirmed his knowledge of which Vampire helped us. He knows you gave her blood. Your ability to catch her before she fell confirmed your connection. I found him a master at the art of conversation, which is rare these days. It’s also evident that he keeps an open mind in all situations. Since a Vampire can’t give birth, exactly how do you change Kings?”

“At about eleven hundred years of age, King Joseph was the next oldest in the line of ancient U.S. Vampires. He’s ruled America for about one hundred fifty years. The oldest Vampire living is next in line for the throne and keeps the job as long as he or she desires. So, sometimes we have a King and sometimes we have a Queen. They seem to grow tired of the position after a while and retire. King Joseph has ruled longer than any of the past American leaders.” Chris had heard stories about several of the former rulers. They all seemed very different in their styles and impact on the Vampire nation.

“After retiring, they continue to hold a position of power. They agree to remain available to serve if called by the current ruler to help during a national crisis or when the ruler wants a vacation. Past Kings and Queens were involved in getting the original immigrant Vampires settled in America in the 1400s. Their jobs involved finding ways for them to make a living and teaching them to blend into the community. When the Salem witch hunts began, King Joseph helped the ruler by taking the lead to remove our people from the area and tried to influence the locals into believing that witches weren’t real. I heard that he found dealing with the Humans very tedious, since they didn’t change their ways very easily.”

“I would agree with him on that,” Steve said softly. Gazing on her face, his hand gently stroked her cheek enjoying the touch of her skin.

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