Fangless: The Alpha's Vampire Mate
Chapter 22: A Dinner Date with King Valentin

Chapter 22: A Dinner Date with King Valentin

Thorin was way too far from the action when the explosion hit. He’d seen it before, and when he saw it again, he knew exactly what was up.

Riona must have blown up, again. This time, her power level was greater than what she had shown in the palace garden.

The explosion was deafening, and a mix of red and black dust filled the air. Flames roared out from the crimson fog.

Chunks of black ice soared into the sky, melting almost instantly.

A flood of dark water raced towards Thorin’s feet, reaching the main tent where everyone had already been evacuated. Nobles and commoners alike screamed their lungs out, turning the scene into a chaotic opera.

The Nightwatch was suddenly swamped with work, but it was still better to direct panicked crowds than to get roasted marshmallow-style near the explosion.

Florian was still fairly young, so it was natural for him to get scared. But instead of just fear, he seemed worried that his sister might accidentally turn herself into a crispy bat snack.

Thorin crouched down to get on the boy’s level. "Don’t worry, kiddo. She’s not that fragile. She’s like steel—she only gets tougher after a dip in the flames," Thorin reassured him with a grin.

The Nightwatch cleared the Umbra Grounds as the crackling flames were carried by the wind to where they stood.

"My Lord, you need to leave now. Everyone else has already gone. We’re sealing the grounds in case of another explosion," a Nightwatch urged Thorin to leave.

Puck stepped in, "Let’s go, Thorin. There’s nothing else to see here, anyway."

Thorin’s concern lingered. "But what about Riona? How will she get back to the palace?"

The Nightwatch glanced back nervously. "We’re still assessing her condition. Please, My Lord, you must leave."

Puck nudged Thorin with his elbow. "It’s not safe for the kid. Didn’t you say she’s tough? She’ll manage somehow. Right now, we need to focus on getting him to safety."

Thorin hesitated, weighing his options. If he stayed and Florian refused to leave, he’d be putting the young vampire in danger. Riona wouldn’t forgive him.

With a tense jaw, he made his decision. "Fine. Let’s go back."

***

"So, how’s everything coming along?" Puck, the Howl of Wintertooth, asked casually as he took a seat.

Thorin raised an eyebrow, "Everything? Care to be more specific?"

Puck smirked. "Come on, Thorin. King Valentin didn’t summon you here just for a friendly dinner. He wants something, right?"

"I’m sure he does have an agenda." Thorin leaned back, replying after he considered Puck’s words.

Puck nodded. "Makes sense. The king of Eira cozying up to werewolves for fun? Not likely. Rumor has it, Asvaldur is pressuring Eira into unification."

Unification was just a fancy word for acquisition.

The Alpha werewolf sighed. "Asvaldur, huh? After all this time?"

Asvaldur was the strongest vampiric Empire in the world. Thousands of years ago, the Asvaldur Empire made a pact among all living beings to maintain respect and ensure the eligibility of cohabitation.

That was why Asvaldur was highly respected by all creatures, not just the vampires.

"Strange, right?" Puck said, his expression serious. "But, anyway, Eira’s looking for allies, and fast."

Thorin nodded. "And we’re part of that equation now. Interestingly enough, I have something I want from him as well."

***

Finally, it was time for a serious talk.

As Thorin entered the Diplomatic Salon, King Valentin was waiting, already seated and sipping his favorite Crimson Vitae from a glass like it would be a casual afternoon chat.

With a subtle gesture, he indicated Thorin to take the seat opposite him.

Puck and Zane followed suit, the latter a Theta—an elder of esteemed wisdom, whose presence was crucial in such negotiations.

He’d been around so long he probably remembered when werewolves still thought fleas were a fashion statement.

With a flick of his hand, King Valentin directed his servants to set the table with delectable treats fit for kings before his guests.

"I’ve taken great care in selecting these delicacies. Please, indulge to your heart’s content," the king said in his signature low gruff.

Thorin scooped up a handful of snacks from the table, stuffing them into his mouth with gusto.

Catching Puck and Zane’s hesitation, he playfully nudged them, "Come on, don’t be shy! When else are we going to indulge in such culinary delights?"

Thorin’s eyes glinted mischievously. He turned to King Valentin and popped a small meat cube into his mouth, grinning like a pup caught stealing a bite of another pack’s prey.

"Your Majesty, your generosity knows no bounds! These snacks are positively divine!"

"Thorin..." Zane leaned in, hoping to rein in the Alpha werewolf’s antics.

Thorin’s demeanor shifted abruptly. His expression turned serious. "Your Majesty, enough with the charades. Let’s cut to the chase. What exactly do you want from Wintertooth? Or is it me you’re after?"

For centuries, werewolves and vampires had been locked in an enduring feud. Their animosity had been integrated into the very base of their existence.

Thorin couldn’t deny the deep-seated resentment he harbored towards the king of Eira.

Though King Valentin maintained a facade of politeness in Thorin’s presence, the disdain he held for Thorin and his kin was obvious.

Vampires, with their refined manners and strict hierarchies, always looked down upon werewolves as uncouth savages.

But really, Thorin couldn’t help but wonder why vampires were so obsessed with rules and protocols. Life would be infinitely simpler if they just learned to live in the moment.

Furthermore, among werewolves, respect was something to be earned, not simply demanded.

It was a fundamental law of their society—one that vampires, with their sense of entitlement, seemed to disregard entirely.

The fact that the prideful vampire was reaching out to a werewolf first was truly unprecedented. It spoke volumes about Eira’s predicament. Even though Thorin had his own agenda, he knew he had to play his cards right if he wanted to have the upper hand in this negotiation.

"Very well. It seems that we have warmed up to each other enough. Undoubtedly, you’ve been made aware of the circulating rumor—I am extending an offer of alliance."

"What alliance?"

"A marriage alliance."

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