The Medici Queen Page 3

  As he removed her robe, Kate felt a soft wind blow through her hair and around the layers of tulle that made up the skirt of her gown. Her adrenaline was flowing, and she could feel her fangs emerge as his entire legion of warriors dropped to one knee before her.

  Shade’s head was held high. They adored her and would give their very lives to protect her. He heard a small rumble of voices and looked to see Malachi approaching down the center aisle in his long green robe. He walked slowly and with dignity, authority, and power. His presence alone was daunting, and Shade hoped Kate could remain calm. “Malachi approaches down the aisle, mi amore. He is from the Council. He will drink your blood and claim you immortal in front of all and give you his blessing on behalf of the Council. Do not show him fear, only respect.”

  Shade stepped next to bel as Malachi approached the dais, his eyes locked upon hers. Kate’s fangs had elongated, and her beauty was unrivaled. There was no doubt she was now immortal. Gi brought the gold and jewel encrusted bloodletting chalice to Shade on a golden platter. Shade took the chalice in one hand and lifted Kate’s wrist to his lips. “I will score your skin with my fangs and turn your wrist to bleed into the chalice. It is not painful. Malachi must drink your blood to claim you immortal.”

  Carefully biting down into her wrist, the first hit of her blood still attacked his beast and Shade pushed him down. Tilting her wrist, he let the blood drain slowly into the chalice, then leaned to her wrist and licked the wounds, watching her heal immediately. He handed the chalice to Malachi and awaited his tasting and declaration.

  For Kate, his bite was sweet, she felt a wave of desire wash over her, as his fangs pierced the tender skin on the inside of her wrist. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, pushing back the sensations. When she opened her eyes, she watched as her blood dripped into the chalice. She felt the heat of his tongue as he licked the wound, and again, the desire for him arose. She used all her willpower not to respond to him. She saw the wounds heal before her eyes.

  Kate turned her gaze to Malachi. His face was stern, emotionless, and she locked eyes with him. He was the Council who’d been here last night, the one who came to express his disapproval. Kate held his gaze and gave nothing away in her expression.

  Malachi took the chalice offered by the Medici. Holding the cup with both hands, he lifted it to his lips and drank. As her blood touched his tongue, he was hit with its sweetness, its richness, and he felt the power of their joined blood as it rushed through him. He had never tasted mortal blood, and he’d anticipated a weakness of flavor and energy. But her mortal blood mixed with his royal blood had produced something unique and powerful. He closed his eyes as he swallowed, and saw Shade’s gift flash before him... dream-walker, which Malachi knew already to be true.

  And then he saw her gift of animalism. How very rare, and a powerful one at that! Malachi had served for centuries on the Council and had never once seen the gift of animalism. She would have command of all creatures to do her bidding and would be a great source of power for Shade. This would make The Medici a power to be reckoned with by all.

  Then he saw something else, another gift? Not possible. Every vampire was imbued with only one. But there it was... day-walker. The Medici Queen would be a day-walker and protect her king. He handed the chalice back to the Medici. He would discover her gifts soon enough. Malachi acknowledged to himself that he and the Council owed Shade an apology; this mortal would not hold him back. Quite the contrary, this mortal would insure an even stronger legacy for The Medici. Malachi nodded his head to him and then to her, before turning to face the congregation.

  “The Council declares her to be of immortal blood, as the blood of the Medici courses through her veins. The Council acknowledges her rightful seat on the throne as Queen Katherine, Queen of the Medici.”

  Shade had watched Malachi’s face as he drank her blood, and the strangest emotions rolled over him. What had Malachi tasted that had made him have such a look of consideration on his face? Shade was curious. Malachi claimed her as his queen and there was no greater honor to bestow upon her. She was now Medici. He watched as Malachi left the dais and traveled down the aisle to stand at the back of the congregation, his presence still felt as he remained, observing from the middle of the aisle. He wouldn’t leave until the crowning was complete. Only then would he take his leave and report back to the Council he had tasted her blood, she was immortal, and had witnessed her coronation.

  Shade saw Marco stand up, holding a red velvet pillow. Atop it, lay the crown his madre wore for every occasion. This was the Medici crown that had been worn through generations. It held much pride, honor, and history. The crown spiked in gold stars, each star encrusted with a diamond in its center. Marco moved to the edge of the dais where Shade met him and removed the crown from its precious resting spot, holding it high in the air for all to see. He walked back to Kate and stood before her. “Kneel before me, mi amore, and I will crown you my queen... for all eternity.”

  Kate lifted the long skirt and walked to him, dropping down on both knees before him. He stood towering over her in the ceremonial leathers, the Medici crest on the center of his chest, and chain mail around his neck. She raised her eyes to his and drew strength from his steady gaze.

  Shade felt her nerves, but she remained strong, his bel rosso. He took a deep breath, her beauty astounding him. He placed the crown upon her head, its beauty was something to behold. His eyes welled up, she was his queen now. Holding out his hands, she placed her hands in his and he lifted her slowly to her feet. He took her face into his hands and kissed each cheek, as was custom. He whispered softly to her, “Ti amo, my queen.”

  Taking her by the hand, he walked her to the center of the dais. He bowed deeply to her and then turned to the congregation.

  “I am honored to present to you, Queen Katherine of Medici.” He watched as every head in the palace bowed low. His warriors remained kneeling, heads bowed. Shade took her by the hand and walked her to the throne as she seated herself with grace and elegance. His heart was exploding with pride and love for the woman he had searched for his entire life. He took a seat beside her on his own throne and let his voice boom across the room. “Please take a seat. Marco, arise and approach.”

  Marco took the two small steps up to the dais. Raising his sword to his chest, he crossed the weapon over his heart, which signified he would give his life for hers. He was Second-In-Command of Medici, and in charge of all the warriors in this camp. He would be the first to pledge to her, and following him, each warrior of high rank would do the same. She was now their queen. Marco knelt on one knee before her, holding his sword out in front of him, point down to the dais, and bowed his head.

  “My Queen, I am Marco, Second-In-Command to the Medici. I pledge to you my honor, and my eternal protection and fealty as a Medici Warrior. Our warriors honor you with our lives and give of ourselves to protect you from all outside evil. Hail to Queen Medici.”

  Laying a long-stem red rose on the dais at her feet, he remained with head bowed and on his knees until she acknowledged him, thereby releasing him to leave her presence.

  Kate recalled the discussion with Theresa earlier this evening. She was wondering how much he’d want to protect her once he learned Theresa would be returning to the States.

  “Arise, High Warrior. You honor me with your service, and you bring great honor to the Medici name with your command of the Medici Warriors, whose skill and bravery is unparalleled.” She nodded to him in acknowledgment as his signal to rise.

  As she spoke, her voice carried the confidence of her royal command, she was neither meek nor overpowering, but delivered her message with a voice that was light and lilting and carried through the large hall. Marco rose and was honored by her words. She had given him her blessing and nodded for his dismissal. Marco turned to Shade and bowed, then slowly walked backward off the dais, never turning his back to his master or his queen and took his place as first in line in the center aisle, standing and
waiting for the next warrior to step forward and offer their pledge.

  As the procession of warriors continued, Shade watched as the dais filled with red roses. His eyes kept going to her. He couldn’t take them off her, for she was so regal and beautiful. Just the sight of her stunned him.

  Marcello pledged and then a few more followed and then, here it came... Raven. If that little shit doesn’t tow the fucking line, I will rip his tongue out right here in front of everyone! He watched closely as Raven toned down his usual dramatics and actually acted normal for a change. Next up was Fiamma, and he smiled at her as she pledged to honor Kate and awaited her acknowledgement and dismissal.

  As Fiamma knelt before her, Kate realized Fee and the other female warriors faced the same discrimination from others as Kate did as a mortal mate. And Kate had to include herself in that group of self-doubters. Fee pledged her protection and fealty to her and Kate waited for her to finish. As Fiamma lay down her rose, Kate spoke loudly, wanting all to hear. “To Fiamma, and my sister warriors who bring honor to the Medici name, I respect your integrity in the face of adversity, and stand with you against those who doubt your strength and skills. Arise sister.”

  Kneeling before her queen was a high honor for Fiamma, for she wasn’t yet alive to pledge to Shade’s mother. Portia was long dead before Fee arrived in this camp. As Fee listened to her words, she felt the pride of being a female warrior fill her heart. Fiamma smiled at her. She’d be one damn almighty queen! Fee arose with her head held high and locked eyes with Kate. “You honor me, my Queen, as you do all our sisters this night. We are most honored that you stand with us, for we are all Medici.”

  Shade could hear the chatter in the congregation, and it almost made him laugh out loud. His queen was going to set some minds blasting tonight. Shade remained quietly seated as the remainder of the warriors stepped forward to pledge, each laying a red rose upon the dais and then taking their place standing in a long line down the center aisle of the room, lining both sides of the aisle, swords at their sides, standing tall, looking straight ahead. The procession of warriors was ending as Luca was next and the last to pledge. He was the Queen's protector, the highest honor of all warriors and suddenly, there was a lump in his throat. He knew Luca’s padre and his own watched together this night.

  As Luca stepped forward and knelt before her, her heart already wept for all he’d given, all he’d done. He placed his sword across his heart and then turned the sword tip down on the dais, as he began his pledge.

  Luca bowed his head before lifting it to look at her. He felt the weight of the responsibility for her safety, and the pride of the moment. He was supposed to say the simple words, ‘I pledge my protection and fealty,’ the same as all the other warriors. But tonight, he must speak what was in his heart.

  “It is my honor and privilege to serve as protector to the Queen. I pledge my life in service to my King, my Queen, and all the children of this union. Only death will part me from this sword, as I swear on my honor as a Medici Warrior, to always stand between my Queen, as well as the children of my King, against any foe.”

  Kate felt her tears flow as she remembered this gentle warrior who dragged her from the depths of darkness after losing the baby, who went against his master's orders in training her, who stood at Shade's side during the ambush. He had shown his loyalty time and time again. Kate slipped from her throne and knelt in front of him and heard the rumblings from the congregation.

  “Luca, my loyal protector, my trusted friend, you have already demonstrated your strength of character to me who kneels, humbled before you. I ask that you drink my blood, and the blood of our children to come, so we may always be bound to you.”

  Kate heard a collective gasp from the crowd, and she watched as Luca looked to Shade. She knew she had broken protocol in leaving the throne, kneeling before this warrior, and asking him to drink her blood. From the corner of her eye, she saw Shade nod his approval to Luca. Kate extended her wrist to him, as he took it in his hands and bit into the soft flesh. She felt him draw the blood into his mouth, and watched him swallow, his eyes closed. As he pulled away, he licked the wound to heal it. She leaned forward, and kissed each cheek, then stood and retook her seat on the throne.

  “Arise, my most trusted protector.”

  Shade stood and nodded to Theresa who came out upon the dais to collect all the roses and gather them for Kate. When she was done, she stood to give the roses to Kate and he held up his hand for her to stop. He turned to his bel and knelt on one knee before her, pulling from behind his back, three perfect red roses and held them out to her, their stems had been cut back, thorns removed. He looked up at her and smiled.

  “My Queen, I present to you three red roses. They are sent with love from three separate hearts on this, your special day, from Lorenzo, Sophia and Natalia.” He knew no one in this congregation had a damn clue who these three were, but bel knew.

  She grasped his wrist tightly, as he held the roses out to her and tears flowed down her cheeks. They were tears for their lost baby, but also the promise of the three babies who waited impatiently to be born. She leaned forward, still gripping his wrist and kissed him. It was a kiss that should be reserved for private, not one issued in a room full of onlookers, but this was their private moment, a message from her lover of all the promise their future held. She broke away from the kiss, her eyes locked on his, and she was lost to him. She no longer knew where she began, and he ended. With a whispered cry, she spoke the only word that came to her, “Lover.”

  “Si, mi amore, I’m right here. But I have one more honor for you. You have given me so much, and there is still one person whose heart belongs to you this night.”

  Pulling a long stem white rose from behind his back, he held it to her face, and let the soft petals slide along her cheek.

  “Our dormire guerriero, our sleeping warrior. The rose is not in full bloom, it is white and pure, as is he. But he is with us as well, mi amore.”

  He felt his own tears well up as he held them back. He beckoned Theresa forward and she handed Kate the large bouquet of roses from all the warriors, placing Shade’s roses on top. He slipped her free arm through his and faced the crowd. “Are you ready, my Queen?”

  “You lead, and I will follow, my King.”

  As Shade and Kate stepped off the dais to go down the aisle, Marco and Luca nodded to each other and all the warriors lining both sides of the aisle raised their swords in unison and crossed them over their hearts. Then they raised them high in the air and yelled "Hail the Medici and his Queen!” As the couple walked down the aisle, arm in arm, the warriors crossed their swords before the pair, a pact that each one would always surround them with protection and love.

  As they got to the end of the isle, they exited the Throne Room and Shade led her down a long hallway, reaching a set of doors that led outside onto a balcony high above Castello. There was a small settee near the window. He stopped and pulled her into his arms as he sat down, holding her on his lap.

  “Ti amo, my queen. You are so damn beautiful. I can’t take my eyes from you, bel. There are many outside those doors who wait for us tonight. They all want to see their new queen, but before we do that, I just want to hold you, have a kiss, before I share you with the coven. Are you happy? Do you need to feed?”

  “Lover, I’m beyond happy. I don't need to feed, but I do need a kiss. I didn’t expect the flood of emotions tonight. So, hold me tight and kiss me, and I’ll gladly meet your coven.”

  “That’s my woman!” He kissed her long and passionately, letting his tongue slide into her mouth, moaning in agonizing need of her. He longed to be alone with her, but they had much yet to do before that happened and they both needed this sweet stolen moment. Letting his hands slide into the gorgeous crimson silk, he reached through her hair and held onto her crown, so it didn’t fall as he kissed her.

  Kate held the roses crushed between them, the scent of the flowers mixing with her own rose fragrance. She knew
they were to go to the balcony next, and then there was the ballroom, but she wanted to leave with him now, go back to the private sanctuary of their bedroom and close the door, close out everyone else but them. She reluctantly broke the kiss because this evening didn’t belong to them alone. She understood the celebration was as much for the Medici coven as for them.

  “Let's go, let’s go greet the coven.”

  “No, bel, not yet. I haven’t given you my gift.”

  Lifting her off his lap, he stood her on her feet and spun her around with her back facing him. Reaching inside a breast pocket inside his leathers, he pulled out the diamond and ruby necklace and reached around and laid it across her beautiful neck, closing the clasp.

  “There! The diamond and ruby necklace is from the vaults and was worn by my madre. Now we can go out on the balcony, si?”

  He was saying rubies and diamonds. She couldn’t see the necklace, but the sheer weight of it told her it was massive. She ran her fingers across the necklace, loaded with stones. Her emotions were already on edge and she fought back more tears. She caught a mental image of herself, at Bel Rosso, mucking horse stalls in jeans, a plaid shirt and a huge ruby and diamond necklace, and she had to stifle a laugh. Her title may be queen, but her palace would look much different from this one. Their life together would be much different from the people whose portraits lined the halls of this castle. She turned in his arms, her head against his chest.

  “You spoil me too much.”

  “Oh, mi amore, I have just begun to spoil you.” Reaching down, he tried to spank her ass through the many layered skirts of her gown. “Damn, I can’t even find your ass in this dress!”

  As they both laughed, he took her hand and they walked to the balcony. Whipping open the doors, they stepped out to greet the coven. Thousands of people shouted up in a cheer, the sound deafening. The cool night air felt refreshing and he watched her crimson catch the breeze and blow softly around her face. He saw the fireworks go off, lighting the night sky in glorious colors. The church bells began to ring and he could hear them all across Florence.