- Does it matter, my king, if we cannot be safe even within the walls of our own home? - One of the high-ranking officials was indignant when the King of Riliya tried to suppress outrage over the unexpected invasion.

He and his men restored the barrier before he noticed that someone was puzzled by the current situation and he didn’t need to explain the reasons for it.

His daughter and the vampire still haven’t contacted him to put his thoughts in order, but he himself didn’t dare to put pressure on them, waiting for their appearance humbly.

- You forget that it was our princess. - another official was indignant at the words of the first.

- With all due respect to Princess Teanna, I’m not talking about her right now, but about her retinue. – the first one said. – If they are able to bring all the magicians of the kingdom to their knees in an instant, then we must be extremely prepared so that this does not happen again. It’s just a shame.

The man was almost screaming, choking on his own saliva and everyone present understood his fears, but they were afraid to speak out loud.

- My daughter has never been an enemy to us and I expect to get at least some explanations from her before we decide how to proceed. And I forbid you to even think badly of her. - answered Horel, who felt embarrassed in front of those present because some time ago he was so shamefully kneeling in front of enemies. It was an irreparable wound to his own self-esteem.

- That’s not what I meant, Your Majesty. By no means, I didn’t mean to offend you or Her Highness. - the man looked down and his shoulders tightened.

With a sharp click and a nasty creak, the door to the throne room opened and two guards unconsciously fell inside before Raphael’s measured heavy steps greeted everyone gathered.

- That’s what I was talking about, Your Majesty. -The official shouted again in rage, pointing in the direction of Raphael.

- Kindly put your hand down before I pull it out by the roots. - with a good-natured smile, but with a cold look, the vampire advised, walking deeper into the hall.

The King of Riliya bit his own tongue, exhaling heavily to keep his composure. He felt torn between putting the vampire in his place because of the king’s hurt honor and preventing him from getting more angry. One performance in the square was enough to appreciate his strength.

Raphael shifted his curious gaze to the silent king, slightly bowing his head and rubbing his neck.

He could hear every rustle, every heartbeat of the assembled magicians and could only grin at how much the feeling of fear prevailed among these people.

His eyes flashed dangerously and he walked forward, stopping at the foot of the throne of the King of Rilya and turning to face those present.

Deliberately baring his elongated fangs, he licked them and grinned.

- I was going to find a maid who would bring water to the princess’ room, but I came across an interesting whispering. This caught my attention. - he looked around the room. – You are so pathetic, hiding here and afraid to express your indignation to my face. Pathetic, very pathetic magicians.

He ridiculed them openly and with pleasure, but was upset that no one had overcome their fear to confront him now.

With a sad expression on his face, he snapped his fingers, and the previously opened door slammed shut with a bang, enveloped in a black glow, right in front of Richard’s nose, who was about to take a step towards the throne room.

- You’re late, Rich. I’m still mad at you. Rafael hissed, feeling the anger of his general on the other side of the door, and then the quiet retreating footsteps.

- And so, Raphael, perhaps you will explain your so unexpected intrusion? - Horel demanded, and the smile on the vampire’s face blossomed with a new twist.

- I think your daughter will be the one who will tell you about the reasons personally. – he answered, as if he was humming every word. – This is not for extra ears.

- But you didn’t just come here, did you? - the king hinted at his appearance in the throne room.

- That’s right. - Raphael nodded, turning to face Horel. – I have a generous offer that no one has the right to refuse.

The king and his loyal subjects tensed, noticing how the nails on Raphael’s hands lengthened and with one sharp movement, he cut the skin of his wrist, sprinkling the marble floor with scarlet drops.

- My observations tell me that the magicians have become too weak and this is very bad news in the current conditions. You know what I mean, don’t you, Horel? - He ignored the dripping blood, tormenting the King of Riliya’s gaze. – It’s only a matter of time before your beloved wife comes for your head.

Horel swallowed hard, his face darkened with a frown and soreness.

- I’m surprised that our last meeting wasn’t enough to think about how Lillian knows so much about me. But I’ll make allowances for you, you were probably too susceptible to her charms. - he was serious, but there was still some mockery in every word. – Your old lady has passed the third hundred years, and is still beautiful.

He nodded his head as he continued to speak.

- It’s really amazing. Have you ever thought how many people she killed to prolong her life and youth? - He hesitated for a couple of seconds, and then, without waiting for Horel’s answer, continued. – Of course not. How would you know about that?

- Why do you think I’ll believe every word you say? – said the king.

- Mmm... probably because you realize it yourself, but you’re afraid to say it out loud. These people behind my back are your subjects, your loyal magicians – they have the right to know who they will have to face and what to die for.

The words were harsh and flashes of indignation and murmurs spread through the crowd.

- Don’t you think so, great king of magicians? - The words were laced with poison.

The muscles on the king’s cheekbones and jaw played with twitchy facial expressions. He rose from his seat, straightening his heavy cloak and slowly descending from the throne, passing by the vampire and deliberately brushing his shoulder. Raphael just grinned.

The king squared his shoulders, raising his head and assessing everyone who fixed their gaze on him. The time has come to make public and make come true what he has been hiding up to this time.

- I am guilty before each of you. - he declared loudly. – I am to blame for dragging you into what could be our common ruin. I’m sorry that I don’t give you the right to choose, the right to retreat. That`s my fault. But there is no other choice.