Chapter Fifty-five

Quiet abruptly descended in the ballroom as the gathering, oblivious to Drakken’s inner turmoil waited a long time until he spoke, willing himself to go as planned if he wanted to keep his throne and Eleanor safe.

"I am glad to announce that our clan would be welcoming a new Lunaqueen," Drakken began, not sounding as glad as he claimed, his voice flat. "She is in our presence today, as some of you may have noticed."

He beckoned for the vampire princess to join him on the stage and she blushed, a touch of red heating up her naturally pale face. He took her hand in his, helping her climb up the stage.

Drakken faced the audience again, feeling her wrap her fingers around his arm. He continued speaking without responding to her touch. "Ladies and gentlemen, I would like you to meet my chosen mate and future Luna queen, Princess Gwendolyn of the Belfast kingdom."

Cheers and merriment broke out in the crowd after his announcement. Benjamin smirked devilishly as he raised his glass of wine a