Magick Marked (The DarqRealm Series) Read Online Free PDF Page A

Frederick interrupted. Thank God. “I assure you, Rhowen took every precaution to ensure the Kamen’s safety.”
    The king leveled a hard stare at his nephew, then to her, then back to his nephew. “It’s not safe to speak of these things here. I must make a call. Both of you meet me in my quarters in one hour. Do not appear suspicious and be careful you are not followed.”
    He turned and left the room.
    Frederick and Rho stared at each other, and she tried to process what happened. He grazed a finger across her cheek. She tried not to flinch in surprise at the unanticipated touch. What… the hell? Then he turned on a dime and exited the room.
    At a total loss as to what had transpired with the Kamen or Frederick, she rubbed her face with her hand. Good God, she wanted to go to bed. She had a sneaking suspicion she’d just kicked over the first domino, and the rest of them were about to fall.

 
    Chapter Three

    F rederick stepped in front of Rho and tapped on the thick wooden door.
    She inhaled deeply, breathing in the soothing scent of the coffee in her hand and wishing she could be anywhere else. A meeting with the king and queen, in their personal quarters, was hardly the way she had thought she’d be spending the evening. And to make it worse, she knew they were already upset with her before she even stepped foot through the door.
    “Come in.” Costel’s deep voice was muffled. Frederick pulled the door open, and Rho followed him inside the chamber. “Close the door behind you.”
    Rho turned and slid the deadbolt into place, then drew another deep breath. She’d never been inside the king’s private chambers before. The thought of being trapped in here with ancient, powerful vampires gave her the creeps.
    She turned around, taking in the opulent décor. The room was truly meant for royalty, the massive bed at the center outfitted with elaborate red and gold tapestries. The queen perched at the end, her gaze fixed on her mate at his large, elaborately scrolled desk. Two chairs sat on the opposite side, waiting for occupants.
    “Sit,” Costel instructed.
    Rho’s ass found the chair cushion quickly and she tried to suppress her fears. This conversation would determine her punishment for losing the relic. She didn’t want to believe they’d kill her for it, but she couldn’t know for sure. They’d authorized executions for less.
    A shiver raced up her spine.
    Costel studied her then turned to Frederick. “You will not repeat anything I tell you here tonight.”
    “Yes, sir,” Rho said quickly.
    Frederick didn’t respond. Then again, he was the prince. He didn’t have to.
    The king directed his attention to her. “Rhowen, do you know why our Kamen is important?”
    “Because it holds the magick of the DarqRealm, my lord.”
    “And?” he prompted.
    The nervous knot in her stomach tightened. “And that magick allows us to drink blood.”
    Before she’d been instructed to hide it, Frederick had explained that the Kamen held the magick that somehow made the whole blood-drinking gig work. They needed the magick in the stone to survive.
    Costel snagged a ballpoint pen from the jar on his desk as he considered her. “That’s partially true. The Kamen allows us to turn blood into sustenance. But do you understand why?”
    What kind of questions was that? She racked her brain for a history lesson. Once she’d hidden the Kamen safely away, there hadn’t been anything more to discuss.
    She shook her head.
    The queen glided over and stood beside her husband. She was a beautiful woman. Her thick ebony hair floated down to her waist and complimented her delicate Spanish features perfectly.
    He clasped her hand in his left then rubbed his tired eyes with his right. “I’ve avoided telling this story for many centuries. It’s better if people don’t know about the Kamens.”
    “Kamens? ” Rho interrupted. There were more than the one?
    Chomping down on her lip, she reminded herself to mind her