Fangless: The Alpha's Vampire Mate-Chapter 313: The Arrival of Nightshade

Eira was gripped by a deep, paralyzing fear. To the commoners, Florian’s ruthless slaughter of Asvaldur’s army and the magic wielders appeared no different from senseless butchery.

The scattered presence of Imperial Army knights throughout the city made them seem like harmless, fragmented groups rather than an organized threat. Adding to the confusion, the magic wielders had blended seamlessly into the populace, dressing and living as ordinary citizens.

Though whispers of the Imperial Army’s arrival circulated, few suspected that such a formidable force would be hiding in plain sight. People expected armies to reside in grand lodgings—palaces or fortresses—not among the common folk in the narrow streets.

Florian’s disappearance had put an end to the grim reports of vampires drained of blood. Yet, the Royal Guard never announced his capture, nor did they reassure the public that the Vampire Hunter had left the kingdom. The silence bred unease, and the shadow of dread still lingered heavily over the city.

It wasn’t negligence—just a tangle of unavoidable logistical challenges.

Margrave Boris, the Lord Steward of the palace, lay bedridden with grave injuries, the worst he’d ever endured. Even during the fierce battle with the elders, he’d merely been knocked back and recovered swiftly.

But now, with heavy casualties and King Valentin’s worsening condition, Lady Maris had stepped in to shoulder the responsibility.

However, managing the palace had never truly been her role. She had only ever assisted sporadically, and while she was capable, she lacked the experience for the demanding pace required. Understandably, progress was slow.

On top of that, she was tending to both the ailing king and her daughter, splitting her focus. Cielo and Lumi often came to lend a hand, but their help alone couldn’t bridge the gap.

The palace itself had sustained serious damage and needed immediate repairs—not just for its dignity but for the well-being of its staff and the families living in the western tower.

And then there was Florian. The constant worry gnawed at her. She feared he had been taken by Emperor Kaan, and every instinct screamed at her to dispatch knights to search for him. Yet she knew full well the kingdom couldn’t spare the manpower.

So she prioritized the most urgent tasks: tending to the wounded, clearing away the dead, and addressing the immediate risks and concerns from nobles.

But Lady Maris had never ruled a kingdom. She didn’t fully grasp how crucial it was for the people to feel safe, not just to be safe.

Thankfully, before unrest could fester into open revolt, the Nightshade Coven arrived at the palace alongside Sir Kai. The news spread like wildfire, bringing much-needed relief—like a salve on an open wound. That alone was enough to soothe the masses, if only for a while.

Lady Maris, too, felt a weight lift from her shoulders. Every extra pair of hands was a blessing right now. She wasn’t entirely sure what orders King Valentin had given Sir Kai in bringing the Nightshade Coven, but she intended to make the most of whatever support she could gather.

As Lady Maris remained occupied with pressing matters, she was unable to personally receive the Nightshade Coven and Sir Kai upon their arrival.

Instead, she entrusted the task to a trusted subordinate, instructing them to escort the elders to the palace’s grandest audience chamber—a gesture meant to ensure their comfort and convey respect.

Lady Maris intended to meet with them as soon as her most urgent responsibilities were handled.

But Sir Kai wasted no time. Upon his arrival, he sought her out immediately, relaying everything—from the details of his initial mission to the king’s final message.

Now, at least, Lady Maris had some clarity. And while she waited for Riona’s return, perhaps there was an opportunity to gain further assistance from the elders.

"Your Excellencies, it is an honor to stand in your presence," Lady Maris said, dipping into a respectful bow.

The elders offered only a slight bow from their seats, making no move to rise. As figures at the top of the command chain, they had no need for formal gestures beyond that small acknowledgment—just enough to return the courtesy.

They exchanged a few polite, measured questions with Lady Maris before steering the conversation toward their true purpose.

It was Ulysses who first broached the topic, subtly voicing his concern about Sir Kai’s unease with a Nightwatch operative lingering near his manor.

"I am not fully privy to His Majesty’s plans," Lady Maris replied evenly. "However, our kingdom has been beset by great turmoil. Though Elder Alfred’s treason was swiftly curtailed, thanks to Emperor Kaan’s unexpected involvement, new challenges continue to emerge."

From there, she delved deeper into the mounting crises plaguing Eira. The elders listened in silence, their expressions carefully composed, though Griswold shifted uneasily.

As Lady Maris laid bare the kingdom’s precarious state, it became clear to him how desperately Eira needed their support. Whatever arguments he’d had to convince the others to return home now felt hollow, slipping away in the gravity of her words.

"I can’t say for certain what His Majesty, the Emperor, truly wants," Lady Maris admitted, her voice steady but edged with unease. "But what I do know is that I do not trust him. That much was clear from our brief encounters—he strikes me as someone who wants something from both Riona and Florian."

She had debated whether to temper her words, to maintain the veneer of diplomacy. But in the end, urgency outweighed courtesy. There was no room for politeness when every instinct warned of danger.

"My greatest concern is Florian’s safety now that he’s in Emperor Kaan’s hands," she continued, her tone tightening.

"I don’t know what the emperor intends to do with him. Killing the demon inside him isn’t possible without the power of the Blood Moon. And if his goal was simply to destroy both the demon and its host, why bother capturing Florian alive at all?"

The elders silently nodded, clearly aligned with Lady Maris’s reasoning. They exchanged brief, uneasy glances—an unspoken understanding passing between them. A heavy sense of foreboding lingered in the room.

None dared voice it outright, but the thought was clear: they feared Emperor Kaan intended not to destroy the demon, but to harness it for darker, more sinister purposes.

"And where is the Blood Moon child now?" Madam Silvia finally asked, her tone measured but sharp.

"I believe she’s still in recovery," Lady Maris replied. "The last time I saw her, she had been wounded by a blade laced with poison—one designed to harm a vampire."

Her gaze hardened slightly. "But she’s his sister. As soon as she regains her strength, she’ll come. I have no doubt she’ll stop at nothing to save him."