Blood and Snow 12: Vampire Ever After? Read Online Free Page B

the petals had fallen, and surrounded the vase.
    For some reason the children’s song, Ring Around the Rosy , came to mind. I’d learned in World Civilization that the supposedly sweet song taught to children everywhere wasn’t sweet at all. It was about the bubonic plague, and death.
    Perhaps it was the way the petals touched each other, as though they were holding hands , like the children did as they sang the song. Or maybe it was the wilted stems in the vase. I didn’t know, but it filled my stomach with dread.
    Maybe I should’ve brought Christopher with me, I thought nervously. But it was too late. I was already in Sharra, and I wasn’t leaving until the Vampire Queen was gone or stepped down.
    I snorted.
    It was doubtful she would step down.
    “Snow.” The voice was minute and high, like a light gasp of the wind. It made me jump. I spun in its direction, and saw Ryden. Behind her was a flurry of hundreds of pixilettes, including Arianna and Eon.
    The pixilette looked surprisingly young for being more than six thousand. “You startled me,” I said, clutching my hands together.
    Eon laughed, and the others joined in, like hundreds of bells tolling the end. Ryden turned, and glared. They stopped abruptly, except Eon, who covered his mouth.
    “Sorry, Snow.” Her features radiated tenacity. It was clear she had something to say.
    “What is it?” I asked, holding out a hand, palm facing up. She landed, and sat on the edge, where my palm met my wrist.
    “Ahhhh,” she sighed. “I’m too old for this nonsense. But I am glad you’ve finally come.” She shielded her eyes from the blazing sun and turned her face up. “You are here to dispose of Sharra. Yes?”
    I swallowed. Abernathy seemed to believe Sharra could be rehabilitated. If it were possible, I would certainly try. “I’m here to help her see the truth,” I said, my voice quivering.
    She laughed, but it wasn’t because she was happy. “I see,” she said with a grunt as she stood. “Well, we will assist in whatever capacity we can. What are your intentions then?”
    I glanced at the others and further, beyond the trees. Hundreds or perhaps thousands of magical creatures—elves, unicorns, fairies, and trolls—hovered in the shadows. Listening.
    Ryden lifted into the air, and turned. “Their fates are in your hands,” she said.
    I swallowed. “I know. I’m going to speak with Sharra. See what she has to say. I will do right by them.” I waved a hand toward them. “I’ll do right by you,” I added. Then to Ryden, I went on, “They will be freed one way or another.”
    Ryden bowed. “Sharra is at the castle. She’s been completely out of sorts. Worse than usual. Until last night. I don’t know what’s changed, but my spies inform me she’s ecstatic about something. So be careful.”
    “Thank you, Ryden.” I stepped of f the porch, and moved toward the castle.
    The pixilette landed on my shoulder. “Do you want me to come with you?”
    I was touched by her offer. And I did want her company. But I wouldn’t be putting her or anyone else in harms way. I was the Seal. Dealing with the Vampire Queen was my responsibility. I would handle her alone.
    “You’re welcome to come as far as the castle. After that, I’ll go by myself.”

Chapter 7
     
    I said goodbye to Ryden, and opened the front door. No sense trying to hide or be secretive. That would moot my point. I wanted her know I was here. The sooner the better.
    “How lovely of you to come , Snow White. Although, if you had any manners, you would’ve knocked.” The Vampire Queen stood in the center of a large rock foyer. I realized I’d never seen the castle from the front, the way visitors might. It was extravagant, with heavy red material draped along the top. An enormous chandelier, lit by lanterns, hung in the center. From the foyer were four different hallways. Double stairs circled to a second floor.
    But, I wasn’t there to be civil. This wasn’t about niceties. It