Chapter 24: Bonded by Blood

The throne room had been completely transformed. Sidia gasped as she walked under the heavy drapery of vines, plants, and mushrooms hanging over the space. Instead of a long table down the center of the room, there were several small round tables where humans and vampires were seated. The centerpieces were glowing bouquets of moss and lichen, and soft orbs of blue light hung in the air. A light blue and pink color palette washed over the cushions and tablecloths. The room made Sidia think of fairies, everything sparkling with a strange happiness that permeated her very bones.

She turned her attention to the throne and was stunned to find that the main seat was gone. Instead, a short sofa with large cushions and soft pillows at the arms took up the raised platform. The gold and jewels normally on display had been put away, and there were pots overflowing with some of the plants Sidia had seen in the underground garden.