Black Veil #2
Peace has descended on Black Veil once more, and hope is on the horizon.
Until a new threat arises…
Emil is the head of security, first line of defense for Cain and Black Veil. He takes great pride in his job, is fully prepared to sacrifice everything in order to keep everyone he cares about safe and the world from crumbling. But the Tritons and Sirens have approved a treaty, and the dragons will most likely agree to allow vampires to use their blood for sustenance and protection once again, so all is as it should be. Then Emil meets the emperor of dragons, and his life goes from calm to chaotic in the blink of an eye—loyalty and love now battle for dominance in his head.
Aldrich is the emperor of dragons, and he cannot afford to make mistakes. He and his clans enter Black Veil in the hopes that The Blood Boss will join them in the fight to save his family. Aldrich is ready to lay down his life and for anything else thrown his way—except the crystal-eyed vampire who immediately captures his interest. Emil is everything he has always wanted and would never dare dream of, and when all he holds dear is threatened, it’s Emil who keeps his dragon grounded.
When unimaginable dangers swarm into Black Veil, the vampires and dragons join forces and call upon every living creature in Black Veil to defeat the enemy. While love blooms, lives perish, all to fight a war against the darkness threatening to consume the world. Will Emil and Aldrich claim victory and have their happily ever after, or are they doomed to an eternity apart?
She's done it again!
From the very first page, Davidson King pulls you in to this paranormal world she has created. You find yourself so hooked that if you looked up you expect to see vampires, dragons, witches, oh my! Each character has burrowed in and won't let go until they are done telling you their journey.
I don't want to spoil anything, even the minutest detail because experiencing this journey is pure magic and not just in a paranormal way but in a "Holy Crap! Where did that come from?" kind of way. So this review won't be touching on any specifics plot-wise but more on an overall emotion grabber. When reading paranormal/fantasy, there is obviously a level of reality that doesn't even begin to enter one's mind but at the same time, when that fantasy world does begin to spark a flash of realism into one's soul, you know that you have found a winning gem.
And simply put, that is exactly what Davidson King's Emperor of Dragons has done: feels real.
As for the characters? Once again we see Cain and Jayce navigate and rule over Black Veil(so Cain is the one in charge of the territory but come on! We all know Jayce has a level of control where Cain is involved). This time around, the threat at large is not openly directed at their vampires but at the dragons which is where Aldrich enters the picture. Emil, one of Cain's top security vamps finds himself drawn to Aldrich and Aldrich is vice versa. Will they get the opportunity to become what it meant for them? You know my answer to that one: read for yourself.
Oh but the fun you will have finding out. I just finished reading this minutes ago but I know I wish I could experience it for the first time again.
Back to characters. There are new ones, there are returning ones, there are ones you will love with every fiber of your being, there are ones you will absolutely hate with a passion, and then there are those that will probably be a blend of each. I already have a couple of them that I think will be front and center of future entries and even though I just finished Emperor of Dragons, I'm already on tender hooks waiting for the next Black Veil adventure.
I know that Davidson King is all about the HEAs, the romance, and the heart but she is Queen of mayhem and danger too. I've read and watched plenty of fiction that involve world building universes, character driven drama, emotional battered heart and some are poorly done, some are well written, and then there are those that are exceptionally crafted. It is the exceptionally crafted ones that are storytelling at it's finest and Davidson King's Black Veil universe belongs in that category. To create something that can't possibly be real, that not only entertains but leaves the reader feeling lost when the final page is closed because they are no longer living in that world, well that's a whole other level of talent very few reach.
A final note: Some might say The Blood Boss and Emperor of Dragons can be read as standalones because they feature different couples, tackle different dangers, I honestly can't say that. For me, they have to be read in order. Not only are there characters from Blood that play a huge part in Emperor but I can't help but feel there is a larger picture at play here and each entry has a part in the complete adventure(hopefully there will be many layers to the complete picture because I am in no way ready to say goodbye to Black Veil). The author lets you in on things from book 1 so you wouldn't exactly be lost but I truly believe you'd be saying "huh, I wonder what happened there?" more than once. Not too mention, The Blood Boss is brilliant and was my personal choice for Best Paranormal Read of 2021.
CHAPTER ONE
Emil
The storm currently raging outside the estate wasn’t the only indication the emperor of dragons was arriving today. There was a tornado named Jayce rushing about, making sure everything appeared as perfect as it could. I watched from the top of the stairs as he tutted over the choice of floral arrangements that Cain, The Blood Boss, had chosen.
My job was to guarantee all security was in place and the estate was secure. Oh, and that I wore the ridiculous five-piece suit Jayce had asked me to wear.
When Jayce’s life had been in danger a little over a year ago, Cain made the ultimate choice to change him into a vampire. Add into play that Jayce was the son of the deceased Queen of the Sea, Asherah; and a star god, Rigil; and he had a lot going on in his DNA. The power he held inside his tiny body wasn’t fully known, and there were days I found myself hoping that when it all reached its peak, it would be to our benefit.
“Emil, are you going to stand there all day? They’ll be here in minutes, and you’re daydreaming. Why are you staring?” Jayce smacked Cain on the arm. “Why is he not answering me?”
“Jayce, my love, please. It will be fine. All is in order, and Emil is staring because he is old and wise and knows there is no answer that will be suitable.”
Jayce looked at me with raised brows, and I simply nodded. Cain was right; silence was best.
“Fine…okay. I’m sorry, I’m nervous. I mean, this guy is the emperor of dragons. That’s huge, right? That’s a big deal?” Again, his frantic gaze flitted from Cain to me and back to the vampire he loved.
“Aldrich is very powerful; he holds more magic than any of us would know what to do with. I have met him only the once, but he was kind and respectful. I think he will find you quite endearing.” Cain pressed a kiss to Jayce’s forehead. “How about we go sit in the library and await news of his arrival?”
“I can let you know.” I took the rest of the steps down to the foyer. “And, Jayce, I haven’t met Aldrich ever, either. We’re in the same boat.” I leaned closer to him and lowered my voice. “Just let Cain do all the talking, and smile and nod a lot.”
That earned me a chuckle. “I can do that…I think.”
Once the two of them were out of sight, I went in search of Petru. He and I always oversaw all security and safety procedures. We dealt with humans and other creatures who broke laws in Black Veil and would be the ones torn apart if this very important meeting went south.
I found Petru outside, under the large awning, speaking with the guards. I held back and waited until he was done and once they all dispersed, I approached.
“Everything in order out here?”
“Yes.”
“Inside is good as well. You will be outside when the emperor and his entourage arrive; I will be in the foyer with Cain and Jayce.”
“Understood.”
“Due to the weather Cain wants the meeting to take place in the library, but they are to be shown to their rooms to relax and settle in.”
Cain needed this visit to go well. We were all surprised—not only when the dragons accepted the invitation to talk, but that the emperor himself would be in attendance.
“Is the staff not doing that?” Petru asked.
“They are. I’m just telling you the order of things, big guy.” I patted his arm. “Nervous?”
“No. I do not like dragons.” Petru wasn’t a talker. His Russian accent sometimes made it hard for others to understand him, but I’d known him for a ridiculously long time and had no issues.
“I’ll admit, I wish this whole thing was over already. But it should only be for a week. We listen, watch, and let the boss do the talking—at least we’re not him.” Petru nodded in agreement.
I didn’t envy Cain in this endeavor. Getting the dragons to come back on board with sending some of their own over twice a year, so we could all feed from them, was going to be tricky. Since the merfolk had started attacking anyone or anything in the seas trying to get to Black Veil, the dragons had broken their agreement to assist. Now that a treaty was in place with the new king of the sea, we were hoping Aldrich would revert to our original agreement.
Honey, Cain’s newly acquired assistant, approached Petru and me. “I received word the dragons have entered Black Veil. It shouldn’t be long now.”
“Thanks, Honey.” I faced Petru. “Would you update Cain?”
“Yes.” He stalked off toward the library while I did one more sweep of the bottom floor.
I wasn’t nervous like Jayce, nor was I irritated like Petru. I didn’t have an opinion of the dragons. They’d gotten the call hundreds of years ago like the rest of us that this world needed our help. They’d answered it, and without them it would have crumbled. We all had jobs to do and needed to work with each other. I could understand that.
What I wasn’t happy about was how pretentious they were. I’d held congress with quite a few dragons in my life, and each thought they were the best of all creatures. They sneered at anyone not born of dragon blood and never had a good word for humans. This visit would be very interesting; I could only hope Aldrich was as kind and respectful as Cain said he was.
The kitchen was bustling when I went to check on the staff. The dragons’ appetites were plentiful and specific, keeping the cooks on their toes and causing a lot of chaos. I left them to it and went to double-check the rooms the dragons would be using.
“I gave the largest guest room to the emperor.” Mancy opened the first door. “I was told his sister, Aubrianna, would be in attendance as well; her room is beside his.”
“Very good, Mancy. And the others?”
“Directly across the hall. I figured they’d like to be close to each other. It also gives them the feel that they have a whole wing.”
“Well done. Let Honey know if you need any extra help up here during their stay. It can be arranged.”
“Thanks, Emil.” Mancy hurried off, likely to complete last-minute duties.
“Emil, they’re ten minutes out,” Honey said when I reached the foyer.
I went to the library to inform Cain and retrieve Petru. “Sir, they’ll be here soon. Petru, take position.”
“Jayce, would you like to stay in here and be introduced when we come into the library?” Cain gathered Jayce’s hand in his. There was no hiding Jayce’s nervousness.
“No…no, I can do this.” He stood and, hand in hand, Cain and Jayce left the library.
Petru took a few vampires with him outside and I waited with Cain and Jayce. Honey was by the door, and we were ready for our guests.
As stoic as ever, The Blood Boss waited for the emperor of dragons, and I remained vigilant for any outcome that would present itself when those doors opened.
CHAPTER TWO
Aldrich
Aubrianna stared out the window as our caravan drove through the streets of Black Veil. The rain was coming down in buckets, and flashes of light lit up the clouds. But it was the loud thunder and her lack of reaction that worried me.
Growing up, Aubrianna was terrified of the thunder. She’d run into my bedroom whimpering, and I’d have to sing to her until she finally fell asleep. Now, there was nothing. No emotion, no reaction, as if she were only the shell of the vibrant dragon I once knew her to be.
“We’re arriving, Emperor.” My driver pulled my attention from my sister toward the window where the enormous estate stood.
I had contemplated flying in myself, but in Aubrianna’s state, I felt it best not to push her. I wasn’t sure how safe Black Veil currently was, either.
“Let me and the others exit first, Emperor.” Roark was my number one. His striking gray eyes, midnight-black hair, and massive body made anyone who considered approaching me have second thoughts.
“Of course, Roark.”
I squeezed Aubrianna’s hand…She didn’t return the gesture.
“Have her sent to her room as soon as possible, Roark. She doesn’t need to be tormented by this discussion.”
“Yes, Emperor.”
When our car stopped Roark exited, as did the other dragons from their vehicles. Roark was approached by an equally gigantic man—no, vampire. They shared a few words, and then Roark was opening my door.
Vyara, Aubrianna’s personal nurse, rushed over from the vehicle she was in. “Roark told me to get her to her room, Emperor?”
“Yes, thank you, Vyara.”
“I shall find out who I need to speak with about making sure Lady Aubrianna is well taken care of.”
Vyara had grown up with my family, and she and my sister were the best of friends. When Aubrianna went silent, Vyara had immediately stepped in to care for her.
“Any issues at all, Vyara, let me know.”
She nodded and took my sister’s hand as Roark and I approached the large vampire. The rain was coming down hard, but a canopy had been erected in anticipation of our arrival.
“Welcome. The Blood Boss is waiting.” Without another word, he turned and held the door open for us.
I quirked a brow at Roark, who simply shrugged. His placid expression gave off a very unwelcoming vibe.
The foyer was impeccable. It was obvious no expense was too much for The Blood Boss. Crimson, mahogany, and gold gave the entrance a rich, regal, and luxurious appearance any dragon would love.
“Emperor, it is an honor to meet you. I have heard wonderful things about you. I hope your travels were good and there were no issues.” A man—no, another vampire—and so much more—a little taller than me was standing in front of Roark, welcoming him. The urge to laugh was almost overwhelming. It had been a very long time since someone had mistaken who the emperor was.
“Jayce,” Cain whispered, but I waved him away. I wanted to see what would happen.
Roark’s lips curled in amusement as he took in the smaller man. “Jayce, is it?”
“Yes, your majesty, your honor, um…” Jayce looked pleadingly toward Cain, who was shaking his head. “I’m screwing up.”
I could no longer hold back my laughter. “Oh, you’re delightful.” I held out my hand to the desperate vampire. “This here is Roark. I suppose his imposing stature and majestic appearance could very much confuse someone.”
Jayce’s gaze moved between me and Roark. “Shit,” he gasped.
“Aldrich, forgive Jayce. He’s—”
“I know a great deal about Jayce. This past year all anyone talks about is the buzz in Black Veil. Peace had existed for years; then in one fell swoop this boy went and made…waves, should I say?”
Jayce faced me and took my hand. Where it would be customary to kiss my ring, he shook the entire hand. “I apologize, your—”
“Aldrich will be fine, Jayce.”
Cain’s eyes were wide, likely due to the way Jayce greeted me. I found the youngling to be quite refreshing, and I smiled at Cain.
“He’s lovely. I can see why you risked everything for him.”
“He’s learning, Aldrich. But, yes, he is wondrous, which I’m sure you’ll have time to see for yourself.”
“Emperor?” Vyara stood beside me, Aubrianna huddled close.
“Yes. Cain, would someone show my sister to her room? It’s been a lot of traveling.”
Cain’s brows furrowed; there was no hiding that Aubrianna wasn’t the bubbly and happy dragon he’d once met years ago.
“I can show them to their room, Sir.” A dark-haired woman stepped forward.
“Thank you, Mancy.” Cain moved out of the way, and Vyara and Aubrianna slowly followed Mancy up the stairs.
I knew Cain wanted to ask, but he was far too respectful to do so. He would be clued in shortly; our talks would lead to the reason the dragons had not only accepted his invite to come to Black Veil but also what I would be asking for in return for our blood.
“Aldrich, allow me to introduce Petru and Emil. They oversee all my security, both inside the estate and out.”
Petru I had met, very briefly. He was a good-looking man, large, with a thick Russian accent. But my gaze was transfixed on the man beside him. Emil. He had blond hair, cut short, and the lightest blue eyes I’d ever seen, almost white. He was stunning, like a diamond I itched to examine further.
“Welcome to Black Veil.” Emil smiled and tipped his head in respect.
“Thank you, Emil.”
“Why don’t all of you get settled in your rooms? Honey is my personal assistant and will show you where you’ll be for the duration of your stay.” Cain gestured to the female vampire in question.
“Please, follow me.” Her eyes were kind and her smile sweet.
“We can meet in about an hour in the library,” Cain said.
“That would be lovely. Thank you, Cain. Freshening up would be much appreciated.” Roark and I followed Honey. The rest of my entourage was retrieving luggage and would join us shortly.
The rooms Cain gave us were gorgeous; it was obvious he wanted me to be happy during my stay. I knew he wasn’t desperate for nutrients, but dragon blood was ideal for vampires. We could sustain a vampire for half a year with one drink. He wouldn’t have to use other creatures that merely energized them for a month or two.
I was banking on how much he wanted my dragon blood, because I was going to need his help, and begging wasn’t my way of doing things.
Davidson King, always had a hope that someday her daydreams would become real-life stories. As a child, you would often find her in her own world, thinking up the most insane situations. It may have taken her awhile, but she made her dream come true with her first published work, Snow Falling.
When she's not writing you can find her blogging away on Diverse Reader, her review and promotional site. She managed to wrangle herself a husband who matched her crazy and they hatched three wonderful children.
If you were to ask her what gave her the courage to finally publish, she'd tell you it was her amazing family and friends. Support is vital in all things and when you're afraid of your dreams, it will be your cheering section that will lift you up.
EMAIL: davidsonkingauthor@yahoo.com
Emperor of Dragons #2
