Henley walked into the room and looked down at the laptop. After a few seconds, his gaze lifted to me.

"Is it true?"

Cautiously, I nodded.

"What is left of my family?"

"Just you."

"And you're certain that this is my family?"

"The parents listed on your father's birth certificate matches the details of the last known king and queen. They disappeared shortly after his birth. The first notation of your father was when he entered the schooling system. Asa's looking at the details."

Everyone turned to the advisor who was frowning at his computer.

"The school records show that no birth certificate was presented. One could assume that a little cash trade was given for overlooking the necessary paperwork. Your father appeared as Henley Davenport, your grandparents were,"

"Martha and Walter."

"They died a few years ago," Asa responded.

"Was that gunshots to the back of the head as well?"

"You like to vilify Alaric at every chance Claudia but you're not right in this case."

I looked at my father who was standing at the door, giving me his stern frown.

"I raised that boy into the man that he is. He was taught honor and to do the right thing. I understand that we all interpret what is the right thing differently but I can assure you that Alaric was taught that unless there is no other option, he is to face the person that he is taking down. There is no honor or respect in a point blank shot from behind. This is not the work of Alaric."

"And he would have been twenty when Martha died, eighteen when Walter passed. Pretty sure you were hiding him in that time."

"Very much so. We did not venture out of the mountain district until he turned forty-nine."

"So, who then?" I asked.

"It would seem that we have a third party here, perhaps someone that has an interest in certain things in this world and may even want to take control once Henley's line has been permanently removed. We know of the death threats to our family, Oliver informs me that they are across the board with everyone. They are so common that they have a team of security staff dealing with each of them as they come in. It is entirely possible that they are nothing but a distraction to keep Alaric and his security occupied so that whoever this mystery person is, can deal with the last of the human royalty. Once that is done, it is almost certain that they would turn their interest to the vampire royal family. Asa, search through the staff within Alaric's employ."

"Yes, your highness."

"You would be looking for someone that is older, has a certain amount of influence but maybe not enough to direct Alaric's attention easily. They need to stand out but not remembered. And, this person needs to have access to any information that would pass through Alaric's hands."

Silence hit the room as everyone thought about it. Well, everyone except me and Henley. We were looking at each other. I could not gauge his mood, his face unreadable. I suppose that it might be a little shocking to learn that he's the last of a long line of kings. His mind might be travelling fast through the thoughts of what would happen now and in the future. If he would live in a castle that showed his greatness and protected him from those that would bring him down.

There was one little downfall with this revelation. The king of humanity had to be just that, a human. If he wanted to take this life then there would be no turning into a vampire to be with Claudia.

Gritting my teeth, I forced an uneasy smile and stood from the chair. Excusing myself, I walked out of the room. All I needed was a moment to collect my thoughts and not breakdown into a mess.

My hand pulled back, I turned to see Henley behind me. With a flick of his head, he pulled my hand and led me to the nearby sitting room. It was the room that my mother used to entertain visiting dignitaries and discussed many things of importance.

"I was going to tell you."

Henley nodded quietly as he closed the door. I smiled even though I was breaking apart inside.

"You're a king, that's pretty cool, right?"

He shrugged like he didn't care. I flicked away the tears, hoping to discard them before he saw. I wasn't fast enough.

"So, you won't be able to become a vampire now. The king of the humans has to be a human. It's probably for the best that we, you know, end things."

When I gulped, it was thick and painful. I wiped the tears again, wishing that I didn't have to suffer like this, wishing that I was not this weak.

"It's what will be expected of you. The king must find a human wife and create the next heir. Rebuild the monarchy and give the people hope for a better future."

It felt like Henley wasn't listening to me. I pulled on the sleeve of his shirt, forcing him to look at me.

"This is for your future, Henley. Once we publicly connect the pieces, you can claim the throne and lead your people. You're already a great mayor, now you will be a great king."

He stared, it burned into me and made it so much more difficult than what it should be. I'd never been in a situation like this but then again, I don't think that I've ever been in love with someone before.

"You will find a wonderful woman, a human woman. The people will be inspired to live great lives when they see their king happy."

Henley moved swiftly to me, gripping my head below the ear as he swooped in and kissed me. The other arm wrapped tight around my waist, keeping me hard against his body. Refusing to let go as the forceful kiss deepened. I complied because I didn't want to let go. I didn't want to say goodbye.