24__Loyal to my pain-in-the-ass King

Kamilla was frozen in Viktor’s chair, her gaze fixated on the figure across the room.

“Oh,” said Rogan, his voice cold, spreading through room like a glacier. “Did I startle you?”

Slowly, Kamilla began to pull the papers on the desk towards her. If Rogan saw these papers, it would be the end. She was sure of it. Seeming careless, she shrugged at him. “Well, I didn’t expect to see you in Viktor’s private study,” said Kamilla as she packed away the papers. “What are you doing here? The meeting was over an hour ago.”

Rogan pushed away from the bookcase and strolled over to her. Kamilla saw the fire flicker as he walked past it. He was charged, his dark power nearly tangible.
She closed the folder cover and slipped it into the open drawer. Why was Rogan here like this? So charged. Was he here to kill her?
Kamilla closed the drawer. But why would he want to kill her? Viktor had said Rogan was his enemy. She looked up at him as he reached the desk. Why?

“I stayed behind,” said Rogan as he studied her face. “You and I have unfinished business, my Queen.”

Kamilla relaxed a little and leaned back into Viktor’s chair. At least the lab reports weren’t in sight. She looked up into Rogan’s black eyes. “Do we? I don’t remember having any sort of business with you, Rogan.”
Rogan’s lips curved in that smile that made others feel unsure of themselves. “Oh, but Kamilla, how could you forget so soon?” He said. “I offered my assistance. I want to help you escape this prison.”
Kamilla tensed. He was far too eager to get her away from Viktor. Why? “What is it that you have against Viktor? Why are you enemies?”
Rogan threw back his head and laughed. She looked up at him until the laughter faded and chuckling, Rogan slowly lowered his head. His blonde hair fell over his forehead and he lifted his gaze to hers, eyes a dark swirl.

“Oh? Is that what Viktor said we were?” asked Rogan. With each word, his tone grew more and more bitter. “Last I checked, I was just a lowly servant in His Majesty’s presence.”

Kamilla nearly flinched at his dark tone. She leaned forward and put her arms on the table. “Okay now, you know that’s not true. You’re a Vampire Elder which is the highest rank after King and Queen. Why’re you acting like they’ve got you working in a barn?”
Rogan chuckled, but there was zero amusement in his eyes. Kamilla thought that of all Vampires, he really suited the phrase “As handsome as a Devil” the best. There really was no other description after you saw the evil lurking in his eyes.
“Compared to what I should be,” said Rogan. “I might as well be working in a barn.”

Kamilla blinked up at him and uneasily sat back. “What? What should you b—?”

“Enough,” said Rogan with a raised hand. “I didn’t come here to talk about that. You. Do you want to leave or not? You don’t have to get caught up in the crossfire, Kamilla. You can save yourself.”

His words brought a feeling of dread into her stomach and Kamilla eyed him. “What crossfire?”

“Will you stay or leave?!”

“I’m staying!”

Rogan’s eyes darkened even further at her words. Kamilla stared at him. He carried such anger in his aura. She didn’t know how she could tell, but she just could. She felt this anger emanating out of him and it made her uncomfortable.

“Very well,” said Rogan. “Suit yourself.”
He turned to leave and Kamilla darted up. “Wait!”
Rogan stopped and turned around. Kamilla swallowed. “Why… why do you say I don’t have to get caught up in the crossfire? The crossfire of what? A war? Are you going to challenge the King... even though you're a son of Onyx?”

Rogan threw his back and laughed again, the sound filling the entire room. He brought his head back up and Kamilla saw mouth curl in disdain. “Son of Onyx? Sure, I’ll be a son of Onyx. Why not? Also, I never said anything about a war.”

Kamilla waved a hand. “You said something about a crossfi—”

“There are many enemies that a Vampire King has!” interrupted Rogan. “Whether they’re his… or those of his father before him. Your being next to him means you’re most likely to catch a bullet.”

The words were true, Kamilla knew that much. Still. She couldn’t leave Viktor’s side. Even if she’d sworn to baulk at his very existence, she couldn’t leave him. He needed her.

She looked into Rogan’s swirling eyes. “I’m staying. If Viktor’s catching bullets, I’ll be catching them with him. And if he’s firing, I sure as hell will be firing with him. That’s that. Now, about you, you haven’t told me why you hate Viktor.”

Rogan looked taken aback for a moment, but quickly composed himself. “When did I say that I hated him?”
Kamilla scoffed and crossed her arms. “It’s as clear as sunshine.”
Rogan’s black eyes narrowed. “I haven’t experienced much of that, so I cannot relate to your words.”
Before she could say anymore, he turned on his heel and marched towards the door. Kamilla rushed after him.
“Wait!”
Her hand reached out, but Rogan turned to dark air right before the door. Kamilla was still blinking in surprise when the door flew open.

“Kamilla.”

She gasped. “Viktor.”

Viktor stalked into the room. He reached for her but stopped a step away from Kamilla. He frowned as his gaze scanned the study.

“Rogan was here. What was he doing here?” said Viktor. His gaze snapped back to Kamilla’s face and his hands curled around her arms as he pulled her against him. “Are you alright? Did he do something? I swear, if he touched you—”

“I-I’m okay…” she said. Viktor only held her tighter.

“Damon was right. I should have taken you with me.”

Kamilla blinked as he suddenly held her away from him to inspect her from head to toe, his gaze hard and sharp. “I could kill him for stepping foot in here. Should I? You want me to kill him? I will if you want me to.”

Kamilla’s mouth opened and closed silently. “Uh, no! I don’t want you to kill anybody! Besides, he didn’t hurt me. Just said a bunch of weird things. Asked me if I wanted to leave so he could help.”

Viktor’s eyes narrowed before he turned away and laughed. Kamilla stared at him. “That bastard!”

“You know,” she said. “It’s a sign of being a psychopath if you laugh when angry.”

Viktor looked at her. “Then I must be one crazy motherfucker.”