The Blood Queen 62 (Patreon)

– Valerie –

“VALERIE! WHAT. THE. HELL. WAS THAT?!”

I winced hard, shrinking back as Integra’s voice ripped through the throne room. She stomped toward me, her blue eyes blazing furiously behind her thin glasses. Her sharp voice made my sensitive vampire ears ache painfully.

Her fists were clenched tightly at her sides, and her entire body shook slightly with rage. "Have you completely lost your mind? Why the hell did you just fire your weapon in front of the Queen?!"

I quickly glanced around, seeing everyone staring at me like I'd just gone crazy. My revolver was still gripped tight in my hand. 

How did nobody else see the freaking Nazi catboy I’d shot right there in front of us?

"Look, Integra, I swear I had a reason!" I tried desperately to explain, stumbling over my words. "There was someone here—a weird guy with cat ears wearing a full Nazi uniform! I'm serious! You didn't see him?"

Integra stared at me blankly for a second before rubbing her temples slowly, clearly not buying my explanation at all.

"Valerie, do you seriously expect me to believe—" she started angrily.

But before she could finish, there was the unmistakable sound of dozens of guns cocking all around us. 

I froze. Uh oh…

I turned my head slowly, and sure enough, every single royal guard in the throne room was pointing their weapon directly at me. None of those guns were a threat to me of course, but this is still a really bad situation. I gulped nervously, slowly raising my hands in the air, hoping they wouldn't suddenly start firing.

"Wait! Please, hold on! I swear I didn't just randomly shoot—" I began anxiously.

But then the Queen herself spoke, her calm voice slicing through the heavy tension in the room. "Stand down," she commanded simply. 

The guards immediately obeyed, lowering their weapons slowly, though they continued glaring suspiciously at me.

Letting out a shaky breath, I carefully glanced back at the spot where I'd shot the Nazi catboy. I expected to see his body sprawled across the floor, covered in blood from the multiple bullets I'd put into his chest.

Except there was nothing there.

No corpse. No blood. Not even a single bullet hole or mark left behind. 

"What…?" I whispered, my voice cracking slightly in shock and confusion. "But he was right there! I swear I shot him!"

A soft, amused laugh suddenly echoed clearly from the middle of the throne room. My blood turned cold as I turned quickly toward the sound. Standing right there in front of everyone, completely unharmed and grinning, was the Nazi catboy I'd just shot. He smiled widely at me, those strange cat ears twitching playfully atop his blonde head. And his perfectly clean Nazi uniform looked like it had never been touched. 

He lifted one hand and wagged his finger teasingly, chuckling softly at my obvious shock.

"Wow, that was rude, beautiful fräulein," he said cheerfully. "Didn't anyone ever tell you it's impolite to shoot a guest without even introducing yourself first?"

My jaw dropped slightly as I stared at him. Anger flared up inside me!

This cocky bastard was standing there mocking me after I'd clearly put multiple bullets into him. "What the hell?" I shouted back, gripping my revolver again, ready to shoot him another half-dozen times if necessary. "Who the hell are you and how did you survive that?"

Integra stepped forward, eyes narrowed dangerously as she looked at the Nazi catboy. "You have exactly five seconds to identify yourself and explain why you're here," Integra said, voice colder than ice. "And how exactly did you get inside this palace unnoticed?"

I quickly glanced over to check on Gasper. He stood a few feet behind me, eyes wide and nervous. His hands fidgeted with the hem of his dress as his gaze flickered anxiously between me and the strange Nazi catboy in front of us. He was obviously scared, but at least he wasn't ducking behind Integra or Dad to hide this time. That was definitely progress. Still, Gasper wasn’t doing anything about our uninvited guest yet—he hadn't activated his Sacred Gear to freeze him. 

Clearly, we had more work to do on his training to react in situations like this.

Next to Gasper, my father Alucard looked completely relaxed, almost amused. Beneath his round tinted sunglasses, his eyes glowed faintly red. A slow, excited grin spread across his lips as he focused his attention directly on the mysterious intruder.

The Nazi catboy laughed again. He straightened up, clicked his polished black boots together sharply, and snapped his arm into a perfect Nazi salute, holding it stiffly toward us. 

"Allow me to properly introduce myself," he said loudly, his thick German accent ringing clear as day. "I am Officer Schrödinger of Millennium, the organization that shall soon begin the glorious Fourth Reich and utterly destroy your pathetic little country!"

I felt anger and disbelief rising inside me. Who did this smug little shit think he was, barging in here and threatening an entire nation right in front of the Queen herself?

Before any of us could reply, Schrödinger grinned brightly again, clearly enjoying himself way too much. He reached calmly into his uniform jacket and pulled out a small, shiny black remote control device. Holding it up, he pointed it casually toward a small television screen that suddenly sat on the table next to him.

Wait—there definitely wasn't a TV there a second ago. 

My eyes widened in surprise.

 I stared at the catboy, trying to sense what kind of strange magic or power he was using. Usually I could feel when someone used magic, but this was different. I couldn't sense anything at all, even though he'd clearly just made both himself and the TV appear out of thin air. 

Was he somehow able to make things appear and disappear whenever he wanted?

Schrödinger? He said his name was Schrödinger.

Was he somehow here and not here at the same exact time, like in that horrible thought experiment about the cat in a box? Before I could think about that anymore, Schrödinger pressed a button on his remote.

The TV flickered to life instantly. Everyone in the throne room turned to watch as the screen crackled briefly before showing the image of a slightly pudgy German man with neatly combed dark hair and round glasses perched on his nose. He stood proudly in a spotless white uniform, decorated with various medals and insignias. His wide smile was unsettling and slightly crazed as he faced the camera.

"Hello, everybody," the man said cheerfully, his accent thicker than Schrödinger's and filled with clear excitement. "I am the Major. Allow me to introduce myself and my organization. We are Millennium, and we have prepared a very special message for the proud people of England and the glorious Hellsing Organization!" The Major paused dramatically, his grin growing wider. 

Something told me whatever he was about to say wasn't going to be good news for us.

"Millennium has waited a very long time to announce our return," the Major continued cheerfully, his voice rising with passion. "We are the last loyal remnant of the Third Reich—the true inheritors of Adolf Hitler's legacy. And now, after decades of waiting and preparation, we are finally ready to begin our ultimate mission." The Major leaned toward the camera slightly, his eyes sparkling with pure excitement. "Tonight, we declare war," he said proudly, clearly savoring every single word. "War upon Hellsing! War upon Britain! War upon humanity itself! Prepare yourselves, my dear enemies, because Millennium has finally arrived to deliver destruction unlike anything you have ever witnessed—"

“Bang!”

I flinched as a loud gunshot suddenly rang out next to my face. 

The television screen burst violently, sending sparks flying in every direction as pieces of plastic and glass scattered across the polished marble floor. 

Integra stood tall, her long silver pistol raised confidently in front of her. Her jaw was clenched tightly, and her icy blue eyes narrowed angrily behind her glasses. Clearly, she was beyond done listening to the crazy Nazi Major ranting on the TV.

At the exact same moment, the heavy rain pounding against the palace windows suddenly increased, hammering down loudly. Thunder boomed outside, making the windows rattle slightly. 

I glanced at the windows briefly, frowning. 

The storm seemed to grow even stronger…

Schrödinger gasped dramatically, his blonde cat ears drooping down as he looked at Integra with obvious disappointment. His playful smile turned into an exaggerated pout.

"Aww, now look what you've done!" he scolded Integra loudly, waving one finger at her like she was a naughty child. "The Major had so much more to say to you all. You really shouldn't have interrupted him like—"

“BANG!”

Another deafening gunshot cut him off mid-sentence. Schrödinger's entire head exploded violently, splattering blood, bits of skull, and brain matter all over the marble floor and the nearby table. His body collapsed instantly to the ground, limp and lifeless. 

Alucard held his massive black handgun pointed casually at the spot where Schrödinger had just been standing. Smoke drifted lazily from the barrel of his weapon as he grinned wickedly.

"No one," Alucard said firmly, clearly amused, "tells my master what she can and cannot do." He glanced at Integra, giving her an exaggerated but strangely genuine bow of respect. 

Integra stared at him silently for a moment. To my total surprise, her pale cheeks flushed with a faint blush, just barely noticeable beneath her stern expression. With my enhanced vampire hearing, I could clearly hear her heartbeat speed up slightly.

Integra quickly shook off her momentary embarrassment, straightening herself and regaining her usual calm professionalism. She adjusted her glasses and gave Alucard a curt nod of acknowledgment.

Before anyone could speak further, the Queen raised one hand slightly, instantly capturing everyone's attention and plunging the room into tense silence. 

"Alucard, Valerie Tepes, Gasper Tepes," the Queen spoke clearly and firmly, looking each of us directly in our crimson eyes. 

We all looked back at her, waiting for her next words.

"...Destroy them. Destroy them all!"

“Hehehe…” Alucard chuckled darkly.

“Awawa… I’ll do my best…” Gasper mumbled.

Her words sent a thrill racing down my spine, and a feral, eager grin spread across my lips without me even thinking about it. That was a mission I could definitely get behind!

My grin faltered slightly though, as my eyes flickered briefly back to where Schrödinger's headless body had collapsed moments ago. The blood, the brain matter—every bit of his remains had disappeared again without a trace. That ability of his was going to be seriously annoying to deal with. I imagined the rest of the insane Nazi commanders all had unique abilities as well.

—

We were all set to head out when Dad suddenly froze, his entire body going rigid right in the middle of the throne room. I stopped mid-step, instantly tense. 

…Alucard almost never reacted like that to anything.

"Damn," he muttered quietly, shaking his head as if annoyed. "I knew this visit was coming eventually—but his timing could've been better. I can’t have an epic and exhilarating fight here of all places…"

Before I could ask him who or what he was talking about, a sudden flash of blinding golden light burst into existence right in front of us, bright enough that I had to squint and shield my eyes for a second. When the light faded, a tall, muscular man stood calmly in the middle of the throne room, his posture relaxed and proud, as though randomly teleporting into Buckingham Palace was totally normal for him.

My throat immediately burned and tightened painfully as I caught the new arrival's scent drifting toward me. He smelled impossibly good—delicious and powerful. 

Divine blood! I wanted it!

My vampire instincts went wild at once. Hunger twisted sharply inside me, and I clenched my fists hard, forcing myself to stay in control. It was definitely not the right moment to attack and drain someone, especially someone radiating this kind of energy. 

Even though I could sense Dad was clearly stronger….

The second intruder glanced around the room slowly, like he couldn't care less about all the shocked faces staring back at him. He wore dark blue clothing that seemed to shift softly as he moved, almost like water. He had short, messy dark hair, bright ocean-blue eyes, and a proud, arrogant face that looked totally unimpressed with his surroundings.

At least, that was until his gaze finally landed on my father. Recognition flashed in his eyes instantly, and he frowned in distaste, his voice deep and rough when he finally spoke. "Dracula…" he said slowly, almost disgusted, clearly irritated to see my dad standing there. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"Isn't that supposed to be my line?" Alucard replied, sounding equally annoyed. "I don't recall anyone inviting you here, Poseidon. Last I checked, Britain wasn't exactly your domain. You can't just come and go as you please—especially not in my friend Elizabeth's home."

I winced inwardly at Dad's casual use of the Queen's first name. From beside me, I heard Integra growl softly in frustration. 

Poseidon scoffed loudly, rolling his eyes dramatically at my father's words. "I am a God, Dracula," Poseidon sneered coldly, as if talking to someone far beneath him. "Gods don't recognize pathetic mortal rulers or their meaningless little borders. I'll go wherever I damn well please!"

His dismissive attitude made anger spark inside me. That was the same bullshit attitude the Tepes Clan always had when it came to dealing with humans. Around the room, I saw knights and royal guards shifting uncomfortably, glaring at Poseidon as if itching to challenge his arrogance. No one liked what he'd just said.

"I'm not here for you, undead king," Poseidon said shortly. "I have no interest in your…antics… tonight. I'm simply here to find the new Red Dragon Emperor—and locate my demigod children. I'll be taking them back with me immediately!"

He had to be talking about Persephone and Percy. They'd just joined Hellsing. There was no way we were letting Poseidon take them anywhere.

Integra obviously agreed with me completely. Her eyes flashed with sharp annoyance behind her thin glasses as she took a deliberate step forward, directly facing Poseidon. "Poseidon," Integra called firmly, clearly unafraid even though she was speaking to an actual Greek god. "Let me make something very clear to you right now."

Poseidon's icy blue eyes narrowed as he turned slowly to face her. He raised one eyebrow, obviously annoyed at being addressed so casually by a mortal. He said nothing, though, just waited impatiently for her to continue.

"Percy Jackson and Persephone Jackson are now official citizens of Britain," she declared loudly, with undeniable authority. "Both of them have willingly renounced their affiliations and status with Greece and its pantheon of gods. Percy will soon be enrolled in a proper English boarding school, and Persephone is now employed exclusively by my organization—Hellsing. In short, Poseidon, Persephone belongs to me now!"

I felt my jaw drop slightly, impressed at how confidently Integra was speaking directly to a god. She was honestly scary and awesome at the same time. 

Poseidon visibly tensed, his eyes darkening with barely-contained anger.

"Your business here is finished," Integra continued sharply, not backing down even a little bit. "You have nothing left to discuss here. You may leave immediately."

I almost laughed in amazement. Integra had just basically told an actual god to fuck off, and she hadn't even hesitated. 

But Poseidon clearly wasn't as impressed as the rest of us. His lips twisted into an ugly sneer, and his right hand twitched at his side. 

I immediately sensed danger. Without even stopping to think, I rushed forward and threw myself directly between Integra and Poseidon. My left hand ignited instantly, crimson-red bloodflames roaring around my fingertips. I raised my right hand too, pointing my large revolver directly at the furious god. "Don't even think about it," I snarled as I stared him down. "Try making a move against her and see exactly what happens."

….And to my complete shock—he did try. 

He waved his hand in my direction, and suddenly several thin, high-powered jets of water burst toward me!

I cried out sharply in pain as the water jets punched straight through my body in multiple places, tearing easily through skin, muscle, and bone. Hot pain exploded in my chest, stomach, and limbs. Deep, gaping wounds appeared instantly, blood pouring out freely. My right shoulder was completely shredded by one of the water streams, my arm instantly going numb and limp. My revolver fell from my useless fingers and clattered loudly to the marble floor at my feet.

"Valerie!" I heard Gasper yell anxiously behind me, his voice filled with panic.

That hurt like a bitch, but it was just a few flesh wounds that would heal in seconds! My left hand was still blazing with crimson bloodflames, I flung a blazing bloodflame fireball straight at Poseidon's arrogant face!

The fiery blast slammed into him with explosive force, burning deep into the left side of his face. Poseidon roared in sudden agony, stumbling backward as the flames seared his flesh, leaving a horrible, blackened burn across his cheek and jaw.

"You'll pay for that, spawn of Dracula!" Poseidon snarled furiously, clutching the smoking, charred side of his face with one shaking hand. Pure hatred blazed in his eyes as he glared at me murderously.

"BOOST!"

Ddraig’s voice echoed in the room as Alucard appeared right next to Poseidon…

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