Page 29 of Princess Claimed

I shrug. “He’s dead now. That’s all that matters.”

“Still, you should remain in our barracks where you’re protected. Where no one can reach you, or even detect you. Not even that knight who helped us locate you.”

“What knight?” My belly tightens.

He shakes his head. “A vampire who’s in the Order of the Knights of Sanguis. He helped us narrow down your location.”

“Oh, I see.” I had wondered how the brothers found me and realize that part of me imagined that the connection between us was so strong that somehow, I called them to me. An idea that’s fanciful at best.

The Knights of Sanguis is an ancient organization that’s going through turmoil, after what their former commander did, but since they serve the monarchy. I shouldn’t be surprised to hear they were searching for me. When I first came to the palace, I often had more than one knight tailing me everywhere, but I spoke to my father after a few decades, and eventually the knights, or the king’s guard, only surrounded me on the few occasions I went above ground.

The reminder of how long I stayed confined in the palace increases the agitation I felt before Crusher came in. I won’t be constrained again. I won’t let my freedom and movements be dictated by others. I’ve had enough of that. And as much as I don’t want to leave these men, not yet, the thought of remaining stuck below ground—indefinitely—has me crawling out of my skin.

“Crusher, I appreciate your concern, truly, but I’ll be safe at DEFTA.” Being there doesn’t exactly make me free either, but I can at least see the night sky from my high-rise apartment and office.

Getting up from the chair, I head toward the door.

Crusher arrives next to me, putting his hand over mine on the knob.

I look up into his eyes. “I’ll be safe, Crusher.” As safe as a princess can ever be. “I’m truly grateful for all you’ve done, but I’m no longer your responsibility. In truth, I never was.” His chest flexes as if my words struck his core, and given his protective instincts, perhaps they did.

I tug on the door. His hand slips off mine, and I walk into the games room, finding the other three men standing close, staring at me.

Phil quickly turns and stomps toward the bar, acting like he got caught doing something wrong.

“Where do you plan to do your research?” I ask Blade, and he smiles broadly, his eyes flashing.

“DEFTA has a decent library. I could start there.”

“Perfect.” I take his arm. “I’ll go with you.” I lean toward Flame, and then glance at Crusher who’s frowning. “Thank you all again, so much, for everything you’ve done for me.” I fight against rising sadness. Leaving them must happen eventually, and this gives me an opportunity. It’s time to face it.

Blade’s arm stiffens under my hands, and my gaze shifts back to his. His eyes are full of worry.

“Didn’t Crusher tell you?” Blade turns toward Crusher, who shakes his head as he crosses toward us.

“I didn’t see the point in scaring her. Not until we know more. It’s only a theory, right?”

Blade nods.

“What?” Stepping back from Blade, I look between all three of them.

A loud sound distracts me as Phil slams a crystal glass onto the marble bar. It’s a wonder it didn’t shatter. He fills the glass with whiskey from a decanter, and then slams that down too.

Sighing, I turn back to the three I can reason with. The ones who don’t actively hate me.

Flame runs the backs of his fingers along the length of my arm. “Don’t panic, darling. Blade has a theory, but that’s all it is, a theory. Blade thinks that, since that old guy survived other attempts on his life, that maybe?—”

“No.” My chest freezes, and I shake my head. “Rasputin’s dead.” I point toward the bar. “Phil killed him. I saw.”

“That’s what we hope.” Taking my shoulders in his hands, Blade looks down into my eyes. “I just want to be certain.”

Backing away, I break from his hold. As much as I love being with these men, I feel trapped. Trapped, like I’ve been my entire life.

“You said certain?” I look between them all, and then focus on Blade. “Nothing can ever be certain. I mean, if certainty is the bar, you could keep me trapped here forever.” My body is trembling.

I admit that I’ve let myself daydream about a future with these men, but those thoughts were pure fantasy. And even if it were possible, it would have to be my choice. I will not be forced to remain here. I won’t live underground again.

I refuse to live with no freedom. No ability to see the world or be out amongst people. These four vampires are so huge they can easily prevent my escape, and I don’t even know how to get in or out of Freetown on my own. My heartrate sky rockets.

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