Page 28 of Wicked Thirst
“I like to think so.”
“He’s scarier than anything I’ve ever seen. I really thought myself and my sister were going to die for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.” I sucked in a deep breath and my eyes widened. “Whoops, what I mean to say is?—”
“— you were very clear.” He strolled around the cell, looking at the bars and ceiling as though trying to see it through my perspective. He kicked at the damp ground and ran his finger over the slimy wall. “It’s quite effective, putting traitors down here.”
“I would think so.” I sounded more enthusiastic than I meant to be.
“Places like this are necessary, unfortunately, to keep us all safe, even you.” He nodded in my direction.
“Please don’t mistake me, Your Highness, I completely agree. There should always be a punishment in place for those who would hurt us. Evermore is a violent place to live, and I’ve always liked the comforts provided by the crown. And that crown should be protected.”
He nodded and the silence fell heavy between us for long moments. I didn’t know if I said something wrong or if I said something right. But something in my gut told me I shouldn’t speak at this moment. I needed to wait until he was ready.
“That settles that then.” He turned and left the cell and started walking down the hallway. The door was wide open and I hesitated for a fraction of a second before rushing out to follow in his wake.
“I’m sorry, settles what?”
I nearly collided with his back at his abrupt stop. He turned on his heel and towered over me. “You will become the new Night Spawn Ambassador.”
My jaw dropped, then I forced it shut only to let it drop again. “I’m sorry, what?”
"You will become the new Night Spawn Ambassador and we will work together to branch this new divide.” He said it so simply, like this sort of job just fell into one’s lap and I would know what to do overnight.
“How do you know I’m qualified for something like that?”
“Are you questioning my judgment?” he snapped back.
I shook my head back and forth so fast I nearly made myself dizzy. “No, of course not. But I hardly know?—”
“—Then you will figure it out.”
This night was more than I bargained for. I started the night by going to a fun party with my friends, and now I was standing in a dungeon being offered a major role in our society. I’d gone from standing at death’s door to getting out of the hangman’s noose, somehow, and now to getting a wild, life-changing offer from the King himself. “I’m flattered, Your Highness. But I?—”
“—Are you turning me down?” His words seethed with power and a touch of shock.
“I wouldn’t dream of it.” I paused, choosing my next words wisely. “But I will need help with something this immense.”
He put his hands on his hips and gazed down at me. “What kind of help do you require?”
There were only two people I could trust with a task this important. “Our numbers are divided, and we do not know who to trust.”
He pressed his lips into a thin line and then crossed his arms over his chest. “I quite agree.”
“So, it’s only in good confidence that I think the job of Night Spawn Ambassador should be put on three of us, co-ambassadors if you will.”
He nodded. “And who do you propose as the other two Night Spawn vampires I should trust in such a time of need?”
“My sister, Prisha, and of course Martin, whom you know to be extremely loyal to The House of Shade.” I held my breath hoping he’d go for it. I didn’t think I could do this without their help. It would be too much.
“Deal.” He spun on his heels and began walking once more.
I froze. What the hell did I just do? I hurried to catch up to him once more. “But, Your Majesty, you hardly know anything about me.”
He whipped around so fast it was a blur of movement. His blood magic wrapped round me like a thick blanket. It nearly smothered me. My body held there, unable to move even if I commanded it to. My blood slowed. I could hear my every heartbeat in my own ears, and everything was out of focus . . . everything but him. He held up his hand and his power drifted around his fingers. “It’s an interesting sensation, is it not? To have lost control of your own will?”
When I said nothing, he waved his hand, giving me the ability to speak again. My insides flooded with nervousness. “It is.”
“Can I trust you then, Sanchita?” He studied me like a bug under a microscope. “Do not lie to me.”
