Page 9 of Born Free

“For half a second, when Orlando came to the door, I thought it was you, Roman,” Elena says. She leans forward, resting her elbows on the table. “The black hair, the blue eyes, the danger radiating off of him. I thought he was you. And then he grabbed that crown, and called you brother.”

Weight instantly settles over everyone, now that the words are out. Each of us knows what this means.

“Juliet and I led them away and talked,” Roman starts with what they know. “Orlando knew within minutes that I can’t remember anything before my Resurrection. But I can’t…” he trails off. His gaze falls to the table, and he shakes his head.

“Orlando is definitely Roman’s brother,” I confirm for him. “Roman is technically the rightful heir of the House of Badillo as the oldest child.”

“You’re a Royal,” Mason says flatly.

“No, I’m not,” Roman responds, looking up and shaking his head.

“Looks like you are,” Jon says. “Your father was Raul, and he was killed by King Cyrus nineteen years ago, if I’m remembering correctly. You’re absolutely a Royal, and if you’re his oldest child, you’re the heir to that House.”

“Then why would Orlando come looking for Roman?” Sigrid asks. This isn’t her world, she’s been unusually quiet during this conversation. But even though she’s surrounded by vampires, the Royals and all their politics are foreign to her. “If Roman is the rightful heir, why would Orlando come looking for him, unless he wants to give up his throne?”

“Exactly,” I say. “Orlando isn’t saying the truth yet.”

“He wants to meet tonight,” Roman says, his tone dark. “He wants to talk more.”

“Where is he now?” Elena asks, her brows furrowed.

“The Carmon,” I respond.

“Any guesses what he actually wants?” Mason asks.

Roman shakes his head. “I don’t know. Maybe if I could remember… But he didn’t give much away. I need to put someone on him. I’m sure he’s watching us. We need to watch him.”

My instincts are telling me that Orlando is here to cause drama, and little more. I know the type. To some degree, Iamthat type. I don’t do well in calm, mundane situations. With my reckless nature, I seem to always be asking for it.

But I don’t know. What good does it do to stir up unnecessary concern when I truly don’t know?

“I don’t like being out of the loop,” Elena says, the seriousness in her eyes reflecting her words. “Find some way to get us in on that meeting without outing the fact that there is a council who governs Chicago.”

I’m a little surprised when Roman nods. “I can tell him you all are my friends. He has his House members, that will have to be understandable to him. But not you, Sigrid.”

The comment sounds harsh at first, but she doesn’t look offended.

“I see no reason to put my charges under scrutiny if it is not necessary,” Sigrid affirms. “If we can keep our existence unknown, I think we all would prefer it that way.”

“And might come in necessary,” Mason says. “I think it’s best they not know we have a gifted who can alter their memories or a human lie detector, or that freaking necromancers exist.”

Sigrid nods. “I do wish to be informed of what happens, but I know we must be careful with our communication.”

Roman nods. “I think until we have a better idea of what’s going on, we need to keep council meetings to a minimum. Text messages, whatever needs to be said that shouldn’t be overheard.”

“I have an IT team who can set up a private network for us,” Mason says. “We don’t know Orlando’s resources. Best not to take any risks.”

“Do things ever calm down in this city?” Jon asks. He folds his arms over his chest and leans back in his seat. There’s a little smirk on his scarred face. He doesn’t handle the boring moments of life well, either. It’s obvious I get my recklessness from him.

“Not in a while,” Elena says. And I don’t know what the hell to make of the look she gives Jon. She and I need to have a serious conversation about her behavior toward my father at the party. The flirting, the staring… And Jon is reciprocating.

What on earth is happening?

“Maybe you’re right, Juliet,” Elena says, moving on as her eyes slide back to me. “You really did bring the drama.”

I suck in a deep breath. I’m not going to get a better opening. “And you guys don’t even know half of it.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” she questions, her tone sobering.

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