Page 10 of Crimson Oath
Arosh told Tatyana none of their names. She was being introduced to them, not the other way round. The invited guests murmured among themselves, but until Arosh excused her, Tatyana had to stay put.
She glanced at the Fire King and saw that he noticed exactly how uncomfortable she was at being put on display.
And yet he did not dismiss her.
Was it a test of patience? A trial of some kind?
She had been given sanctuary over a year ago, but now it appeared that Arosh wanted to pawn her off on someone else.
He’s waiting for you to come out of your cave, but others are waiting too.
Was Oleg not bluffing?
Did Arosh know something she didn’t?
Tatyana was on the edge of erupting in anger when Kato entered the garden with his young paramour Alexander on his arm.
“Brother?” Kato glanced at Tatyana, then turned back to Arosh. “Was my student waiting for me?” His kind blue eyes turned to Tatyana. “You are so understanding, my dear.”
Alexander quickly added, “I’m so sorry we kept you waiting for us.”
The tall human was nearly the same stature as Kato, but while the ancient water vampire was broadly built and as muscular as the statues of Greek gods he’d inspired, the human on his arm was a slim man with full lips set in a suntanned face and a long fall of wavy blond hair that went past his shoulders.
They made a stunning pair.
Kato crossed to Tatyana, leaving Alexander on the edge of the circle. He put his arm around Tatyana, and the tension drained from her shoulders.
She always felt safe with Kato.
The two vampires sitting on Arosh’s left immediately rose and bowed their heads low.
“Great father,” one said, “you honor us with your presence.”
“Your Excellence,” the woman said, her eyes fixed on the floor, “we are unworthy of your welcome.”
So these two were water vampires. It made sense if they came from Alina’s court, as she was also a water vampire. Their blood could probably be traced back to the ancient king with his arm around her.
Water vampires tended to be the most politically minded of the four elements, but maybe there was something wrong with Tatyana because she hadn’t had any urge to politick or scheme since she’d been turned.
She was as introverted as ever and only wanted to be left alone to figure out her new eternity in peace.
“Arosh, why do you insist on flashing our brightest jewels when we have only just acquired them?” Kato kissed the top of Tatyana’s head. “I have been training Tatyana myself,” he said to the emissaries from Alina’s court. “Her amnis delights me.”
And just like that, the cold appraisal of the vampires around her turned to studied disinterest. If the ancient king of the Mediterranean had staked some kind of claim over the young one, she was not up for grabs.
The corner of Arosh’s mouth turned up, and he and Kato exchanged a look that spoke volumes. Unfortunately, whatever language they were speaking wasn’t for Tatyana to understand.
“Come,” Kato said. “If my brother has finished introducing you, Alexander and I were hoping you could join us.” Kato turned to Arosh. “Brother?”
“You may take her.” Arosh waved a hand. “Tatyana, you are dismissed.”
She pressed her hands together and bowed slightly. “Thank you, Lord Arosh.” She glanced around the table. “A pleasant evening to all of you.”
As soon as she reached the edge of the room, Alexander grabbed her hand and tugged her into the shadows. “What kind of trouble are you causing now?” He squeezed her hand. “You do keep things exciting around here.”
“Come.” Kato’s voice was barely over a murmur. “Let’s find a quiet corner so we can talk. There are ears everywhere at Arosh’s parties.”
Chapter 3
