Page 144 of Crimson Oath
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
All the trailers in the kamvasa were luxurious, but unlike the generic ambience of a five-star hotel in Oleg’s and Tatyana’s lodgings, Radu’s trailer had the feeling of a very eclectic, very wealthy home.
There were stacks of books piled behind wire-framed cabinets. A conversation area with fresh flowers on a gold-painted table. Wooden cabinets lined the walls, and there were thick Persian rugs layered on the floor.
Radu sat on a leather sofa. “You’re good, but you’re not that good. You think I can’t smell your smoke trail a mile away?”
“Again, I have no idea what you’re referring to.” Oleg smiled and removed the awkward crown. “I can take this off, can’t I?”
“Of course you can.” Radu grimaced. “It’s hideous.Surely you can create something more beautiful of your own design. I’ve seen your work.”
Radu was one of the few vampires who had seen the citadel and all of Oleg’s extensive mosaic work there.
“You’re kind, but you of all people understand the importance of tradition.” Oleg sat across from Radu. “So you spotted me, did you?”
“The first visit, my guard detected the security breach, but it wasn’t until I went to investigate personally that I knew it was you. I told them to watch and wait.”
“She didn’t report me.”
“She didn’t.” He shrugged. “If it were anyone else?—”
“You know I would never if it wasn’t important.”
The corner of Radu’s mouth turned up. “She must be a true wizard with a spreadsheet, old friend.”
Oleg allowed himself to smile. “She is mine. So I thank you for your consideration in this.”
“If she’d complained to me, you’d already be dead, and I’d have a massive international incident on my hands. But I would have had to kill you.”
Oleg smirked. “You would have tried.”
“So we are fortunate that whatever kind of charm you have used on the woman has worked. What piece of art from your collection are you going to give me as an sincere apology for breaking the sanctity of the kamvasa? I was thinking the new Chagall you mentioned a few months ago. ”
Oleg tried not to snarl. “The Chagall… would look beautiful in your office in Bucharest.”
“And of course a contribution to the Poshani Children’s Fund would be a thoughtful gesture of our mutual interest in the next generation.”
Now Oleg had to smile. “I am always looking toward the future, my friend.”
“Excellent.” Radu tapped on the leather folio on the table. “What are we talking about that could not wait until after Vashana?”
Oleg kept his voice low. “Are you going to step down?”
“I believe I am.” There was some kind of conflict in Radu’s expression. “I may not have a choice, Oleg. There are… complications, and I don’t know if telling you?—”
“Are those complications the reason you invited three well-known thieves to the kamvasa this year?”
Radu cocked an eyebrow. “It’s a long story.”
“We may be old men,” Oleg said, “but I plan to live forever. I have time.”
“Someone stole the emerald goblet.”
Oleg had expected trickery from Vano. He hadn’t expected this. “The dishana?”
“Yes, it’s been missing for quite some time. I’ve searched for it myself, hired the Vecchio boy, but now he has left the kamvasa.” Radu shook his head. “I have failed my people. I must step down.”
If the emerald goblet was missing, there was no way that Radu would have been scheming about anything with Ivan. He wouldn’t have had the time.
