Page 154 of Crimson Oath
“I’m not—” Tatyana’s protests were cut off as the Poshani crowd erupted in angry shouts and pointed fingers. Some were fighting among each other, and many were fleeing from the meadow with children in tow, anticipating violence when the vampires turned against them.
Radu finally walked to the front of the stage and raised his hands. “Brothers and sisters!” He looked at the vampire guests. “There must be an explanation for this. Patience.”
Oleg did not sit down, but the other vampires did.
“Thereisan explanation.” Mika folded his hands in his lap and stared at the stage. “Vano is a snake.”
Tatyana slowly took her seat, and she felt her entire body heat as Oleg’s amnis stirred in her. She felt… pleased. She’d wanted Vano to be the terrin that retired, and it looked like that decision might be made for him.
She’d wanted him to pay for threatening her friends, for threatening her.
He’d betrayed his people, schemed with Oleg’s brother, and killed innocent humans and vampires.
It looked like payment was coming, and that payment was going to be very, very public.
Radu turned to Vano. “Brother, tell me our former guest is mistaken. That there has been a misunderstanding.”
If Tatyana hadn’t already known Vano was guilty, she would have discerned it from the furious expression on his face.
She glanced at Oleg, but her lover was watching everything witha slight smirk and his arms crossed over his chest, clearly trying not to laugh.
“There is no mistake,” Tenzin shouted. “The ashes left behind prove my tale. Vano attempted to kill a guest of the kamvasa and lied to the Hazar and the darigan about it.”
No one said anything until a group of Poshani men shoved a man forward.
Tatyana recognized them. They were some of the humans who were tasked with moving the trailers during the day. Tatyana knew from her own experience with these men and women that the darigan were deadly serious about security.
“I am one of those whom Vano ordered to burn the caravan.” The man pointed at Vano. “He told us the vampire inside had murdered a Poshani girl. That she was a murderer and the terrin had ordered her death for betraying our hospitality. He showed us a paper signed by all three. That is the only reason we followed his orders.”
“What an idiot.”
Tatyana turned and saw that it was Darius who had spoken.
Everyone in the stands turned to look at the old Persian in shock.
“Vano.” Darius shook his head, then stilled again, appearing more like a statue than a man.
“I think that’s the first time I’ve heard him speak in weeks,” Tatyana whispered.
Mika said, “His sense of timing is impeccable.”
They all turned around to see how Vano would respond to the accusations the human darigan leveled at him.
Kezia spoke plainly. “The terrin made no such order.”
“I know of no murdered girl,” Radu said.
Tenzin shouted again. “This is a mystery easily solved. Is anyone missing a daughter?”
Tatyana leaned toward Mika. “She really likes to make a scene, doesn’t she?”
“This is like watching a soap opera.” Mika kept his eyes on the stage. “But I am pleased. This is the best outcome for Oleg.”
Ah yes. It was all about Oleg for Mika.
She leaned closer as the vampires argued on the stage. “I know about his dealings with Ivan, but did Oleg know of the stolen goblets?”
“I’m not sure this wasn’t all a stunt to take Vano’s goblet from him.” Mika nodded at the stage. “You notice that the little thief still has it in her hands.”
