Page 65 of Crimson Oath
“I didn’t see it.”
“That is intentional, of course.” He smiled. “But I can show you how to access it. Like your transport box, it can only be opened from the inside.”
“Is someone taking the transport box from my trailer?” She pointed over her shoulder. “It’s quite large.”
“No one will enter your trailer without your permission, not during the day or the night,” Radu said. “But simply push the bell in your kitchen area and the darigan will come to remove it. You can also call for housekeeping if you would like cleaning.”
“Thank you.”
As they walked, Tatyana saw there were vampires and humans gathered in open-air taverns and restaurants around the meadow. Soft music filtered through the air from a group of musicians playing traditional music on guitars and violins.
“Is that Poshani music?” she asked.
“It is.” Radu smiled. “Do you know anything about our history?”
“I tried to do some research online, but there’s almost nothing.”
“We prefer privacy,” Radu said. “Our culture is very ancient with roots in Asia, but we have traveled across the centuries into Eastern Europe. The father of our clan was turned into a wind vampire many centuries ago, and he put in place our current way of life.”
“Humans and vampires living together?”
“There is no immortal hierarchy here,” Radu said. “If anything, our immortal family members exist to serve our human sisters and brothers. We protect them, and they protect us.”
“But you’re one of the… rulers, correct?”
“Elected by the people,” Radu was quick to add. “I serve with two others, my brother and my sister. All decisions are for the good ofthe people.” He spread his arms. “And we live in peace and prosperity.”
Tatyana heard in Radu’s statements a generous spirit but also the privilege of the powerful. She hoped the human members of the Poshani felt as important as Radu seemed to make them, but when she looked around, it seemed to her that all the people playing instruments, serving drinks, or running shops were human.
Vampires, on the other hand, were sitting and being served or speaking in hushed tones with other vampires and humans.
Interesting.
“If I wanted to learn the Poshani language,” Tatyana asked, “is there a class?”
Radu’s eyes lit up. “You honor our people with your interest.”
“I’m here for six months,” Tatyana said. “I don’t have a job. How else could I keep busy except by learning something new?” She was already eying the intricately embroidered caps and knitted shawls she saw on some of the women.
“I will think on this,” Radu said. “I might know of a tutor who could help you.”
When Tatyana was young, her grandmother had tried to teach her things like knitting and embroidery, but with schoolwork and taking care of her mother, she’d never had time. Now, with months stretching before her and no computer to distract her, perhaps it was time to learn such things.
She was away from vampire politics and intrigue. She was in a place where her every need was seen to, and she could rest. Perhaps it was time to see what kind of life she could build when she wasn’t embroiled in immortal intrigue or in fear for her life.
She was going to take Samson’s advice. She was going to rest her mind and breathe.
“Ah!” Radu saw something in the distance. “I see my sister at the tavern. Come and I will introduce you to Kezia. She has only just arrived from Bucharest.”
Chapter 13
Oleg
Oleg sat in front of the pale computer programmer, keeping his gaze steady on the man even as the human perspired.
The thin man was shockingly pale for someone who was physically able to access sunlight. From the smell of his body, he ate too many fried foods.
They were sitting in a conference room, and Mika had sent this man to him to explain why Tatyana’s phone was no longer working.
