Page 12 of House of Darkness
Erik growled, making my hair stand on end. I bared my fangs in response. Even as the girl settled on my knee, I kept my gaze locked on Erik. It was a tremendous insult to take her after he claimed her, but I didn’t care. If he challenged me, I’d eviscerate him, and he knew it.
Ylva rolled her eyes. “So territorial.”
I smirked. Her comment snapped Erik out of his foolishness, though he kept his eyes on me. The acolyte shook with fear from her place so close to me, and I didn’t blame her. Monsters like me were the stuff of nightmares. There was no way for me to reassure her without revealing my powers. Perhaps there were other ways to make her feel safe.
I twirled her black hair, imagining it starlight blonde. “What’s your name, sweetheart?”
“Siv, sir.”
“Siv…” I studied her mind. She longed for her room and a book she’d saved from Ylva’s trash, kept hidden under her mattress. “That’s a lovely name. It reminds me of a character in a novel I just finished. Do you read, Siv?”
Her cheeks flushed, and she sank into me. “Sometimes, sir.”
“Do tell.” Her rapid heartbeat reminded me of Estrella. I wondered if she enjoyed reading, if she’d ever been given the chance to read for joy. It was a comforting thought, though perhaps just a way to assuage my guilt over her suffering.
“Your Majesty, might I draw your attention to more pressing matters than my acolyte’s reading habits?” Ylva’s tone was playful, but her eyes narrowed.
“Your acolyte?” I asked.
“Vampiresses can keep acolytes,” she retorted.
“I’m just surprised you’d let others enjoy her. If she were mine, I’d keep her to myself.” I winked at Siv, though my words tasted like spoiled blood. I took a swig from my stein to wash away the aftertaste and winced. Wyne was mixed with alcohol to make it shelf-stable and provide the dizzying effects that fresh blood offered. It was better than feasting on humans like the days of old, but drinking booze still made my gut twist.
“You males are so single-minded. All you think about is blood and sex.”
“Well, that’s two things, dearest Ylva,” I purred.
She rolled her eyes but smiled. “Let’s talk alliances, Your Majesty. How can we serve?”
I shifted Siv on my knee, though she clung to me, making it difficult to give Ylva my full attention. It had been impulsive to play white knight with her. I couldn’t risk this for one acolyte when I could gain much more with Ylva’s armies.
“I aim to serve you, Ylva. My generals and I are developing ateam to improve inter-house communications and trade. This should reduce wyne prices, make it easier to feed your people, and open trade with the Azu. My general of commerce assures me this would significantly improve Fjällräv production. I also hope to initiate a quarterly meeting between the House counts to improve relations and reduce bloodshed.”
Ylva’s ear twitched. “You’re an idealist, little Tsar.”
I gripped my stein tightly, the heated drink warming me. At twenty-four, I was used to being dismissed by counts, but it still stung.
Before I could respond, Erik interjected. “What about the annual hunting Tsar Leonidas agreed to? It’s tradition.”
I didn’t care about their fucking traditions. I ran a hand through Siv’s hair and gave a placating smile. Of course, Leonidas would agree to something cruel like that. He didn’t care about the welfare of humans, as shown by how he treated my mother and his other acolytes. “I won’t entertain the suffering of any of my subjects for others’ amusement.”
Erik's aura thickened with anger, radiating off him in toxic plumes. I tensed, ready for a potential threat.
“Why should we back you if you won’t respect our customs?” Erik snarled.
His aura was overwhelmed by Ylva’s, which glowed like the fire of hell itself. “You will not speak for your countess. You forget your place.”
“I apologize, ma’am,” Erik murmured, dipping his head. I smirked, enjoying the sight of Ylva putting men in their place. I had always appreciated that about her, despite our sensitive past.
Now Ylva’s focus turned back to me. Siv cowered against my shoulder. “It seems I am losing in this deal, Your Highness.”
I wasn’t adept at this part of the job. Garnering favor had been my father’s game, not mine, but if I couldn’t figure this out, I mightas well step down. I forced my emotions in check and tried to remain rational.
“Would a generous donation to your House make things even?” I asked, trying to soften my tone.
Her ears flattened. “I do not need your money. I want my House’s customs respected.”
I stared her down, unwilling to yield. Ignoring my morals would make me no better than the monster before me. Her thoughts tempted me; it would be so easy to sway her if I could just shuffle around a bit. I could even manipulate her, but I wouldn’t. It wasn’t right to use my powers that way.
