Page 102 of Fated to the Vampire Prince
I would not be distracted or swayed. This was my mantle. My task. Marius had said as much. He needed me to see this through. More than that, I needed to lead our armies to ensure Claire’s safety, so no one would hurt her again.No one.Including a child.
“We,” I said, in a forced calm, my lips trembling with the intensity of my anger, “are not leaving.” I caught Natalia’s eye and I saw the fear and anger welling there. I knew she still didn’t trust Claire any more than she trusted Tyson, but I would make her see reason. “I am askingallof you to commit treason by supporting my decision and keeping our secret. No one outside this room will know the truth of my mate bond. My private residences will be closed to all staff.”
A hushed silence swept around the room.
With slow steps, I began walking around the table. Pausing behind each chair as I spoke.
“We have a mission,” I reminded them. “A mission the High Prince sees as crucial to the stability of the realm. A mission that is even more vital after thedespicableevents at Kemp Manor and the rising threat Shayla poses.”
I struck the tip of my cane against the ground to emphasizemy point. Just thinking of the danger Claire had been in and the useless way I’d failed to protect her egging me on.
Anger turned to rage, and I felt my change occur again, my fangs lengthening.
“I’ve been treating the symptom for too long, and Lady Natalia often reminds me. It’s time to stop turning a blind eye to the war still brewing between the Witches of the Light and Darkness. The time has come to investigate the presence of werewolves.” My eyes locked with Claire’s. She was gripping the table, leaning all the way forward. This was for her. And for my people. To maintain the balance of power. “We must remind the witches of the Unified Territories,” I said ominously, “that vampires still have teeth.”
My Master-of-Arms clambered to his feet and, drawing his sword, shouted, “I swore fealty to you, my Prince. And I’ll follow whatever order you give. The laws be damned!”
The other warriors stood and grunted out their agreement, drawing their swords in solidarity. Pride and gratitude swelled in my chest.
Natalia, emboldened by their show, stood as well. Her gaze found Claire’s before landing on me. “We are with you, Uncle. And to prove it, let us all make a blood vow to you, promising to safeguard this secret.”
She drew the short knife holstered across her chest. The blade glinting in the candlelight. The room grew silent once again. I’d never asked my people to make a blood vow, choosing instead to inspire loyalty over forcing it. But Natalia had a point. This secret and their loyalty were of utmost importance.
My Grand Advisor dumped his chalice of wine on the floor and offered his hand to Natalia, who made a cut in the fleshy part of his palm. The delicious scent of blood fillingthe room. Laurent dribbled blood into the cup. Then they swapped hands, and Laurent cut Natalia’s, adding hers to the cup.
Claire abruptly turned away.
One by one, I watched in awe as my advisors allowed their blood to spill in silent solidarity with me.
When Natalia presented the cup to my nephew, he hesitated. “Uncle, I can lead a werewolf investigation,” he insisted stubbornly. “Then you and Claire can avoid treason and seek your own peace in the capital.”
My nostrils flared at his continued indignation. “And how will you do that? What will you do if your search takes you into the Lawless Lands?”
“Well, I—” he stammered.
Had I not been so angry, I might’ve laughed. “I hope your sword arm isn’t as limp as your cock, Nephew. Because stuttering like that in front of lawless witches will get you and everyone you wish to lead killed.” To make my point, I pointed to the council warriors, Destine, Gavin, and Levi. “Are you ready to let them die for your arrogance?”
Tyson squeezed his fists into tight balls before banging them on the counter. “Then teach me what to say. That’s why I’m here. To learn from you.”
My response was swift. “If you wish to rule in my place, or in any place, you should listen more often than you speak. Read more often than you speak. And drink only with those you are supposed to drink with. You’ve already proven that you make choices based on self-interest alone.”
“Aren’t you doing the same, Uncle?” Tyson asked.
I paused, appraising this tenuous situation. I knew Natalia wasn’t happy with me, but she was loyal. Tyson would never be appeased with anything less than his new inheritance. Yes, I could kill him now and be done with it. But that would not winMarius to my side or make Claire any safer. I needed to think and act like a strategist.
“Make the vow,” I said, taking the knife from Natalia, “afterward, we will discuss this matter further in private. I swear it.” Each word cost me a piece of my dignity.
Tyson wavered like he meant to argue, but whatever he saw in my eyes stilled his tongue. Begrudgingly, he offered me his hand, and I sliced the blade across it, causing red tears to well, which I squeezed into the cup.
A breath of relief escaped my lips. It was done. Tyson would keep our secret, or die. I reached for the cup, ready to drink and seal their vow, but Natalia held it out of my reach.
“Just a moment, Uncle,”Natalia bit out. “We still need a drop fromthe Duchess.”
Chapter 49
Le vœu
CLAIRE
