Page 51 of Fated to the Vampire Prince
He looked like an inkblot against the majesty of his castle, which was hewn from black stone. The tops of each turret frosted with snow. I was drawn to him, despite how angry I was, in a way I couldn’t quite understand. Seeing him now, here, felt like coming home. However, I knew better than to be tricked. It was just the allure of him. A deadly predator who sought to set their prey at ease with their beauty. Now, I knew much more about this vampire than rumors or gossip.
And I was prepared to bring him to his knees.
My attire matched his. Layers of black lace and chiffon detailed with gold appliqué on the bodice—one an attendant had stuffed me into during our last stop. I lifted the hem of my dress as I took the castle steps one at a time, careful not to trip on my way up the long set of stairs. When I finally reached him, I was taken by the color of his blue eyes. They were as brilliant as the frozen streams crisscrossing the land outside his castle.
Dipping my chin, I curtsied, as was expected of me. Bastien bowed at the neck.
“Welcome to Château Rose, Miss Donadieu,” he said in his deep, melodic voice. “I believe a tour of your new home is in order.”
He extended his hand. I looked up at him through my lashes, not sure what to make of this gesture. Last night, he’d told me he didn’t want to touch me ever again.
I realized he thought me weak. Nothing more than a simpering girl who was ready to lap up whatever attention he was ready to give me. On his terms. Well, I wasn’t the same girl he’d met before the last full moon, and I certainly wasn’t going to let his looks or his manners rule my actions from now on.
“Actually, Your Grace,” I said, glancing at Natalia, “The Lady Natalia and I have plans.”
“That’s right, Uncle. Remember, you’d said we’d be selecting her consorts upon arrival.”
Bastien tucked his hand behind his back. “I’ve already made arrangements to have the applicants brought up to Miss Donadieu’s room after supper,” he explained, holding my gaze. “Until then, Miss Donadieu and I will be taking a tour of the castle and the grounds.”
He was trying to force me to play his game. Well, games involved more than one player.
“I’m not particularly hungry, Your Grace. I’d rather meet them now, if it’s all the same to you.” Lifting my chin, I added, “Afterward, if she’s amenable to it, Lady Natalia can take me on a tour of the castle. I don’t want to bother you. I know you’re very busy.”
I smiled as sweetly as I could and, in doing so, was able to watch Bastien’s polite pretense crack. This wasn’t what he was expecting from me. Good.
Tyson eagerly said, “Lady Okeri and I would love to take the tour with you, Uncle.”
I nodded at him, encouraging this suggestion with a smile.
“Well, that’s settled then! You two can take the tour with His Grace,” Natalia said, gesturing to Okeri and her cousin, “and I’ll speak to Lena to see if Miss Donadieu’s selection can be moved up.”
She laced her arm with mine, and we started up the next step, when Bastien held out his cane, stopping us. “Iwill accompany Miss Donadieu.”
It was a command, nothing less. The low tenor of his voice went right through me, making the fine hairs on my forearms stand on end. I wasn’t sure why he was taking such an interest in my consorts. He’d made it clear how he felt about me. Regardless of how frustrated I was with him, I wasn’t going tostart an argument in front of his staff. No. Mama wouldn’t want that. I’d made my point, and he’d made his.
“Whatever you wish, Your Grace,” I said, adding another curtsy for good measure.
His jaw clenched again, and for whatever reason, his displeasure caused me inordinate amounts of happiness. I wanted him to be just as frustrated as I’d been last night when he’d gotten on his horse and left. He withdrew his cane and turned to his nephew. “Tour the grounds with Natalia, but be ready for the council meeting at eight bells.”
Tyson stuttered out his thanks, but Bastien ignored him. He attention focused on me. I tried to maintain my dignity under the intensity of his eyes by remembering how fickle he was. And how hurt I’d been.
He didn’t offer me his hand again. He simply turned on his heel and strolled through the large open doors and into the grand entrance. His cane striking the marble floors with each step. I followed after, taking in every detail of the entryway. Long, plush carpets lined the floors. Flickering sconces dotted the walls. Pausing, I let my gaze drift up to the iron chandelier hanging from the top of the vaulted ceiling. This place felt uniquely like Bastien.
Not opulent, but impressive.
He made small comments to me here and there, noting where the kitchens were located as well as the library. Staff bustled about, bowing and curtsying to us as we passed. I noticed most of the people here didn’t seem to fear him, but greeted him warmly.
We climbed a long set of stairs clad in deep red carpets that led to a quieter section of the castle with fewer staff. Portraits hung on the walls, and fresh-cut flowers sat in vases on small side tables. “This is the Royal Wing,” Bastien explained as we continued down the long hallway. “Our personal residence. It’ssecluded from the other suites.” He gestured to a large wooden door. “This is your room.”
He stopped in front of the second-to-last door on the left, and withdrew a key, unlocking it. He held it open for me, and with interest, I stepped inside.
Floor-to-ceiling window panes stretched across the entire back wall, showcasing the snow-capped mountains surrounding the castle. The view was as spectacular as the rest of the room, which was furnished with a four-poster bed, a seating area, a large claw-foot bathtub, and a wall of bookshelves packed with books. Lush green plants were tucked into every nook, and pots of lilac moonflowers were placed on every flat surface. Their sweet aroma filling the air, giving off notes of jasmine and vanilla. It was a place I could spend days inside. Every detail perfect. More than I ever could’ve asked for.
Bastien, who had been walking in front of me, stopped so abruptly I nearly collided with him. Before I could catch my balance, he caught my wrists and pressed my back against the glass wall.
“Your Grace!” I gasped.
He was close enough to catch each one of my tight breaths. Close enough to feel my chest rise and fall, straining against the confines of my dress. Close enough to feel the heat pouring off of me. A heat onlyhecould coax. He looked like he wanted to shake me and kiss me all at once—like he was one wrong move away from breaking his own rules.
