Page 5 of The Assassin and the Libertine
“Other than The Order,” I said dutifully. The Order—a long-shadowed assembly of powerful individuals (some say descended from Templar Knights) had been convening on the matter since the first cases of plague appeared in France a few years ago. They’d taken a stand against the virulent disease, determined to protect the people of France at any cost.
“Yes, naturally,” Philippe nodded. “The emissary isn’t really helping matters, either. Instead of trying to find ways to safeguard the uninfected, he keeps insisting that we address theneeds of thesanguisugesfirst. As ifvampire rightswould save the rest of us from such damnation. It’ll be better for all of us when his influence has been tempered.” At his last words, he eyed me meaningfully.
The news was grim. I looked toward the hedge maze, trying to find my focus.
“I’m sorry to tell you all of this tonight. I know you’ve other important things on your mind,” Philippe said, taking my hand and holding it between his. I flinched and pulled away.
He frowned behind a pink wash of embarrassment.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—it’s just that ever since Henri, you know…” I faltered.
He held up his hand to stay my explanation. “Please. Don’t think on it. We all knew what kind of a man Henri was when you married him. For that matter, we all knew you were fragile—in a delicate position?—”
My cheeks reddened with the unintended insult, but he blustered on.
“And, of course, I don’t fault you for that. I only wish you would’ve let me—us—help you more. But I suppose now his absence is something of a blessing, is it not?”
“Le Duc Dépravé,” I spit. “From the Depraved Duke to the Departed Duke, even when he’s gone his scandal blackens me.”
Philippe stirred the gravel with the tip of his shoe and coughed uncomfortably.
“Do you know how you’re going to do it tonight?” His icy blue eyes were fixed rigidly upon Noailles, who was whispering something in Charlotte’s ear. A muscle ticked in Philippe’s jaw.
I exhaled uneasily. “Yes. I’ve got it all worked out.”
Philippe looked skeptical. “This isn’t like dispatching some infected peasant, you know. Noailles is older than most of the other infected in Paris, and you mustn’t underestimate his cunning. He isdangerous,darling. You know I adore you, but Ijust don’t think you’re up to this kind of assignment.” He made a peculiar noise of frustration and I almost laughed. He glared.
“I am ready. I’m certainly more prepared than anyone else,” I argued.
“Perhaps, but you just don’t have the same physical capabilities as the other men. You lack their edge. Now, don’t get upset, Daphne. I’m not saying you don’t possess other exceptional qualities. I mean, you’re certainly the best intelligence gatherer we have. It’s only that I want you safe. The Order should have assigned another agent. I hate that you’re mixed up in all of this, and I don’t mind telling you I don’t fancy you being alone with him.”
“Jeanne wasn’t just the king’s mistress, Philippe,” I whispered, ignoring the irritation I felt at his slights. “She was a friend. When I heard that she’d been attacked and left to die, I couldn’t help but think of my brother, Michel. If Noailles is the bastard that killed her, then I’ll happily dust him.”
At that moment, Noailles looked directly at me and our eyes locked across the courtyard. I wondered if he’d heard our whispered conversation. I cursed my carelessness. I knew the creatures had supernatural hearing and sight, as well as accelerated reflexes. Something in his golden eyes made every nerve in my body crackle with energy. His otherworldly beauty was too much for something straight from the depths of Hell. Had Jeanne felt the same way? Entranced by the hypnotic eroticism of a predator? Had she left the king’s bed one night to steal away with the irresistible libertine, only to be ruthlessly savaged while the rogue took his pleasure?
I closed my eyes against that disturbing vision and took a glass of champagne from a passing footman. Draining it in one swallow, I forced myself to face him, but he was gone.
Charlotte approached and threw her arms around Philippe’s neck.
“Mon cher, everyone loves my new bauble! You are truly the best husband in France. Perhaps in all the world,” she said. She swayed a bit as she spoke.
“Charlotte, darling, what did Monsieur de Noailles want?” Philippe asked with a touch of irritation.
She waved her hand airily. “Nothing of consequence, really. He mostly wanted to know about Daphne. I didn’t tell him anything worthwhile, of course.”
Philippe and I exchanged a look.
“You know, I think perhaps the good emissary fancies you. You should give him a whirl! All the ladies at court say that he’s the most accomplished lover they’ve ever had,” Charlotte whispered, though none too quietly.
Philippe sputtered a bit and wrapped a possessive hand around Charlotte’s arm.
“Well,” he huffed. “I believe on that note, we’ll take our leave. Good night, Daphne, and good luck.” He ushered his wife back through the palace, casting a meaningful glance at me.
“Come for tea tomorrow,chérie!” Charlotte called. I smiled and waved at the retreating pair.
“Your cousin is a charming creature.”
I jumped at the vampire’s voice near my ear again. Instinct had my fist at his throat before I could stop myself. He easily blocked the strike, grabbing my hand and using it to pull me in close to him. His iron grip didn’t loosen when I tried to pull away, so I clenched my other hand and punched him in the stomach, only to connect with a wall of hard, tense muscle. He barely flinched—merely arched one dark brow andtsked.
