She nodded and stepped up, even as Grayson pretended to cringe in the corner by Julian, all wide-eyes and uncertainty.
She said, “It would give me great pleasure.”
Kaly’s Childe
Grayson kept his shoulders rounded forward and his head downcast.He looked up through his eyelashes as if afraid to catch anyone’s attention.He made himself small, delicate, and unsure.Contrasted with Julian who stood almost carelessly with his hands in his pockets and his face smooth of all emotion. Grayson was a “human” who had suddenly been placed into the high stakes, dangerous world of Vampires. In contrast, Julian was the Vampire Prince with no concerns about anything that might happen in that room.
Christian showed the same lack of emotion, though this seemed more natural on him as if he was used to hiding all he felt.He stood between Caemorn and Balthazar.His silver eyes flickered over everything, taking it all in and memorizing it.Incisive, would be the word that Grayson would use to describe him.While he was not a prince, he was the first fledgling of Eyros reborn.
But he knew that Julian and Christian, no matter how impressive they appeared, were very much still the young men they had been before being turned less than half a year ago.Julian and Christian were incredibly humanstill.They were brave, thoughtful, and kind.What he had to do tonight to get information was nothing he wanted them to see, but he wasn’t sure if he could or should make Julian or Christian leave.
They are stronger than you think,Balthazar said.
They are not like us,Grayson said firmly.And I would not have them be.Tell them to claim they have to go.Another appointment.An errand to do for Daemon–
I’ve already tried and both of them said ‘no’.Quite firmly, too.Balthazar sounded amused by this.
Grayson gritted his teeth as he carefully looked up at the handsome Vampire Prince’s face.Unlike most Vampires, Julian’s eyes were purple, a cross between the red of Daemon’s and the silver of all other Vampire’s and Immortals.They appeared cool and disinterested, but that was only on the surface.He didn’t need the Eyros’ gift to see the tightening in Julian’s jaw or the way he lifted his chin too stiffly.Christian hid his emotions more carefully, but he was certain that being between his Master and his teacher helped him feel secure.Plus, there was something of the Kaly detachment in Christian, which was fascinating to see mixed with the Eyros interest.
They shouldn’t see this,Grayson said with a sigh.I take it that neither of them becomes aroused by blood or pain?
No, not in the least.And you’re not worried about that,Balthazar pointed.Both boys want to be here for the very reason you don’t want them to be: they can’t have others doing things that they would not do themselves to keep us safe.
We are older–
And wiser?We’ve seen more, yes.And we’ve done more.But Julian is the Vampire Prince and my ability to order him about ends when he doesn’t wish to accept my orders,Balthazar pointed out.
What about Daemon?Surely, he can’t want Julian to be involved in this!Grayson objected.
He doesn’t order Julian about either as far as I can tell.He lets Julian make his own decisions,Balthazar shrugged mentally.
And mistakes?Yes, of course, that’s exactly what he’d do.Grayson really gritted his teeth this time and tossed his head.
Your Ashyr is showing,Balthazar reminded him.
Immediately, Grayson made himself small again, tucking himself against the cold wall as if he wished he could scratch his way through it.
What about Christian?Surely, you can command him to go.He is your fledgling!Grayson insisted.
Another mental chuckle followed,You don’t know Christian very well if you think that would work.Or maybe you’ve forgotten how willful fledglings can be when they want to help their Masters.
I do remember and I was never as indulgent as you,Grayson pointed out.But I understand.They’re both precious.That’s why I don’t want them here.
They’re too important and powerful in their own right to be sent away,Balthazar said quietly.Whether we like it or not, both these young men are targets for the Sect, too.You were chosen because of your relationship with Ryder, but they also have targets on their backs.
I know.All right.I understand.
If Julian and Christian were not going to leave then he had to get on with it.He couldn’t spare the two Sect members in order to spare the boys pain or emotional discomfort.So it would have to be what it was.
Have Ryder start with the Mirryr Vampire.He’s all bluster.It’s the Syrin I'm worried about, Balthazar,Grayson sent finally.Have him ask what the plan was.
Righty ho!Balthazar sounded way too chipper for an interrogation, but Grayson realized finding out secrets was an Eyros’ mission.
It must be killing you that you can’t simply dive into their minds.I’m sorry, but it’s just too dangerous,Grayson said to Balthazar.
It’s rather exciting actually.Not being able to peek,Balthazar confessed.
It’s time consuming,Grayson replied.I miss being able to simply leave these things in your hands.
