A wicked and wild gleam sparks in his eyes. “Think of the chaos you’d sow. You’d upturn the hellsagain.”
It would start a war in the hells.
“Take your time,” Sabien says in response to my silence, smiling. “Consider it.”
“I’d much rather you take a message to Ylara,” I reply.
His smile vanishes, turning into a tight line. “I see your audacity remains the same despite your changed appearance. What do you need from her?”
The urge to lie strikes and it strikeshard.
And I listen.
“Can a demon not miss her sister?”
Sabien scoffs.
“Would you not inquire after Aymer or Alavana were you separated for months?” I ask.
The vampire king remains silent as he studies me. “You come here, without gifts, and request I become your messenger?” He steps closer, still outside reach. “So be it, Vestaris. Let us barter as yourkind then. What are you offering in exchange for this service?”
“Barter?” I repeat, brows high. “Does my silence on your involvement with Kassil earn me nothing?”
“We both know that was a mutually beneficial arrangement,” Sabien says slowly. “And with him dead, it doesn’t much matter anymore does it?”
Shit.
I can’t barter. Not only do I have nothing to offer, but I promised Ryc.
“This isn’t the hells, Ves. You’ve little to offer me here,” he says with a shake of his head. “But through your consort—”
“No,” my voice is swift, firm, and final.
Sabien laughs a wickedly delighted sound. “I do not seekhim.I seek hisinfluence.”
I glance up at Ryc as he stares at the vampire, silent.
“I’m fae. I rule a prosperous country,” Sabien says, swinging his hands to his sides. “I want my children to thrive and unlike my mate and siblings, I believe a peaceful existence is possible.”
I’m not following what Sabien is saying.
“The Vugura Kingdom lacks a seat upon the High Council,” Sabien says and I fight to keep my surprise from showing. “It’s about time I was given one.”
“Absolutely not,” Ryc says with little hesitation.
Sabien… a king on the council?
Aridiculousnotion—predators invited to sit at the table with theirprey.
“You’re overreaching, Sabien,” I add with heavy contempt.
“Am I?” he laughs. “Do not give me that look, Ves. I see the gift of silver upon your hand. Once you ascend you’ll have the power to do as you wish with the council. What’s one more seat?”
“We’re done here,”I send the thought to Ryc.
It’s clear I’m not going to get what I need from the vampire.
Not without going against what I assured Ryc.
