“I highly doubt that. This Royal Conference is unlike the others, don’t you think?” he leaned closer conspiratorially.
“What do you mean?” I asked, feigning ignorance.
“Oh, Heidi dear, the hands which wield power are changing. Can’t you feel it?”
“I’m afraid not,” I told him.
“There is a nervous energy in the air.” He shrugged. “I suppose Coactus doesn’t have much to worry about, does she?”
“Not as far as I am aware,” I answered, though from my grandmother’s request for espionage, I knew that she was concerned for Coactus.
He smiled.
“Perhaps Obscurum and Coactus could have a closer relationship in the future?” he suggested, taking a step closer as he spoke.
I pushed my hand against his chest.
“What kind of relationship do you have in mind, Vlad?” I asked.
He smiled in a way that made me feel queasy.
“I am a man with many desires,” he told me.
“And yet you are a man that can’t offer my House or me anything which we desire,” I replied.
He grinned in a knowing way.
“That could change soon,” he informed me.
“Change how?” I asked.
He leaned closer to me, ignoring my hand against his chest, and there was nothing I could do to stop a pure blood vampire of Obscurum from overpowering me physically; I could not stop him as he leaned into my ear.
“The hands of power could soon be changing,” he whispered.
I schooled my face before he pulled away and smiled in a way that I hoped was intrigued and not shocked.
“Are you saying what I think you are?” I asked as he pulled away, with a smug grin on his face.
He tapped the side of his head.
“Wouldn’t you like to know,” he laughed.
“Stupid girl,”he thought, and I wasn’t sure if it was a thought that leaked past his poor enchantments or if he was playing some game with me.
“I would,” I answered, smiling seductively. Two could play games.
He grinned and leaned forward again.
“Maybe we’ll see each other around, and I can redeem myself,” he said, his voice low.
“Perhaps I’ll walk all over you,” I teased, and enjoyed the way he swallowed. I had no intention of ever entertaining him again, but I couldn’t help myself; it was too much fun to watch a man squirm.
“Perhaps,” he agreed. “I must go now, but I’ll see you around, Heidi.”
I finger waved to him as he left.
Once he was out of sight, I exhaled anxiously.
