“Why what?”
“Why the library? Why not a sparring room or a place where you drain the bodies for their blood in your fountain?”
“His Majesty wishes you learn about us, to choose to stay here with us. Since you were a teacher, I suggested that instead of making you watch training or drills, the library would be a better choice.”
I looked at the walls and rows of books just behind Lord Aiko.
“Where’s my sword?”
He jerked. “Your what?”
“My sword.” I spun and looked at him. “I had a sword when I was captured. I want to know where it is.”
“I wouldn’t have imagined you had a sword.”
I cocked my head. “Why? Because I’m a woman? Because I’m a school teacher? Don’t ever forget that on top of all that, I am also the Breaker.”
Holding his hands out, he took a small step back. “None of those, Mistress. None of those. I just don’t see you as a woman with a sword.”
“What do you see me with then?”
“Bow and arrow.”
I laughed. “At least you see me armed.”
His face flickered. He was thinking something but wasn’t sure of himself.
I waited a moment and then pulled the words from him. “What is it, lord knight? You’re thinking about something. Another way to torture me? Break me?”
“Maybe, Mistress. Maybe.” His laugh was pure theatrics. His eyes betrayed the truth.
Hedidn’twant to turn me to their side.
Why?
His voice cut through my thoughts. “I was considering if you would like to learn to fire a gun. All of us wear both gun and sword. If you are to be part of our vampire world, you should learn. I will get permission from his majesty to show you. Yes?”
I pretended to think for a moment, so the guards didn’t get the idea that I was over-eager for that. “I think that would be a good idea.”
Hand me the knowledge we’d need to use those weapons? That fell intohell yes.
“Are you in a rush, Lord Aiko?”
He nodded. “Sadly, I have duties. I, or one of my men, will be back to collect you so you may wash for dinner.”
Damn. I nodded. “Thank you.”
He gave a stiff little bow, and I watched him disappear down the hall as the guards closed the door.
I was alone with millennia of vampire lore.
Where do I start?
* * *
The faint sound of someone screaming followed me through the stacks. It was, again, high and disconcerting, and I started to follow it through the room.
The library door banged open, and I jerked my head up.
