And that’s exactly why I have to go.
He could lose everything because of me.
I can’t let that happen.
Chapter Six
Nikolai
Choose what makes you happy. We will support whatever decision you make.
Viktor’s words echo in my mind as I pace my study, the fire crackling low.
And Maxim’s comment about my female:Consent matters. Tell her everything. Let her choose.
They’re both right. I’ve been cruel and evasive towards Claire, criticizing her, insulting her species. I snarled at her to leave when all I wanted was to pull her close and sink my teeth in her silky skin.
Claire deserves the truth. All of it. The Blood Calling, the claiming and the consequences. And then she can decide whether she wants me, or if she’d rather flee from this impossible situation.
I’m going to pull an Aldric and try to have my cake and eat it too. Aldric’s situation happened centuries ago and the world, and relations between humans and Krovenians, has changedmuch. I suspect the idea of half human, half Krovenians won’t be as unsettling to the populace as it was in the past. And I don’t mind if my offspring lose their titles or an opportunity to rule. They can live full lives without any of the trappings of royalty.
I must find Claire so we can talk this out and make decisions.
Will she have me? Will Claire be willing to give up her human life for a permanent life amongst Krovenians?
I check the servants’ hall first, but she’s not there. In fact, the corridors are empty. The storm has driven everyone to shelter, and the castle feels hollow without the usual bustle of activity.
I head to my chambers. Perhaps she returned to finish her cleaning duties? The moment I step through the door, I know something is wrong. Her scent is concentrated near the bed, as if she stood there for several minutes.
Then I see it. A folded piece of paper on my pillow.
My stomach drops as I cross the room and snatch it up. The paper is simple, torn from one of the notepads the staff uses and the handwriting is hurried, slightly uneven.
Your Majesty,
I enjoyed our time together, but I must return to the human world. Please don’t worry about me. This is for the best.
Love,Claire
I read it twice. Three times.
Love?
She signed itloveand then left?
I crumple the note in my fist. The storm howls outside, snow driving against the windows so hard the glass rattles. The mountain roads will be impassable by now, buried in snow.
If she’s out there, she’ll die. This type of weather is treacherous for my species and could kill a delicate human.
I’m running before I finish the thought.
The servants’exit is at the back of the castle, a small door that opens onto the rear courtyard. From there, a path leads down the mountain to the main road, the same road that’s now buried under three feet of snow, with visibility near zero.
She wouldn’t be that foolish.
I wrench open the door and the wind nearly knocks me backward. Snow swirls violently, and through the chaos, I catch it, faint, almost lost in the storm, but unmistakable.
Her scent.
