“What sort of business?” Thalia spoke.
The room stilled.
Lord Adrian’s eyes seemed to burn. “None that concerns you.”
Thalia kept her back ramrod straight. “Seeing as I aim to help the Houses as princess, I would like to know the affairs of my kingdom.”
“Except that the Houses don’t answer to you,” Lord Adrian sneered. “You think that attending a singular meeting means you are entitled to know the affairs of all Houses? You might have married into House Lorenzia, but you are a far ways from running it.”
Thalia bit the inside of her cheek, the Vampyr’s words slapping her across her face. “Do the other Houses not answer to House Lorenzia? Is it not part of your law that while you, Lord Adrian, run House Gallinus, House Lorenzia presides over all?” Lord Adrian’s eyes blazed as she continued, “Does that not mean that your House still answers to mine?”
The tension in the room stretched. Lord Adrian’s face rippled, his flesh sinking into his skull. Thalia wasn’t scared. “So, I will ask this again, what sort ofbusinessdo you have to attend to?”
Lord Damien and Camilla stilled beside her.
But before Lord Adrian could open his mouth, Lord Amadeus spoke. “We are having issues with exportation, Princess.”
The room shifted and Lord Adrian scowled, but his face didn’t return to normal; it remained emaciated, his green eyes nearly black.
Thalia made a face. “What sort of issues?”
“Vaccarium exports multiple goods to other territories,” Lord Amadeus said. “Recently, the price of exportation has increased as the demand for certain goods like timber has lessened. House Gallinus is the sole exporter of timber due to their capital being so rich with wood.”
“And you are facing … financial crisis because of this?” Thalia turned to Lord Adrian. At least he was sitting down, but his face kept rippling as though he were trying to get his transformation under control. But financial strain … yes, that could work. Depending on how badly House Gallinus needed money for its city—
Lord Adrian’s eyes darkened. “Call it what you like.”
“No other House will help?” Thalia pushed.
Lord Adrian scoffed. “House Lorenzia could. Your coffers are full.”
Thalia’s heart thudded. She willed it to calm. “Have you brought this up to the prince? I’m sure money could be spared if your city is in need.”
“The prince”—Lord Adrian bared his fangs—“appears to have more pressing business than overseeing the Houses he was meant to help.”
“I could find the funds,” Thalia said.
Lord Adrian stiffened, his skin warping. “I didn’t ask for your help—”
“House Lorenzia would be glad to discuss financial issues, Lord Adrian,” Camilla said smoothly. “We are always eager to help our fellow Houses, especially if this matter affects the people of Vaccarium. We wouldn’t want to see any more issues arise with House Gallinus.”
Lord Adrian seemed near bursting, but it was Lord Amadeus who swept in. “Thank you, Princess. That is most generous.”
Thalia nodded, even as Lord Adrian stood, the other members of his House standing as well. “Excuse me,Princess,” he spat, but no one made to stop him as he and his entourage filed out.
But before the doors of the great hall closed, Keegan slipped in. His steps were clipped as he crossed the floor, coming up to Lord Damien’s side. Camilla perked up, but Keegan spoke too low for Thalia to hear. Lord Damien stilled before tilting his chin.
Keegan stepped back, surprise flaring slightly when he noticed Thalia, but he didn’t comment.
Lord Damien stood. “I’m afraid the prince’s council is needed elsewhere. Any other House needs will be discussed at the House meeting when the prince returns. If you’ll excuse us.” He nodded to Camilla, who also stood.
Thalia rose to follow the prince’s council, but Lord Damien shook his head. “I’m afraid you cannot come.”
“Why not?” Thalia knew she wasn’t on the prince’s council officially, but surely attending this meeting was a step in the right direction—
“The hand’s orders.”
Thalia scowled, but Camilla and Keegan merely passed her and headed out of the room. The other Vampyrs also trickled out. But Thalia had more questions.
