“Lord Amadeus,” she called, before the lord could leave with his entourage. “A moment, if you please.”
The Vampyr turned, surprise on his dark face, before he made his way back to her. Even though it was now just them in the room, Thalia wasn’t frightened. He seemed to be the only Vampyr who wasn’t eager to see her bleed. At least for now.
“Yes?” the lord said.
“I’m sorry to keep you, but I have some questions, if you don’t mind.”
The lord tilted his head, golden eyes wary. “About what?”
Thalia gestured for him to take a seat once more as she did the same. “House Gallinus seems to be … struggling. Are the Houses not all beholden to aid each other in times of need? Surely there are funds outside of House Lorenzia that could help House Gallinus maintain their city.”
Lord Amadeus scrubbed a hand over his jaw. “The Houses do aid each other. But we are not beholden. The only House we are sworn to uphold and protect is House Lorenzia, because the prince watches over us all.”
Thalia tucked this kernel of information away; her mother would be very interested to hear it. Because if the Houses didn’tneedto help each other, then surely there must be something she could use to turn them against one another.
“But just because we aren’t sworn to help doesn’t mean we aren’t allies,” Lord Amadeus said, as if reading her thoughts. “At the end of the day, the vitality and sanctity of Vaccarium is what matters. No matter what sort of … disagreements the Houses might have with each other. We all must work together for the good of Vaccarium.”
Thalia picked at the skin of her thumbs. “How is House Santorien?”
Lord Amadeus seemed surprised at her question. “It is well.”
“I heard that your House keeps the peace between Houses.”
The Vampyr raised a dark brow. “House Santorien prefers peace over strife. Surely, as a ruler, you also feel the same.”
Thalia felt her stomach tighten, but she forced a smile. “Of course. That is why I’m here—to ensure that peace continues, not only with the humans but also here, in Vaccarium.”
Lord Amadeus smiled, although it seemed more like a grimace. “Is there anything else, Princess?”
Yes, what sort of secrets are you all hiding so I might exploit them?
Thalia’s cheeks stretched farther into a near-painful smile. “Please do inform me of anything I might help with. I know I haven’t earned the Houses’ trust yet, but I do wish to do my part in helping rule alongside the prince.”
Lord Amadeus hesitated before nodding. “Of course.”
He left, and Thalia was left alone in the great hall. She picked at the skin around her thumbs which snagged, but she ignored the pain.
She needed to think. Too many things had transpired in less than twenty-four hours—from finding the strange Vampyr who was sick to learning that House Gallinus was facing exportation issues. She had more questions than answers, and she was beginning to feel like her head was going to explode.
She rose, her gown swishing at her heels.
She might not have answers, but she could get some fresh air.
And a ride on Feryena sounded like just the remedy.
Chapter Seventeen
Fresh air was what she needed. The only problem? Cassius had been serious about her staying in the castle.
She’d tried to go to the stables, only to be turned away by the guards at the door.
“Let me through.” Thalia lifted her gaze to the two guards. She couldn’t very well see their features behind their onyx helmets.
“Orders are for you to stay indoors,” the one on the right said.
Thalia’s lip curled. She was well aware of who’d implementedthoseorders. “Do you know where the prince’s council is?” They’d been called away for whatever reasonshewasn’t allowed to know of.
“They are busy in the throne room and are not to be disturbed,” the guard on the left said.
