Camilla’s eyes seemed to sharpen. “Only Agripa has ever had issues with Vampyrs.”
Thalia felt her rage spike. “With good reason.”
Camilla’s face softened ever so slightly. “I don’t agree with what happened between our two worlds. Believe it or not, other Houses don’t agree either. But things are different now. We have a chance to coexist once more, to set up trade between our realms and better the lives of both our peoples.”
Thalia swallowed.
Wasn’t that what she’d been trying to do too? Better the lives of the people of Agripa by killing the Vampyrs?
But being here … hearing the way Camilla talked, as though she wanted the same thing, to ensure that her people not only survived but thrived …
Thalia cleared her throat. “I’m surprised that Lord Calphis didn’t try and kill me.”
“Because you killed his son?”
Thalia’s stomach twisted, the image of a staked Vampyr flashing. “Yes.”
Camilla leaned back in her seat. “Lord Calphis and his family have always been loyal to House Lorenzia.”
So they’d be of no use to her.
“How is Lord Damien a lord? He’s not a ruler of any court.”
“That is the prince’s doing,” Camilla said. “Anyone who is on the prince’s council rises in rank.”
“So you’re a lady?”
Camilla nodded, gesturing to herself. “Can’t you tell?”
Thalia snorted. “Are there any other ladies of the Houses? Lord Damien mentioned that there have been some in the past …”
“Yes, a lady currently runs House Olvectus.”
Thalia was surprised by that, but also a bit impressed that the ruler of the House that included the shifters but also dealt with the ore was a woman. “Was she at the court introduction?”
Camilla shook her curly head. “No, she had to stay in Lorceium.”
“Why?”
Camilla’s long nails clicked on the arms of her chair. “Someone had to ensure that the ore was being sent to Agripa.”
Thalia chewed the inside of her cheek. She hadn’t even realized she’d gone back to searching the bookshelves when Camilla asked, “What are you looking for, anyway?”
Thalia’s pulse spiked, but she pushed it aside. “Nothing, really.”
Camilla’s eyes narrowed. “You’ve been in here for hours.”
Thalia sighed, staring at the shifter. She would probably smell it if Thalia lied, but also, Camilla had most likely heard about what had happened in Irenbis.
“Cassius said there was a sickness that affect Vampyrs. There isn’t a cure that they know of, but I figured it couldn’t hurt to look and try to help,” she said.
Camilla gave her a wary look. “I see.”
“I thought it would help to show the courts that I aim to do my job as princess,” Thalia got out.
Camilla stiffened. “You’re trying to earn their trust.”
Thalia nodded, although it hadn’t been a question. “It would be more helpful if they weren’t so afraid to voice what was going on in their Houses,” she muttered. She turned her back, continuing her search, although Camilla’s stare seared her shoulder blades.
