“You’re achild,” I scoffed.
“Compared to you, perhaps, but not so in comparison to other supernaturals.”
“Whatever. Just tell me what you want,” I said.
Killian looked at me with the innocence of a blood thirsty wolf. “What do you mean?”
“You yakked at me for an hour about vampire politics. Normally you’d be more than happy to see me leave, but instead you’re walking around with me. You want something,” I said.
“Ah. Yes. You are correct,” Killian said. “I want you to purchase a mansion.”
“No,” I said.
“If you’re going to stay in Magiford—and it seems like you are—you’ll need proper space,” Killian said.
“No, I won’t,” I said.
“Sure you will,” Killian said. “You’ll want to hire servants—maybe some bodyguards for Jade. You’ll need a well defended home.”
“Our apartments suit us fine, thank you,” I said, my amusement building when Killian audibly ground his teeth.
“Fine,” Killian said. “Then you have to kick my siblings out.”
I stopped outside the parlor Jade had been taken to. “What are you talking about? They all went home in January.”
Of course, Sachiko and Jargal had stopped in since then, and Margarida had flown in for Valentine’s Day because she wanted to make sure I ‘didn’t mess up my first major holiday as a couple and lose the love of my life forever.’ But she’d left well over a week ago.
The only Snake Brat I’d interacted with recently—excluding Killian—was Vìgì, because the cantankerous Viking insisted on texting Jade on a weekly basis to inquire after her health. (I was willing to ignore his actions as I suspected he was acting in self-interest. Once when Jade mentioned she’d caught a cold, Vìgì had sent endless packages of tea, elixirs, potions, and human medications to supplement her health.)
Killian opened the door and motioned me inside.
Hazel and Celestina—Killian’s First Knight—were sitting on a couch together. Hazel was enjoying what appeared to be a cup of tea while Celestina sipped blood poured into a wine glass.
Both acknowledged us with subtle head tilts, but their attention was captured by Amée and Auberi, who were seated on the couch opposite them with Jade sandwiched between them—a bright spot of color with her red hair bookended by their blond heads.
“There isnoneed for you to feel at all anxious about any kind of vampire event,” Auberi said. “As you are Considine’s One, you rank higher than any vampire present.”
“But what if I make a mistake?” Jade asked.
“It isn’t possible for you to make a mistake,” Auberi said. “The Dracos and Maledictus names are of such sterling reputation, any potential faux pas is transformed into an endearing quirk.”
“If you wish, you can choose to remain silent,” Amée advised, with feigned disinterest. “Words are not necessary for the beautiful and the powerful as it is the duty of the less powerful vampires to attempt to interpret your wants and desires.”
“That seems…unfair,” Jade cautiously said.
“So? It is those old windbags’ fault if they cannot read your mood,” Amée carelessly said. “You can simply point at whatever you want, and it will be yours.”
I stared at the sight, concerned by Amée’s instructions. “What are the twins doing back in Magiford?” I asked.
“I haven’t the slightest idea,” Killian said. “But I do know they insist on staying with me sinceyoufail to have adequate space!”
“I see,” I said. “In that case, I believe I will be an apartment dweller hence forth.”
“That isnotan option.”
“Furthermore,” Amée said, ignoring our entrance. “Should Considine ever do anything to displease you, you mustn’t talk to him. He will instantly regret his conduct.”
And that’s my cue to reclaim Jade.
