Marius didn’t immediately recognize the woman, but there were too many vampires in his sister’s court for him to know them all.
“Why do you care?” he answered her earlier question with one of his own.
The sooner he got out of here, the better. If dawn came and he was still in the forest, all would be lost.
The vampire raised a red brow, her grip on his arm as tight as ever. “It’s my job to care.”
Marius’s stomach dropped, and he inwardly cursed.
Sebastian had mentioned that he was planning to assign him a new bodyguard, but Marius hadn’t realized the swap had already occurred. This wasn’t the first time this had happened, since the king and queenliked to cycle through the guards watching over him. Something about keeping a fresh pair of eyes on him to keep him safe.
By the gods, why hadn’t Marius Seenthis?
That would’ve been extremely helpful.
Unfortunately, Fortune Elf magic was finicky for the strongest elves… and no one would describe Marius as strong. He’d been sick for the first half of his life. Even though he was better now, he’d only Matured and come into his full magic last year. He was still working on navigating the silver planes with the ease his mentor displayed.
“Ah.” He inhaled through his nose, his nostrils flaring.
This vampire’s presence would make things significantly more difficult. Maybe he could talk her into leaving?
“I don’t need a bodyguard right now,” he told her. “There’s no one in the forest but us.”
And hopefully, he’d be alone soon so he could continue his trek.
“Yes, I see that.” She bit her lip, staring up at him and decidedlynotleaving. “But… what areyou doing?”
Escaping.
Something told him she wouldn’t take too well to that answer, though.
Marius smiled, hoping the expression looked innocent. “Just taking a stroll.”
He stepped towards the trees. She moved with him, her hand still on his arm.
Gods help him. He arched a brow, looking pointedly at where she held him. “You can release me now.”
The vampire studied him for a long moment, her dark gaze far too perceptive, before she slowly removed her hand. She didn’t move, though, and something told him this was far from over.
“My arm thanks you.” Already, he could tell it would be covered in bruises tomorrow.
“You’re welcome.” The vampire made no effort to leave.
By the gods. Why did these kinds of things always happen to Marius?
“Well, have a good night.”
Please go away, he added silently.
He turned and walked into the forest, hoping his bodyguard would take the hint and return to the celebration.
Instead of turning back, which would’ve made his life infinitely easier, the vampire retracted her wings and followed him.
Damn it all.
Marius bit back a frown and glanced over his shoulder. The vampire was walking beside him, her arms hanging loosely at her sides.
“You know, you don’t have to come with me,” he said, frustration edging his voice. “I’m perfectly capable of taking a stroll on my own.”
