My eyes dilated, and my fangs began to lengthen.
But my uncle’s command took hold of me just as fast. I would have to compel her first, then drink from her. I couldn’t let her suspect what was happening.
No!
I shoved Betsee away, and the servant flew back. Just as fast, I was on the opposite side of my bed, my back plastered to the bedframe.
In my next breath, I realized what I’d done. I lifted my hands to my mouth, and my eyes widened. “Oh Gods, Betsee, are you okay? I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to do that!”
I crawled across the mattress to see the servant picking herself up off the floor. All four of her hands brushed her attire down, and her chest heaved. Guilt reared in me, and I quickly searched her exposed skin, but I didn’t see any bruises forming, and I could only hope I hadn’t hurt her enough to cause them.
“I suppose I deserved that for startling you so dreadfully,” she said sheepishly. She stood, her cheeks pink, and straightened her clothing. “But when you didn’t answer my call, and the way you were acting yesterday made me so worried, and I...” Her voice trailed off, and she gave me a helpless shrug. “Forgive me for awaking you in such a manner, but I could have sworn that you weren’t breathing, and your skin was so cold.” A shrill laugh escaped her. “Stars and galaxy, for a moment, I thought you were dead.”
A forced smile lifted my lips.That’s because I am.
That thought almost had a hysterical laugh bursting from my lips, but I managed to swallow it. Instead, I made my smile widen and said in a rush, “Oh, right, sorry. I was so tired, and sometimes I breathe shallowly when I sleep, or so I’ve been told. I’m sorry I worried you, and I’m sorry for how I reacted. I truly didn’t mean to shove you.”
She dipped her head. “Not at all. ’Tis truly my fault. I’m guessing you thought someone was attacking you?”
“Yes, you indeed frightened me. Regardless, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to push you.”
She swished a hand. “Let’s pretend this very undignified morning never happened. If that’s all right with you?”
Grateful for her willingness to forgive and forget so easily, I nodded vigorously. “Yes, I would like that very much. Let’s pretend it never happened.”
Betsee waved toward the windows. The curtains were still drawn, but bright sunlight peeked from around the corners. “Anyway, the reason I had to wake you is because we’re having visitors this morning.”
I cocked my head. “Oh? Who might that be?”
She beamed. “Your Uncle Arnel just sent a dillemsill. He’ll be arriving soon, and your parents have asked that you join everyone for lunch.”
CHAPTER TEN
Kole was standing in the hallway when I emerged from my chambers. His stance was rigid, his jaw set.
I twisted my hands together, and guilt fired through me. “Good morning,” I offered.
He dipped his head. “Morning, Prim.”
I was relieved to hear that his tone didn’t hold any reproach. “I, um, I’m sorry about yesterday. I was a bit out of sorts.”
Something flashed in his eyes, and he glanced over his shoulder and down my wing, but we were alone. He faced me, his eyebrows drawing together, and his aura brushed over me. It was soft, warm, and inviting. “No apology is necessary,” he said quietly.
For a moment, I allowed myself to revel in the feel of him. Kole beckoned safety and love, but then his strong heartbeat began to command my attention. And his alluring scent followed.
Stirrings began in my core. Vampiric responses. Not mine.
I clenched my hands into fists and took a step away from him. Stiffly, I nodded down the hall. “I’ve been told my parents want me to join them for lunch, so it’s unlikely I’ll be able to venture to the libraries this morning.”
He watched me, unmoving, and his expression was entirely veiled. “I’ve been told the same,” he finally replied.
I took off at a brisk walk, and he trailed closely behind me. Thankfully, I’d had enough wherewithal to strengthen my glamour and take another one of Arnel’s potions to mask my vampiric stench. To the outward realm, I was Primelle Manafold, third daughter of the royal line, versus what I truly was—a deceased nightmare.
“Prim?” Kole’s quiet question cut through the air just as we neared the end of my wing. “Can you stop for a second?”
My shoulders stiffened, and warily, I faced him.
Light pulsed in the warrior’s eyes as he assessed me. The same light that had alerted me to the fact that he was my mate.Was that truly only days ago?It felt like a lifetime.
