Beyond the mental exhaustion of sorting through everything, I thought I knew about vampires, but the new information I’d collected in the last three days was an unignorable sense of guilt. Maybe Alba hadn’t thought anything of it. Of Dommik and me, alone on my terrace, and my hand on his arm. Because it was nothing. At least, I’d meant nothing by it.Between humans, it would be considered a comforting touch, but it’s different here.
“Alba. Can we talk? About before?”
I chewed on my cheek as her gray robes faced me. Her brown eyes gave nothing away. No judgement, no scorn. If she didn’t already, she really should take up card games. Her indecipherable gaze could earn a hoard of gold.
“May I speak plainly?” The slow blink between her veil lasted a century.
“Of course!” I pulled my chambermaid to the loveseat with me. The same one we’d laughed and bonded on the night before.
“Well…” She exhaled.
I settled in for what I assumed would be a predictable scolding for loose behavior. At least, that’s what Cova would have done. I shook my sister’s critical gaze away and refocused on the kind one in front of me.
“I told you I’ve worked here for years,” Alba began. I nodded, eager for more. “And I’ve met hundreds of vampires. Most live here, few just pass through.”
She wasn’t getting to the point quickly enough and I thought my cheek might bleed, I was biting it so hard.
“But what I’ve learned is that they are rarely monogamous.” She paused then, gauging my reaction. “That being said…that is only with immortal relationships. When immortals and mortals mix, the rules tend to change.”
Alba’s words were perfectly clear. There wasn’t even an inch of space for a misunderstanding or misinterpretation to squeeze through. Belonging to Rhazien as a human meant I belonged wholly andonlyto him. Dommik made it clear as well and I was a fool for asking if there was something between us.
I nodded in her direction but couldn’t focus on her features. My gaze was beyond her, imagining the reality of my life until I turned. It was a fantasy of freedom playing out before my eyes. Having my cake and eating it too, as they say.
Not that I was particularly drawn to promiscuity, but the idea of existing without the burden of monogamy was intriguing. Living life as Rhazien’s queen but enjoying the fruits of life, guilt-free, as a vampire. The only thing I’d have to do was…die.
Alba took my hand in hers, stealing me from the hallucination of Rhazien and Dommik having me at the same time.
My eyes focused on hers. “If I’m still permitted to speak plainly?”
“Please.” I chortled in a way unbecoming of a high-born lady.
She leaned in closer and said, “If you told me you weren’t attracted to Dommik Thorne, I would never believe you. He’s…” She sighed away whatever descriptive words she was thinking.
“Yeah. He is,” I said before clearing my throat and tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. Admitting my attraction felt like a crime, but also a validating relief that others found him desirable. I straightened at the thought of being thrown into another cell because of an affair and declared, “But that’s all it is. Just a fleeting attraction. It won’t go further—ever.”
He’d said as much to me.Nothing more than an assignment.His cutting words echoed through my mind, sending my stomach tumbling in disappointment.
“And I won’t ever speak of it, my lady.” Earnesty radiated from her. “You have my word.”
Her word.
I wanted to trust her.
Time would tell if I could, but at least for now, her word would have to be enough.
Chapter 14
Valta
The woman before me could never have been a human. And even if she was, she wasn’t born for humanity. She was born to be this. The aura of immortal confidence and seduction almost made me apologetic for being in her presence.
Despite my sudden insecurity, Gorvin ushered me into the extravagant dining hall. My ebony evening dress might as well have been slave rags next to her intricate and glamorous gown, which perfectly complimented her bright green wig. Some women dressed to be seen, but she was the entire scene.
“Ah, Lady Valta Tenebris. So lovely to see you again.” Gorvin left my side briefly to acknowledge the waiting beauty.
“Gorvin, my love. When will you let me steal you away from His Majesty? We could have so many fun adventures together.” She placed a kiss on the air next to each of his cheeks.
As if he’d made the excuse hundreds of times, he replied flatly, “My lady, you flatter me, but my place is here with His Majesty.”
