Page 160 of The Last Syphon

“Do I even need to be here for this conversation? You seem to be doing just fine on your own.”

“So I’m right?”

Prince Walder did not answer.

“I’m right,” Inara said to herself. They were silent for a moment. “Why do you hide it?”

Again, no answer.

She sighed. “I thought we were past this stage of our relationship.”

For the first time since she’d met him, the prince stumbled. He actually stumbled, almost tripping over nothing. His gaze snapped to her, full of alarm. “We do not have a relationship.”

“Yes, we do. I work for you. We have a working relationship.”

“Oh.” He continued walking.

So did she. She eyed him curiously. “What kind of relationship did you think I was talking about?” she asked, a hint of mischief in her voice.

“I—what?”

Inara couldn’t keep the smirk from her lips. “My, my, my, I do not think I have ever heard you stutter before, Overlord.”

He glared, and Inara laughed.

“So?” she questioned. “Why do you hide it?”

When he didn’t answer, Inara simply shrugged, feigning boredom. “If you’d much rather talk about our relationship…”

She didn’t think it was possible, but his glare increased tenfold. It didn’t scare her. For some reason, she had stopped feeling any type of fear in his presence.

It made her want to laugh again. Who knew the Crowned Prince could be so awkward about such a topic?

“I hide it because it is necessary,” he grumbled, almost reluctantly.

“Necessary?” She cocked her head. “Why?”

“Syhpons are not the only ones at risk after what the Cursed King did.”

It took everything within her not to stiffen when he said the word Syphon.

“So it’s true. Bloodbornes are in danger of being outlawed.” Like her.

“Not only Bloodbornes,” he replied grimly.

“What?” A cold shock washed through her. “No.” It was the only word she could muster.

He sighed. “Yes. Bloodbornes. Manipulators. Energy Manipulators. Anyone with an ability deemed too dangerous in the High Council’s eyes.”

“No,” she said again, refusing to believe it. “They can’t do that.” But even as the words escaped her lips, she knew they were not true. “Where…Where would they draw the line?! They can’t just outlaw every power they’re scared of! That would mean the deaths of thousands of people!”

Inara wasn’t sure why she was saying this to him. This would be information he already knew, but she couldn’t help it. The outrageousness of what he was saying…the ludicrousness of it all…It was too hard to even fathom.

“I know. Their plan is to start with one power and continue from there. The referendum to outlaw Bloodbornes did not pass.”

“What was the vote?” She almost didn’t want to know the answer, fearful of what it would be.

Prince Walder looked at her, and Inara knew straight away it wasn’t good. “Four against three.”