Six Months Later

Silence greeted me as I stepped into the house—or rather, the small shed. My orders had been clear: go to the village and find the deserters. But the place was empty. Whoever had hidden here was long gone.

I sighed to myself. Life had been especially difficult since the other lords turned against my prince.  Anthony brushed it off, calling them cowards, but I couldn't shake the unease creeping into my thoughts. The sudden shift among our allies was troubling. 

  A few months ago, when this life was still new to me, we'd had prominent vampires and noble humans visiting us almost daily. They made deals with my princes, drank the finest wines, and laughed until dawn. But just weeks ago, the majority of the vampire houses had decided to take another path. Afraid of Anthony's growing strength, they aligned themselves with the human royals instead. Perhaps they thought they'd be stronger together. 

  If only the humans knew what they were inviting into their homes.
Maybe they were right, I thought as I searched through the second building. Maybe they were strong enough to destroy Maisonette House.
I would fight them all. Deep in my heart, I knew Anthony had made the right choice by siding with the people. And he wasn't alone. He had his brother, Lumiere, and the immense powers of a firstborn vampire. He also had me. 

  I was nearly at my full potential now; I could feel the strength I shared with my prince coursing through my veins. Which brought me to another thought. It had been nearly six months since Anthony had told me about Luis's feelings and his expectations for me—to accept his hand in marriage. Neither of them had brought it up since. The decision was mine to make, and mine alone. 

  I pushed open a sturdy door and stepped into an abandoned bedroom. There were no signs of life, no tracks to follow. It must've been weeks since anyone had stayed here. I muttered under my breath, frustrated by the lack of evidence, my thoughts drifting back to my own life.
With a civil war brewing, a wedding hadn't seemed important—but now, it felt urgent.
It wouldn't be an emotional bond, I told myself, forcing down the hidden feelings for Anthony that continued to torment me. It would be a business arrangement. That, I could live with.
My position among France's vampires would rise to new heights. Luis was kindhearted, and I wouldn't mind spending my life in his company. Maybe he'd even help me stop pining after his older brother and outgrow my foolish infatuation. 

  I stepped out into the deserted square, which was as empty as the rest of the village—except for my horse, patiently waiting for me. With determined strides, I reached the animal and swung myself into the saddle with a grunt. This mission had been as fruitless as the others. We were grasping at straws, and Anthony would be furious. Someone would die when I delivered my report. It wouldn't be me, but perhaps some unlucky servant or maid who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. 

My horse began moving along the gravel road and into the forest. It would take me a few hours to reach the castle, and I was already yearning for the comfort of a well-deserved bath.
Despite the branches that struck my face as the horse leapt over roots and rocks, I couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement. I would tell Luis my decision, and I looked forward to seeing his reaction. 

  I knew it wasn't love. Even though Luis was fond of me, neither brother would hesitate to use me as a weapon. Anthony would never send his beloved brother on dangerous missions, risking his life. That meant the new powers we created together would be mine alone to wield. 

My family was already seated at the enormous dining table when I returned home and stepped into the hall. I was hungry, and my mood was awful after my long ride, so I didn't bother changing clothes. 

 "Clocksworth," Anthony greeted me, raising an eyebrow with a questioning look. "Too hungry to bathe before dinner?" 

 "My prince," I said tiredly, pulling out a chair with a sigh. "I thought you'd want to hear my report as quickly as possible." It wasn't entirely a lie, so I let it pass as an excuse. 

 He nodded once and gestured for me to continue, but before I could speak, I gestured for one of the servants to fill my plate. I whispered a quick warning to the young man, and as soon as my plate was full, he hurried back to the kitchen, the rest of the staff following close behind. 

 From my right, I heard Luis chuckle. I glanced at him. "Bad news, my dear?" 

 "An understatement," I muttered, stuffing a mouthful of glazed pork and mashed potatoes into my mouth. I could feel Anthony's gaze drilling into me, and I decided one bite was enough. "There are no trails, no tracks, not the slightest sign they've passed through the places you predicted, my lord," I reported, meeting his furious expression. 

 "You're insinuating that my spies are lying to me?" 

 "My guess is they've turned against you," I replied matter-of-factly. "I've been riding for hours, busy for weeks. It's an annoyingly clever ploy to keep our eyes away from what they're actually planning." I took another bite, trying to ignore the storm that was undoubtedly brewing in Anthony's mind. Soon, glasses would be thrown, the entire table perhaps overturned, and my meal would be over. But he was silent. I let out a small sigh of relief and found the courage to shift my attention to Luis. "I need to talk to you," I said calmly through our telepathic link. 

I knew both brothers could hear me, but my eyes were locked on the younger one. I saw the tension in his face as he smiled at me. "Are we keeping secrets from my dear brother?" he teased in my head, licking his lips, but I only rolled my eyes and shook my head. We all knew I wouldn't dare. 

 "I agree with Clocksworth." All eyes turned to Lumiere, who had been silent since I sat down at the table. It was as though he'd been gathering the courage to speak. 

 "About what, exactly?" Anthony muttered, pushing his plate aside and clasping his hands in his lap. 

 "He should interrogate the spies." 

 "Do we know who created them?" Luis asked. "It would make our work so much easier." 

 "No," Anthony growled. "They're all filthy street scum. Who knows what they're up to at night." Irritated, he stood and leaned his palms against the table, glaring directly at me. "Do whatever you need, Clocksworth. It's on you to solve this problem!" 

 "Of course, My Lord," I replied politely, giving him a firm nod as he stormed out of the room in a growing rage. I fervently hoped the entire staff had already found hiding spots. 

I waited patiently as everyone finished their meals. The room, now emptied of the others who had just finished their meal, felt vast and quiet, the sound of our footsteps muted by the thick carpets beneath the long table. The massive chandeliers above us cast a soft, golden glow, and the flickering shadows from the fire in the hearth danced across the walls. 

 "Finally!" he sighed dramatically, rolling his green eyes at me. "What took them so long?" 

I felt calm, certain this was the best decision for me, for my future. As Luis's husband, I would earn greater trust from everyone, and perhaps Anthony would grant me more responsibilities.

My gaze swept across the room, and my eyes fell on the ornate floral centerpiece at the middle of the table. Reaching for one of the deep red roses, I plucked it free and turned toward him with a crooked smile. Urging him to stand, I tucked the rose into the shimmering pocket of his coat.

"I'm sorry I didn't have time to make myself beautiful for you," I said with a grin.

"Why?" he asked, his voice soft and purring as he straightened and stepped closer.

"Because I've had a choice to make—and I've finally made my decision," I said, reaching out to gently brush his jawline with my thumb.

His expression shifted visibly, his eyes widening in surprise, his mouth fumbling for a response. "Did Anthony tell you?" he gasped.

"You didn't know?"

He shook his head, though his shock quickly gave way to a new emotion that flickered in his gaze—hope. "So, does this mean you've chosen to be mine?"

"Yes, Luis, I want to be yours," I said honestly, and before I could say more, his lips were on mine. His kiss was passionate, so much so that it made my knees weak. I had to admit, it was thrilling, though I wished I could find true romantic feelings for him within myself. No matter how much I searched my heart, there were none.

Yet I returned the kiss with equal enthusiasm. My hands pulled his body closer, one hand resting on the nape of his neck, the other pressing against the small of his back, holding him tightly to me. I relished the feel of his fingers combing through my hair, his tongue exploring my mouth, and the sound of his quickened breaths and soft moans.

I could get used to this, I thought as I finally broke the kiss, smiling at him. "Luis du Salliant, will you marry me?"  

"Enter."  My prince's voice thundered from the other side of the door mere seconds after I had knocked. 

 "Good morning, my Lord," I greeted as I approached his desk. "You wished to see me?" 

 His eyes remained fixed on the piles of papers scattered across his desk. Without so much as a glance in my direction, he motioned for me to sit in the chair opposite him. My first thought was that he was displeased with me. But why? Because of the proposal? Should I have asked his permission first? I sat silently in the chair, waiting for him to give me his attention, but my thoughts were driving me mad. I hated when he was upset with me, and I struggled to keep my pulse steady. 

 "We have much to discuss," he said at last, looking up from his work. 

 "Yes, we do. Your spies are waiting for me in the dungeons." 

 "They can wait," he muttered as he rose from his seat. "Luis spoke to me last night. I haven't seen him so elated in a long time." 

 I nodded, unable to stop a smile from forming as I recalled his kiss in the garden and the smile he had given me before leaving. "I'm sorry. I should have spoken to you first, my Lord." 

 But he simply shook his head. "It wasn't necessary, Clocksworth." He walked over to a small table and poured drinks for the both of us. "You're here because I want to understand why you've agreed to our offer." 

 I raised an eyebrow, accepting the tall glass of wine he handed me. "I care about your brother; you know that," I began, and Anthony nodded. "And our enemies are growing stronger," I continued, meeting his gaze, which, for once, appeared genuinely warm. 

 "A good answer," he said with a smile. "You're wise for your age." 

 "Thank you, my prince," I said, bowing my head. 

 "You've proven yourself time and again. Why?" he asked curiously, swirling his glass to create a small vortex in the rich liquid. 

 I ran my fingers through my hair and leaned back comfortably in the chair, contemplating his question. "This life is better than my old one in many ways," I answered in a low voice. "Something inside me keeps insisting I shouldn't feel this way—that I should want my family and my old business back." I paused, staring into the glass. The crimson wine reminded me of the blood he had given me to become what I was now. "But I don't." I looked up and met his eyes. "Yes, I miss them, and I grieve for them. But this life is extraordinary, and I'm grateful for what you've given me, Anthony." 

 He tilted his head slightly, studying me intently. "Very good," he said with a nod. "Your training begins tomorrow." 

 "My training?" I asked, confused. 

 "Yes. You'll need to learn how to control your new strengths." 

 "I understand." 

 "You can practice on the prisoner," he chuckled, giving me an amused look. "I know you've kept him alive." 

 "He doesn't deserve to die, my Lord," I hissed, feeling my knuckles tighten in my clenched fists. 

 "He's yours. I said that from the beginning, Clocksworth." He chuckled quietly. "And I hear you've become a master of the art of torture." 

 "Yes," I admitted with a sigh. "His suffering keeps my feet on the ground." 

 My anger suddenly shifted as my pulse quickened, watching Anthony lick his lips. His eyes sparkled with something I struggled to decipher, but when he stepped toward me and leaned down to grip my chin, I couldn't hide my shallow breaths. 

 "You are beautiful," he whispered, stroking my jaw with his thumb before pressing a kiss to my cheek. "And I'm proud to call you a member of my family." 

 "T-thank you," I stammered, struggling to compose myself, cursing my reaction. There was something about his aura that made me shiver, and I found it difficult to control my emotions. Once, it had been fear of the fury he harbored within. Later, it had turned into fear of disappointing him. Now, it was something else entirely, and I pushed those thoughts away as quickly as they entered my mind.