I unrumpled the note for the hundredth time, smoothing down the ink-blotted edges on the metal railing of the balcony attached to my room.

Find the hidden heir within Maiestas Regia.

I took in the words as a cool breeze rustled my hair and caused my bangs to fall over my face. I wish I could have said I was surprised, but I wasn't. In the back of my mind, I had known it was suspicious—the fact that my father agreed to the peace treaty so easily. The readiness in offering me up to study at Maiestas Regia. While it remained true that he didn't care about his youngest, useless daughter, he had finally found a purpose for her: planting me here as a spy.

Spies had to be unassuming, unexpected.

No one would expect the inferior Levant daughter to be a spy.

And he knew it.

What information did he receive to have reason to believe Claude wasn't the crown prince? Enough so that he would agree to a peace treaty solely to get me in here? How long had he had that information? Why hadn't he told me?

Well, not telling me had an obvious explanation—he didn't trust me. Had I known, I would have fought his decision, insisting that my sister come in my stead. He knew how to play his cards right. He knew if he waited to inform me of my true assignment until I arrived, I wouldn't be able to go against it. Contact between us was forbidden from the moment I stepped onto the grounds of Maiestas Regia. He knew I would have no choice but to obey, lest I receive punishment when I returned.

I flinched at the thought, my body automatically taking a step back from the edge of the balcony and shrinking in on itself. No, it wouldn't come to that. I subconsciously rubbed at the smooth, pink wounds hidden under the sleeves of my shirt. Finding a hidden heir sounded like an intimidating task, but it was one I could manage, no matter how averse I was to it. It required intelligence over brutality. I could seek out the true prince without hurting anyone.

What my father would do with that information though... I didn't have any idea. Even if I uncovered something, what would come of it? Could he start a war with that information? Was that his ultimate objective? Was that even possible? Was it something else? Would I be the cause of it if it came to that?

One step at a time, Cleo. There was no need for me to think that far ahead yet or panic. I would start by gathering information. I had to find the veracity of my father's claim first and foremost. He claimed Claude wasn't the crown prince, but I'd witnessed firsthand that his eyes had the Hue, and he held Sway. Claude had to be royalty. That information was a start, at least. Something I could report to my father with no repercussions if I couldn't find anything else in the time before I faced him again.

I should be happy that this was all my father wanted me to do, considering all the other alternatives he could have asked of me. This would be easy to do while also abiding by what Evander requested of me and the terms of the treaty in general. If I had any hope of uncovering a secret sibling of Claude, I had to start by getting close to him and investigating the history of the royal family for any discrepancies. My father had thought this out well.

An image of Claude's expression of contempt as he passed by me entered my mind, and I bit my lip. Befriending him would probably end up being the hardest part of all this. Growing up with the Levant family did me no favors in socialization. The most social interaction I had was with the replica vampires whom I apologized to before incapacitating them. And they couldn't even respond.

Sighing, I tore up the paper into scraps, wishing I had a lighter to ignite the remnants with. My father took a risk by sneaking the note into my luggage. I was lucky they hadn't searched my belongings. I didn't feel safe with it in my room, even torn up as it was now. I hunted around the balcony and figured the potted Rhapis palms were the best place to bury any evidence. I dug into the damp dirt and buried the paper underneath. I would dig it up later when I acquired something to burn it with.

Thoroughly worn out, I dragged myself back into my room, locking the glass door behind me. Tomorrow, my task would begin in earnest. Something told me tonight's rest would be the best I would have for a long while. I slid into the soft bed, closing my eyes, and hoping for sleep.

Three knocks sent me flying out from under the covers. Reaching around for the shirt I'd tossed off in the middle of the night, I yanked it on before hurrying to the door, opening it a crack. "Yeah?"

"Morning!" Kaz greeted me. "Did I wake you?"

"No," I lied.

He smiled coyly as if he saw right through me. "I hope you slept well. Today I'm supposed to show you around the grounds. Since it's the weekend, you don't need to wear the uniform, but for future reference, all the different pieces are in your closet already. We're not strict about who wears what style, so wear whatever is more comfortable for you."

Oh, right. The uniform. I assumed Kaz currently wore some form of the masculine version. Black pants, a black dress shirt, a gold tie, and a black blazer thrown over it all, left open. The blazer had gold detailing down the sleeves and lapels and was adorned with gold buttons and the school's emblem on the breast pocket. Although a bit simplistic, I thought it was elegant. Were the other pieces the same?

"How come you're in uniform if I don't have to be?" I asked.

"Oh, I have a meeting with the headmaster. I'll probably be back in half an hour. Then I'll change and come get you, 'K?"

"Sure, although I'd be more than happy to relax in my room all day."

His green eyes twinkled. "The rooms aren't bad, huh?"

"Incredible, actually. The academy really pulled out all the stops."

"It's not surprising, considering who funds the school. The words royal and lavish go hand in hand."

I nodded because I'd read about that already. The school had been founded by the king in the 1500s, and the royal family continued to oversee it to this day. Originally, it had been an academy just for royalty, but they'd opened their doors to other noble families, and eventually to any student with the means to pay their way in. Humans and vampires were different in many ways, but the greediness of the education system remained the same across the board.

"Oops, I'm going to be late. Come out when you're ready, and I'll meet you."

As much as I didn't want to be paraded around the academy, I knew it would be a good chance to scope out as much as I could so I wouldn't get lost when I moved unattended. I had to learn my way around so I could ditch Kaz and start gathering information without being watched. I knew there was a library somewhere on campus. Even among humans, it was well known for its massive collection. Many hunters had even tried to sneak in during the war, only to be killed before ever reaching the academy. It would no doubt hold books that had never been in the hands of humans. I'd planned on checking it out just from being curious, but now that I had a mission to fulfill, I could use it as my first step. Having a plan helped me feel more at ease about my father's note.

I searched my luggage for my toiletries and then stepped into the shower, the water warming up instantly with impressive water pressure. My hand automatically went for the hawthorn berry-infused soap I washed myself with every day. Hawthorn berries poisoned vampires upon consumption. My sister and I were taught from an early age to wash ourselves with the berries for added protection. I hesitated about using it now. Would the vampires be able to smell it on me? I would stand out enough for who I was. Stinking up the room wouldn't help my situation.

I put the bar back down, opting for the packaged soap left for me by whoever stocked my bathroom. I would chance it. Besides, the berries would do nothing against any Sway or physical harm. I'd have to rely on my training if anyone tried to come at me. Hopefully they wouldn't.

After finishing in the bathroom, I dug through my suitcase and pulled out a peach-colored hoodie and strapped a thin dagger to my ankle before pulling on a pair of light-washed jeans. Checking myself out in the mirror to make sure the weapon didn't bulge under the material, I threw my hair up into a ponytail and slipped my feet into a pair of white sneakers. I was sure walking around with a dagger would be frowned upon, but I couldn't relinquish it until I got a feel for the student body. I refused to be unarmed if I was attacked.

I stepped into the vacant hall, closing my door quietly. Claude hadn't arrived yet. I took the chance to inspect my surroundings. The walls were made out of dark wood decorated with abstract art and the school's golden emblem. Arched windows separated the rooms, allowing natural light to reflect on the polished porcelain floors. There were no nooks or crannies to hide away in. No way out or in except for the stairs in the other room. That meant I could be either very well protected or very well trapped.

I stepped onto the currant-colored carpet that lined the middle of the floor and followed it out to the common room. It consisted of two expensive-looking leather sofas and two upholstered loveseats placed around a walnut coffee table. A flat-screen TV hung on the wall behind one of the sofas, hooked up to a Nintendo Switch. The sight of the Switch made me pause. Vampires playing video games? No matter how much I told myself vampires were just like humans, actually seeing validation of it surprised me. It didn't match the picture my father painted in my head all these years. The whole academy didn't.

It unnerved me to think that my sister shared the same view as my father. And other hunters as well. They refused to see our similarities. They only wanted bloodshed and conflict. How did their minds get so warped?

My gaze went to the stairwell, where only one guard stood instead of two like the night before. He had short black hair, a square face, and was easily a foot taller than me. He stood with perfect posture, unnaturally stationery. Now, looking closer at him, I noticed he had a sword strapped to his hip. A freaking sword. It seemed so out of place when compared to the modern appearance of the black suit he was wearing. A gun would be more suited for him than a sword. Light glinted off the pommel as he adjusted his stance. I looked up to see his dark eyes taper to me, his hand subtly moving to his sword.

"Oh, I was just looking," I said.

His fingers curled around the grip in response.

And with that, I decided to head back to my room to wait for Kaz. A dagger would be no match against a sword. I backpedaled to the dorm hall, making sure not to turn my back to the guard, nearly tripping over a potted bird of paradise as I turned the corner. It nudged my dagger, causing it to slide from its strap and press the tip into my ankle bone. After making sure I was out of sight, I kneeled down to adjust it.

I'd known I needed a smaller strap, but I hadn't been allowed out to buy one. I'd have to cut some of the material out and restitch it. For now, I'd just tie it tighter.

Just as I rolled up the cuff of my jeans, I heard the click of a lock. I pulled my pant leg back down immediately, looking straight ahead as the wooden double doors swung outward. The effect of the Sway was immediate. Gravity pulled down on me. I was grateful to already be kneeling.

Claude appeared, swiping a hand back through his black hair and pushing it out of his face as he flipped through keys on a keyring. He hadn't noticed me yet, and I swallowed, wondering if I could get myself to move the few remaining feet to my room before he did. The tip of my dagger was sure to cut me, but it would be worth it.

That thought was dismissed as Claude's movements halted, his head snapping up and flaxen eyes piercing right into mine. I held his gaze, keeping my expression neutral. He considered me for a moment before returning to his search, putting his back to me as he closed the doors to his room, apparently finding the correct key and locking it.

I lowered my eyes as he began walking toward me, remembering that eye contact could be considered an act of defiance to the royals. Part of my duties was to befriend him. I had to at least try. Offending him wouldn't be productive.

Avoiding his gaze became harder as I heard the clicks of his steps on the ceramic floor approach me. The polished tips of his army laced boots appeared in my field of vision. I could smell the leather they were made out of, and it made me feel nauseous.

"Ah," he spoke, a voice deeper than I expected.

I lifted my head slowly, taking in the expensive looking fabric of his black slacks, the gold buckle of his belt, the narrowness of his waist attenuated by his black waistcoat, the golden embroidery stitched into his raven suit jacket, the expanse of his shoulders, up to his slender neck, then the curve of his jawline...

It was clear he was unarmed. His suit was cut to precision with nowhere to hide anything. If he tried something, I'd have at least one advantage with my dagger.

I craned my neck to meet his eyes. I hated the feeling that crept into me as I did so. Like this was my true calling. To kneel before the prince and to serve him. To give him complete obedience.

His coal-colored hair fell over his forehead as he looked down at me languidly. I did my best not to flinch as he reached out and brushed his fingertips along my jaw. "Such decorum," he said softly. "To kneel before your inimical prince."

I inhaled in a staccato breath, a cold flush going through my veins in stark contrast to the warmth spreading across my cheeks. His touch lingered, thumb and forefinger taking hold of my chin. With an incredible amount of effort, I managed to lift my arm to push his hand away. His arm fell back to his side, but I knew he moved by choice. Had he wished it, he would still be holding on to me.

It took everything in me to bite back any sharp remarks. His actions made it clear he viewed me as no more than an inconvenience. He didn't approve of me being here—which meant my assignment had just become even more difficult. I couldn't give him any more cause to hold me in disfavor. Getting close to him would prove impossible.

Instead, I begrudgingly inclined my head. "It's an honor to be in your presence, Prince Claude."

"You're mistaken if you think I'll fall for that act."

I pinched my lips together, glaring at my reflection in the glossy tiles. This would be frustrating, but I grew up to have perseverance. An unpleasant personality wouldn't deter me. Failing had dangerous consequences. I would not let it come to that.

Another pair of flurried footfalls met my ears, and I twisted my neck to see Kaz bursting into the hall, the belt to his black dust coat flapping after him. As soon as he glimpsed Claude, he came to a quick stop, combat boots sliding and squeaking as he crumpled into a bow. He made eye contact with me, eyebrows shooting up on his forehead.

I hoped my face screamed get me out of this.

"Kaz, what is your hurry?" Claude asked, angling his body away from me.

Instantly, my body felt relief. The heaviness disappeared along with the Sway. I knew I could climb to my feet now, but chose to stay as I was, lest I regain Claude's attention.

Kaz grinned. "Late for a date, your majesty." The way he enunciated majesty made it sound like an insult.

"Date?"

"With Cleo. I'm going to show her around."

"How benevolent."

I hated them talking like I wasn't standing right there. Well, kneeling. My knees were beginning to hurt.

Claude strode forward, giving Kaz a displeased glance before disappearing around the corner. Kaz let out a short breath before rushing up to me and offering his hand. "What are you doing down there?"

I let him help me up. "I was tying my shoe when Claude came out. How do you deal with that Sway? I feel so trapped."

I regretted saying that instantly. Another weakness I'd said aloud to Kaz. I hoped he wouldn't use it against me.

Kaz tilted his head to the side, his gold earring dangling down to his shoulder. "Well, for vampires, the effects of Sway lessen the more you endure it. It also depends on how much Claude pushes onto you."

"He can control that?"

"Yep. The royal family has always used it as an intimidation tactic, among other things."

"That's just wrong."

Kaz shrugged. "It's normal here. I wouldn't say Claude goes out of his way to use it. Most of the time I think he just doesn't realize what he's doing. He's a bit mindless sometimes."

I folded my arms over my chest. I wouldn't call that mindless. Cruel. Or unjust, maybe. "Is there anything I can do to make it affect me less?"

"I'm not sure. Sorry. You're the only human who has lived long enough in his presence to make anyone even consider thinking about that."

"...Lovely."

Kaz scratched the back of his head, the hem of his black turtleneck raising to show the planes of his stomach. "Aha... It's because those humans were vampire hunters."

I stared at him pointedly.

He swallowed visibly. "Well, I think you're safe. Probably."

I knew those vampire hunters probably had been after Claude's life, but the idea of him striking them down made my skin crawl. Did they even stand a chance? Had the Sway simply held them still while he killed them mercilessly? Would that happen to me if I made a wrong move?

"If it makes you feel any better, I don't sense any hostility from you," Kaz continued, trying to backpedal. "I mean, I can tell you're human, but you don't seem much different from anyone else here."

"How do you recognize me as human?" I asked curiously. I knew the traits that helped me decipher between humans and vampires, but what about vampires? What did they notice?

Kaz pointed at the hollow of my neck. "Your scent."

I self-consciously smelled myself, only getting a whiff of the deodorant I'd put on earlier. "What kind of scent?"

"Bacteria, maybe?"

"You're a charmer, aren't you?"

He winced. "I'll just stop talking. It's not a bad scent, though. Just different. It stands out."

Of course, it stood out. I was the only human here.

"Anyway, I'm going to change, and then we can do the tour. Wait here for a second."

As soon as Kaz disappeared into his dorm, I quickly readjusted my dagger holster, tying it tightly to my calf so the blade wouldn't stab me. Although a dagger wouldn't do much if the Sway could keep me subdued. I had more reasons to find a library now. Maybe the history books would hold other secrets as well.

Though the grounds were massive, they were organized in a way where I didn't think I would become lost when on my own. There were paths and signs to every building and facility, lampposts lining those paths, and surveillance cameras attached to the lampposts. I was both annoyed and relieved by the cameras. If something happened to me, it would be caught on video. But if I were caught sneaking around, I'd have to come up with a good lie.

There weren't many students milling about the lush courtyard, but those who were watching me curiously as I strode by them, hiding in the shade of the pear trees. No one came close to me. Only scrutinized, like I was some kind of zoo animal. Kaz either didn't notice this, or didn't care, because he just kept going on with his spiel about the academy campus rules and regulations, pointing out his favorite architectural components of the campus.

I'd have to read the handbook later. I was too distracted by my inspection to listen to Kaz's chatter. Nothing was out of the ordinary or suspicious. Maiestas Regia was just a normal academy... only be it one full of blood sucking vampires. There weren't even any prohibited buildings. The students could roam wherever they wanted.

"This path is kind of spooky at night, but it's well lit," Kaz said as we came to a fork on the white stone path. A weathered wood sign read Library and had an arrow pointing in the same direction Kaz nodded toward. High red maple trees surrounded the route to the library, blocking out most of the sunlight.

"Can we check it out?"

"Sorry, the campus library is closed on the weekends, but it's open twenty-four hours during the week. There's a lake next to it, though, if you're interested in seeing that?"

I tried to hide my disappointment. I wouldn't have been able to check for anything with Kaz with me, but that meant that tomorrow I couldn't do anything either. Waiting gave me anxiety. Especially now that getting close to Claude appeared out of the question. I wanted to find something, anything that would satisfy my father if he decided to check up on me.

He won't, I told myself. We weren't supposed to have contact. I would have months to find this information. I could take my time. Investigating too soon would draw attention, anyway.

"Let's go to the lake," I said. I could at least check out the area.

Leaves crunched under our feet as we continued into the canopy. Scattered sunlight filtered through the leaves, enhancing their ruby color and creating beautiful scenery. How many years had passed for those trees to grow to their full height? How long ago had they built this path? Were the vampires who did it still alive to see how charming it came out?

My father had said vampires lived extended lifespans, but I didn't think I could believe in anything he told me anymore.

The library appeared in the distance as we grew closer. Like the rest of the premises, it was tall and grand, sweeping upward with ornate carvings. The doorways stood under tall, arched entrances. An ornamental fence surrounded it, padlocked at the gate. That made me pause. If all other buildings had unrestricted access, why did the library have to be locked while closed?

We went left, passing the library. A lush, green yard spread out to the shores of the vast lake. The lake itself mirrored the cerulean sky, lying flat and calm. Curved stone half walls created semi-secluded sitting areas with picnic tables and benches. Some students milled about in them, spread out either eating or studying.

"In the summer you can go swimming, but right now it's obviously too cold," Kaz said as we came to the sandy waterside. "Sucks you had to transfer in the middle of the semester."

As I opened my mouth to answer, a pair of hands pushed hard on my upper back, causing me to go stumbling forward. I regained my balance quickly and twisted around, hunching down a little in case I needed to grab my dagger.

A shock of red hair met my gaze, then an equally surprised expression. Hands still suspended in mid-air, the guy who shoved me moved forward, and I took a step back, hardening my look.

"That was an accident," he explained in a rush, biting on his lip, clearly trying to hold back his amusement. "Man, you guys are seriously delicate, aren't you?"

"San," Kaz said disapprovingly.

"I only wanted to scare her a little!"

"I sense that's a commonly recurring theme with you vampires," I said, still not letting my guard down.

Kaz smiled guiltily.

"I'm San," the man with blood-red hair said, holding out his hand. He had to at least be over six feet. He towered over both Kaz and myself. Slender, but I could see the muscles in his forearm even in his relaxed stance. "I'm this guy right here's best friend. And I am sorry for shoving you. However, it was a little funny."

I hesitantly took it. Thinking of me as entertainment was still better than thinking of me as an enemy. Better to remain easygoing. "I'm sure you know, but I'm Cleo."

San gave me an open-mouthed smile, the sharp edges of his fangs coming into sight. I tried not to focus on them, but they still made my heart skip a beat. Sharp. Sharper than any knife I'd ever seen. No wonder they were used as deadly weapons. I figured if I ran my fingers across the tip, it would slice my skin like butter.

"I like your hair," he said slowly. "If you need a touch up, a student here actually does mine. I can introduce her to you if you want! She's young but does a great job."

I watched his fangs, almost mesmerized. "Oh, uh, that'd be great, actually."

When he ran a tongue over them, I realized he was doing this on purpose. Still trying to make me sweat.

He was still holding my hand, so I tried to slide it out of his hold, but he held onto it tightly, that same smile on his face. Yes, he was definitely trying to get a reaction out of me. And I would give it to him.

I shifted my weight onto my right foot and brought up my left, sending the point of my shoe into his upper abdomen. He released me, groaning.

"Humans may be delicate, but don't forget you share the same organs as us and their frailty. I know where to aim to incapacitate you if it came to it."

San nodded his head. "Got it. Okay. Good. I'm glad you can protect yourself. I would have been worried after seeing your tiny self."

"Worried?" I echoed.

"You better be careful here, Cleo. A lot of us want you dead."