He huffs out a breath of laughter. ‘Is that so?’
I blush as I realise the double entendre. ‘I mean, I?—’
‘The four great families have a tangled past,’ he says. ‘Yes, we worked together to control humans, when they became out of control. But otherwise … we tend to keep to our own realms. So, it was a surprise, to receive your summons.’
‘We’re friendly with Lion.’
‘Friendly? Even after their prince was killed at your family home?’ He raises an eyebrow. ‘What is it you really want, Emelia?’
I swallow. Daniel’s death was a terrible accident, a casualty of the North Wind bombing aimed at my father. News travels, I suppose, when it’s of that magnitude. ‘I’m to be crowned soon,’ I say, ‘and it seemed important to include the other families.’
‘Because you want our support?’
‘I wanted to know you. And for you to know me. Who I am, and what I stand for.’
‘And what is that?’ He sounds intrigued, his voice a deep purr.
‘I want to change the world for humans, to give them a better life.’
‘Is this so?’
I swallow, gazing up at him. A breeze feathers across my bare shoulders, like a kiss. ‘It is. I’m starting small. The Channel Islands. A truly free place for humans to live as they wish, to bring up their children without fear.’
‘Free humans? Well, that is a marvel,’ he says. ‘How is it going?’
‘It’s fine.’ I don’t trust him enough yet to tell him the truth. I shiver, suddenly aware we’re a long way from the palace. The trees rustle as though full of ghosts, ladies with powdered hair and wide silk skirts, a reminder that this has been a place of pleasure for many centuries. ‘Perhaps we should head back,’ I say. ‘There are other people I would like to spend time with tonight.’
Joaquin slides his fingers down my arm, his touch raising goosebumps. He brings my hand to his lips, his dark gaze liquid. ‘Are you sure?’ His voice hums with sensual promise. And there’s a moment where I want it, want him to lay me down on the nearby bench and have his way with me, want to peel off that dark jacket and get my hands on the muscular chest beneath it. That dark well of power in me seems to surge and flex, responding to him.
‘I am,’ I say, before I can change my mind and do something I’m fairly certain I’ll regret.
His dark brows draw together, a subtle movement. ‘Of course.’ He scoops me into his arms, his hand resting at the side of my breast, as though at any moment those long fingers could slide back into my corset. I cling to him as he speeds me towards the glittering palace. He deposits me outside the long glass doors a few moments later, sneaking another kiss as I slide down his body. Hmmm. I could do far worse than this handsome prince.
So, I kiss him back, then smooth my hands down my dress. ‘Am I tidy?’
He grins, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear, adjusting the diamond flower. ‘You are perfect. Come, let’s go inside. I would dance with you again.’
But when we enter the ballroom, Jennie is waiting with a handsome blond vampire. I recognise him as the one who was in my bedroom earlier. His expression, as it lights upon Joaquin’s hand at my waist, is tight.
‘Dearest Emelia,’ Jennie cries. ‘Come, meet Deryck Vindhof. He’s been waiting half the night to dance with you.’ There’s a faint reprimand in the words and I raise an eyebrow. I can dance with whomever I choose. But I also know that Deryck, as a Vindhof, is standing with Mistral against us. I turn to Joaquin.
‘Thank you for the walk,’ I say. ‘And our conversation. I’d like to talk again, later.’
Joaquin’s dark gaze moves from me to Deryck. ‘Of course, dear one. I’ll wait for you.’ He kisses my hand, lingering slightly too long, staking his claim. Deryck’s frown deepens.
I go to him, my arms out, my skirts whispering around my legs. ‘It’s a pleasure to meet you, Deryck.’ I give him my best smile, trying to channel my mother’s gracious beauty.
He bows, spreading one arm wide. ‘The pleasure is mine, my lady.’ He straightens up, offering his hand. ‘It’s worth the wait, to dance with you.’
‘I’m looking forward to dancing with you, too,’ I say as I take his hand, wanting to be polite.
‘Is that so?’ He smiles down at me, seeming mollified.
Not really. Fatigue rolls over me. If I’m honest, I want to go to bed. Alone. Playing politics and kissing princes in gardens and keeping up with tireless vampires is fucking exhausting. But if I’m to meet the Challenge, I need to show no weakness. The show must go on.
So, I dig deep, finding that silver and ebony core once more as Deryck swings me into the dance. ‘Of course,’ I say.
‘What did you think of the gardens? I’d wager you were more lovely than any flower in them.’
