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Borek’s eyes met Raven’s. He looked uneasy.
“Serve me well, and your secret will also remain secret.” William turned and ran into the woods, carrying the woman he loved.
Chapter Nine
“YOU AREN’T WEARING KEVLAR.” Raven’s hand had slipped inside William’s shirt, making contact with his cool skin. He carried her, moving at a high rate of speed through the trees.
“No, I am not.”
“Your soldiers are.”
“I am an old one, Cassita. I am faster and stronger than the others.”
“I wish you’d wear it.” She spoke against his chest.
William’s expression was impassive. “Hunters are the least of my worries.”
Raven sighed and withdrew her hand. “Borek told me he was Russian.”
William glanced back at the soldier, who strained to keep up with him. “He’s from Prague.”
“Why did he lie?”
“The Curia laid waste to the covens in Czechoslovakia. No vampyre dares live within its borders or lay claim to its heritage. No doubt Borek was afraid the Curia would kill him if they discovered the truth.”
Raven shivered. “So much death. So much killing. I don’t know how they live with themselves.”
William snorted. “They baptize their actions by claiming God is on their side.”
“Are they really so blind? There must be some way for them to combat a vampyre take-over of the world without killing.”
“If there is such a way, they aren’t interested in finding it.”
“I thought you were dead.” Raven’s voice grew small. “I agonized over it. You promised we’d stay together, and you broke that promise.”
“Cassita, I—”
“How could you send me away?” She squeezed his shoulder, her green eyes fixed on his face.
William slackened his pace.
“You could have been killed. Or worse, you and your sister could have become pets to anyone. Do you understand what that means?” His tone revealed the simmering anger that swirled in his chest.
“Machiavelli wasn’t interested in us.”
“Someone would have been. The best decision was to make everyone think the Curia wanted you and to have you escorted outside the city.”
“I was nearly killed by a feral. A hunter grabbed me. I could have died not having—not having—”
William interrupted her. “I swear by the name of my teacher that I will never send you away. But if your priest persuades the Curia to take you from me…” He trailed off.
“I will persuade Father Kavanaugh to let me stay with you.”
“I’ve always admired your optimism, Raven, but I cannot share it.” He increased his pace. “Still, I have one ally left.”
“Good.” Fatigue overtook her, and she closed her eyes, resting her cheek against his shoulder.
It was easier like this—to close her eyes as they whipped past the scenery. The speed made her dizzy, and jostling gave her a headache. But the tender, tight embrace of her beloved comforted her. He would protect her, even with his life.
William was much, much faster than Borek, even with her in his arms. Twice he had to slow his pace so the commander could catch up.
At length they approached a hill and quickly climbed toward the summit. But before they crested the top, William halted.
“My lord?” Borek’s voice was tight as he caught up.
William nodded toward the peak. “Your men and the other human are up there. But they are not alone.”
Borek inhaled slowly. “Not hunters.”
“No.” William’s jaw tensed. “Vampyres.”
Chapter Ten
THE PRINCE TESTED THE WIND, making sure it wouldn’t betray them to the vampyres who’d assembled on the hill.
He gestured for Borek to follow him, and they slowly crept up to the top. As they approached, they could hear voices.
“But couriers were sent!” Stefan sputtered. “The new Prince of Florence sent a message to your princess, explaining that we needed to pass through her territory on our way to Rome.”
“I know of no such message.” The male voice was harsh. “You’re trespassing. The price of trespassing is death.”
Swords rattled, and the sound of heavy footfalls rang out.
William placed Raven on her feet and sprang forward, sword drawn.
“Stop!” he commanded, striding in between the Umbrian captain and Stefan.
William swiftly surveyed the situation, noting that the captain was accompanied by ten soldiers, seven male and three female. He noted with satisfaction that one of his own soldiers held Cara some distance away, while two others flanked them for protection.
“Your highness.” The captain inclined his head respectfully.
The Prince returned his nod. “Your name, soldier.”
“Julius, highness. We’ve met before. I’m captain of the princess’s guard.”
“Yes, we’ve met before.” The Prince forced a small smile. “I see you’ve come across my detachment. I can verify that they’re on official Florentine business, tasked to deliver two human females to the Curia in Rome.”
The captain’s expression grew troubled. “We have no desire for conflict with the Curia. But with respect, your highness, we cannot allow you to pass.”
“Your princess is a friend to me and I to her.” The Prince’s tone was firm.
The Umbrian shifted his feet. “Yes, highness. For that reason, I would prefer not to engage you. But we cannot allow you to pass through our territory without the princess’s approval.”
William scowled. “I sent couriers a day ago.”
“As I said to one of your citizens, I know of no such couriers.” The captain’s eyes moved to the soldiers who were closing ranks behind their Prince. If they felt surprise at the sight of him, they chose to hide it.
“There are hunters about. We just battled twenty not far from here.”
“And ferals,” Borek added.
“We shouldn’t tarry, then.” The Umbrian captain lifted his sword.
The Prince measured him. Then his eyes met Raven’s.
The Prince sheathed his sword. “Very well. Take us to your princess. She and I will discuss the matter. We will come peaceably, provided there is no provocation.”
“No provocation from me or my guards, highness.” The captain whistled to his soldiers, and they moved to surround the Florentines.
The Prince locked eyes with Stefan, who’d been cowering behind another soldier. “Hand me the missive.”
The physician fumbled in his pocket and held out the letter with trembling hands.
The soldier in f
ront of him passed it to the Prince.
“You shall be dealt with, traitor,” the Prince hissed.
William turned his back on the physician and crossed over to Raven, while the Umbrians stood aside to let him pass. He picked her up and nodded to the captain.
“Proceed.”
With another whistle, the Umbrians marched down the hill, heading north toward Perugia.
Chapter Eleven
“WHY DIDN’T YOU FIGHT?” Raven whispered in William’s ear.
“The princess is an important ally. And the night has too many eyes.” He gave her a significant look.
Raven bristled at his description of the princess, for it reminded her of William’s description of Aoibhe.
“What about Cara?”
“She sleeps. When we arrive in Perugia, I will attend to her.”
“What’s in Perugia?”
“The princess.” William kissed her lightly, never slackening his pace. “Rest. You have a bruised face and an injured arm. Simonetta will be curious about you, which means we need to be alert. It will be best if we feign indifference to one another.”
“You may as well ask the sun not to shine.”
William smiled and took her lips once again.
She closed her eyes, a feeling of disquiet growing within her.
“We have arrived.” William’s low voice broke through Raven’s slumber.
The underworld of Umbria was, in appearance, very similar to the underworld of Florence. It consisted of a network of hidden passages lit by torches and large, cavernous rooms hewn out of stone.
The Florentines were escorted into what looked like a council chamber, dominated as it was by a gold throne that sat elevated at the far end of the room.
Without explanation, William placed Raven on her feet near the door and stepped forward until he stood squarely in front of the throne.
He adjusted the sleeves of his black dress shirt, the gold of his cufflinks shining in the torchlight.
As if on cue, the captain of the guard withdrew through a side door.
Suddenly, and without warning, a woman’s scream filled the space.
