“With this? I think we can,” she said. “You guys said it yourselves—Rogozin is after territory, not human vessels. There’s no way he’d want Chernikov’s plan to succeed. If it did, Rogozin would be forced to give up all his territory and fall in line, just like everyone else. With his organization backing us, we’ve definitely got the numbers, right?”
“It certainly gives us better odds,” Colin said.
“My enemy’s enemy is my friend,” Aiden said. “A classic strategy, to be sure. But I’m not sure that’s enough to win him over. What’s in it for Alexei himself? Why would he risk his own organization, his reputation, and his life to align with the royal vampires?”
“Because if he doesn’t,” she said, “the moles in his organization will sell the precious Blade of Azerius to his enemy, basically ensuring Chernikov’s victory and sole dominion over all life on earth, human and supernatural alike.”
Dorian sighed. As much as he loathed the idea of working with Rogozin—withanydemon, for that matter, especially after Chernikov’s treachery—Charlotte had a point.
“How are you seeing this play out, love?” he asked.
Through another cheeky grin, she said, “We offer him something no demon can resist: A deal.”
“You’re out of your bloody head,” Gabriel said. “Demon deals are a one-way ticket to hell.”
“Not if we read the fine print,” she said, “and not if we’re the ones making the deal.”
“What is it you think we have to offer?” Dorian asked.
At this, the sparkle in her eyes dimmed, and she let out a long, slow breath. “Two things, actually, and you’re going to hate them both.”
Dorian took a long pull on his scotch, steadying himself.
“One—sell him the Blade of Azerius,” she said. “Direct buy, half of what he’s supposedly paying Estas, none of the hassle.”
“Why would I give up the one weapon we’ve got that can eradicate demons?” Dorian asked.
“Because it’s not actually all that useful to you. Think about it—you can only use it on one demon at a time. If that’s your grand plan against Chernikov, it’s going to take a while.”
“I agree,” Isabelle said. “In the hands of a vampire—even the king himself—the weapon is more symbolic than anything else.”
“A symbol of our power over the lesser supernatural beings,” Gabriel said. “Turn that over to Rogozin—toanydemon—and you may as well drop to your knees and offer to suck his cock.”
“Even if we defeat Rudy and Estas and avoid the robbery,” Charlotte said, “if you keep that blade, you’re going to be hunted. The demons will never stop trying to take it from you, and eventually, they’ll succeed. I’d bet my left tit they’ll come after it the minute they figure out Rudy can’t deliver it.”
“I’d really prefer you not bet your body parts, love,” Dorian said. “I’ve gotten rather attached to all of them. Furthermore…” He closed his eyes and rubbed them, wishing like hell he wasn’t about to say this next bit, but seeing no way around it. “I actually agree with you.”
“Fuck,” Gabriel said. “So do I—about the blade being a danger to us, not about aligning with Rogozin. Therehasto be a better way.”
“I’m all ears,” Dorian said, but Gabriel had nothing more to add.
“Charlotte,” Isabelle said, “what was the second thing?”
Charlotte sipped her gin and tonic, then turned to Dorian. “After Malcolm convened his council, you told me you weren’t opposed on principal—only that you wanted to see other supernaturals represented.”
“If and when I decide to form an advisory committee, then yes, I would want everyone represented. But… Wait. Surely you’re not suggesting…?”
“That’sexactlywhat I’m suggesting.”
“You want me to extend an olive branch to the Rogozin demons? To invite them to the literal table?”
“I’m asking you to objectively look at the situation we’re in. Even if we defeat Chernikov, you’re still going to need more allies going forward. Your father has only recently died, and look at the chaos that’s already come to your door. If we can secure an alliance with one of the most powerful demonic factions in the city—one poised to becomethemost powerful, if we can take out Chernikov—that can only help keep the peace.”
“Are you serious?” Gabriel rose from his chair, glaring at Charlotte as if she were mad. “Rogozin is not our friend, Charlotte. He’s a demon. You of all people should know that.”
“Gabriel,” Dorian warned. “Do not speak to—”
“No, he’s right,” Charlotte said. “Ishouldknow that—and I fucking do, Gabriel.Believeme. Rogozin’s guys did unspeakable things to me as a kid. But I need to set my personal feelings about them aside, because what’s happening now is so much bigger than me. War is coming, guys. Chernikov is the bigger threat right now—to House Redthorneandto Rogozin. But if your house and Rogozin’s organization are united against that threat, Chernikov doesn’t stand a chance. It’s time to make a deal.”
