Page 63 of Blood & Bedlam

Cami returns the respect, and then settles back in her seat, giving them her full attention.

“Welcome, House of Clan Torini. We remind you that while you are here, you will and must abide by the laws set forth by the sovereignty of New Orleans. Any deviation will be met with swift corrective action, as your first delegation learned.” Her voice rings out clear, and I can feel how high the tensions are. The Otherworlders in this room represent the coalition Vladimir worked so hard to set up, a body of government that represented its people, so that they would all have a voice. The actions of that first delegation put all that in jeopardy, and these Otherworlders would not soon forget.

One of the Italians looks around, taking note of the rising hostile energy.

“On behalf of House of Clan Torini, I come to humbly offer my sincerest apologies for the insult leveled against House of Clan Dracul, and I assure you, we have no intention of breaking any accords here.” The king’s voice is laced with regret and apology, and I see Juliette’s eyes glazed over, Fleur’s body a little too straight. They’re both using their gifts, one to see what they can of this outcome, the other tampering down the hostility building.

“Wise words, Your Majesty, but we have heard them before,” Cami counters. “We offered your clan a second chance after their previous trespasses, and not only did they take the life of several mortals without sanction, but they attempted to murder the Royal Family. Sixteen Eternals were killed, four wounded, and one maimed. You’ll forgive me if the word of House of Clan Torini holds no water in these halls.”

Murmurs of righteous assent rumble out from the Otherworlders, and I watch the delegation take subtle defensive movements, readying to protect their king.

“The shame my sister has brought upon our house cannot be understated, and for that, I know a debt is owed. I come today, traveled all this way, to broker peace and a possible allegiance between our houses. We are on the precipice, you see, of all-out war. There have always been disputes for territory and blood, but now, we are fractured. I have lost many in our ranks to this madness.” There’s nearly a plea in his voice, and I can feel how tightly wound Vladimir is as he watches the exchange. The king has touched his gaze on the former Dracul more than once.

“That looks to be the natural consequences of treachery,” Camille replies coolly.

The king’s lips thin into a tight line. “Be that as it may—this is a problem that will affect your house as well.”

“How so?” she asks.

“Many in the European monarchies feel as my sister did, that your house is illegitimate. That the sovereignty of the Crescent City has no formal recognition in our world.” His words are met with immediate boos and indignation, as several shifters stand, throwing out insults. The king holds up his hands in mock surrender, and Camille silences the delegation with a severe look.

“I do not believe this. We never have agreed with it, but it is a fact. They struck you here, and they nearly succeeded. Your house cut down First Bloods. Many consider this an act of war against an illegal state.” The king’s words spike through me, the blood roaring in my ears. Vlad’s hand stills on my back, and he and the king share a knowing look. He knows the Italian speaks truth—even I can taste it in his words. There is no deception, only fear for his family, his people.

“If they feel they have grounds for a challenge, I welcome it,” Camille responds, her voice even and reasonable.

“Respectfully, Dracul, they do not recognize you. And because they do not recognize you, they will not go through proper channels. They will flood your shores with assassins. They will raze your city to get what they want. I’m afraid that Blood matters most to them. When your father ruled”—his eyes trail back to Vladimir, whose gaze is glued to Cami’s face—“they feared him, knew he couldn’t be killed, but only because they had tried so many times. They know that you are not as indestructible, Dracul. And they will do what they feel they must to take what you have earned, because they feel born to it.”

His words strike a deep chord with the girls, and we all feel it, down in our marrow. The essential stipulation of girlhood.

“And you don’t believe that you’re entitled to it?” Cami asks.

He regards her for a moment, then splays his hands wide. “I married into this. I am a First Blood, but House of Clan Torini was the house of my wife. It is partly why my sister-in-law felt emboldened to move against my wishes. I am an outsider there, as you are.” There’s a loss in his voice, and a brief glance to the vampire to the left. I can see the resemblance between them …

“Why risk everything to travel here and give us this information?”

The king considers.

“Because I believe you would need to look inside my blood to know the depths of my truth. And because I have an offer to make, one that could legitimize your house, and enshrine what is left of mine …”

My mind races as the others speak through the bloodlink, but Cami leans in closer, giving him her full attention.

“Go on,” she commands.

He wrings his hands together, wetting his lips. “We are of First Blood. We have a kingdom, similar in size to what you have here … You are the Dracul, but I have heard that you are un-Bonded as of yet?” His voice wavers as the entire room goes still at his words.

“No,” Vlad growls, but the king is already turning, gesturing to the dark-haired vampire with deep blue eyes.

“I have an un-Bonded son. He is the direct heir to House of Clan Torini, and seventh in the succession of House of Clan Brodeur, on my side. I propose a political alliance, sealed in the Blood, legitimized in the eyes of First Blood law.”

The dais erupts in protest, with Fleur and Claire on their feet shouting in French, all careful composure out the fucking window. Anger boils in my own blood, but it’s deadly fury radiating at my back.

“This legitimizes you and would protect you from having open war declared against you. Too long, New Orleans has stood alone. You need allies, Dracul. We have a wealth of resources, soldiers. I have spoken publicly as an advocate for your sovereignty, and because of that, my people are a target. We need a united front. Please.” The king takes a step forward, and Vladimir moves, blocking the path to Cami with a snarl.

“My daughter is not for sale,” he seethes through clenched teeth. The guards push between the elder and Vladimir, but Drake and Serena flank him, unbridled rage pouring from them.

“Enough.” Cami’s voice cuts through the chaos, and we turn to see her rising from her throne. She steps down, and Tully moves with her automatically like a shadow, following close. Cami lays a hand gently on Vladimir, pulling him back, then turns, eyeing each member of the delegation with shrewd eyes, stopping in front of the prince in question.

I see her regard him, chin held high. He’s tall, so tall she nearly has to crane her neck to look up at him so closely. Her eyes dance between his, searching for something.