Page 32 of Blood Curse

“You can identify her knock?”

“It usually damages the door.”

The vampire in the corridor knocked again. “Your Majesties? Mara sent me from the gate.”

I closed my eyes for one last second of warmth, then reached for my trousers.

“Who is it?” Bryony called.

The answer carried through the door.

“Elias Ward.”

7

BRYONY

Elias Ward.

The name changed Stellan’s face.

Not fear. Not suspicion. Relief arrived too quickly for him to hide it, then disappeared behind the careful expression he wore whenever hope felt dangerous.

“Who is he?” I asked.

Stellan pulled on his trousers. “The court physician. He was also my steward when I was king.”

“You’re still king.”

“Then he has a century of complaints waiting for me.”

The vampire outside the door cleared his throat. “Should I tell him to wait at the gate?”

“Absolutely not,” Stellan called.

Footsteps retreated down the passage.

I found my underwear under the blanket and my blouse hanging from one bedpost. “How old is Elias?”

“Older than I am. He was a physician before he became a vampire and remained one afterwards.”

“Did you trust him?”

“With my life. Occasionally with my dignity.”

“That sounds serious.”

“He once stitched my thigh while Mara sat on my chest.”

“I’m going to need the rest of that story.”

“You’ll get several versions. Mine will be the only accurate one.”

I fastened my blouse and checked that every button had found the correct hole. The Crown sat dark in my hair, pretending it hadn’t spent the night learning exactly how much pleasure obedience could give it.

Stellan noticed me looking at the mirror. “Any pressure?”

“Nothing. It feels awake, but it isn’t pushing.”