Page 57

Adrien’s jaw set in a way I was beginning to recognize. He didn’t like being corrected all the time, and I didn’t blame him. If Severin wondered why Adrien was so argumentative, all he needed was a mirror.

“Let’s play a game,” I said before Adrien could get more agitated. “Did you bring your telescope?”

He was still scowling when he reached into his jacket and produced the same small brass telescope he’d used to show me Maris’s star.

“Find ten species of birds, and tell me what they are as you spot them.”

With a sigh, he pressed it to his eye and began rattling off different names. He seemed to enjoy the game. I could tell he liked showing off how smart he was. And he was very smart. By the time the Rochefort boat reached the dock, he was on number eleven, and thankfully Severin had left our group to stand closer to Yves.

Mr. Duval leaned in. “Good thinking with the game.”

I waved the fan harder, trying to cool the sweat on my brow. “It was nothing,” I said, dismissing the compliment.

“You only think it’s nothing because it comes easy to you.” He glanced at the dock. “It doesn’t come easy to them.”

“I remember what it was like to be young and precocious.”

He let out a warm, rich laugh. “You and His Grace have that in common.”

I shot him a look, unsure what he meant by that. But he was smiling, pleasant as ever. Not an ounce of sarcasm to be found. I could tell Mr. Duval was trying to befriend me, but I wasn’t interested in making more friends. I was a temporary figure here.

Before the dockhands had the boat fully tied off, a handsome blonde vampire dressed in a striking pale blue and gold jacket deftly climbed out of the boat and leaped onto the dock. He embraced Yves eagerly, then did the same with Severin.

Once the boat was secure, he helped a beautiful woman with braided hair studded with tiny pearls out. Three boys dressed in jackets matching the Duke’s followed, the youngest being near Adrien’s age. The oldest was a man grown.

I took note of Rochefort’s bloodstone and how the light inside it was dead, just like Yves’s, indicating he was also without a mate. I wondered if the woman he was with was his sanguine partner.

Mr. Duval cleared his throat to get my attention. “Ensure you address the boys as Masters Caspien, Luca, and Emrys.”

The eldest, Caspien, had inherited Rochefort’s fair hair and height. Still, while his father embraced everyone warmly, Caspien remained behind long enough to ensure both his younger brothers made it safely onto the dock.

My attention landed back on Yves, and I found he was already watching me. The second our eyes met, time slowed. My breath caught, and my stomach fluttered.

Rochefort called for Adrien, and the moment broke. I gave him a nudge, and reluctantly, Adrien snapped his telescope shut and marched down to the dock, holding the parasol over his head. I watched the little vampire do what was expected of him, even if he wasn’t enthusiastic.

The eldest Rochefort son shook Severin’s hand warmly, then greeted Adrien, gesturing with interest to his telescope. “Tell me, cousin, is that how you discovered Maris’s star?”

“Rediscovered,” Adrien corrected.

I covered my mouth to hide my laughter.

“Are you feeding him tonight, or am I?” Mr. Duval asked.

I wet my lips, remembering what Severin had said. “I am.”

“If you’d like, I can be there to show you the proper way to do it.”

“Isn’t it self-explanatory?” I asked.

Mr. Duval gave a tight shake of his head. “Neither the Duke nor his son drink directly from their sanguine partner. They prefer to feed from a cup.”

My eyes widened, and I glanced toward where Yves stood conversing with Rochefort. He didn’t bite anyone? Ever?

“How… practical of them.”

Suddenly, my thoughts filled with what it would be like for him to sweep my hair back and bring his cold lips against my neck.

Never was a very long time.