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“Things have changed. Before, we had a plan”—he rubbed his forehead, smoothing out the wrinkles which had formed—“to take down Nightshade first, but now, with us having to fake being together and going to the castle, you’re safer knowing than being kept in the dark.”
I pressed my sweaty palms together, fidgeting with the ring around my finger.
“Your mother is no stranger to Sanmorte.”
“I assumed as much, considering you told me my dad is a vampire.”
“Your mother’s true name is Ravena.” He paused. “And she was once queen.”
I blinked twice, my jaw slacking. Clearly, I hadn’t heard that correctly. A small laugh escaped my lips, and I clasped my hand over my mouth.
“You are the daughter of the vampire king.”
Okay, this really was a fucking joke.
“There’s been a lot of speculation about the lost heir of Sanmorte hiding in Baldoria. I didn’t believe it myself until I saw you for the first time.”
No. No. I shook my head, stepping backward until my back hit a wall. “I’m not.”
“I know this is a shock.”
I laughed again, although none of this was funny. “A shock?” Another laugh. “It’s impossible. I can’t be. I mean, you said the Nightshade people want me dead. Why would they want that if I’m the heir or whatever?” I searched for anything to confirm he was lying.
“The king’s brother does not want you found. He wants the throne for himself; that’s why he sent them after you. They were caught with your mom, which is why Kalon handed her over to Sargon. He pretended it was his plan all along.”
“My mom would have told me if that was true.”
“Would she?” he questioned. “Being the heir to the most desired throne in the world isn’t the safest position. She left in the first place because he wanted to turn you into one of us. You can’t be both vampire and sorceress. He would have taken your powers, and she didn’t want that, so she left and integrated you into a mortal society, placing herself in a guild which she knew would protect you and her secret.”
My world crumbled beneath my feet, cold seeping into my core, tingling my skin. “The guild knew?”
“Yes.”
“Then Astor knows,” I said shakily after letting out a deep breath.
“Yes. He knew exactly who to go to and used her official title.”
My mind flitted with questions, but only one statement stood out. “He didn’t give me away.”
“Even traitors can care for someone,” he drawled, his lips turning into a hard line.
“No.” I shook my head again, slipping back into disbelief. “There’s no way.”
“You process this however you need to, but it doesn’t change the truth. You’re the lost princess of Sanmorte, the only heir to its throne, and I have no reason to lie about it.”
Moving slowly, I lifted my hand to my neck, slowly stroking my throat as the realization weighed heavy in my soul. “Why did you keep this from me?”
“For your own good. I didn’t know how you’d react at first or what you would try to do. We needed a plan.”
As my stomach dipped, I cast my gaze to my feet, wondering how I’d missed this. “You mean to work out how best to use me to gain the most for yourself?”
His lips parted, but no words came out. That told me everything.
I placed a hand on my hip, tears welling in my eyes. “You’re just as bad as Astor and Nightshade.”
“Careful.”
“Or what?” I challenged as shock turned into anger.
