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Research.The word fills me with revulsion. “And did he ever tell you what he found out? If she isn’t human, thenwhatis she?”
“She’s… from the other side of the world. A place we don’t understand. Not quite a witch, nor a demon. She’s a spirit of the forest. She has the power to bewitch men and curse them. Emperor Duthriss said a certain word once.Dryad.”
A frisson of anticipation courses through me. The word has a familiar ring to it.
Dryad.
I need to know more. And now I have a word. It’s a start.
To unlock Finley’s truth and find her mother.
Pray that she is still alive, father. If you’ve killed her, then…
I don’t know what I’d do. The depth of my protectiveness surprises me. I’ve only encountered Finley twice, and each time I took advantage of her, succumbing to my terrible thirst.
In spite of all that, she was blunt with me when she had to be. She was courageous, putting her brothers’ lives above her own. Sharp-witted, and yet clever enough to know when to yield. She even figured out my identity on her own, putting two and two together despite my changed appearance.
And when she realized who I was…
She didn’t grovel or simper; didn’t change her behavior toward me.
Did father intentionally send me a blessing in disguise? A baron’s daughter and a dryad’s child, sent to marry me, a vampire?
Finley’s all alone. She has no friends; no allies.
The least I can do is be her strength.
I think my mother would have warmed to her in an instant.
I rise to my feet. “That’s enough for now, Baron Solisar. Get up.”
He hesitates, wincing as he wraps his intact hand around his broken fingers. Slowly, tentatively, his fearful eyes darting around in the darkness, he gets to his feet.
There’s no more talk of the almighty emperor and how he’s going to punish me. Before me, Lucar Solisar is just a man, confused and defeated, finally understanding his place.
It only took two broken fingers. It’s as Treave said.
He’s the soft type.
“I’ll send my physician to set and bind your fingers. Think of a plausible story for how you got the injury. A guard will come shortly to escort you to your room upstairs in the main castle.”
“M-main castle?”
“I’m releasing you, Lucar, provided that you behave yourself. No more running your mouth off. Do not assume that your station provides you any protection or privilege inmycastle. You dare insult my men again, and I’ll grant them every right to respond. And never,evermistreat your your daughter again. You will show her the appropriate respect afforded to the future princess consort. After all, she’smybetrothed, and therefore, she outranks you by far.”
He lets out a small, strangled sound of disbelief.
“Am I clear, Baron Solisar?”
“Y-yes.”
I stalk toward him. “Yes,what?”
Solisar stares into the darkness, trying to make me out.
He blinks several times as the answer hits him. “Y-yes, Your Highness.”
“Remember that you’re a guest here. Finley, Aderick, Kastel, and Garan are under my protection. You aren’t taking your son anywhere until the physician deems he is fit to travel.”
