AllFreeNovel
Share Us
My vision blurred as fear etched into my unbeating heart.
He must have seen something apparent in the shadows of my face, because his smile widened.
“Trystan, I’d heard you had accepted an invitation to my illustrious Court, but I cannot for the life of me fathom why you accepted.” With effort, I forced an easy smile. “Or who would have invited you in the first place. Last I heard, you despised the city, finding it far too uncivilized for your tastes.”
“True enough,” he agreed with a thoughtful nod, ignoring my slight. “Though, as of late, I cannot say Boston has been much of an improvement. My duties have kept me away from the city as I traveled to other courts your father has established, but the witches used my absence to their benefit, as they often do.” His glittering eyes returned to Jade, who stiffened under his intense regard. “Witches’ impertinence knows no bounds. Though you know that most of all, Alexei.”
“Impertinence?” Jade couldn’t control her snort of derision.
The icy lick of Trystan’s glare did not deter her anger in the slightest, though my body tensed, ready for battle in an instant should Trystan move even a millimeter.
Jade managed a coquettish smile. “Considering your age and experience, I would have thought you intelligent enough to consider the power witches wield in cities like New Orleans or Salem. My ancestors ruled here long before the vampires deigned to leave their European palaces to claim the new world for themselves.”
Trystan hissed.
Donning the mask of the Prince of Pleasure with a wry smile, I snagged a tumbler of whiskey from a passing server without offering one to the general. “Jade, darling, I apologize on behalf of my discourteous guest. He doesn’t seem to possess any manners. Or very long a memory.”
The threat in my voice was unmistakable.
“In fact, I do have a vast, irrepressible memory, Alexei.” Trystan regained his footing, wiping all emotion from his face. “And an even more voracious vision for our people’s future. Perhaps your father and I should converse more often about your dealings here.”
Silas suddenly appeared at my shoulder, a warning hand clasped tightly against my skin. “Welcome, Trystan. I hope you are enjoying our many amenities. Alexei, why don’t you show him upstairs to the gambling tables? We’ve had an exciting evening already.”
My fangs snapped together as I remembered myself.
Disgraced son. Exiled Prince of Pleasure.
Trystan could know nothing different, else I risked losing everything I loved.
“Belote?” His lips curled into a cruel smile. “Ah, one of my favorites. I think I will explore your little gathering before we discuss the latest news from Slovenia. It will be in your best interest to have that conversation somewhere private, where none of the creatures you interact with can overhear.”
“Come along then,” I muttered before turning back to Jade, not meeting her fiery gaze. “Allow Silas to follow you home. The city is not safe for a beautiful female to be alone at night. Not even tempestuous witches with a temper that could rival Hera.”
“Unnecessary, vamp,” she said cuttingly. “And I resent your comparison. Hera may be a bitch, but who wouldn’t be with your husband cavorting with cattle and women who don’t want him? I like to think I’m more like Artemis.”
My eyebrows lifted, and I finally met her eyes. “A virginal shrew?”
She snorted as the nymphs before seized their opening and ran to me, draping their arms over my chest with a cacophony of irritating giggles. “No. Like Artemis, I can be the hunter that puts a stake through an arrogant vampire’s heart without a second thought. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”
This time, when she stalked away from me, I let the distance between us grow.
“Are you coming, Alexei, or not?” Trystan asked.
When I turned to face him, my imperious grin had returned. Wrapping my arms around the nymphs’ shoulders, I pulled them along. “Come on, sweets. I could use some luck at the tables tonight.”
The myths weren’t always wrong. Vampires could be notoriously secretive and covetous of their belongings, going to great lengths to protect what was theirs. Which meant my night of hunting had only just begun.
3
Stepping inside the Vampire Court’s grand marble ballroom just after midnight, I couldn’t stop my jaw from dropping in reluctant awe at the spendor Alexei had created. Gone were the usual historic art pieces and vintage furnishings. In their place was a Carnival extravaganza worthy of any Mardi Gras celebration.
The walls were draped in black and gold silks that made the sweeping ballroom feel daring and erotic, the perfect atmosphere to hide behind a corner with a secret lover or spy on unsuspecting guests. Above me, the chandelier illuminated my face as teardrop crystals glistened like confetti. Elaborate carnival masks and brightly colored feathers and beads covered most surfaces, reflecting on the shiny black marble floors like a kaleidoscope.
Many vampires from Court weaved in and out of the crowd, their faces hidden by traditional masks. Goosebumps broke out at the more disturbing scaramouche and harlequin disguises that looked like something out of a horror movie.
Not entirely inaccurate considering what lurked beneath.
Overwhelmed by the crowd of creatures already populating the ballroom, I adjusted the thin straps of my dark green beaded dress that fit my body like a glove. How Alexei knew my exact size, down to the midnight silk gloves that reached past my elbows and the black satin heels that gave me several inches of height to better view the guests, I didn’t want to know. Everything felt expensive and perfectly suited to my tastes, even the golden mask adorned with gems and ebony feathers that stretched across my face in a daring disguise.
