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“Don’t bother.” I pushed past their meager barricade, hissing when one fool made to grab for my arm. “As your prince, I can announce myself. And enjoy whatever silly accoutrements Trystan arranged for this evening.”
I grabbed a champagne glass filled with blood-wine with a wink before I slunk into the party, the silence deafening. “Good evening, everyone,” I pronounced with a sly grin. “You’ll be happy to know the fun has arrived.”
Unlike my manor house, the room felt devoid of life or color. The Court’s wide-eyed attention swung from me to Trystan uncertainly before they broke out into quiet mutters behind hands and lifted glasses.
Trystan lurched from his leather chair with a grimace as the vampires pretended not to follow our movements with hawk-like attention. His complexion flushed angrily, his eyes slanted with suspicion as he watched my leisurely approach.
Through his calm façade, I could detect the surprise in his dark glare, meaning Luca Castillo hadn’t informed Trystan of my arrival in the city. I didn’t have time to contemplate this new alliance before Trystan’s hands collared my wrists and he sought to pull me away from the rabid vampires, intent on watching a dramatic showdown between the rogue vampire prince and my father’s favorite general.
“Alexei, I was not expecting you, but as it is, we are already at full capacity.”
Ignoring his less-than-subtle dig, I whistled low. “You have a nice setup, Trystan, but Boston certainly lacks a certain charm in the decades since I visited. I’ve only been in your town for a short time, and I have no plans of lingering here longer than necessary.”
“Necessary for what?” he bit out.
The crowd seemed to inch closer to hear my reply.
“To enjoy your party—and guests, of course.” A dark chuckle fell from my lips as I made a show of tracking the group of nymphs practically salivating at my entrance, their chests heaving excitedly.
Trystan rolled his eyes heavenward, but I could sense his relief. “I had heardwhispersof your arrival, but I must admit, I doubted Alistair’s heir would risk the throne by breaking your exile after nearly a decade. Naughty prince.”
The general’s political machinations were no less sharp than his tongue.
“You haven’t heard the news?” I spread my arms wide, displaying ample flashes of my pale chest. The nymphs swooned with cries of delight. “My exile is officially over. I’m a free male once more, ready to reclaim my former glory.”
Trystan’s eyes glittered dangerously as he struggled to form a response. “I hadn’t heard,” he grated finally. “Congratulations are in order then, Alexei.”
The vampire’s stiff compliment was filled with loathing and distrust.
My finger pressed against my lips deviously as I eyed the rest of the modestly decorated room. “Yes, my father has invited me to the Wild Hunt after nearly a decade away from my homeland. I believe it will be there that he announces his intentions for the crown. I shall indulge my newfound freedom right away before I’m roped into another pair of golden shackles. At your leisure, of course.”
I heard his fangs grinding together.
“Of course, my prince,” he managed. “Sample as many females as you please.”
I knew the French vampire’s ambition had focused on my father’s throne, his arrogance exploding as my father lauded his progress in the city, amongst my humiliating fall from grace. But Trystan never learned my father’s harshest lesson: blood ruled above all else.
I swept the room in a flash, cranking the sound on the speakers to fill the entire first floor with shaking bass. From there, I acted the role of Prince of Pleasure, moving amongst the crowds and creating an atmosphere of mirth and degeneracy.
Through it all, Trystan remained near his most trusted advisors, who whispered heatedly into their cellphones. Confirming the news from my father, no doubt. I could sense the anxious edge falling over Trystan, seeking to hide the staff so he could use it against me. But he was no fool and would never leave me unsupervised long enough to squire it away.
My eyes dipped to my watch before I sauntered towards a couch spread with the nymphs, who had pouted and bemoaned my restraint. “Come, sweets. I am ravenous tonight. There's enough Alexei to go around for everyone, and I know just the place I plan on ravishing you.”
Arms wrapped around supple flesh, and I sent a wink over my shoulder at Trystan.
“Don’t come looking for me, old friend. Unless you would like to watch me debase your collection of pretties.”
“I think I’ll abstain, my prince,” Trystan sneered from his throne. “But enjoy my harem. They have much more to offer than your usual prey down in the bayou.”
The surrounding vampires tittered, but I didn’t allow an ounce of my hatred to seep into my expression. Instead, I sent him a mocking salute.
The nymphs’ hands wandered as we ascended the staircase. I paused on the steps leading to the top floor, turning to the females with a charming smile. “You wait for me right here, sweetlings. I just need one moment to myself before the debauchery can commence.”
“But, Alexei,” they cried morosely, “we want younow.”
I shushed them, smacking their asses and pointing towards an empty bedroom. “Inside and not another word about it, or I’ll withhold my touch all evening.”
Their distressed sounds transformed into giggles as they bounced on the bed and began touching themselves instead. I shut the door firmly against their moans and took the stairs two at a time until I reached Trystan’s unguarded quarters.
