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“But be careful,” he advised. “The darkness you seek to unravel runs deep. If Constantine is involved in this, as I fear he is, your path is treacherous. Trust few, question everything and always stay one step ahead.”
I nodded gratefully, thanking him. As I left the house, I felt ready to face the unknown, not just for the king and the kingdom, but for her.
Chapter Seventeen
Lilith
“Why on earth are you asking me that now?” Father wondered, with a raised eyebrow, as we sat in his study, at his mahogany desk. As a child, I was always in awe of how humongous it was, how looming Father was seated at it. But now, it was just a desk, and my father, just a man, with his own fears, doubts and suspicions that made him painfully human.
There were many reasons behind my question, but the most important one was of course him. I wanted to know everything there was to know about vampires. But I didn’t want to be told for the millionth time that they were dangerous, bloodsucking creatures of the night. I wanted to know about the vampires in between, the ones who wanted to fight for the same peace as us.
But I couldn’t very well tell my father this. How could I admit to him that I had fallen in love with my bodyguard, who was a vampire?
Cass is right, I thought to myself with a frown. But even that didn’t matter now.
“Well, look around, Father,” I gestured around his study with my arms, but he knew exactly what I was referring to. “It is obvious that we’re all in danger, and the more we know about our enemies, the better.”
Father regarded me, his gaze filled with both admiration and caution. “It is important to note that not all of them are our enemies,” he pointed out.
“That is exactly why I need clarification. I yearn to understand this world that we’re not a part of.”
“That is a dangerous wish, Lilith,” he urged. “But I suppose I should have known that this day would come. That is why I’ve tried to tell you a part of it, the part that would advise you to err on the side of caution. Hopefully, I’ve managed to do that.”
“You have,” I confirmed. “And Adrian has told me a little bit about vampires like him.”
“He has?” he asked, apprehension etched all over his face.
“Yes,” I nodded. “I just… find it so incredible that they have coexisted with our realm, and I’ve been kept almost unaware of their existence, until now, that is.”
Father’s gaze softened as he spoke. “Your dear mother and I agreed that the world of vampires was not something we wanted to expose you to. It was not necessary. It would only raise questions and concerns. But now, you are a grown up, about to leave the nest and forge a life of your own. I suppose it is only natural that you want to know more about the world around you, especially that world.”
“Tell me more, Father,” I pleaded.
He inhaled, leaning deeply into his leather chair. “Well, you already know a lot about it. Vampires possess incredible strength, heightened senses, and a longevity that surpasses mortal life. They operate within an intricate network of alliances, affecting our kingdom in ways we cannot comprehend. As for your unawareness, it was a choice made to protect you from the complexities and temptations of their world. We wanted you to grow and understand our realm fully before delving into theirs.”
He was right. This was all already familiar to me. I was hoping to find out more, especially about vampires like Adrian, but I didn’t want to be too transparent.
“I understand why you wanted to keep this knowledge a secret from me and Cass, Father. I really do. But now, as eventsunfold, I believe it is time for both me and Cass to learn all there is to know about this world and the knowledge it holds. That is the only way we can keep our kingdom safe, once you are… well, too feeble to do it on your own.”
I feared that I somehow insulted him with the truth, but he smiled instead. “It is comforting to know that I will be leaving the kingdom in the hands of two capable young women. I want you to know that I admire your courage and your thirst for knowledge.”
“Thank you, Father,” I gushed, feeling overwhelmed by a sudden onslaught of emotion that washed over me. “I also—” I started, but I wasn’t allowed to continue, because there was a loud knock on the door.
“Yes?” Father called out, and immediately the door opened to welcome Adrian.
I had been wondering where he was, since I peeked into his room the previous night, and he wasn’t there. Instead, two guards were placed in front of the room I shared with Cass, and they watched over us. For a moment, I feared that Father had fired Adrian, but I immediately convinced myself that such a thing wasn’t possible. I fell asleep with that fear, and it was partly that fear which drove me to his study early in the morning. Now, Adrian was here and finally, all was right with the world.
“Your Highness,” Adrian spoke, bowing respectfully before my father.
Father turned to me. “Will you excuse us, Lilith? There are matters that require Adrian’s confidential report.”
His tone was firm, but I still spoke back. I wanted to find out where Adrian went and why. Whatever it was he had to share with Father, it was important. I wanted to be a part of this conversation that would determine what our plan for the future would be.
“Father, please,” I urged. “I implore you to let me stay. I am involved in all of this, whether you like it or not. It is better for me to be informed of everything than kept in the dark, as I’ve been so far.”
Father hesitated, his gaze shifting between me and Adrian, who refused to say anything. It took Father a moment of consideration, after which he nodded and sighed heavily.
“Very well, Lilith,” he told me. “Your presence will be allowed, but remember, the weight of the decisions we make rests upon us all,” he conceded, his tone both stern and understanding at the same time.
