Chapter Thirty-one
“I received a message this afternoon from the human intelligence network. A group of hunters were sighted outside the city this morning.” Inside the council chamber, the Consilium murmured their reaction to the Prince’s announcement.
“The network intercepted them as they tried to enter the city. They were interrogated and destroyed. Unfortunately, it appears they were part of a larger party, some of whom entered the city on the other side.”
“Were they members of the Curia, my lord?” Niccolò asked.
“No.”
The Council members breathed a collective sigh of relief.
The Prince lifted his hands.
“Those who were part of the human patrols today have been destroyed for their failure. I have also dispatched their leadership. They have been replaced and I am assured by the head of the network that this lapse will not happen again.
“With hunters in the city, everyone is at risk. Lorenzo, make sure word goes out to the plebs.
“Niccolò, take Max, Aoibhe, and your best patrols and search the city, going building to building. I want the hunters destroyed, but reserve two. I will interrogate them personally.”
Lorenzo and Niccolò bowed their acquiescence.
“Prince, a missive has arrived by courier from the Princess of Umbria.” Lorenzo produced an old-fashioned envelope, sealed with wax, from under his robe.
The Prince cracked the seal and opened the letter. After he’d perused its contents, he nodded at the council.
“The Princess sends her greetings. She reports all is well and that our alliance is intact.” He stuffed the letter back into the envelope and placed it in the inner pocket of his jacket, ignoring the quizzical gazes he received.
“Niccolò and Lorenzo, I want the city to be impenetrable. I want our army at the ready. It’s possible this hunting party is a sortie for a larger incursion.”
The Prince stood, as did the council members, who bowed as he swept from the throne and down the aisle.
Before he reached the door, Aoibhe was at his elbow.
“May I have a word, my prince?”
He turned, examining her face.
She appeared calm, if not curious. Seemingly satisfied, he gestured to a corner and followed her.
“I see you took my advice.” Aoibhe smiled, but it did not reach her eyes.
William’s expression tightened. “The girl is a diversion; not a consort.”
“Then there’s room in your bed for me.”
William simply returned her stare. Aoibhe tilted her head as she scanned his features.
“No doubt it will take some time for you to tire of your new pet. I can be patient. Is she under mind control? I couldn’t tell.”
“Is there a point to this conversation?”
Aoibhe tossed her long red hair.
“Your pet’s scent is masked. Was she a virgin?”
William gritted his teeth. “Be alert this evening, Aoibhe. The hunters will find you irresistible.”
“I suppose that means she wasn’t.” Aoibhe tapped a finger to her lips, as if she were deep in thought. “If she wasn’t a virgin, I’m surprised you bothered with her. Tell me, was she sweet?”
The Prince glared. He was about to leave, when something over her shoulder caught his eye. The other council members were turned in their direction, observing them with more than a little interest.
His eyes returned to hers.
With practiced ease, he lifted his right hand and brought it to her face, swiping his thumb across her lips.
Her dark eyes widened in surprise and she drew his thumb into her mouth, sucking deeply.
“She’s a pet. Nothing more.” He kissed her aggressively and she reciprocated, nipping at his lower lip.
William pulled back with a scowl, lifting a hand to his mouth. Mercifully, she hadn’t drawn blood.
Aoibhe winked at him.
“I’m glad we have an understanding. You know where to find me when you grow tired of your pet.”
She turned to rejoin the other council members, but spoke over her shoulder.
“I’ll be waiting.”