“Not to me. In case you’ve forgotten, your entire livelihood is dependent upon our royal blessing.”
How could I forget? The knights’ license to practice magic came directly from House Lewis.
He rose to his feet and walked to the sideboard against the wall to my right. He was six-foot-two with the broad shoulders and regal air one would expect of a prince.
“If a wolf dies in our jurisdiction, the death must be reported. It is the law, or have you forgotten that as well?”
Damn. I’d give the vampire credit. His spies were good. Annoying, but good.
I chose my next words carefully, not wanting to piss him off. The prince was unpredictable and too much snark could result in cruel and unusual punishment. I was convinced that saving Davina’s life was the only reason he tolerated my presence.
“Why are you interested in the pack?”
There. Nice and professional.
He raised a decanter from the sideboard. “Drink?”
“No thank you.”
“It’s whisky.”
“Courtesy of House Duncan?” The snide remark slipped out before I could stop it.
He snorted. “As though I’d accept anything from that pathetic excuse for a vampire.”
His derision was understandable. After all, the Highland King was responsible for the death of Maeron’s mother.
“I never developed a taste for whisky,” I said, maintaining a polite tone.
“I could have Adwin bring you wine instead.”
“I’m fine, thank you.”
“I hope you don’t mind if I indulge myself then. It’s been a long day. I would’ve put this meeting off until tomorrow given the holiday, but circumstances demanded I act now.”
“Circumstances?”
As he removed the lid, it made a popping sound. “Of all the knights in the city, I found it curious the pack felt inclined to hire the very same knight who recently assisted our family.” He tipped the decanter and poured golden liquid into a glass. At least it wasn’t blood. “Perhaps I’m unduly paranoid, but I thought it prudent to inquire.”
“You can rest assured the assignment has nothing to do with my work on behalf of your family.”
He assessed me over the rim of the glass. “I’ll be the judge of that.”
There was no way I could stonewall the prince. I’d have to offer a few tidbits and hope it was enough. “There was an incident involving pack members and I happened to be present during it. That’s why they hired me.”
“The incident being the unreported death?”
“More or less.”
He took a long, thoughtful drink. “And how can you be sure the incident wasn’t pre-arranged?”
I choked back laughter. “If you’d been there, you’d realize how ludicrous that sounds.”
His eyes glinted with an emotion bordering on anger. I’d insulted him. Oops.
“This is House Lewis territory and you are a knight. If there was an incident involving the death of a local wolf, you are legally obligated to report the details to us.”
I sucked in a shaky breath. I was caught between a rock and a hard place. If I told him the whole truth, I was betraying my client and risked the wrath of the werewolves. If I refused, I risked the wrath of the royal vampires. Not an ideal position to be in.
A knock on the door interrupted us and I thanked my lucky stars.
“What is it?” he yelled.
The door cracked open. “Your Highness, the princess has requested admittance.”
Maeron’s nostrils flared and he looked at me. “I had concerns your presence would make the rounds before we’d finished. If I’d become aware of the situation sooner, I would’ve arranged to meet you elsewhere, but I was worried I’d miss my chance to intercept you.” He shrugged. “Some things can’t be helped.” He waved a lazy hand at the staff member. “Send her in.”
Davina padded into the room in bare feet. The princess wore a pale pink dress that brushed the floor. Blond ringlets bounced around her head. She beamed at the sight of me, revealing a dimple in each cheek.
“I thought it was only a rumor, but I’m so pleased it’s true. I wish someone had told me you were coming. Happy Britannia Day.”
I smiled, although I couldn’t bring myself to return the greeting. “It was spur-of-the-moment, Your Highness.”
She squeezed my arm. “Oh, please. You saved my life, London. I’ll always be Davina to you.”
Maeron regarded her with a tense expression. “I’d like to know which staff member mentioned the knight’s presence so that I may relieve them of their duties.”
“Like I’d tell you.” Davina wasn’t remotely intimidated by her ruthless older brother. She settled on the loveseat and patted the empty cushion beside her.
I joined her on the loveseat and she swiveled toward me. “Tell me how you’ve been. Any exciting new assignments? I suppose you can’t tell me, can you?”
Maeron’s lips parted, revealing a set of dangerous fangs. “As a matter of fact, Miss Hayes and I were discussing that very subject.”
Davina’s eyes sparkled with interest. “No kidnappings, I hope. I’d hate to think of anyone in my situation. By the devil, the whole affair was horrid.” She shuddered for effect.
“It’s not a kidnapping.” I could share that much.
“Just the other day I was telling Mother I might like to train as a knight.”
“And I hope she reminded you that you are the heir to this House,” Maeron said.
Davina turned to face him. “No, you are the heir to this House. I’m the window dressing.”
“Davina, you sell yourself short,” a familiar voice said.
My heart skipped a beat when a strapping vampire entered the room. Six-foot-four with taut muscles, dark blond hair, and green eyes that shimmered like two emeralds, he was a frightening yet magnetic vision. He moved with the grace of a jungle cat and I was equal parts drawn to and repelled by him.
Prince Callan. The Highland Reckoning. The Lord of Shadows. The Demon of House Duncan.
I hadn’t seen him since my last visit to the palace when I purported to turn over the elemental stone to the king and queen. At that point, I wasn’t sure I’d ever see him again. He seemed equally surprised to see me.
I started to rise from the chair. “Your Highness.”
He motioned for me to sit and went straight for the decanter on the sideboard. “I didn’t realize we had company. I’d have dressed for the occasion.”
Maeron snorted. “What would that involve—shinier boots?”
“It’s a shame Mother and Father aren’t here,” Davina said, oblivious to her brothers’ posturing. “I’m sure they would have liked to see you, too.”
I wasn’t convinced her parents cared either way, but it was sweet that she thought so.
Callan swirled the golden liquid in his glass and took a sip. “I didn’t realize they’d left the palace. Where are they?”
“Avoiding Britannia Day, of course. You know how Father is.” She turned back to me. “He’s not a fan of the limelight. We joke that if he’d gotten his way, vampires would still lurk in the shadows. He’s more comfortable dwelling in obscurity.”