Page 34 of Filthy Rich Vampires: For Eternity

“Noted.” She inclined her head, looking grateful. She considered the mask for a moment before slipping it into the pocket of her cloak.

I hoped I never saw it again.

Now that we’d settled that, I squared my shoulders as I walked alongside her. “Let’s go see how else I can piss them off.”

CHAPTER TEN

LYSANDER

Duty to family or not, I was ready to leave the court. I glowered at a group of gossiping familiars blocking the passage into the throne room. A week ago, the whole building had been covered in dust and decay—as forgotten as the ancient ruins where I spent most of my time. But news had spread quickly. The wealthiest witches and vampires had already been in Venice for the ball. They’d arrived expecting to see Sabine crowned. I suspected a few had come only to avoid getting on her bad side. But it was what had happened after that had drawn the rest of the magical world to the city. Overnight, the number of courtiers had quadrupled. Half of them eager to see the new Queen—the other half likely already plotting against her.

At least I didn’t have it as bad as my brother. He couldn’t get out of this if he wanted to. I had options.

“Have you seen your brothers?” Dominic approached. He’d traded his tuxedo for a black suit that was cut close, showcasing his broad, warrior frame. “I need to speak with them.”

“Thoren and Benedict are somewhere.” I waved a hand. Thoren was probably hiding. He wasn’t one for crowds. And Benedict? Usually, he would be behind the scenes, greasing wheels and shaking hands. It was his job as the family politician, but he’d been quiet, keeping to himself. “I think they’re hiding. Sebastian is in there flirting.”

With anything that moved. He seemed determined to drum up that orgy to combat his boredom.

“Thea will take the throne soon,” he told me in a lowered voice. “I’d like to have everyone nearby...just in case.”

He had a point. Our kind wasn’t exactly known for our self-restraint. Had news spread that Thea was neither a vampire nor a familiar? I doubted it. My father had filled me in on what my mother had hidden from us. When the vampires realized Thea was a siren—or worse, a possible succubus—things might get ugly. Her crown afforded her protection, but that might not be enough. Queens could wear targets as easily as crowns.

“I thought Mother wanted you to stay out of this.” She’d been clear about that, too. In order to stay on top of any potential danger, it was best she remained Thea’s enemy, publicly.

“She does,” he said grimly, “but I want to be here the first time to see that they’re both...okay.”

He was always the protective parent. I forced a grin. “And after?”

“We will leave.” He paused before looking directly at me. “Your mother and I, at least. It will be up to each of you to decide where your loyalties lie.”

I didn’t ask him if he meant for show or for real. Sabine Rousseaux lived her life like the world was watching because it usually was. But I nodded to show I understood.

I had a choice to make: stay here and become part of Thea’s court, or leave with them and cut ties for the time being. It should be an easy decision. Julian and Thea would have a small army guarding them, and I wasn’t cut out for a life of bowing and scraping, ceremonies and galas. Still, every moment I lingered here, the ground felt like quicksand. One wrong move, and I would never leave. It would swallow me whole. It was better I left before I got stuck. “They’re expecting me back in Egypt soon. I told my crew I was leaving for the holidays.”

He dipped his head, understanding what I meant. I’d rather not take a side. I’d rather get back to the life waiting for me.

“I expect they’re planning a party. Sabine wishes to leave this afternoon.”

“I’ll head out at the same time,” I decided. “They party a little too hard for me.”

He snorted, but no other glimmer of amusement showed. Maybe someday we would laugh about what happened, but I doubted it. “There is something, though.” He searched my face. “We need to know more about this curse and who was behind it, as well as Ginerva’s death.”

“You suspect foul play?” I said.

He nodded. “There’s a weapon—one that can kill a Queen. It might be best if we find it before…”

He didn’t have to finish the sentence. Before most of the magical world overreacted to discovering a siren now sat on a throne. “Mother has resources. I’m sure…”

“She needs to play the part of ousted Queen,” he said in a lowered voice. “Everyone expects that, and if we start looking around for this weapon or into the curse, more questions will be raised.”

“And what am I supposed to do?”

“No one would blame a male for standing with his brother. If you were here, you could look into the archives, find information. You’ve always been able to dig up dirt.” He waited for me to respond.

I stared at him. It wasn’t in my plans to stick around Venice. I was expected back in Egypt already. But unlike my mother, my father wouldn’t command me to stay. He was putting it to me as a choice. I swallowed, knowing he wouldn’t like my answer. “Let me think about it.”

“Your brothers.” Dominic nodded across the hall to where Benedict and Thoren had just appeared.

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