Page 31 of Ashvale: The Vampire's Kiss

My mouth opened, but Nora spoke before I could manage a word, her voice like ice as she placed a hand against the door and shoved it further open. “Now, is that any way to greet your prince?”

Chapter Sixteen

Leonora

“Finger slipped?” Hayes tutted as he regarded the vampire who still had the crossbow pointed at us. “You really must be more careful, Adrian. Though, I have to say it’s a lovely looking weapon.”

“It was a gift.” Adrian slowly lowered the crossbow, a tight smile pulling his face into an odd expression, more pained than pleased. “I wasn’t expecting visitors.”

“No wonder,” I sniped, “if you shoot everyone who knocks.”

The chuckle that slipped from Hayes sent a warmth rushing through me that I did my best to ignore. In truth, I’d barely slept the night before, too busy replaying every moment of our encounter over and over again.

Adrian turned away, throwing the crossbow down onto an armchair by an empty grate that was clearly only for show—not only did most vampires fear fire, but there wouldn’t be anywhere for the smoke to escape. While oxygen wasn’t a necessity, I had to imagine fireplace smoke and soot was still a bitch to get out of the kind of fancy suits Adrian favoured. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Hayes opened his mouth but I beat him to the punch, not trusting him to keep the conversation on track. “I want to leave.”

“Leave?” Adrian tasted the word like he’d never heard it before.

“Yes. I came here and spoke at your meeting, and now I’d like to go home—to Ashvale,” I corrected and ignored the knowing look Hayes shot my way. “With your permission, of course,” I said, tipping my head slightly in a show of deference that made my throat tighten. Whatever was going on with my powers, my vampiric nature didn’t like the idea of me bowing in any way to Adrian.

“Hmm.” He sat back behind his desk, steepling his fingers as he flicked his gaze between me and Hayes. “No.”

“No?” I echoed, too surprised to be pissed off.

“I may have need of you.” Adrian shrugged, but his eyes were focused, intent on my reaction, and I worked to keep the growl out of my voice when I replied.

“Of course, but?—”

“Is our hospitality not to your liking?” The words were light and casual, but the half-step Hayes took in front of me told me they carried more weight than they seemed.

“You’ve been very generous to my bonded and her fledglings,” Hayes cut-in, voice smooth as he simultaneously kissed Adrian’s arse whilst managing to sound condescending. “We’d be happy to stay for as long as we’re welcome.”

For some reason, the words only made Adrian’s expression darken, but he didn’t challenge Hayes. “How can I refuse our lost heir?”

The words were right, but the tone felt like Adrian was genuinely asking and Hayes seemed to know it. “Perhaps we should talk.”

Hayes sat across from Adrian’s desk and gestured for Adrian to sit. I bit back my laugh at the sour expression on Adrian’s face, clearly unused to being bossed around in his own study.

“What would you like to discuss?” Adrian’s voice was silky and I knew there was poison hidden beneath its surface. “Perhaps the deaths of some of my closest allies? Or your hope to lead the council in my stead?”

I flicked a glance at Hayes, surprise and amusement dancing inside my chest in equal measure despite myself. He was the one responsible for the headless vampires? Not hunters, as some of those at court had believed?

Hayes smiled, the expression somehow condescending. “I know, terrible on my part. But, unfortunately, they’d confessed to being involved in my family’s disappearance. I’m sure you would have done the same thing, had you known.”

It felt like I was watching a tennis match, my eyes bouncing back and forth between the two men as they worked to undermine each other with only words.

“As for the council…” Hayes shrugged. “I’m happy for you to continue leading them as you have for so many years now.”

Annoyingly, I had to admit I was impressed at how Hayes was handling this vampire likely thrice his age, if not more. Though, as we’d said on the way here, it would look a little suspicious if the lost heir were to turn up dead moments after appearing at court and showing up Adrian. From the reactions of those we’d passed in the hall, it was clear that there were still plenty of vampires who did care about Hayes’ heritage, even if he didn’t beyond finding his family.

“I’m honoured.” Adrian’s voice was flat and Hayes smiled. “Of course, if I stumble across any pertinent information about the monarchs’ whereabouts, I’ll be sure to let you know.”

I recognised the taunt for what it was and grabbed Hayes’ arm before he could do something foolish, like leap across the desk and rip Adrian’s head off.

There was an undercurrent in the room and when Hayes stood and tugged at my arm for us to leave, I had the feeling that turning our backs would be unwise. I took his hand in mine and had us out of the door at a speed he wouldn’t have managed by himself, not letting up until we were half-way down the corridor and safely out of Adrian’s line of sight.

“What now?” I muttered and Hayes glanced down at our hands, still intertwined, and squeezed my fingers before I could snatch my hand away.

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