Page 23 of Princess Avenged

I straighten my back. “I just found out who killed Timur. They confessed.”

“Good,” Dunkan says. “Now they can be brought to justice.”

My chest squeezes, capturing my breath inside. As angry as I am, I do not want to see Crusher, or any of the brothers, arrested for killing Timur. Under the law, self defense is the only clear excuse for vampircide, and Crusher admitted he didn’t believe his life was in danger. Protecting another vampire can also be a valid defense, but it’s more difficult to prove in court, and Crusher would certainly have to go through a trial to defend his actions. I’d have to testify. His past would come out.

“It was Rasputin’s fault,” I blurt.

“What?” King Dunkan’s back slams against his chair. “Rasputin? How is that even possible? That fiend was murdered. On December 30, 1916, in fact.” He shakes his head. “I will never forget that night. I discussed his death at length with your father the Czar, who was very relieved it had happened, although your mother was grief stricken.”

I chew my bottom lip, stalling for time and trying to figure out how to explain this to Dunkan. “Turns out, Rasputin was possessed by a demon, and the demon kept him alive.”

“You’re joking.” Dunkan leans forward. “No, I can see you’re not joking.” His head tips to the side. “I thought there were no demons left in this realm.”

I draw a long breath. “I don’t understand it all, but this is the most relevant part. The demon kept Rasputin alive, and worse, even after so many years, Rasputin remained obsessed with finding me.”

Dunkan’s face twists into a painful grimace. “I hated how your parents allowed that man so close to you and your sisters. He had your mother’s full devotion and trust. I should have done more to protect you.”

“Dunkan.” I smile my reassurance. “You bear absolutely no blame for anything that man ever did to me as a child.” Or after.

He nods, stiffly, then confusion fills his expression. “So, he killed Timur because of his obsession with you? Are you still in danger? You must tell me everything that happened.”

I shake my head, hoping to reassure his fears. “Rasputin couldn’t locate me underground, so I was safe all the years I was here. But he found me in Philadelphia, and using the demon’s powers, he killed and then impersonated the head of the Mariano syndicate. And while impersonating Mariano, Rasputin was responsible for Timur’s death.” It’s the truth, even if it’s not the whole truth.

“I heard there had been an ambush at your meeting, but I had no idea…” Dunkan shakes his head. “And after that attack, you disappeared for weeks.” He rakes his fingers through his hair.

“I was also informed that the vampires who rescued you from that meeting are here with you now?” He smiles. “I would very much like to thank them in person. I thought that it might be one of those men with whom you’d fallen in love.”

I turn away. “None of that matters now.”

“Ana, rest assured, I will put any resource toward finding Rasputin, and to bringing him to justice. Both for killing Timur, and for what he did to you as a child.”

I turn back to face him. “Bringing Rasputin to justice won’t be that simple.”

“My daughter, wherever that fiend hides, whether or not he’s possessed by a demon, we will find him.”

“Finding him won’t be the issue. “I glance up toward the ornately painted ceiling. “The moment I go above ground, he will find me. The demon gave him the power to track me.”

Shock and horror fill the king’s face.

I reach toward his chair. “But I’m pretty sure that Rasputin’s dead. One of the vampires who…who rescued me that night, he drove a stake through Rasputin’s heart.” I leave out the part where Rasputin tortured me, the part where he raised an army to attack Phil and Crusher. And the fact that Phil is dead and Crusher is a cold-hearted liar.

“Good.” Dunkan nods. “And what of the demon?”

I shrug. I wish I could reassure him that the demon is gone. “One of the vampires who came here with me, his name is Blade, he’s been doing research in the archives, hoping to learn more about the demon and how to kill it—if it isn’t already dead.”

“Ah, yes.” Dunkan nods. “I did grant permission for this vampire to access the full archives.”

“Thank you for that,” I say softly. And my body floods with gratitude again. Gratitude not only for my adoptive father, but also for Blade who’s been tirelessly searching for answers. I’m still not sure if I can forgive him for hiding the truth about Timur’s death, but I must admit that I just left out huge parts of that story, while telling it to my father.

But I have reasons. I don’t want to say anything that might land Crusher, Blade or Flame in trouble. And I’m still so fully in denial about Phil’s death, that I can’t even bring myself to mention him to Dunkan.

Clearly, I have some thinking to do.

Someone knocks on the door, and we both turn.

“Enter,” the king says.

The door opens and Selina peeks inside. “There you are.” She smiles broadly. “I’m desperate for a spa day, and I know you need to relax. Care to join me?”

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