Page 16 of Rite of Blood and Secrets

"Listen to me, Beatrice, our position is still tenuous. We weren't raised for life at court, and there's a chance Lord Fallmartin won't be impressed when he discovers that."

"He knows who we are, Bastian." I don't know if that's entirely true. I suppose it's all going to depend on what my brother has told him about us, and what deal was made about our future. I honestly dread to think, especially with the way Bastian has been acting.

"Whatever happens, do not insult anyone, don't try and be clever. Just smile, say yes when you're asked something, and if anyone asks you for a dance or anything like that, say you must consult with your brother."

"Why? I'm not your property, Bastian."

"You're as good as. I'm the only thing protecting you in this place." Something passes through his eyes that I can't put a name to, and it scares me. This isn't the brother I grew up with, he's something much more sinister.

"Perhaps I don't need protecting."

"Don't be a fool. That's all you've been your whole life, a pretty little fool. Da knew it. He told me I had to protect you against the world, and that's what I'm doing."

"You sold us out for riches," I say through gritted teeth.

"Don't be a fool, Beatrice. I got us security. Money, protection, a place to stay. If we hadn't come here, we'd have been dead the moment the sun rose tomorrow. Is that what you want?"

"How do we know that's not just a lie to keep us here?"

"That's not a risk I'm willing to take. We actually have a chance to have a life here. I'm not going to let you ruin it. And if you even consider disobeying me, remember that I'm the one with the power over you and your dog."

I stare at him, my eyes wide and fear squeezing every part of me. I don't fully understand the strange circumstances that meant I ended up here, ones that started before I was even born.

Bastian seems to decide he's got the message across and stalks away to talk to Lord Fallmartin.

I stay in the corner, trying to get my bearings and hoping that the worst of the evening has passed and there's nothing more for me to worry about.

But somehow, I doubt that's true. I think the ball is only just getting started.

Chapter 9

A servant appears beside me and holds out a tray bearing goblets of wine. I give them a weak smile and take one of them, swishing the wine around and watching the way it swirls against the gold. There's something extra decadent about the way it looks, like it's supposed to be some kind of status symbol.

At least the wine smells good. I don't think I've ever drunk anything like it before.

I watch the others, noticing that while they've all taken their goblets, none of them have drunk any of it. Perhaps they're all waiting for something.

"So, Lady Beatrice Fallmartin," a familiar voice says.

I jump slightly, not having expected to hear anyone. I turn and offer Marcus a small smile. "Apparently so."

"Dhampir?" he guesses.

I nod. "So it would seem."

"Ah, an unaware dhampir. It's generally frowned upon to leave your prodigy in the dark until the night of the Golden Moon," he says.

"Lord Fallmartin may not have realised I didn't know until it was too late," I respond. "My brother was aware." I nod towards where Bastian is talking to a woman I've never met. Which doesn't mean much, I've met very few people in the room.

"How are you adjusting?" Marcus asks.

"How did you adjust when you discovered you were going to be a vampire in the morning?" I respond. "Assuming you are a vampire."

He chuckles. "I am, yes. But I can't answer your question. My parents are both vampires. I believe my mother is actually your great-aunt."

"Oh." I have to admit to a slight hint of disappointment as I realise that makes him some kind of cousin, and definitely not someone I should have been finding handsome before. In the grand scheme of things, that's hardly the worst revelation of the evening.

"But I can imagine it can be a little disconcerting."

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