Page 121 of The Vampire's Bride

He arches a brow. “Does any of this sound familiar?” A sly smirk twists his lips. “In your mind, I saw a golden thread, and that can only mean one thing.”

I’m tired of his games. “What is it?” I ask, not bothering to mask my irritation. “What point are you trying to make?”

“I know what she is to you.” My heart stops. “And I believe it’s the reason your mind is so resistant to my abilities.”

Worry settles deep in my gut. Not because I believe this prophecy is about me and Juliet, but because it seems the prince does. And he knows she’s my ashaya. I promised him my loyalty, but I do not want my bride anywhere near him and the royal court.

“The prophecies were written centuries ago in language that has not been used in hundreds of years,” I point out. “Even translating one word wrong in any language can change the entire meaning of a sentence.”

“You do not believe? Fine.” Raine shakes his head. “I don’t need you to believe, I simply need you on my side.”

I stare at him in confusion. “For what purpose?”

“The priests and priestesses of the old religion believe the prophecies of the Lythyrians are divine messages from the gods.” He pauses. “They hold great power over their followers. Some might say even more so than a king or a prince.

“If the people believe you are the fallen knight of the prophecy and Lady Juliet is your bonded sanishon, destined to stand against an army of darkness, House Greyvale will hold even more sway over the High Council than it already does.”

“And in return, so will you,” I reply as understanding dawns. I’ve never been one to mince words, and I will not do so now. “If you think to use me or my bride to make a play for the crown, you are mistaken. I will not allow you to put her in danger.”

His eyes darken. “I do not seek to steal that which will eventually become mine anyway. I am merely trying to ensurethat there will still be a kingdom to rule over when that time comes.”

“What are you talking about?”

“As I’m sure you’re aware, The Order of Mages invaded Snowhelm. They overthrew the government and it is rumored that they murdered the entire royal family.” He shakes his head. “They approached us for an alliance, but my father refused.” He clenches his jaw. “King Varys of the Dark Elves came to us as well, asking for our support.”

I had not heard this news. “What of the High Council? How did they vote?”

“They have not,” he replies. “But it will be brought to a vote soon. Which is why I need you.”

Worry twists deep within. “Why?”

He runs a hand roughly through his hair as he turns his gaze out to the sea. “My father believes we should not choose any side. He does not believe the war with the Mages will touch us here.”

“But you believe otherwise.”

He nods and then turns to me. “I am going to share something with you that I have told no one else.”

“What is it?” I ask warily. Despite that I’ve already pledged my loyalty to him, I still do not entirely trust the prince, and I’m not sure I want to be in his inner circle.

“I received a report from the Fortress in Ironshade, along the Northern Veil.” He gives me a grim look. “The magic barrier has begun to weaken.”

This is troubling news. The Northern Veil was erected centuries ago, after the Vampire Civil War and the defeat of the Ancient Ones. It was forged to contain the foul creatures born of their dark magic. This barrier is enforced by every arcane spell known to exist.

“We have sent several magic wielders to reinforce it. Fortunately, the damage was repaired before anything was able to slip through the wards.”

“What caused it to weaken?”

“Whatever it was, I do not believe it was mere chance,” he replies grimly.

“Why do you say this?”

“Because I find it odd that not long after my father refused to ally with the mages, the wards along the Veil began to weaken.” He turns to me. “The Mages are the only ones, aside from our kind, who use blood magic. If anyone would know how to sabotage the protective wards, it would be them.” He pauses. “And before you ask, I do not believe it was one of our kind.”

“Why not?”

“Because I doubt that any Vampire would be mad enough to intentionally try to release the foul creatures that were created by the dark magic of the Ancient Ones.”

“But why would the mages want to do this?”

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