Page 124 of The Vampire's Bride

“Because I am his.” Her gaze meets mine evenly. “I want to ask you something, but I do not wish to offend.”

“What is it?”

“Lord Greyvale says you are his true wife, and yet… he has not claimed you in the ways of their people. He hasn’t given you his venom, to change your scent, binding you to him. Most Vampires do this to their bloodsworn, but you are his mate.” Her eyes search mine. “To be marked is to be claimed. And to be claimed is to be safe… from the others. Why have you both hesitated to take this step?”

Her pointed question unnerves me because I don’t know the answer to this either. Doubt begins to creep in. Valaric insisted to me that it was not important, and yet, everyone else believes that it is. A maelstrom of emotions churns deep within, but I push them down and give her a vague reply. “It’s complicated.”

“Vampires have heightened senses compared to our own,” she says in a low voice. “I’ve heard that some can hear whispers even through a wall.”

I nod, taking the hint to be careful of what I say because it may be overheard.

She continues. “Their world is one of shadows and secrets. Knowledge and gossip are traded among the nobility like currency. And trusting the wrong person can easily lead to death,” she says pointedly, and I know she is speaking of my husband.

Worry spikes through my veins. Whatever business the prince has with Valaric, it must be something dangerous.

“House Greyvale is mentioned often at court,” she continues. “It seems there are many who wish to see its downfall. But I can assure you the prince is not among them.”

I want so much to believe her, but I don’t know if I can. “Even before I came to this kingdom, I’d heard of Prince Raine.” I pause, unsure if I should continue before finally deciding tojust be honest. I need to know what sort of man he is so I can tell my husband. So that whatever he’s asking of him, Valaric can make an informed decision. “They say he is cruel, cunning, and as ruthless as his father, King Corvin.”

“Strength is everything in their culture. It is power,” she explains. “And the prince uses that power to protect what is his.”

I am his.Her earlier words repeat in my mind, and I realize what she’s trying to convey. She’s telling me Prince Raine keeps her safe.

“As does Valaric.”

Alayna takes both my hands in hers. “Then, perhaps our Lords are more alike than we realize.”

I recognize that her words have meaning beyond what leaves her mouth. She’s telling me we can trust Raine. As much as I want to believe this, I’m still wary.

Alayna gives me an imploring look, waiting for my response. I give her the only one I can. “Perhaps you are right.”

I allow my gaze to travel over the opulent room once more, and I can’t help but wonder just how close Alayna and the prince are to each other. “How did you become bloodsworn to the prince?”

She turns her gaze again to the sea with a faraway look. “It’s a long story. I—”

Alayna gasps as a ring of purple smoke appears at my side. Aerlyx gives her a sheepish grin and performs a quick bow. “I apologize for interrupting your visit, but I’ve been instructed to escort Lady Greyvale back to Mysthaven Manor.”

She blinks at him in shock.

“He’s harmless,” I reassure her. “Truly.”

A deafening roar sounds from the hallway. The door swings in, slamming against the wall as Prince Raine rushes inside. His pitch-black eyes lock on Aerlyx, murderous rage burning in their depths. “Get away from my blood wife!”

“I’m not here for her.” Aerlyx holds up his hands in surrender. A faint glowing bubble surrounds us as he creates a barrier. “I’m only here for Lady Greyvale.”

Prince Raine roars, beating his fists against the magical ward. “Let her go.” A deep and threatening growl rises in his chest. “Or I swear I will hunt you down and I will end you, Demon!”

“I told you,” Aerlyx says smoothly. “I’m not here for her.”

Ignoring the string of curse words and promises of violent death that leave the prince’s mouth, Aerlyx offers me his arm. I glance over his shoulder for my husband. “Where’s Valaric?”

“He’ll be along shortly,” he murmurs under his breath. “Quickly now. My ward won’t hold for much longer.” He holds out his hand. “We must leave.”

Worry tightens my chest as I take his hand, praying that Valaric is all right.

“Now,” Aerlyx says smoothly as he bows again to Alayna. “Forgive me for startling you, my Lady. I swear I don’t bite.” He waggles his eyebrows and flashes a devious grin. “But I could be persuaded to if you asked me nicely.”

My jaw drops at his brazen flirting while Raine emits another deafening roar.

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