Page 120 of The Vampire's Bride

Anger burns deep within. “Prince or not, if you dare try to take what is mine, I will end you.”

“That will not solve your problem. My father will only send someone else.” He shrugs. “It has always been my experience that when you get rid of one evil, another one always springs up in its place.”

A deep rumbling growl rises in my throat.

“Make this bargain with me, and I will see that you keep her, Lord Valaric.”

Aerlyx could whisk her away in one of his portals and hide her somewhere safe. Juliet and I could live a life in secluded exile. But we would forever be looking over our shoulder. Even ifI managed to break my curse, we would be hunted for the rest of our days.

Raine looks at me. “I will have your answer now.”

One of the first things I learned, when I trained as a Shadow Blade of the king, was to never allow myself to be backed into a corner. But as I study the prince, I remember another lesson that Damar once taught me.

Sometimes there are no good options. But still, you must choose.

“Fine. You have my loyalty.”

CHAPTER 51

VALARIC

Triumph flares in Raine’s eyes, but his expression quickly sobers. “There is one other thing you must do, Lord Valaric.”

“What is it?”

“Claim your bride. Give her your venom to mark her with your scent.” He pauses. “If you want to protect her from the others, you will do it soon. The annual gathering is in three months. All the nobility are required to attend. If you haven’t done it by then, I am certain Stryker or one of the others will challenge you for her.”

“She is mytrue wife. They cannot.”

“They will.”

I frown. “How do you know this?”

He arches a brow. “If you could have heard some of the thoughts I did when she first entered the ballroom, you would realize I have done you a favor by providing my guards to watch over your bride this night.”

Ice cold fear floods my veins. I hadn’t wanted to claim Juliet because I didn’t want the witch to realize how important she is to me, but if I want to protect her from my enemies, I may have to reconsider.

First, I need answers. “Tell me truth now. No games, Prince Raine. Why do you need my loyalty?”

“I want your support during the High Council meetings.”

“I don’t understand.” I frown. “Damar sits on the Council; not me. Even if I attend, each Great House is only allowed one vote, which is cast by the High Lord or High Lady of each House.”

He arches a brow. “Perhaps you are unaware, but you and Lady Juliet have captured the attention of many. Word has spread far and wide throughout Morrowynd of not only your past but also the fact that you have taken a human as your true wife.” He meets my gaze evenly. “You have become a symbol, Lord Greyvale.”

“A symbol of what?”

“Hope.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Tell me,” he says. “Are you familiar with any of the prophecies of the Lythyrians?”

I’m familiar with them because Damar is obsessed with their writings and their history. Many nights, it was all he would talk about. “I know of them, but I have not studied the ancient tomes.”

“One of their prophecies speaks of a fallen knight—'a blade once wielded in the light, now tempered by darkness.’ ” His piercing gaze meets mine evenly. “ ‘A blade in the shadows.’ ”

Raine continues. “The prophecy foretells that this fallen knight will be fated to asanishon—an outsider. Together, they will stand against an army of darkness.”

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