Page 131 of The Vampire's Bride

I start to ask how he could possibly tell me something when he is missing, but I bite my tongue and shake my head.

She continues. “They struck a bargain. Valaric pledged his loyalty to Prince Raine in exchange for his assurance that you will not be forced to return to Aralon. This document recognizes your marriage as legitimate here in Morrowynd. You are free from any claims your former betrothed—Lord Jonathan Harker—might have thought to enforce through his uncle, the King of Aralon.”

Stunned, I absorb her words as I hold the parchment in my hands.

“The prince wanted me to bring this to you and your husband.” She lowers her gaze. “I believe it is his way of apologizing for the argument they had before Lord Valaric left.”

Lord Valaric left.Her words echo in my mind, filling me with hope. Valaric is not being held. At least… not by the prince. My joy is short-lived. If he and the others are not there, then where are they?

“Argument?” I blink several times. “What happened?”

She gives me a puzzled look. “Lord Valaric did not mention it to you?”

“No,” I reply quickly, still not wanting to give away that he is not here. “With all that happened, he must have forgotten.”

“I suppose it was a rather eventful evening,” she says politely. “After you left, your Incubus friend returned to collect your husband and the others. Raine was still so enraged that he threatened them before they disappeared.”

Hope sparks again in my chest at the confirmation that they did indeed leave with Aerlyx, but it’s quickly tempered by worry. Why aren’t they here? Where could they possibly be?

“I believe Raine sent this”—Alayna gestures to the parchment—“as a peace offering. To ensure he and your husband are still on good terms.”

Alayna has lived in this world of darkness far longer than I have. There are so many questions I wish to ask her. To see if she has any idea what may have happened or who might have a grudge against House Greyvale.

I want to trust Alayna, but she is blood wife to the prince, and despite this peace offering, I’m still not sure if he’s friend or foe. Especially since I did not get a chance to talk to Valaric before Aerlyx came for me.

Instead of telling her the truth, I fall back on the familiar etiquette I know so well. “Thank you.” I smile. “I will be sure to tell my husband as soon as he wakes.”

She nods. “It was lovely to see you again. Even if only for a short visit.”

Alayna turns to leave, but I stop her. “Wait.”

“Yes?”

I hesitate a moment, unsure if I should ask before finally deciding that this may be my only chance. “He is good to you?”

“Yes,” she replies without hesitation. “And your husband? He truly is kind to you?”

“Yes.”

She embraces me warmly and whispers in my ear. “Then it seems that the prince has chosen his ally well.” When she pulls back, her hazel eyes meet mine. “I am glad to have had a chance to call upon you, Lady Greyvale. I hope we meet again soon.”

When she leaves, Lysander and Reyla walk back into the study, staring at me expectantly.

“The prince does not have them.”

“Thank the gods.” Reyla places a hand to her chest.

Lysander frowns. “The fact remains that they are still missing.” He turns to me. “You should still leave for the castle, before it is dark.”

“Why?”

“Because we still do not know where they are. And it’s where he would expect us to take you.”

“You are certain?” I ask, unsure.

“Until we find out what has happened to Lord Valaric and the others, you are safer there. Further away from Stryker and the rest of them,” he explains. “Wolves are well-known to be excellent fighters, formidable enemies to Vampires. The pack is a good deterrent to anyone who might try to come for you.”

“All right,” I agree. “I’ll go.”

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