Page 58 of The Vampire King's Gift

“There will be those who doubt. But once they meet the king, their minds will be opened,” Arcius said.

Fiona smiled, almost sadly. “I can almost hear Balthazar snarking about how that is way too positive an attitude.”

“Balthazar’s extreme gift has meant that he has heard the darkness in people’s hearts far more than most,” Arcius said gently. “He forgets that as much as people can fall to the depths, they can rise to great heights.”

“I hope you are right,” Fiona said, and she seemed to mean it.

She then gathered Lisette, Charlie and Darcie. They all spread out, talking to the other Vampires. Everyone was handledgingerly, which he saw Julian appreciating.

“Come, Arcius, let us go to the Spire. I wish to show Julian the pinnacle and you can find Caemorn to ask him the questions you need answered,” Daemon said.

Arcius inclined his head and the three of them headed towards the Spire. Daemon wanted some time alone with his fledgling. He had to know what Julian was thinking, away from everyone. He had to know if Julian was even considering asking him to use Armageddon on him.

“You managed to end this with only one Second Death,” Arcius said, a touch of awe in his voice. “It is so much more--and, to be honest, very unexpected--than I ever thought.”

“You thought there would be a battle?” Daemon guessed.

Arcius nodded. “A great one. The Order are trained to be expert fighters. Not that these new Confessors would be anything like the ones of old, but still only the one liferightfullytaken.”

“Yeah, I admit I thought you were worried about showing me some kind of violent side of yourself,” Julian agreed. “You were so intent on me not coming to this. But there was no danger at all!”

Daemon’s gaze jerked to his fledgling. His mouth was dry as dust. “No, there was not…”

Julian gave him a wry smile. “You aren’t totally overly protective, but I just thought you wouldn’t want me near a battle.”

“There was never any battle planned,” Daemon admitted. “There is no need to battle my people. You convinced me, Julian, that the king I wish to be is one that preserves as many of the Vampires as I can. They have been hurt and misled…”

At that moment, the doors to the Spire opened and Caemorn strode out. His expression was taut, which meant that he was deeply alarmed since he rarely showed any emotion. He stopped before Daemon, and bowed with remarkable grace, not to mention no hesitation. It was interesting, and it could be useful.

“My king, Seeyr is released, but she is in desperate need to feed,” Caemorn explained.

“We have plenty of options for her here,” Arcius responded.

“She will need many. And they might not survive it,” Caemorn said carefully.

“Why?” Julian’s eyes were huge.

“You starved her, did you not, Caemorn?” Daemon asked, his voice clipped.

“Yes, but not just me! She’s been without a full feeding for quite some time,” Caemorn said, not dodging the answer, which was one point in his favor even though there were a million against him. “She fears if she is exposed to so much blood, she will lose herself.”

“Yes, she will. Even one human in her presence may set her off.” Daemon grimaced. “None may be down there when she feeds.”

“Wait! You mean… you’ll pick someone--a bunch of someones--that she could… kill?” Julian was pale as milk.

He took hold of Julian’s biceps. “I will choose only those who cannot be reached. Those that would hurt our friends and allies. You trust me on this?”

“I trust you with everything,” Julian admitted. “I trust you completely. Whatever you need to do.”

Daemon’s mouth went dry again. “Julian…”

“Do what you need. I’ll be here,” Julian said.

Will you always be here?The question slipped out before he could help it.

Julian’s head tilted to the side.Of course. Where else would I be?

Daemon could not help but fear that Julian had not thought this through. That it had not yet occurred to him what Armageddon could do for him. Or he did know, and it meant nothing, because he wished to stay. But he could not bear to allow himself to know which it was.

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