Page 107 of Bitten

Ralnur turned to see Andrei, Duke of House Constantin, speaking.

“Dhampirs are vampire hunters,” Caelian said. “If anything, his dhampir side would make him an asset in the battle against the vampires.”

Andrei glared at Ralnur. “With all due respect, Your Majesty, you’re playing right into the Suns’ hands by allowing Ralnur to live.”

Adriel turned to face Andrei. “And do you speak for vampires as a whole? Or just the Suns?”

Andrei’s face paled even more than it already was. “I do not speak for the Suns.”

Adriel walked closer to the elder vampire. From the corner of Ralnur’s eyes, he saw Eilam and Noah stalking closer, ever the protectors of their mate.

“And just how do we play right into their hands, if you don’t mind me asking?” Adriel asked.

“I can speak for all vampires when I say we require strong laws. Bend them, and they expose cracks… cracks that can be exploited. And they will exploit them, trust me. Vampires crave loopholes and pushing boundaries. They will continue to push you and make you bend until they know where to break you.”

“That sounds like a threat, Andrei,” Ralnur said, walking closer.

Andrei shook his pale head. “No. It’s not a threat. It’s a warning. One I hope you heed for the safety of this city.”

Ralnur met the vampire’s stare and struggled to get a read on the man.

“I hope for your sake that you do have the safety of this city at the forefront of your mind,” Adriel said to the vampire before spinning and walking back to his throne. “I am officially freeing my uncle, Ralnur, Son of Variel, and his dhampir mate, Kane, from prison. No law was broken. They are free.”

Ralnur eyed his nephew, a smile on his lips.

The king eyed the crowd before staring at his attentive mates at his sides. When he looked back out to those assembled, there was a look of need Ralnur now understood better. “Out! Out with you all!”

The court began to wither.

“But not you, uncle,” Adriel said. “Or your mate.”

Once the crowd parted, Ralnur turned to his nephew.

“Solomon told me he visited you in the hospital,” Adriel said.

“He did.”

Caelian moved closer and linked his hand with Ralnur’s.

“He apprised me of the meeting,” Adriel said. “And told me that he did not sense you were a threat. That concern for me and this city was still forefront in your mind… only taking a backseat to your new mates.”

“I have not changed who I am,” Ralnur said. “I am a Prince of Midnight, and I will do whatever is in my power to keep you and this city safe, my king.”

Adriel stared a moment, silent. “I believe you, uncle. But I’m still hurt you kept such valuable information from us—information that could’ve saved a lot of time on our parts.”

“You don’t know how many times I wanted to tell you everything. Fear held me back—fear of what would happen to Kane and Caelian.”

“Solomon told me as much,” the king murmured. “He told me of the guilt you felt for withholding that news.” He sighed. “I forgive you. And I hope you forgive me for imprisoning you for no reason.”

“You didn’t know Kane was a dhampir. None of us did. If it wasn’t for your Guard’s research, we wouldn’t have found the way through this.”

“My guard? You mean your mate.”

Ralnur turned to Caelian and smiled. “My royal historian.”

Caelian grinned. “I’m sorry I left you alone. But I had some important research to do.”

Ralnur squeezed Caelian’s hand. “If this was the reason you were away from me, I am glad for it.” He turned back to the king. “Am I still welcome to reside in my apartment within the castle? With my mates?”

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