Page 48 of Bitten

And what did he get in repayment?

Cursed, with a death sentence hanging over his head.

As they walked the halls, he turned to look at the Halfling’s profile, the anger still churning. Nearing the rooms, he saw his nephew awaiting him with a crowd of guards and servants—and a few warlocks and more sorceresses.

“I hope your trip here was uneventful,” Adriel said, smiling. He leaned in and hugged Ralnur. “It’s so very good to see you home, uncle.”

Ralnur couldn’t hug his nephew back, not in iron cuffs. “It’s good to see you, as well,” he murmured.

Adriel stepped back. “I do so hope you like the rooms I’ve had prepared for you.” He stretched his hands toward the open double doors.

“What was wrong with my old suite of rooms?” Ralnur asked. He’d lived in the castle his entire life and assumed they’d bring him back to his own rooms. He missed his soft, comfortable bed.

“I couldn’t be sure of what you had stored in your rooms… this is neutral territory,” Adriel answered.

Ralnur lowered his gaze. Adriel saw him as a threat.

Instead of replying, Ralnur walked inside and looked around. Just as many of the other well-appointed rooms in the castle, it was beautifully decorated with handsome furniture and silk and gold furnishings—much like his old suite of rooms. A huge canopied bed sat in one corner. To the left were two couches, chair, and tables. Toward the back was a small dinner table and chairs before a set of French doors. When he looked to the right, he saw the entrance of an en suite bathroom and closets.

“I set the parameters of the spell enclosing you inside on the outside of the balcony behind those doors. You’ll be able to step outside and get fresh air whenever you want.”

“But can never leave,” Ralnur murmured.

Adriel turned to him. “I know this isn’t exactly perfect, but it’s better than the alternatives I have before me.”

Ralnur forced a smile. “I know. You’re trying your best in a bad, bad situation. I have no anger toward you, nephew. I’m just frustrated at the circumstances.”

Adriel smiled wanly. “At least you’re home where you belong.”

“For now,” Ralnur whispered.

Adriel’s face fell.

“You’ll have to make a decision at some point. I saw the protestors outside the hospital. Your citizens will demand my head before long.”

“Unless I can figure a way out,” Adriel said. “And I won’t make a decision unless I know all the facts. I fear the vampires are trying to force me to make an unpopular decision. They’re trying to make me look weak.”

Ralnur frowned. That wasn’t it at all. He knew he needed to answer. He needed to speak up and tell his nephew the truth.

His stare turned to Kane, who hung within the doors. Watching.

The heat in his eyes nearly took Ralnur’s breath away.

“I should get back to my duties,” the king said. “Perhaps we could dine here tomorrow night? I miss your presence in the castle very much. I could use some right now.”

“Of course,” Ralnur said, adding a smile. “Whatever I can do to serve.”

The room began to clear out, many trailing his nephew. When it was down to the last three guardsmen—Kane and two others he didn’t know—he lifted his chained hands. “Am I to get these off?”

“Can you guys give me a moment?” Kane said to the other guardsmen.

The pair frowned at Kane, but slipped into the hallway and closed the doors behind them.

Alone.

Kane sauntered closer, his body seeming tense. He reached for one of Ralnur’s wrists, and that first touch was electric. He could feel the spread of heat from where the Halfling touched him.

“Why? Why did you do this to me?”

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