Page 40 of The Pureblood Princess
Grumbling, Theodore settles back into his chair. Nadia’s heart warms at his display of affection, his desire to seek vengeance for her family.
“Recently, when we heard whispers that Miss Magdalena had been found, the topic was revisited. But even before you came to us at the gala, it had been decided that we would let it lie.”
Pausing, Brother Delfino swirls the sherry in his glass, and Nadia can feel Theodore’s tension mounting. She slides her hand subtly across the settee, and when it touches his, his shoulders visibly relax.
I’m sorry,iubit. I detest these unscrupulous politics.
Before Nadia can reply, Brother Delfino continues.
“So, when you came to us at the gala, it was of no use; the decision had already been made.”
“At whose behest?” Lord Rosetti asks, his voice low and sharp.
“Now, Niccolò, you know we have no leader. Each member of the brotherhood carries equal weight.”
“Yes, I know, I know.” Lord Rosetti waves a hand irritably. “But who speaks loudest when the matter of the Magdalenas arises?”
There’s a weighty pause, and the room is so quiet that Lady Delfino’s laughter can be heard echoing down the hall.
“Sister Kazamir,” Brother Delfino says at long last, and something like relief sweeps over Nadia’s shoulders.
She looks quickly at Lord Rosetti, and his gaze holds hers for a brief moment. It seems their suspicion of her was well-founded.
“And why is she so opposed?” Theodore asks, his voice more level this time.
“That I cannot say. She and four others on the brotherhood wish not to dredge up the past. That leaves the rest of us in the minority, and so...” He gestures about the room as if that sums it up. “Here we are.”
“Do you wish to uncover the truth, my lord?” Nadia asks, and Brother Delfino softens when his eyes find hers.
“Of course. Your parents were beloved members of our community. Kirill and I had our quarrels, I admit, but he and your mother deserve justice. If they were murdered by a hunter, as you say, we must do something about it, especially in light of the treaty.”
“Well, I’d say I’m proof enough of that.” She keeps her voice light and her lips turned up in a smile. While the inner workings of vampire society might be new to her, she’s well-versed in the art of speaking to men, and Brother Delfino seems no different from the other gentlemen in society. “How I would have loved to grow up with my family, around my own kind, but that was stolen from me, Brother Delfino, as my parents’ lives were stolen from them.” It doesn’t take theatrics for tears to come to her eyes, though she doesn’t try to blink them away as she looks pleadingly into Brother Delfino’s eyes. “Don’t you think it possible to bring one of the others around to our side? If you are the just, kind man I believe you to be, I’m sure you could convince just one other member of the brotherhood, and the scale would tip in our favor.”
“Miss Magdalena, I—”
A tear slips down her cheek, cutting him off, and he reaches into his pocket for a square of cloth.
“My apologies,” Nadia says, accepting the pocket square he offers her. “I don’t mean to appear hysterical. It’s just... This means so much to me.” She dabs the tears from her eyes and cheek, then hands the cloth back.
Brother Delfino’s eyes are soft as he accepts it back and tucks it into his pocket. “I’ve tried, Miss Magdalena, truly. Though...” He lets out a sigh. “I suppose there’s no harm in trying again.”
“Oh?” She perks up. “You would do that?”
“I willtry, but I offer no promises. And I cannot appear too eager. We must bide our time.”
“Such is the way of politics,” Theodore grumbles.Slow and spineless, he says in her head.
She gives no outward indication of having heard his jab, instead lifting her half-empty glass of sherry to Brother Delfino. “Thank you, my lord. Truly.”
Later that evening, as Theodore walks Nadia to her room for the night, he begins to laugh.
“What is it?” She looks about for something funny, but Theodore just shakes his head.
“Seeing you with Delfino tonight, I can’t help thinking we should’ve had the Kazamirs over for dinner instead. We should put you in a room with Dorota and see what secrets you unveil.”
Nadia purses her lips playfully as they arrive at her room. “No, that would never work.”
Leaning against the wall beside her door, Theodore arches a brow. “Whyever not?”
