Page 84 of Depths of Desire
My mother looks at me, her face unreadable. “I did.”
Sivara nods. “Was this agreement made without duress?”
“It was.”
“And did you sign the agreement alongside your husband?”
“I did.”
Sivara straightens, her voice syrupy with satisfaction. “Your majesties, there it is—plain as day. The agreement was struck.”
The kings glance at one another. Aldryn, the king with the blue-lined robe gives a small shrug. “It does indeed seem that the deal was made.” He leans back, eyes on Sivara. “With this evidence before us, I believe we can?—”
Leonardo starts to get up, but Renzo waves him off and climbs to his feet. His voice is calm but firm when he interjects, “If you would allow me to ask a few questions, your majesty, I believe we can settle this matter quickly.”
Aldryn looks to the others. The five confer briefly, then the king in the silver-lined cloak nods. “Fine. But let’s get this finished.”
Renzo turns to my mother. “Mrs. Benedetti.” There’s an edge in his voice that chills me. I want to cheer. He asks, “You say you signed this agreement. Along with your husband. You were both present when the deal was struck?”
“Yes,” she says, her tone clipped, her arrogance coiling behind each syllable.
“And this was not made under duress?”
“No.”
Renzo tilts his head slightly. “May I ask what spell you received from the witch in exchange?”
My mother’s eyes narrow. “I don’t think that’s any of your business.”
Aldryn leans forward. “Madam, you are not in one of your human courts. You are before the vampire Council. You will answer every question asked of you.”
A flush creeps up her neck. I can’t help but feel a grim sliver of satisfaction. The humiliation she feels now is nothing compared to what she’s made me feel.
“I asked the witch… Morwenna—” she says through clenched teeth.
A small gasp ripples through the gallery.
The red-robed king glares out at them, and the crowd falls instantly silent.
My mother continues, “I asked Morwenna to help me retain my youth and beauty.”
Another collective gasp. The hush afterward is even heavier.
“So,” Renzo says, voice even, “you traded your daughter… to stay young?”
Sivara bolts to her feet. “This is outrageous?—”
Aldryn cuts her off sharply. “She will answer.”
“Yes,” my mother snaps. Her cheeks are now bright with color. “I did.”
“Thank you,” Renzo says. “Your majesties, I have one more question.”
The red-robed king sighs. “Then ask it.”
“It’s not for this witness. It’s for Mr. Benedetti.”
Sivara stands again. “Your majesty, I fail to see?—”
