Page 13 of Immortal Sins
His radiant smile trips my brain up.
I lick my lips. “And you?”
He leans in until our foreheads graze, his intense blue gaze fixed on mine. “He’s my prince.”
My pulse flutters. I want to know more, but I settle for the dark, hungry expression on Flynn’s face.
6
THE COLD EMPEROR
The guest suite in Council Hall is the most secure, exclusive place in the realm. A crystal chandelier twinkles above my head. The menu for the upcoming seven-course dinner lies flat on the chic, round table in the dining room. Silver and gold watermarks shine over its surface, and I quietly fold it into a swan.
A gush of air whooshes from my palm as I raise the swan into the air and levitate it inside the chandelier until its wings are safely tucked between two crystals. My lips quirk.
Heels click along the lacquered hardwood. “Don’t slouch, dear.”
My spine straightens, and I smooth the skirt of my dress again.
Mom sits on the empty chair next to mine and crosses her ankles. She pours us both a cup of tea, and her manicured nails skim the porcelain. “Has Daniel adjusted to his new role?”
Fragrant jasmine vapours swirl into the air.
“He’s amazing.” I blow on the hot tea. “Did the potion help?” From the corner of my eyes, I check the tint of her skin, pleased to see no dark circles under her eyes—or a ridiculous amount of make-up meant to cover them.
“Yes. I feel much better.”
A knot pulses in my stomach. “How long will it last?”
She pats the back of my hand. “Don’t worry. As long as we have the horn, the sickness will not progress.”
I reach for a fluffy pistachio macaroon, but Mom quietly taps the table, and I let my arm fall to my side. She’s right. I shouldn’t eat. Vampires use food as distractions for humans. I must show that I’m above such tricks, above my basic human needs.
When President Darkwood waltzes through the door, Mom rises to her feet, and I do the same.
The tall vampire’s salt-and-pepper beard pulls attention away from his dry, hollowed-out cheekbones. Age doesn’t show on an immortal’s face very often, but Darkwood has been under a massive amount of stress and scrutiny.
I offer him a polite, demure smile.
“Nice to finally meet you, Allison.”
“Mr. President.” I offer a quick curtsy.
He gives Mom a quick peck on the cheek and motions for us to sit. His assistant, a lanky vampire with round glasses, lurks over the threshold of the dining room.
The butler comes to greet us and offers a wide selection of Pixie wines, but I only wet my lips in the red, velvety liquid. Pleasantries are exchanged, and I peek at the swan in the chandelier while mom and her lover chat about the latest council gossip.
When the conversation shifts to the trial, the blood drains from my face.
Theodore Darkwood laces his long fingers over the table. “Allison. Your mom and I want to make sure that you feel supported. I know the trial will bring back ugly memories, so if you need anything, anything at all, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“I’m okay. I’m ready.” The appetizers arrive, but my mouth dries up at the sight of the rare beef medallion.
The vampire’s fork sinks into the dark, juicy piece of meat, and blood leaks onto the plate. “How do you think your sister’s testimony will go?”
Mom gives me an encouraging smile. She wants me to say that everything will be fine, but my conversation with Jules did nothing to ease my fears. She knows something, and I’ll be damned if I don’t grab this unprecedented opportunity to speak my mind.
“I don’t know,” I say, wiping the honeyed smile off Mom’s lips.
