Page 98 of The Vampire's Mercy
“Yes.” I told him about Lucius to see if any spark of recognition came to him.
“Your brother? Yes, he was your brother. It’s coming back to me. The previous king. He’s…he’s dead. I’m so sorry.”
I didn’t respond, my grief a punch against my soul—a soul I’m sure Paris didn’t think I possessed.
My friend tapped the side of his head. “Is this because of the elf’s mojo?”
“Yes.”
“Then he really is one useful bastard.”
Useful and beautiful…
“How’s Paris holding up?” Vaughn asked.
“He’s sweetcream.” I shocked myself. “Fine, I mean.”
Vaughn tittered. “His words are slipping into your mouth.”
I wish other things would.“Nothing more than a mistake.”
He nodded, dropping the subject.
“I’m doing nothing but drifting through my life,” I complained, slouching in my throne.
“But the elf can fix that, yes?”
“Possibly.”
He scratched his chin. “What if he tried his singing on me, too?”
I sat up, experiencing a stranger flicker of envy. “We could try it.”
“This curse might be blocking his magic. Would you call it magic?”
You won’t be touching Paris.“I’m not sure.”
Why would I care if he touched the elf or not?
Vaughn took my hand again. “You’re not a drifter, you’re stuck. And I’m here to help you get unstuck.”
He always made me smile. “Thank you.”
“It’s all so bloody confusing, though.”
“It is.”
“You’re not alone, Silvanus.”
I regarded him, his eyes always so gentle and kind for me. “What do you think of me making him a thrall?”
Without a beat, he said, “I think it was a great move. Punish the turd, but also keep him close for us to use his gifts. I like it.”
I nodded, smiling.
“Everyone else can shove it,” he added. “Their opinions don’t matter. Only yours do. Shame on them for thinking otherwise. Say the word and I’ll have them reprimanded.”
Vaughn knew how to whip my people into shape better than me, and had a penchant for torture.
