Page 128 of Claim of Blood
“We’ll convert one of the above-ground parlors,” Adam decided.
“A full retrofit could be done in three months,” Gaspard calculated. “If we rush it.”
“We’re rushing,” Adam said simply.
Gaspard nodded, making more notes.
“I’m against the lab being above ground,” Oren stated, his lips a thin line.
“As am I,” Ilona added.
“Noted,” Adam replied. “Gaspard, get me a full schedule for the retrofits as soon as possible.”
Ilona leaned forward, concern written across her face. “Have we considered the optics to other Courts? Research has beenforbidden for centuries. Storing knowledge that could be used against us—”
“Times have changed,” Leo said. All eyes turned to him, and he fought the urge to shrink back. “We have technology now that could fully safeguard such things. Especially here, in the Court of the First.”
A small smile played at the corner of Adam’s mouth, and Leo felt a flush of pride.
“Leo’s right,” Adam said. “The world is changing. Perhaps we should, too.” He turned to Felix. “Your research will be allowed under supervision. Gaspard will oversee the creation of your spaces.”
Felix’s face transformed with joy. “Thank you. I won’t disappoint you.”
Adam held up a hand. “There are conditions. You’re not a guest here, Felix. You’re property of this Court now—protected, yes, but not free. You’ll remain on the grounds at all times unless directly escorted, and you will not contact anyone outside this estate. No messages. No cloud backups. No anonymous uploads. Everything you research will be reviewed before it’s even written down. And nothing—nothing—leaves these walls without my explicit approval.”
Felix blinked, his mouth opening as if to protest—but then he caught himself. Leo watched the excitement drain from his cousin’s face, replaced by something smaller. Caged.
There would be no lab coat freedom. No quiet evenings poring over notes without eyes on him. No unsupervised tinkering or private breakthroughs. Adam might have allowed the research, but it would happen under lock and key—on the Court’s terms, and under its watchful gaze.
Adam gave a slight nod. “We’ll discuss solstice security next.” His gaze flicked back to Felix. “You’re dismissed for now.”
Felix turned stiffly, already retreating inward—shoulders drawn tight, eyes unfocused. Leo stood before he could think better of it.
“Can I talk to Felix for a minute?” he asked, trying to sound casual. All eyes swung toward him. “Just... before he goes back to his room.”
Adam studied Leo’s face, then nodded once. “Lydia will take you to the blue parlor next door.” He raised his voice. “Lydia.”
The door opened, and Lydia stepped in. “Yes, sir?”
“Take Leo and Felix to the blue parlor,” Adam said. “Wait outside.”
Leo slid off Adam’s lap, his cheeks warming again. He could feel Lander watching him, but didn’t look over.
“This way,” Lydia said, holding the door. Felix followed, shooting Leo a confused look.
As they left, Leo heard Adam’s voice behind them. “Now, about the solstice preparations...”
Lydia led them to a smaller room just down the hall. The Blue Parlor lived up to its name—deep navy walls, sapphire drapes, and indigo velvet sofas arranged in symmetrical pairs. Even the light had a cool cast, filtered through a blue-glass chandelier that gave the space an almost underwater quality.
It was beautiful. Controlled. Designed to impress—or disarm.
Leo stepped inside, struck by how different it felt from the rest of the house. Most of the estate leaned rich and warm—mahogany, gold, candlelight. This room was colder. Quieter. Like it had been built for conversations no one else was meant to hear.
“I’ll be right outside,” Lydia said, closing the door behind them.
As soon as it clicked shut, Leo stepped forward and pulled Felix into a hug.
Felix stood stiff for a moment before awkwardly wrapping his arms around Leo. “I can’t believe you’re here,” he said, his voice muffled against Leo’s shoulder. “And that they’re actually letting me stay!”
