Page 110 of Kiss of Light

“Here we are,” interrupted the captain. “His Highness is in the throne room. I’ll be right outside.”

“In case my father orders the death sentence to be carried out immediately?”

“Yes, sir,” said the captain. He wasn’t smiling. “He’s expecting you. We sent word ahead.”

Lemar paused in front of the heavy oak doors to the throne room. He hadn’t seen his father in almost a hundred years. Hadn’t spoken to him for longer than that.

“Are you okay?” Tala asked softly.

“My father and I aren’t close. It was my mother who kept the family together. Without her, I’m not sure he’ll listen to me.”

Tala struggled for something to say. She’d never had a family of her own and she didn’t know what he was going through.

“All you can do is try,” she said at last. “And I’ll back you up.”

Lemar took a breath and steeled himself. Then he thrust the doors open, walking into the room as if he owned it.

“Hello, dad.”

The figure on the throne was dressed entirely in black. He was thin, almost gaunt. But Tala knew a vampire this old would be immensely strong.

His face was sharply sculpted, good-looking in a severe way. Dark hair swept back from his forehead, and his eyes were a piercing ocean blue.

He didn’t look like Lemar. He reminded Tala of a younger Bill Nighy but without the amiable charm. She stayed in the background, not wanting to interrupt the reunion.

The two males stared at each other and the silence stretched.

When Vassago finally spoke, his words were dry and brittle.

“Why have you returned?”

“I was homesick.”

“Stop jesting. You know the penalty for setting foot in Palissandra. Have you forgotten the death sentence?”

“No. But I have mitigating circumstances.”

The older Vetali’s eyes narrowed.

“Mitigating circumstances for killing a human? There are none.”

“If I could just explain…”

“You came here expecting leniency. Foolish child. I cannot excuse the actions of my own son. If I did that, I would lose all authority.”

“Father…”

“You should not have returned. Now I will be forced to carry out the sentence.”

“Your Highness!” Tala spoke up and the Vetali turned his penetrating eyes on her. She felt as if she was being scoured inside and out. His nostrils flared as he identified her scent.

“What is your business here, shaitun?”

“I’m a witness for your son. Lemar didn’t kill that woman. Another shaitun did.”

“The evidence says otherwise.”

“The evidence did not present all the facts, your Highness. Lemar, tell him.”

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