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“I need a moment.” I broke away from Raphael, uncertain of my destination. I pushed through a throng of onlookers, keeping my eyes down as I tried to find any exit. The grand entrance was on the opposite side of the room but—there, an opening.

I stepped out onto the balcony. The opening led directly to a balcony carved from the stone. It was empty. I went farther, for a moment, stunned by where I was.

The night sent clear, cool air into my lungs. This was the first time I’d been outside inmonths. I inhaled deeply, savoring it. If things went wrong, it could be the last time I was outside.

The view was glorious. I moved to the stone wall that provided a barrier from tumbling down, careful not to lean over. Several peaks were in view, close in height, just far enough away that if I closed one eye and reached, I might think I’d be able to touch their spires. Snow sprinkled their tops, but with the heat from the crowd still warming me, I didn’t mind the chill. Even if I’d been shivering, I’d have endured it just to have a few moments to gather my thoughts.

But I was not alone for long.

“You don’t have to stand that far away,” I murmured.

Demos stepped forward from the doorway. I’d said I needed a moment, and Raphael had given it to me. He had not, however, left me without guard. The king’s general wore all black, as all the vampires did, but it was ornamented. The uniform of a soldier rather than formal clothing.

“I’m surprised you’re not with Thea.” It was nonsensical, but it happened to be the first thing that came to mind. I was worried if I was left in silence with my thoughts the deception would be plain on my face.

He stood six feet to my side, looking out over the cliffs. “Why would I be with her?”

Because you’re always looking at her. “You’re friends, are you not?”

“I’m to guardyou.” His tone was controlled.

“I’m sure no vampire would dare touch the king’s Chosen at the Tri-Lunar Eclipse.” I kept my tone dry, but my heart pounded, daring him to contradict me.

“There are other threats,” Demos said.

A shiver went down my spine, not just from the cold air.Like what? Does he know about Titus?I dismissed the thought immediately—if Raphael knew the Witch King’s spymaster was in his midst, he’d have been tortured and killed long ago. Which meant there were other threats.

It doesn’t matter. You’re leaving.

“He cares for you, you know,” Demos said nonchalantly.

“I’m a stray he picked up and felt sorry for.” It was a good thing I didn’t have the vampire inability to lie,because the words would never have made it past my lips.He cares for you. It was an addictive thought, electrifying.

But one that had no future. Not with what I was about to do.

Demos gave me a look that said as much. “Then why have my best men been ordered to hunt down some careless vampire who got out of hand with a donor?”

My eyes widened. Raphael had said nothing of that. He’d just… let me believe the worst.

And I’d done so. Easily.

“You can go back to the party, Iademos.”

I spun around. Raphael was suddenly mere feet away, the mildest twist of irritation on his brow. In his hands, he held two crystal flutes. One was a light amber liquid in a flute, the other clear water.

I suspected I was the only human in history who had a vampire king serving her as if he were a tavern wench.

“I wasn’t certain which you would prefer.”

Iademos departed per Raphael’s instructions while I gave what should have been a simple question far too much thought.

Memories of the last time—the only time—I’d imbibed returned. I probably should stay clear-headed. Or I could use the embrace of liquor to soothe the ever-tightening knot of nerves in my stomach.

“You know I would never let anything happen to you,” Raphael said.

I reached for the liquor, not meeting his gaze. I couldn’t return the sentiment.

“Is what Demos said true?” I asked.