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Gerald narrows his eyes. “Do to him?”

“Never mind.”

“You think I fed him potato-laced chowder?” He shakes his head like we’re ridiculous and begins walking.

But Noah catches his arm before he can pass us. “Been talking to Jameson, haven’t you?”

The vampire suddenly looks shifty. He jerks, trying to free himself from Noah’s grip. “Get your hands off me. A NIHA hunter can’t touch me right now, and we both know it.”

“I do know that. I also know you’re working for Jameson.”

Gerald’s eyebrows jump. “This is your last warning. Let me go, or I’ll kill you right here.”

“Why is Jameson trying to keep Cassian off the throne?” Noah demands.

“Why do you think? Cassian is in his way.”

“They’refriends.” Disgusted, Noah releases him.

“Friendship only goes so far. Jameson wants the throne, and Cassian is his only real competition.”

“Do you really want an archduke who’s willing to stoop so low to get the crown?” Noah demands.

“I want an archduke who doesn’t hate what he is. Our numbers have been dwindling since Nicolau forbade progenies, and now, the only new vampires in our lines are either victims or criminals. Is that really how we want to ensure our future?”

“You certainly had a part in that. You manipulated the woman Cassian used to love, using her desire to help people tocoerce her to work with you, just so you could create dozens of rogue vampires in his line.”

“I’m not denying it. I did everything I could to discredit him.” He shakes his head. “And for all our sakes, I hope he doesn’t end up on the throne. Short of threatening your wife again, I’ve done everything I can to stop it. My conscience is clear.”

We watch him walk away, neither of us speaking. When he disappears around the corner, I look at Noah. “I hate politics.”

Nodding his agreement, Noah motions for me to continue to our suite. I wait until he unlocks our door and then step inside.

Almost immediately, a hand clamps over my mouth, and I feel the bite of a stake at my back.

My first response is panic, but I squelch it. We knew this was coming—we anticipated it. I’m not a victim; I’m the key to Jameson’s undoing.

Help us all.

“Hands where I can see them,” the vampire commands in his Georgian Era accent. Jameson smells like expensive cologne and tobacco—a nauseating combination. “Step inside and close the door.”

Eyes locked on mine, Noah does as he’s told, moving slowly. “Piper has nothing to do with this. Let her go.”

“I intend to—after you speak with the committee and inform them Cassian is formally declining the nomination.”

“You know I can’t do that. It’s not my decision to make.” Noah’s calm, but he’s notthatcalm. The fear in his eyes isn’t manufactured.

“He’s sent you as his official representative,” Jameson says. “You can, and you will. Otherwise, I’ll kill her.”

“Fine,” Noah says. “Let Piper go, and I’ll speak with the committee right now.”

“That’s not how leverage works. Piper is going to come with me. I’m going to keep her in a secure location during dinner. Aslong as Cassian’s name is missing from the list, I’ll release her after the announcement is made.”

Noah’s eyes meet mine. He raises his brows slightly, asking me if I’m ready for this.

I can hear his voice in my head. “What do you do if someone takes you hostage?”

I stab them.