Page 69 of A Monarch's Fall

“I highly doubt that. This Royal Conference is unlike the others, don’t you think?” he leaned closer conspiratorially.

“What do you mean?” I asked, feigning ignorance.

“Oh, Heidi dear, the hands which wield power are changing. Can’t you feel it?”

“I’m afraid not,” I told him.

“There is a nervous energy in the air.” He shrugged. “I suppose Coactus doesn’t have much to worry about, does she?”

“Not as far as I am aware,” I answered, though from my grandmother’s request for espionage, I knew that she was concerned for Coactus.

He smiled.

“Perhaps Obscurum and Coactus could have a closer relationship in the future?” he suggested, taking a step closer as he spoke.

I pushed my hand against his chest.

“What kind of relationship do you have in mind, Vlad?” I asked.

He smiled in a way that made me feel queasy.

“I am a man with many desires,” he told me.

“And yet you are a man that can’t offer my House or me anything which we desire,” I replied.

He grinned in a knowing way.

“That could change soon,” he informed me.

“Change how?” I asked.

He leaned closer to me, ignoring my hand against his chest, and there was nothing I could do to stop a pure blood vampire of Obscurum from overpowering me physically; I could not stop him as he leaned into my ear.

“The hands of power could soon be changing,” he whispered.

I schooled my face before he pulled away and smiled in a way that I hoped was intrigued and not shocked.

“Are you saying what I think you are?” I asked as he pulled away, with a smug grin on his face.

He tapped the side of his head.

“Wouldn’t you like to know,” he laughed.

“Stupid girl,”he thought, and I wasn’t sure if it was a thought that leaked past his poor enchantments or if he was playing some game with me.

“I would,” I answered, smiling seductively. Two could play games.

He grinned and leaned forward again.

“Maybe we’ll see each other around, and I can redeem myself,” he said, his voice low.

“Perhaps I’ll walk all over you,” I teased, and enjoyed the way he swallowed. I had no intention of ever entertaining him again, but I couldn’t help myself; it was too much fun to watch a man squirm.

“Perhaps,” he agreed. “I must go now, but I’ll see you around, Heidi.”

I finger waved to him as he left.

Once he was out of sight, I exhaled anxiously.