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“Strange, I very recently finished a trade with the Velesians and had no problems at all.” I widened my eyes and gave first Narcisa then Davon a concerned look.

“Is House Corvinus struggling with offering fair trading terms? I know how challenging it can be to run a House. We’re fortunate in that House Harker is so well-established that sometimes I take our stability for granted.

” I let a hint of apology seep into my expression as I placed a hand on my chest. “Please let us know if we can be of assistance. Nobody wants to see House Corvinus fall on hard times.”

Narcisa’s eyes narrowed the barest fraction, but Davon just gave me a grateful nod. “You’re too kind, Samara. I wish you good fortune in your second marriage—perhaps aiming lower than a fellow Heir will work out better for you? I do believe House Tepes has lots of second cousins available.”

My smile sharpened, but before I could reply, Carmilla cut in. Probably for the best. I was too tired to come up with anything clever and probably would have just thrown the butter knife at Davon’s head. It was blunt, but I was confident I could throw it hard enough to pierce his thick skull.

“It’s actually very fortunate that you’re here.” Carmilla touched the crown on her head.

I stiffened. Kieran’s parents might be horrible and represent the worst of the Moroi, but I wouldn’t sit by and watch their free will be stripped away. “Don’t?—”

“You will not be the one to pay if you interfere,” Carmilla cut me off, her dark gaze flicking downward for a second before meeting my eyes again. Draven. She would punish my prince.

My nails shifted to claws that bit straight through the tablecloth and into the wood, but I kept my mouth shut.

If I were a better person, I probably would have fought regardless—even knowing it wouldn’t matter.

The only ally out of the dungeons I had was Vail, and he was questionable at best. Despite Draven’s confidence in him, I didn’t trust him not to betray me.

Definitely not with Carmilla being here.

The last time Carmilla had ordered Vail to do something and I’d begged him not to, he’d sided with her. I had no doubt he would do so again.

Davon and Narcisa were watching Carmilla and me closely. Their expressions were polite with just a hint of curiosity. It was the mask Kieran wore when he was feeling uneasy about something.

“It seems you two have some things to discuss.” Narcisa dabbed her mouth with a cloth napkin before folding it neatly on the table. “We wouldn’t want to intrude on family affairs.”

“Perhaps we can rest in our room and then catch up later this afternoon?” Davon offered as he began to rise from the table, Narcisa doing the same.

“ Sit and be quiet ,” Carmilla ordered.

Both courtiers promptly dropped back to their chairs, and fear cracked through their calm facades as dread pooled in my gut.

“This isn’t necessary,” I tried again, hoping she wouldn’t punish Draven for me merely pleading my case. “You said you would only use the crown when you had no other choice.”

She gave me a placating smile. “My dear, you know how House Corvinus is. They are not to be trusted. Their loyalty is fleeting and always for sale. It’s not a matter of if they will betray us, but when.

” Her gaze flicked to them. “Given the horrible ways they’ve treated Kieran over the years, I’m surprised you’re defending them.

” Those green eyes met mine once more. “Or do you not love him the way you claim?”

“He wouldn’t want this.” I shook my head and glanced at Kieran’s parents.

Narcisa’s full lips were flattened into a hard line, and her eyes were wide with terror.

Davon was trying to keep his expression neutral, but sweat was beading at his forehead.

“Imprison them if you must, but please don’t do this. ”

Carmilla tilted her head as she pondered me.

“I thought I raised you to be more ruthless than this. This is the perfect opening to have high-level spies in House Corvinus. I will not pass up this opportunity. Unless you want to find out just how much blood your disgraced lover can lose, I suggest you watch what you say next.”

A large hand fell on my shoulder. I didn’t have to look up to know it was Vail. Whether he was doing it to keep me from doing anything rash or as a show of support, I had no idea.

Please. This time, it was the crown I begged. You don’t have to do this.

This is why you cannot abandon me. I must obey the head I sit upon—even if I don’t want to.

She tried to use me on children the other day.

Fighting back against that cost me. I do not have the strength to disobey as I am right now.

There was a hint of despair in its tone.

I have broken so many. Do not let yourself be added to the list.

“Davon and Narcisa Blake,” Carmilla’s voice rang out, filling the room. “From this day forward, you serve me—and only me.”

The fear on Kieran’s parents’ faces was wiped away in an instant before relaxing into emotionless masks. They looked at Carmilla, their eyes hollow and blank. “Yes, my queen,” they intoned.