Page 117 of A Vow of Shadow and Blood

“Well, I transferred here when I was in my mid-twenties, that would be what…”

“Forty-three years ago,” Piper finishes, and I swear that I notice a flicker of pain in her eyes.

“Yes, forty-three years,” Lena all but whispers.

“So, do you have any idea how many dresses I will need?” Piper smiles at me in thanks as though she needed the subject change.

“I expect at least fifteen, maybe more.” My eyes widen at the number. “Mostly to give you choices.”

“Thank the gods. I thought I had to attend fifteen events. Just the thought of going to one is bad enough.”

Piper laughs at this before coming to take a seat next to me.

“Maybe not that many, but as the prince’schosendonor, you are expected to attend them all. Don’t worry, you’ll be fine. You only have to stand around most of the time and allow Kari to feed on you when he needs to.”

I don’t think I’ll ever get over the casual nickname that she gives him.

“Right, I think I have everything I need. Your measurements have been taken, and I will take your style into account when coming up with the dresses. If you would like, you can come for a viewing before I do the final pieces.”

I pause, unsure of how to answer. I’ve never been given a choice about anything I wear. That was always something Amabel decided. The only job I ever had was to turn up and put it on. This is all new.

“Right, we’ll leave you to it then. Thank you,” Piper answers, saving me from the awkward silence.

Lena looks back at Piper and only nods her head, but her eyes say a thousand words. Piper hurries around me, her eyes a little shinier than just a few moments ago. She leaves through the door, and I turn to find Lena staring at the space where Piper just stood.

“Thank you.”

“It was my pleasure, dear.”

I nod before leaving to follow Piper. When I get out, I find her leaning against a wall and rubbing a hand through her short brown hair. She stands up straight as soon as she sees me and plasters a wide smile on her face.

“Ready?” she says, but her voice carries a sadness that she cannot seem to hide.

I shouldn’t care. She’s a vampire. And yet I find myself unable to pretend that she is not upset.

“Are you ok?”

My words seem to surprise her, and she tries to shake them off.

“Yeah, of course, I’m fine.”

“Piper, you’re not fine. I’m sorry if coming here with me upset you for some reason. I can ask Iza next tim—”

“No, it’s not that. I…oh damn it…sorry.” She turns away from me to hide her face, but I move slowly until I am standing in front of her. A tear trickles down her cheek, and I can’t help but reach out to put a hand on her arm.

“You care about Lena.” It’s a statement, not a question. “Why does that upset you?”

She shakes her head as she tries to catch her breath.

“It just reminds me of a time long ago. It’s stupid.”

Realization dawns on me, and I drop my hand.

“You’re in love with her.”

Her eyes snap up to my face, and another tear spills down her cheek. My eyes scan her face, and I see no sign of this being a trick. These are real emotions.This is real.A human and a vampire in love.

“You still love her, don’t you?”