Page 59 of A Vow of Shadow and Blood

Lissian turns his attention to the others, but I don’t miss the disapproving glance he sends my way.

It’s not my fault your prince got blood drunk, you pompous ass.

Athriel lets out a loud laugh, and I’m glad one of us is entertained by this entire thing.

Oh, I certainly am.

“I will call each house to present their vote, and they may speak directly to the prince. Vaughn, please present Vancova house’s vote.”

A rotund male, with dark brown hair weaved into cornrows that fall to just past his shoulders, stands to his feet. I’ve only seen Vincent’s uncle a couple of times, but their features make it clear they are related. The vampire’s black eyes fall to the prince.

He dips his head. “Your Majesty.”

The prince returns the gesture.

“I would like to begin by stating that House Vancova has stood firmly with the royal House of Kayn for many centuries. We fought side by side in the war and have spent many generations pledging allegiance to the crown. House Vancova’s vote is not yet made, and we will be looking to explore the other courts within the realm before our final vote is decided.”

The prince casts him a look so intense that I shift on my feet. A small voice deep within makes me question whether I can truly kill this monster or whether he will kill me first. When the prince says nothing, Lissian quickly moves to the next council member, a tall female with olive-colored skin.

“House Lemont?” Lissian asks.

The female stands to her feet, back straight and face beaming with pride. The vampires appear to be of varying ages, but not one reflects the centuries they truly are. The prince, himself, only looks to be in his mid-twenties but I wonder how long he has walked this realm.

“House Lemont is the cousin to House Kayn, and we will remain in this court for as long as its crown will have us.”

The prince offers her a curt nod, but his face remains straight, showing so little emotion, though I do not miss him repeatedly clenching and flexing his fingers. The only sign he feels anything.

“House Kayn appreciates House Lemont’sloyalty.”The prince’s words seem to echo around the room, prompting the others to sit up straighter or clear their throats. None of this makes any sense. I always assumed that a vampire just stayed inthe court where they were born. I’ve always heard that the magic of a court comes from its crown, so I’m not sure what happens if a vampire leaves it.

The evening continues with each noble head standing to present their house’s decision, and my feet are burning by the time we come to the tenth house. I shift a little, trying not to draw too much attention to myself, but longing to be comfortable. Longing to be anywhere but in this cursed room full of monsters.

After nearly forty minutes of speeches, only three houses have expressed interest in exploring other courts—whatever that means. Lissian interjected earlier to remind the nobles that their decision is not final tonight and that they can at any time throughout the blood vows season change their minds. That comment earned him a glare from the prince.

“Before I reveal the decision of my own house, I wish to ask the prince a question.” Lissian’s words are coated in a cunning tone that makes me want to roll my eyes. He sits forward as though he has been waiting the entire night for this moment. He faces the prince, his expression full of an emotion I cannot quite read.

“Have you thought any more on my proposal, Your Majesty?” Lissian says, and the entire room falls silent. I stand up straighter. I don’t know what’s happening, but from the way the prince slowly turns to look at Lissian, a look of death in his eyes, I just know it’s not good.

The prince remains deathly silent, his gaze daring Lissian to continue. To my surprise, he does not back down. If I didn’t abhor the male, I may have admired him.

“You appear surprised, Your Majesty.”

The prince’s jaw ticks as he picks up his glass and presses it to his lips.

“I did not believe that you would be as foolish as to question me, especially in public.”

“I do not wish to offend, your majesty, but time is of the essence. The ceremony is upon us, and as I stated in our last meeting, my offer will expire. Though I will happily renew my vow, should you accept myverygenerous offer.”

The prince keeps his eyes on the liquid swirling inside his glass before lifting them slowly to Lissian’s. “And if I don’t?”

Lissian’s throat bobs, but he remains firm.

“Then I will have to look at other options, and I’m sure you know that the loss of a power such as House Blackwood would be detrimental to the future of this court.” Lissian ensures he catches the eyes of the other nobles as he speaks.

The prince pauses for a moment, watching Lissian with a calculating gaze, and then, within seconds, he’s across the room, my back pressed against his chest. He wraps a hand around my throat before I even have a moment to react. I have seen the speed vampires can move, but this is unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed. My attention is pulled to a pureblood across the room who screams out, and when I turn to face him, my stomach drops. A dark, shadowy mass in the shape of a man holds him in the same way the prince is holding me. My eyes flit around the room, and I find every single pureblood in the same position.

I once heard whispers that the prince commands a shadow army, and it seems that it is no lie. The partially formed shapes shift in the air as though awaiting a command.

Lissian’s eyes widen at the scene before him, horror washing his face in a gray tint. Anger bubbles within me because I know that he does not care for a single pureblood that the prince holds in his grasp, only the coin that we make him.