Page 66 of A Vow of Shadow and Blood

She bites her lip again, something she seems to do a lot. She moves over to a door, across from the bed, and opens it wide.

“You’ll find a large collection of dresses and other clothes in here, though you are more than welcome to wear your own.” She pauses when she sees the small satchel I’m carrying, realizing that I didn’t bring any clothes with me. Lissian made sure of that. “But of course, everything in here belongs to you now, and we can have anything you need made or altered. The palace has the best seamstress in the seven courts.”

I look past her to where several dresses hang in the large space. It’s a walk-in closet, though it’s the size of another room. Tori would have loved it here. It was her dream to live somewhere like this. My eyes burn at the thought of her, and I look away.

“I’m sorry if I said something to upset yo—”

“You didn’t,” I snap. “If that’s all, I wish to be alone so I can ready myself fordinner.”

She hesitates as though she’s planning to say something, but then thinks better of it and just nods instead.

“I will send a servant to collect you for dinner.”

As soon as the door shuts, I sprint across the room toward the window.

And you say I’m cold.

She’s a vampire.

He hums in agreement.

Yet you seemed far crueler than she.

Then you fell for her trickery. Vampires aren’t kind or sweet; they are predators who play games to lure us in before the kill. They are designed that way. All I care about is finding a way of getting out of this place once the prince is dead.

You are correct. I cannot argue with such truths.

Good, now how about you help me figure out how the hell we’re going to get out of here once the prince is dead?

I told you that this plan is going to take time. We stay a few days, make a pla—

No. I don’t want to be here any longer than I need to be. The prince wants me to attend his stupid dinner, so I will, and then I’ll make the kill.

I smooth my fingers across the ledge of the window, but there is no opening. It’s sealed shut. If there is a way out of this place, then it’s not here.

You are rushing, and that is never a good thing.

Then help me.

It takes a beat, but I feel the moment he concedes and a smile curves my lips.

Don’t get too happy, I’m only helping because my very existence depends on you staying alive,he tells me.

Good. So, what’s the plan?

Get ready for dinner, and I will reveal all.

It doesn’t take me long to get ready. I’m more than familiar with preparing to woo a self-centered vampire. I found a bathroom through the door at the back of my walk-in closet, but barely had a chance to take in how grand it truly was. I enjoyed a soak in the tub before climbing out and finding the sexiest dress I couldmuster, and I was completely spoiled for choice. Not to mention that Athriel pointed out the small window in there that may be our chance at a successful escape. It will be a tight fit, and my room is quite high up, but if I can make the prince’s death look like an accident, I might be able to slip in here later and make my escape.

I look in the full-length mirror hanging on the wall of my new bedroom and admire the silky orange material that cascades down my body. Athriel suggested that the color would be a perfect match for my amber-colored eyes. Surprisingly, he was right.

Why is that such a surprise?

Boundaries, Athriel. Stop interrupting my inner thoughts.

I feel the sensation of him pulling some kind of face, and I can’t help but laugh. But as I catch myself in the mirror, my face quickly falls. I have no right to be happy when Willow is still missing and Tori is dead.

I move away from my reflection, not wanting to see the look in my eyes, and instead focus on Athriel’s plan. It hinges entirely on my ability to seduce the prince. Athriel seems to think this is the best way to get close to him and get him to feed again. I have spent every moment I’ve known him insulting him, but if this is what it takes to get Willow back, then I will do it. All I have to do is allow the prince to drink my blood and then make my escape. Once I’m out, I will get Willow back, and we’ll flee to the human settlement.