Page 67 of A Vow of Shadow and Blood

A light tap sounds against my new bedroom door, stealing my attention. I take one last look at my reflection, straightening a few curls that have fallen over my shoulders, before moving toward it. I pull it open and find a human girl, around my age or perhaps a year or two younger. Unlike Piper, her eyes hold no softness; instead, they scan me from head to toe with a gaze full of venom.

“The prince is waiting for you,” is all she says before turning and walking away. I hurry behind her, lifting the train of my dress as I go, cursing Athriel for the choice.

It is the correct choice for the task at hand.

I ignore his words, moving quickly behind the girl as she sweeps down the stairs without pausing.

“Does the prince purchase new purebloods often?” I ask.

“No.”

She doesn’t seem to like me much, but I ignore that. If I’m going to do this, then I need as much information about the prince as possible.

“Have you worked here long?”

She blows out a frustrated breath.

“Twenty-three years. Myentirelife.” Her words come out bitter, but also confirm that she’s similar in age to me. A year younger, but close enough.

“Were you born here?”

She halts so suddenly that I nearly collide with her back. She spins to face me, her eyes narrowing into sharp slits.

“I don’t know if you’re trying to make a new friend, but I’m not it. My only job is to deliver you to the prince.”

Without giving me a chance to answer, she spins on her heel and storms down the stairs. Not so different from the bloodhouse then. The purebloods are always in competition for who can gain the best positions and catch the eye of the highest nobles. It’s how the vampires have designed it to make us each other’s enemies as they quietly pick us off and enslave us. I want to be angry at her, but she knows no better. I remain silent until we reach what I assume is the dining room. Two shadow figures wait at the door, only pushing it open when I arrive.

I wonder if he can see what they see. The thought makes me shudder and wonder whethertheymay be the hitch in my plan tonight. The thought is stolen as the dining room comes intofocus. A long table stretches ahead of me, filled with meats, breads, fish, and fruits that make my stomach grumble. I’ve never seen this much food in my life. We’ve only ever eaten what we need, but we never overindulge.

Standing at the head of the table is the cocky prince. His cape and fight leathers are gone, replaced by loose black pants and a simple shirt. His hair is still slightly wet as though he just washed it, and his eyes seem even darker under the glow of the balls of starlight that hover above the table. He moves toward me, hands casually tucked into his pockets.

He exudes arrogance as he takes long strides to meet us. His eyes pin me, moving down the length of my dress and back up again. The low dip that reaches all the way to my belly button, leaving my chest bare, becomes the only thing I can think of. I’m used to my skin being on display—it’s how the vampires like us: accessible, and on show. It never bothers me, but in the presence of the prince, I feel every bit of flesh left uncovered, the cold air sending goosebumps skittering over every inch of it.

“You may leave,” he tells the servant girl as his eyes remain on me. She pauses for a moment but then obeys.

I can’t help but turn to watch her as she disappears through the doors before they slam closed, making me jump.

“She’s jealous.” The prince moves to the table, popping a grape inside his wicked mouth as he leans against its wooden edge. I’m ashamed to admit that I watch the scene far longer than I should. When my gaze meets his again, a knowing glint flickers in his eyes. I straighten, folding my arms across my chest.

“She has nothing to be jealous of. I hate you.”

This makes him smile.

“She has been trained to be my personal donor her entire life.” Another grape finds its way into his mouth, and I force myself to keep looking into his eyes.

“And?”

He pushes off the table, moving toward me with the grace of a feline.

“And…you just took her place.”

My face twists in confusion, and his becomes alight with amusement.

“Then you should probably tell her that it’s only because you want to upset Lord Blackwood. Once you’re done with me, I’m sure you’ll be happy to reassign her.”

“Who said I plan to be done with you?”

I scoff.