Page 94 of House of Blood and Roses: Vol. 1

"I don't have to watch you marry someone else," he says.

Despite knowing I shouldn't, I melt a little at his words. "You'd have managed."

"Mmm, and if my father or Marcus ever gave me the power, I would have sent him on some long diplomatic mission that took him far away."

I laugh without meaning to. "Do vampires even go on long diplomatic missions?"

"They would when I was done," he responds.

I shake my head in amusement. "And what would you have done while this non-existent husband of mine was gone?"

"Pine from a distance," he jokes. "And cruelly hoped that you'd become a widow."

"I think this is a much better outcome," I say. "Even if I'd rather we were alone right now."

"We can be tomorrow," he promises.

I smile, realising that's true of a lot more than just tomorrow.

TWELVE

The servants are bustling around the House Rothorne rooms as they prepare for Linc's arrival. I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about the fact we're having a family dinner with him, especially as there's a part of me that worries this is going to be a disaster.

The bell signalling the front door has opened goes off, and I get to my feet so quickly it feels like all my blood rushes to my head. I'm going to have to be more careful about that.

The rest of my family are much more relaxed as they get up in time for one of the servants to step inside with Linc behind him wearing a smart suit that makes him look very dashing, but nowhere near as good as when he's in the library with his cravat loosened and his hair sticking up from running his hand through it.

I try to banish the thoughts from my mind so I can focus on the situation at hand rather than the one my mind is creating.

"Your Highness," Lord Fallmartin says with a stiff bow. "It is an honour to have you in our home."

"It's an honour to be here, Lord Fallmartin."

"I don't know if you've had the opportunity to meet Lord and Lady Vermouten before," my father says, gesturing to Thomas and Bella.

Bastian scowls, even though it makes perfect sense that they're being introduced first. Bastian is just Lord Fallmartin's heir, whereas Thomas is the head of his own House.

"I don't believe I've had the pleasure," Linc responds, holding out his hand for Thomas to shake, and dipping his head to Bella.

"And my son and heir, Lord Bastian," Lord Fallmartin says, moving him on.

Linc winces as Bastian takes his hand, and I'm sure it's because Bastian is squeezing tighter than he should. I want to tell him to stop, but I know that's not right for the current situation.

"And of course, you know my daughter, Lady Beatrice."

"I do." Linc takes my hand in his and lifts it to his lips. I suck in a breath even at the small touch. It's strange for him to greet me in front of my family, but I have to admit I kind of like it.

Lord Fallmartin smiles at me in a way that suggests he's proud, when all I've done is let Linc kiss my hand.

"We should go through to the dining room," my father says, gesturing behind him.

Linc offers me his arm and I slip mine through it, resting my hand on his sleeve. I have to admit, this is different than the dinner which introduced Bastian to Lady Ermintrude. Perhaps that's why my brother is glaring at me so much.

"How did I do?" Linc murmurs.

"Was there much that could go wrong?"

"I suppose I could have been too familiar. Though given the expression on your brother's face, that might still be the case." He nods over to where Bastian is looking at us.