Page 25 of House of Darkness (The Fallen Star #1)

ESTRELLA

Iwas walking into the lion’s den. Vaulted ceilings of gold and marble arched high above us, the echo of our footsteps resounding off the checkered floors.

Though the hall was spacious, the chatter of vampires and their murky auras thickened the air, making it hard to breathe—or perhaps that was just my panic.

At Roman’s side, all eyes would be on me in this scrap of fabric.

He drew attention to himself, especially in his current state.

His power was completely unchecked; wherever he moved, darkness followed, engulfing the floors and pillars in a shroud of ink.

And then there was the crown resting upon his head.

Servants paused to gawk and bow as we passed, their stares crawling over my skin.

We stepped into a gilded room, dimly lit by a crystal chandelier hanging high above, with lion-head torches flickering along the walls.

Silence enveloped the crowd as a sea of crimson eyes turned to follow our ascent toward the dais on the far side of the room.

Alexander was already seated among the cushioned red thrones framed by a mural of lions and golden-haired vampires.

I struggled to calm my racing heart, but it was difficult when I felt like a rabbit among wolves.

Calm your heart, doll, remember, they can all hear it.

I glanced up to find Roman watching me from the corner of his eye, a half-smile playing on his lips. How dare he suggest something so utterly unhelpful? Instead of responding, I took a deep breath. This was fine; everything was fine.

Then I noticed one critical detail about the lineup of chairs on the dais—they were short one.

I had expected Roman to release me to stand at the end, but his arm remained firmly around mine.

To my horror, he sat on the throne and tugged me into his lap as his generals filled the remaining seats.

His hand wrapped around my waist, making it difficult to breathe.

You could have warned me.

I wasn’t sure how Alexander would set up the room. Besides, this is far more fun, Roman chided back.

I look ridiculous. I should’ve put more fabric in the skirts if I was going to sit—

You look beautiful, Estrella, and your dress is lovely.

“Let’s get this started, Alexander,” he said, tilting his head toward the count.

Alexander nodded and stood. “All rise for His Majesty, Roman!”

Everyone in the room moved to obey. I shifted to stand, but Roman’s grip tightened. You’re exactly where I want you.

I hated how his words made me rub my thighs together, the area between them still slick with his saliva. I should have cleaned up before we left. A grin spread across Roman’s face as that thought crossed my mind. My cheeks heated. Get out of my mind!

I’m starting to like your mind.

Roman lifted me off his lap and stood, shifting me into the chair.

He sauntered to the edge of the dais, wings fully spread.

Tendrils of his power bathed everything in liquid darkness.

My lips parted in awe at the sheer beauty and power that was him.

It was hard not to stare when his power surged unchecked like this.

It made my heart flutter with what I wished was fear, but based on the ache between my thighs, it wasn’t.

“Thank you all for coming to witness this historic event. I am honored to have the mighty Levis House backing my position on the throne. Let us usher in a new era of peace, prosperity, and civility—together,” he boomed, his wings beating dramatically as he spoke the final word, creating an air of awe in their wake.

Roman held out a hand for me to join him.

It was a true test of my mask of neutrality to not raise an eyebrow.

I stood cautiously, my eyes locked on his—playing the part of the doting acolyte—while all I could think about was not stumbling.

He took my hand and led me to the floor below.

A panicked glance back revealed that Alexander was following, a blonde woman clinging to his arm.

The crowd parted, their gaze fixed on us as we took our positions next to Alexander and the vampiress and the first song began to play. Another fun surprise?

I already knew you could dance.

You’re insufferable. I resisted the urge to kick him in the shin; that probably wouldn’t be very “doting acolyte” of me.

I always did love your attitude.

The song came to an end, and we separated, though Roman kept a gentle grip on my hand.

He was about to say something when a golden-haired vampire appeared at his side.

His greenish aura curled against the darkness surrounding us.

He was lean, his cool arrogance accentuated by the smirk curling his lips.

“Your Majesty, it has been too long.” The vampire dipped into a slight bow.

“Codran, I didn’t expect the Bursuc House to be present tonight.” Roman inclined his head politely, though he pulled me close to his side.

“I make it a point to attend events of importance. Keeps me aware. We must discuss our own alliance soon.”

“I’ll have Isabella reach out to set something up.”

The music began again, and Codran chuckled. “My apologies, I’m being rude. May I have your acolyte’s hand to dance? I’m sure my little spitfire would love the opportunity to dance with the tsar.”

It didn’t escape me that Codran asked Roman for permission, not me, but I was too distracted by the woman at his side. I hadn’t noticed her before. “Solaris?”

Golden curls cascaded over the woman’s shoulders, covered in powder-blue lace.

I could picture those emerald-green eyes in my mind, but the ones staring back at me were a vivid red.

Her face was rounder than my Solaris', yet the vampiress before me looked more like my twin than I did.

Little fangs peeked through her grin. “Solaris? My name is Iliya, darling!”

I flushed, utterly humiliated. The woman in front of me was not my sister, of course. Solaris wouldn’t be here, the thought seemed utterly ridiculous now. The disappointment weighing on my chest felt like an aching void that my twin had left behind. I dipped my head. “My mistake, ma’am.”

“Oh, don’t call me ma’am. Iliya is fine! You don’t mind if I steal your man for a turn, do ya?” She threw me a mischievous wink and turned her attention back to Roman, holding out her hand expectantly.

Roman’s shoulders tensed. He glanced at me, eyebrows furrowed. I understood his unspoken question and dipped my head in acceptance. No need to create a scene. He took her hand and spun her onto the dance floor, leaving me alone with the Bursuc Count.

I curtsied awkwardly to Codran, then extended my hand.

His touch was like stone, reminiscent of Roman’s, but lacking the warmth of his dark tendrils.

Instead, a toxic green fog enveloped me, its overwhelming strength showing just how powerful he was.

Codran maintained a polite distance, though that may have had more to with my master’s presence than any actual civility.

“Sorry, I didn’t catch your name,” he inquired, a smile curling his lips. His voice was smooth and deep, the kind that made ladies swoon, matched by a handsome face.

“Estrella, sir.”

“It’s lovely to meet you, Estrella.” He released my back to spin me in time with the crowd, catching me effortlessly.

“It’s lovely to meet you as well, sir.”

“I hope you don’t find me rude, but I must ask, your master didn’t take an acolyte for so long, what made him change his mind?”

“You’d have to ask him, sir.”

Codran hummed thoughtfully, his eyes giving me a cursory once-over. “You must be quite special to have garnered his attention.”

“Maybe he just likes blondes,” I muttered without thinking. Roman was now spinning Iliya in the center of the dance floor. She looked like she was having the time of her life, but his expression was unreadable.

Codran’s eyes sparkled as he followed my gaze. He spun us so I no longer faced the pair. “I might be starting to understand.”

I looked up at his angular face. If my confusion showed, he didn’t let on. “Is this your first time at the Levis estate?”

“Yes, sir. I haven’t traveled much.”

Codran dipped me back, his arm guiding my descent. “Well, that is unfortunate. One hasn’t truly lived until they’ve seen all ten regions.”

My heart skipped as he pulled me back up. “Have you been to all the Houses, then?” I quickly remembered myself and added, “sir.”

“Indeed. Unlike any other House, the Bursucs have an embassy in every region. Though my favorite has always been the Panteras, their capital, Meviza, is quite colorful.”

Dense green jungles broken by vibrant relics filled my mind.

I could almost envision their warriors racing through the underbrush, whether in their humanoid forms or as sleek black cats they were named for.

We studied their House in the academy. Aside from the Azu, they were one of the most economically and politically powerful Houses.

Their influence spread over most of the Cacera continent. “I can only imagine,” I breathed.

“I’m surprised His Majesty hasn’t taken you on any diplomatic trips prior to this.” Codran spun me again as the song began to slow.

“I’ve only been with him for a short while, sir,” I corrected.

“Hmmm,” Codran leaned closer, that smirk returning to his lips, “I think he just wants to keep you all to himself.”

He leaned back as we guided ourselves to a slow stop when the song ended. The orchestra along the far wall shuffled as they prepared for the next set. “I can’t say I blame him, though. I wouldn’t want my acolytes where just anyone could snatch them up.”

His tone was teasing, and he winked, but the implication made my skin crawl.

It shouldn’t; acolyte theft was quite common, so his comment wasn’t unwarranted.

I just didn’t like the reminder. It was also common for committed or married vampires to have acolytes, but the thought that he might have his own in addition to Iliya made me squeamish.

Warmth enveloped my exposed skin like a satin blanket, alerting me to Roman’s presence.

I turned to him and the starstruck Iliya.

She let go of his arm and floated to Codran on air-light feet.

“Oh my gosh, that was crazy! Everyone was staring!” she squealed, and I was surprised more people weren’t watching as she bounced on the balls of her feet.

Codran’s smirk softened into a smile, his eyes warming as he wrapped his lover in his arms. Something ugly twisted in my gut at the love reflected in his expression. I wanted someone to look at me that same way. “Everything you dreamed?”

I shifted to Roman’s side, and he tugged me to his chiseled frame.

Iliya kissed Codran, and for a moment, I wasn’t sure they were aware of anyone else in the room.

Then she spun to us. “Yes, a million times yes!” Her cranberry eyes found mine.

“You’re so fortunate! Especially in that dress. All the ladies must want to be you!”

Before I could react, Roman stepped back. He took my hand and spun me, putting me on display. “You like her dress? She designed it herself.”

Iliya’s jaw dropped. “Seriously? Oh my gosh, you are sooooo talented! Please tell me you do commissions!”

My palms began to sweat, and my head felt light—I didn’t think it was just from the spinning. “Yes—yes, I do!”

“I need a gown made!” She turned her attention to Codran. “Buy me a gown, love.”

He laughed, his hand gliding up her side. “Anything for you, darling.”

She grinned in a way that reminded me of Solaris when people bent to her will. They probably would’ve gotten along splendidly. “Can you do pink? I absolutely love pink.”

“I can do pink.” The room started to spin. I gripped Roman’s arm to steady myself.

Iliya rambled about all the details, and I did my best to keep up with her requests when Razvan appeared at our side. “It’s time for the treaty signing, Your Highness.”

“Oh, I’ll send a letter! I can’t wait!” Iliya squealed, bouncing on the balls of her feet as Codran bowed to us both and departed the dance floor.

Roman guided me back to the dais, and I settled onto his knee as he and Alexander took turns signing a document scrawled in neat print. But I wasn’t really there. My eyes were lost in visions of pink bows and scraps of lace.

I had my first customer.