Page 95 of The Vampire Court

“But she is already marked,” a woman, hidden by several other taller members, says.

“Yes,” Elizabeth says, a fake pout on her lips. Her delight at this situation only serves to feed the dread freezing my blood in my veins. “The vampire who will become her new master must be willing to oath bind themselves to her.”

What she means is that Clara will not be bound to me.

Murmurs erupt with most of the court shaking their heads. A few even take a step back, revolted by the idea that they would be unable to claim another human ever again. Not many vampires willingly bind themselves to a human, and only on rare occasions will they do so with another vampire.

The urge to stand up and defy her nearly takes over, but I force myself to remain precisely as I am—keeping very still, my hands resting loosely on the arms of my throne, my face void of any reactions.

Cassius steps forward, and my vision turns red.

“I have been her guardian since the masquerade. I have developed a rapport with the human. I’m confident I can persuade her to take the oath with minimal effort.” He looks around at everyone, daring them to challenge him, his gaze stopping on Elizabeth—purposefully avoiding mine.

No one speaks up; no one else offers. He is above them all, only below Elizabeth and I in power. There is no doubt in my mind that is the reason for this. If he can’t have my position, then he will take everything he can from me.

Elizabeth’s fingers graze the back of my hand, drawing my attention. She watches me with cool curiosity. I have no idea if I’ve given anything away.

This farce of a meeting is all about Clara, giving Elizabeth the chance to announce her victory over me to the entirety of this court. Publicly giving me power then taking something from me simultaneously—showing us all that she is the queen for a reason.

“Yes,” she says, finally turning back to Cassius. “The human is yours. Oath bind her to you.” Her gaze flicks to me. “But do not kill her. No matter what her crimes are, she will be safe from punishment, but you are expected to bring her to heel. However you do it, get it done. She cannot remain wild.”

I stop listening as the queen brings this meeting to an end.

Clara will be oath bound to Cassius, and I to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth either knew I was planning to give in, at least in appearance, even before I consciously made the decision, or she intended to force my hand.

Though less than a half-hour in length, every second of this was a carefully crafted performance—a test to see how much control she has over me.

I turn my face up and take in the sharp angles of her profile. She gives me a sweet smile that could mean anything.

Though it remains to be seen if I have passed or failed.