Page 209 of Vampire so Virtuous

“I do not agree to this, my lord,” Antoine said.

“So be it,” Belle replied to Leonard with reluctance, as if doing him a favor. Antoine didn’t buy it—this was Belle realizing the fruition of her plans. “I was planning to leave soon anyway.”

Now you are. You’ve got what you came for.

“Noah? Noah!”

There was no response to his mental call. Was he out of range?

Gabriel cleared his throat. “I thank the Curia for their wisdom. If Antoine is to be banished to Europe, perhaps my Lord Roberto will not object if I make his thralls and chattel as my own?”

Roberto scoffed. “He comes in here stinking of a chattel, and now you’re so eager to claim them? Must be some creature.”

Gabriel inclined his head respectfully. “She does taste nice, my lord.”

Antoine glared at Gabriel, his fists clenched so tightly his nails cut into his palms, and the metallic tang of blood filled the air. “You want her for yourself.”

Roberto looked amused. “You have designs on his chattel? How perfect! Very well, take her.”

How did I not see this?

Gabriel gave Antoine a grin. “Mustn’t let such blood go to waste, my friend.”

“We were never friends,” Antoine growled. He turned back to Leonard, the only one who could still intervene. “I refuse this judgment, my lord.”

“You don’t have a choice,” Leonard said, disinterest creeping into his tone. “It is done.”

“No!” Antoine raised a hand, pointing a finger at Roberto. “I challengehim! If I win, I take his seat, and keep my territory.”

“Oh, be still,” Leonard said. “At least we’re allowing you to keep your life.”

“How dare he challenge me,” Roberto spat, full of mock outrage. He sank into his chair, a triumphant smirk on his lips, and met Antoine’s eyes, clearly relishing the moment in a way that sent a chill down Antoine’s spine. He paused for effect before his next words fell. “Now I push for entombment.”

Leonard huffed, the sound betraying a mix of frustration and resignation.

“This has gone on long enough,” Jorge said. “Entomb him and be done with it. It is embarrassing to squabble before a member of the European Curia.”

“I will see to it, my lords,” Gabriel said smoothly. “Entombment as per our laws.”

“Permanent,” Roberto said, his lips twisting with cruel satisfaction.

Leonard looked at him, hesitant. “Permanent?”

“Permanent,” Roberto replied with finality.

Gabriel frowned. “There’s never been a permanent entombment in our history.”

Roberto sneered at Antoine. “There will be tonight.”

Belle had been watching Gabriel with something akin to curiosity, but flicked a glance at Antoine before turning to Leonard. “I agree to the necessity,” she said, her tone still disinterested. “Entombment, but not permanent. It would set an unwanted precedent.”

Antoine stared at her, fear swelling inside him. How was this protection? He should’ve known she would interpret it in her own way.

Leonard inclined his head. “Thank you, my lady.” He turned to Antoine, his voice formal. “Entombment until the Curia is satisfied.”

“Or until he escapes,” Belle added pointedly, and with a hint of amusement. “We do include that, do we not?”

Roberto barked a laugh. “I will entomb him.” He leaned forward, supporting his bulk with one hand on his knee, his small eyes narrowed, burning into Antoine. “I will bury you somewhere you’ll never escape, and I will never, ever, be satisfied.” He grinned wolfishly. “In fact, I might be satisfied tomorrow—but it won’t matter, as I’ll have forgotten where I put you.”