House of Secrets and Vows (Crown of Deceit #1)

5. Princeling

5

PRINCELING

I step into the dimly lit lounge of The Red Raven, the weight of patrons' stares crashing into me like a pile of bricks.

A few choice curse words fill my mind as I scold myself. Usually, I dress much more casually when I come here. Sometimes, I’m able to blend in without being noticed, but today I’m in a suit that screams royalty.

I should be used to the stares. My entire life as prince has come with lingering gazes and hushed whispers, as if I don't notice the attention that follows me everywhere I go like a shadow. The scrutiny of the Valazican people is my birthright, and one I once enjoyed, before I fucked up and got myself cursed.

With a deep breath, I saunter through the lounge. The heavy scent of liquor wafts through the air, the warm undertone of aged whiskey swirling with the spicier edge of mulberry mead. Once, all the smells came together as one mouth-watering aroma. Now, thanks to the gifts I've been blessed with, each note stands on its own.

None are as intoxicating as the metallic fragrance of human blood, pulsing through the veins of every patron here tonight.

I scan the room for my friend Lachlan, who appears to be running late. Sweat coats my forehead, thanks to the thick air of the room and the heat of my own blood, always scorching thanks to the curse. I'd hoped, with time, I would cool, that the continuous fever-like state was just my body adjusting to its new nature. But it's been over six months since the day of my biggest regret, and my skin blazes just as warm as ever.

As I make my way to a secluded spot at the bar, I pass two conversing men who both offer small bows. I return the courtesy with a quick nod, careful not to get distracted by the pulse of their necks. With practice, I've learned to remain calm among rooms of people. But I haven't learned how to ignore my cravings completely.

Before coming here, I downed an entire bottle of room-temperature blood, the thick liquid both quenching my thirst and leaving me sick to my stomach with guilt. After I slide into an empty seat at the edge of the bar, I face the entrance, eager for my friend to arrive so I can get this over with.

I’ve brushed off his past few invitations. Ever since I was cursed, spending time with my friends has felt like a lie. None of them knows of the changes within me, and I’ll do whatever I must to keep it that way. I can’t stand the mere thought of them discovering my new means of satiation. At best, they’ll be disgusted with me. At worst, they’ll disown me from their lives.

Neither of which I can handle.

My finger gently taps the wooden counter, impatience rising within me like a wave. This lounge used to be one of my safe havens. A place I yearned to visit, eager to spend countless hours laughing with my friends as if I weren't a prince. Now, being here has me on edge, fearful that a single slip up will make me even more awful of a person.

"Fancy meeting you here, Princeling ."

My body tenses at the voice beside me, my muscles clenching.

I turn to find the Blood King watching me with a feline grin. How did he sneak up on me so easily? A benefit to my curse is a keen awareness of my surroundings, but it's as if he materialized from the shadows.

"Mavet," I say, my jaw clenched.

"Such an enticing selection here tonight, isn't it?" He slowly licks his lower lip as he scans the room, settling on a brunette woman sitting on the far end of the bar. "Her blood is a delectable swirl of roses and plums. She looks like a fighter, and I always find a little challenge makes for a tastier meal. Maybe I’ll indulge in a bite."

I resist the urge to inhale the woman's aroma, ignoring his ploy to get under my skin. “Why are you here?"

"It seems my messages aren't reaching you, so I've come to hand deliver one myself." He pulls a scroll from his pocket and wiggles it in front of my face. "Perhaps a more private area would suit our conversation better."

Suddenly, I hope Lachlan forgets the meeting altogether. "Perhaps."

I follow the Blood King across the lounge to a dark corner booth where shadows cling to the walls as if sensing Mavet’s cold, vile nature. My intuition urges me to flee, but of all my faults, I am not a coward. Leaving Mavet now would only fuel his fury, and I have enough death on my hands from the last time he convinced me to trust him.

Once we're seated, he slides the scroll to me across the table. "Read it."

As much as I want to refuse, I take the paper, peel off the crimson seal, and unroll it. The parchment feels heavy as I skim the words, which are a formal invitation to join the House of Blood and pledge my allegiance to the monster seated across from me.

My hands tremble as I return the scroll to the table, the implications of the offer—and my upcoming refusal— sinking in. "I thought you'd take the hint when I didn't respond to the first five requests."

Wrath flashes across his face, his eyes narrowing like a cat about to strike a rat. "Don't push me, Princeling . I've allowed you time to grieve your humanity, but my tolerance of your insolence runs thin."

I lean close, my voice firm. "I made a mistake once by visiting the tavern with you. You promised to help me control my urges, not tempt me into succumbing to them."

His lips curl into a sardonic smile. "You're a kitten who thinks it can live with the mice. I'm not here to coddle your conscience. You took an oath to Malikar and, whether you like it or not, you are now a vampire." The tension in his shoulders uncoils as if savoring the moment. "Power is the only currency in this world that matters. As a future king, you will accept this fact one way or another. Do you think the monster that killed your brother cared he had a kind heart?"

At the mention of River, I suck in a breath, my vision blurring with rage. My hands clench into fists, knuckles whitening as I struggle to maintain composure. The room seems to close in around us, the thumping of hearts beating into an alluring melody.

"Don't talk about River." Command rings through each of my words. "My brother died to give the Valazican people a peaceful kingdom. You care for only yourself."

The Blood King goes still, his face unreadable. "Don't make the mistake of thinking you know me, Princeling ."

"That's the problem. I don't know you, and I'm not about to pledge allegiance to a stranger."

Mavet shifts his gaze toward the door, a predatory gleam in his eyes. "What brings you here tonight? Meeting with that lively group of friends of yours? They're quite the bunch. What's the short-haired woman's name? Her blood smells of lilac and orange blossoms. An interesting mix, wouldn't you agree?"

A cruel smile spreads ever-so-slowly across his mouth, stopping before it reaches his eyes.

"Leave them out of this."

"Joining with me has benefits you haven't thought of. As monstrous as you think I might be, I'm loyal. I might not care about your silly little friends, but if you pledge yourself to the House of Blood, they'll be off-limits for all vampires."

I picture the faces of my closest friends, friends who have stood by my side for years, through every trial and triumph, friends who have become as dear to me as family. I'd die to protect any of them, as I'm sure they'd do for me without a second thought.

But allying with Mavet is a cost too high, even to shield those I love. Not when my title holds so much power in the kingdom, power the Blood King won't hesitate to misuse if he's given the chance.

I stand up, resolve hardening my features. "We're done here."

He meets my gaze, his red eyes glowing in the inky shadows of the corner. "You don't want me as an enemy, Princeling."

"You're right, I don't. But I don't want you as an ally either."

"For now." He shrugs as if our exchange is nothing more than a game to him.

Before the Blood King speaks another word, I stomp out of the Red Raven. My heart thuds in my chest as adrenaline fuels my quickened pace, fully aware this isn't the end of our conversation.