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

30. A Spider’s Web

30

A SPIDER’S WEB

I ’ve never been afraid of tight spaces, but waiting in this windowless room for Nevan has me sweating as panic tightens my muscles.

It's a strange turn of events. Only two days ago, I’d been ready to kill him. Now, if I want to find my friend and escape this place alive, I need him.

The bedroom I’ve been taken to is neither small nor large, with plush blankets and pillows decorating the bed, colorful paintings of flowers in gold frames hanging on the walls, and an intricately carved vanity and mirror. Sconces dimly light the space, and an empty fireplace lines the wall across from the bed.

I’m browsing the top row of a bookshelf when the door swings open and I spin around, hand searching for a dagger I don’t have.

Prince Nevan shuts the door and enters with his hands raised. "It's just me."

Blood stains are splattered on his jacket, and the remnants of the red liquid are smeared across his face. "What happened?"

I move sideways until I am standing in front of the bed, but my senses remain on high alert, my fists balled.

I might have known that the prince had sold his soul to Malikar since the day he came into the Temple and confessed, but he has never looked like a monster until now.

Hovering a few feet from me, he notices my tense body language. “I won’t hurt you.”

“What happened when I left?” I repeat my question.

"Mavet reminded me who holds the power while we're here." Pain and confliction buzz around him, as does another emotion I can't place.

I scan his torso but find no sign of any injury. The blood he wears isn't his own.

Dread pools in my gut. In my haste to search for Aella, I never stopped to think of the repercussions. If I die trying to save my friend, so be it, but the thought of anyone else dying...

Nevan approaches me cautiously with his hands still raised. He slowly brings a finger over his mouth. When he is so near I can smell the blood on him, he says, "Everyone here has supernatural hearing. Unless we are alone and standing this close, always assume we’re being overheard."

"What did he make you do?" My voice cracks, and I hate myself for it.

He takes a deep breath. "I fed from a woman who was stupid enough to bargain with the Blood King."

"Fed on like you did on Aella?"

"Yes."

"Did you?—”

He shakes his head. "She's still alive and will recover, but this place is never safe for humans. Don't forget that."

So Mavet hasn't shared what he knows about me with the prince. I’m not naive enough to be grateful for the Blood King's discretion. Creatures like him do nothing with kindness in mind.

"What now?" I ask.

"We’re expected to attend dinner with Mavet in less than an hour."

"Dinner? And what exactly is on the menu?"

"I suppose we’ll find out soon."

The closet in our room is packed with fancy suits and dresses.

Nevan chooses an all-black suit, and to remind the Blood King that we have come here together and expect to leave the same way, I wear a black dress, too.

While Nevan's attire is fabricated from thick linen, the outer layer of my gown is made entirely of lace. The deep V neckline plunges low enough to show ample cleavage, and the skirt curves tightly around my hips.

I finish pulling my hair into a loose braid just as Mavet's advisor, who introduces himself to me as Colesef, arrives at our door to escort us to dinner.

Nevan twines his fingers with mine as we follow Colesef through the underground palace.

The prince’s hand is hot against my skin. And though its warmth is comforting in such a harsh place, the memory of his blood-covered face and clothes from earlier makes me want to pry my hand from his and run far, far away.

But I’m too deep in this game to change my mind now. It isn’t only my life that depends on playing the prince’s doting lover; if I have any hope of saving my friend, I need to be convincing.

Colesef leads us down three different hallways, all a blur of stone walls and gray tile floors, the only warmth the candle sconces lighting the way. Every inch of this place feels void of life, and the eerie atmosphere leaves me on edge.

Finally, at the end of the third hallway, we arrive at the largest dining room I’ve ever seen.

A table long enough to seat one hundred spans across the rectangular room. Candles decorate its top, placed evenly a foot apart on a runner that has been unrolled down the table's center.

On the far side of the room, Mavet waits, lounging in a throne-like chair at the head of the table.

"Welcome, my lovely guests," he says as we cross the room. "I hope your accommodations will be adequate for your stay."

Before we’d left the room, Nevan had leaned in close and reminded me that everything we do from now on is part of the game.

I am familiar with playing a role, and yet something about seeing the blood on Nevan ripped me out of my usual charade. I have been in places and met many people who prey on the weak, but this place puts anything I’ve seen in the past to shame.

This underground palace thrives on the agony of humans. Pain and suffering linger in the air like a haze of heavy smoke. I thought I'd met evil men, but nothing compares to the man grinning at me now.

The Blood King's gaze lingers on my cleavage and the racing heart behind my ribcage. "Zariah, that dress looks like it was made just for you. You look good enough to eat.”

I ignore the playful threat. Taking the bait would only encourage him.

“A happy coincidence, it seems." Bored, I reach around and rest my hand on Nevan's bicep. “Perhaps you'll gift it to me after our stay here."

“ Perhaps .” His mouth quirks to the side. "Please, take a seat."

I let Nevan choose where we sit, and he selects side-by-side spots two chairs away from Mavet.

Nevan scoots his chair in. "Will anyone else be joining us?"

"I thought a private meal would be best for your first night here," the Blood King says, tapping a fork on the table. “My most prized chef prepared quite the feast."

In a single file line, human servants bring out a dish at a time.

One by one, platters with a whole roasted pig, brightly colored assortments of fruit, charred vegetables and potatoes, and last, a three-tiered cake are set on the table.

As the food is served, another servant fills our glasses with a deep red liquid.

"Don't fret, lovely," Mavet says as I stare at the drink in front of me. "It's only wine tonight. Nevan and I got our fill of blood before he returned to your room."

"Yes, I heard," I say, resisting the urge to react to the memory of Nevan entering the room, covered in blood, which I suspect Mavet wanted.

That, or he'd hoped I was altogether unaware of their feeding so that he might catch me by surprise. I raise the delicate glass holding the wine and direct it toward Mavet. "Thank you for your hospitality."

Nevan eyes me before following my lead. "We appreciate the chance to learn more about the House of Blood."

Mavet nods before taking a sip. "And I thought you wanted nothing to do with my House, Princeling."

"Perhaps my opinion will remain the same at the end of our stay. But a good king explores all potential alliances, and I plan to be a good king.” Nevan brings the wine to his mouth, but when he tips it to his lips, he doesn't drink.

All but three of the servants leave the room.

Mavet gestures to the feast in front of us. "What would you like to start with?"

As we each declare what we want, the remaining servants dish up our plates. Nevan skips the pig and chooses only fruits and vegetables. I take a little of it all, a bit embarrassed as I salivate as I dig into the meal.

While Nevan picks over his food slowly, I devour mine.

It’s been over two days since I’ve last eaten. I’ve been too focused on killing the prince and then, instead, our plan to search for Aella to worry about food. But now my stomach growls, its gnawing a reminder of my time on the Valazican streets.

I don't miss the strange satisfaction on Mavet's face as I bite into a slice of apple. "Delicious, isn't it?"

I swallow the mouthful.

"Quite," I say, not asking why he finds me eating fruit so fascinating.

No one talks much for the rest of the meal. Once we have all finished eating, we move on to the parlor, where Colesef and a woman sit on a small couch. They stand and bow as Mavet lingers in the doorway.

He then sits in the high-backed chair at the head of the seating area.

So far, there has been an obvious spot reserved for him anywhere we’ve gone. Although this chair is much smaller than a throne, it is the only piece of furniture in the room made with such detail. The upholstery is a deep magenta color, with swirls of bronze embroidery covering all the fabric.

"You've already met Colesef," Mavet says once seated, turning his attention to the woman. "But I don't think either of you have met Tatiyana. She's visiting for our Solstice celebration."

Nevan guides me to the small couch across from the woman and the advisor.

He rests his hand on my thigh. "Where are you visiting from, Tatiyana?”

The nerves in my leg tingle.

"From a city east of Solendale," she says in an accent I don't recognize.

Although Tatiyana is clearly not human, she is also not fae. And her lilt isn't that of the fae kingdom.

"What city is that?" I ask as Nevan strokes me with his thumb, sending a wave of pleasure between my legs.

As I fidget in my seat, he grins.

“Illadria.” She crosses her legs. "It's not a place most people around here know of."

"It doesn't sound familiar," I say, though it’s a lie. Although I know nothing about the place, I have heard the name a very long time ago.

Tatiyana gazes at Nevan. "You don't look like a vampire, Prince. And rumor has it you walk in the day."

Her casual use of the word vampire surprises me.

"It seems Malikar blessed the prince in his curse," Colesef says in a flat tone, but jealousy fills his aura. "Such fortune for someone already so privileged."

"I wouldn't call anything about my curse fortunate ,” Nevan replies.

"You've never been burned by the sun, Prince."

So, that's why Nevan is able to go out in the sunshine unlike the other vampires.

But why is he the exception? Surely, a god as vile as Malikar does nothing out of the goodness of his heart.

As if reading my mind, Mavet cuts in, "It's a rare occurrence, but every so often, a vampire is gifted the ability to walk in the day. I killed the last one out of spite, but I've felt generous lately."

Colesef scoffs quietly.

Mavet raises his hand, and a male servant I hadn't noticed steps away from the corner of the room, heading straight to his side.

The servant offers his wrist to the Blood King, who pulls it to his mouth and drinks.

As he gulps down the blood, a bulge forms in Mavet’s pants.

He notices my lingering attention and pulls his mouth back with a grin. "Ahh, yes, did the Princeling forget to tell you the effect drinking blood from the vein has on us?"

Nevan hasn't told me much of anything about being a vampire. I’m unsure how much he knows about the curse he’s now beholden to.

Had drinking from the woman earlier had the same effect on him?

I sense his guilt a moment later, giving me the answer.

Mavet drinks from the servant for a few more seconds before passing him along to Colesef. By the time the advisor has his fill and the servant is given to Tatiyana, all the color has drained from the servant's face.

"You'll kill him," I say.

Colesef gives an annoyed look. "And?"

"And that means he'll die. Does human life really matter that little to you?" It's a stupid question and one I already know the answer to.

They don't care, not one bit.

"We're predators. It's not in our nature to care about the lives of our prey," Mavet says.

"You're monsters." The words are out before I can stop myself. So much for keeping my emotions in check, but in a room full of such cruelty, I’m like lightning yearning to strike.

“We’re no more monsters than the spiders weaving webs, love.”

Nevan squeezes my knee.

It isn’t just my life on the line; my temper could get him killed, too. And if we die, there will be no rescuing Aella, if there’s even still an Aella to rescue.

Mavet watches me with a gleam in his eye, as if urging me to push him again. When I don’t, he says, "It's time we all settle in for the day. Colesef will show you back to your room."

"You could have warned me you get aroused by drinking blood," I say to Nevan when we are alone in our room.

I’m supposed to keep my voice down, but I don't bother. Everyone in the room is aware I had no idea about the fact.

"And what does my arousal matter to you?" he asks, his voice low.

This time, I whisper. "It doesn't."

"Clearly."

"But we're supposed to be lovers, and I'd prefer not to look like a doe-eyed fool in front of them."

A sly smirk shifts his amused features, and it's the only moment I have seen him seem relaxed since we entered the carriage. "Is that why the thought of my hard cock bothers you so much? You’re jealous?"

"I’m not jealous ," I reply quickly, so quickly that I don't give myself time to contemplate the accusation.

"Next time I find myself aroused, I'll be sure to let you know."

"That's not what I mean." I'm not sure what I want, to be honest. I hated the satisfaction on Mavet's face when he guessed I'd been clueless. Deciding not to push the conversation any further, I eye the bed. "One bed. Lovely."

Nevan's gaze follows mine. "I can sleep on the floor, Priestess."

He reaches around me and tugs a blanket from the bed.

The collar of his jacket brushes my cheek. "I figured you'd want the bed since you're royalty."

"I'm not as selfish as you seem to think," he says, leaning away from me, blanket in hand.

I grit my teeth back and forth. "We can share the bed. That is if you can manage to keep your teeth to yourself."

I'm in a house of vampires; any thought of self-preservation is pointless. Either he will suck me dry, or he won't.

"I won't bite," he says, leaning in closer. "Unless you ask."

A shiver runs through me, and not one from fear. "Then it's settled. We'll share the bed."

I excuse myself to the washroom and rinse my face with cold water. When I'm done, I notice a garment tossed in front of the door. It's a black nighty, far more scandalous than those I wear as a priestess.

But my dress is far too tight and uncomfortable to sleep in.

After changing into the nighty, which is barely long enough to cover my backside, I return to the room with my arms crossed in front of my chest.

Nevan is already in bed, lying on top of the covers in his trousers. "Normally, I sleep without anything on, but I wouldn't want to make you blush."

"I'm a mature woman. I'm sure I can handle it," I say, dropping my arms to reveal the low-cut nighty. When his gaze finds my cleavage, I can't resist a smirk.

Neither of us speaks as we settle into the bed, our backs facing each other.

When I wake to the pitch-black room, panic seizes me, and I jolt up.

"You're all right, Priestess," Nevan says from across the room. He lights a candle, brightening the space just a little. He’s still shirtless in the trousers, and the glow of the light accentuates his sinewy build.

Not once have I ever slept so soundly. "Is it...night?"

We had arrived at the Blood Den just after dark and then stayed awake through the night. With no windows, I have no idea what time of day it might be.

"It's dusk," Nevan says, tossing me a pocket watch. "I had a hunch we might end up underground, and I figured we might lose a sense of time down here, so I brought this."

Watches are one of the items that separate the wealthy from the poor. "How long have you been awake?"

"A while."

A knock on the door makes me jump, earning a chuckle from the prince.

Nevan answers the door, and Colesef enters the room, his gaze landing directly on me.

I pull the blanket over my chest. My dress last night was just as low cut, but the thin fabric of the nighty feels more vulnerable.

"Mavet would like to see you, Prince." Colesef's attention shifts to Nevan. When the prince opens his mouth, the advisor adds, "The ball begins in two hours. Mavet is sending servants to help Zariah get ready while you're gone."

Neither the advisor nor I speak as I remain in bed while Nevan disappears into the large closet.

I'm no stranger to being ogled by men who want to fuck me.

Their fantasies are written on their faces and in the emotions surrounding them. And I’ve used their desires against them on many occasions, my beauty as crucial to my success in the resistance as my role as a priestess.

But now, Colesef's stare reveals true hunger, more desperate than I’ve ever seen. His heavy gaze lingers on me like a crouched Dewich lynx, ready to pounce on a snow rabbit.

Nevan returns, dressed in a deep burgundy suit, and walks straight to my bedside.

He bends over and kisses my forehead. "See you soon."

Our eyes meet, and I'm reminded we're deep in the game now. My safety relies on playing the part of the prince's lover.

Which might just be the most dangerous game of all.