Chapter 26

“ C heckmate,” the doorknocker said with glee.

“Fucking hell!” I resisted the urge to tip the board. “Every. Single. Time.”

“You need to work harder than that to beat me.”

“Yeah, obviously.” I moved the small table housing the chessboard to one side and tucked the chair under it.

After emerging for the dinner with Laudon, Ezekiel had locked himself back in his quarters. So I’d come to see him and brought the chessboard from the memory room, hoping to teach my new friend to play, but the fucker already knew how, and he was fucking good at it too. He was supposed to have basic sentience and be a summons only, but he was so much more than that. I couldn’t help but wonder about his origins, but every time I’d broached the subject, he’d either go dormant and back into door knocker mode or change the subject.

I’d been popping over to see him every day for a week now. Another bloody week of Ezekiel cloistering himself. Didn’t he get bored locked in his quarters? According to Leo the knocker—I’d decided he needed a name—he wasn’t sneaking out via a secret exit. But what did I know? He could be lying. After all, his loyalties lay with his master.

“You want to play again?” he asked.

“I can’t.” I picked up the ring that needed to go back in his mouth. “I best get going.”

“So soon?” There was a pout to his tone.

“Yeah, I have a date.”

His eyebrows went up. “A date. Anyone I know?”

I bit back a smile. “How many people do you know?”

He scrunched up his face. “No need to be mean. I was making conversation.”

“I’m seeing Kaster Black. He’s the head of the Sangualex on Longlier Street, and he invited me to the opening of a new wing at the School of Creation. It’s a formal thing, but at least I can wear a modern dress.” I held the ring to his mouth. “Here.”

He made a face but opened his mouth to accept it.

“Same time tomorrow?”

But he was already gone. Still and dead as carved wood.

I stroked his head. “What is your story, buddy? Next time I see Ezekiel, I’m going to ask.”

Back in my room, I showered fast, pinned up my hair, and slipped on a midnight-blue, calf-length dress and kitten heels. I grabbed the holster of my sword and swung it on. There was no way I was going into a building filled with vampires without it, even if it was a school and I had Kaster by my side.

From now on, my sword went everywhere with me.

A gentle breeze played with my skirts, circling my bare legs as I stepped into the courtyard, but I barely felt the cold. I was too excited for my date. A date which Hemlock had agreed to drive me to. He stood by the carriage soothing the horses but turned when my heels crunched on gravel.

His eyebrows shot up at the sight of me in my pretty dress, and the tops of his cheeks went pink.

I gave him a twirl and kicked out a leg. “What do you think?”

His mouth parted slightly as his darkening gaze roved down my body, lingering on my legs, before sweeping back up again and snagging on my holster.

He snorted. “Love the sword.”

“Right? I think it adds just the right amount of oomph, don’t you? Like I’m a pretty princess, but I will cut you.” I clasped my hands together and kicked my leg back out in a parody of sweet.

He fought a smile. “Get in the damn carriage, woman. I have places to be.”

“Oh? Care to share?”

I started across the courtyard, kitten heels sinking into gravel. My ankle twisted, and I buckled, arms shooting out to catch myself, but Hemlock grabbed me before I could fall, sweeping me off my feet and into his arms.

For a moment, there was nothing but the scent of cinnamon and the soft caress of the lapels of his leather coat. I blinked up at him, and he slow-blinked back, evoking an unfurling of heat low in my belly. Errant thoughts scrolled through my mind, like what would his stubble feel like against the pads of my fingers, and were his lips as soft as they looked, or would they be hard and punishing? As if picking up on my musings, his attention fell to my lips, intense and focused for several beats. Was he going to kiss me? Did I want him to? I held my breath, afraid to break this strange spell.

He broke it for us by looking away. “I’ll drop you off and pick you up at midnight.” He carried me toward the carriage. “Be ready to leave.”

“Or the carriage will turn into a pumpkin, right?” My voice betrayed none of the disappointment I was feeling because no, I had not wanted him to kiss me. Not one bit.

“What have pumpkins to do with anything?” He set me on my feet by the carriage.

I shook my head. “Never mind. It’s a story from the old days. I read it when I was a child.” I shrugged off the sword holster and threw it into the cabin before climbing up.

Hemlock closed the door behind me, and a few moments later we were off.

Off on my date that wasn’t a real date but a ploy to share information. I was excited about it anyway. Kaster had sent over a formal invite with an itinerary attached a couple of days ago. The children would put on a recital, then there was a meal and a dance for the patrons.

For a few hours, I’d pretend I was a normal woman on a normal date with a hot guy. Yeah, that’s exactly what I’d do. Information swapping could wait till after the ball.

A message from Kaster popped up on my phone as soon as I got past the borders letting me know that a car would be waiting for me at the stables and that he’d meet me at the entrance to the School of Creation.

The car in question looked expensive with leather seats and tinted windows, and the driver was polite but didn’t force conversation, allowing me to sit back and enjoy the ride across town to the other side of Brimswood where the School of Creation sat behind wrought iron gates—a sprawling metropolis of education and breeding. At least that was what the sign above the gates said.

Cars drove in through those gates sedately, stopping to be checked before entering. At least the security was good. But then it had to be with children present.

I spotted Kaster as we got closer. He stood a head taller than everyone else, a formidable figure dressed in a dark suit, thick locks brushed back from his forehead and slightly tousled by the breeze.

We came to a standstill, so I rolled down the window and waved to get his attention. His face broke into a smile as he hurried up the line of cars toward me. I held my hand out to him, permission to mindspeak. His fingers brushed mine, and a moment later his voice bloomed in my head like whiskey and honey.

You made it.

Of course. Get in.

I popped the door and shuffled over so he could climb in.

He settled beside me, beaming at me, and I couldn’t help but grin back, then his gaze fell to my dress, and his eyes flared.

You look beautiful.

Butterflies spawned in my belly. Thank you. And you look dashing.

He smoothed a hand down his shirt and arched a brow. This old thing?

I bit back a giggle. How have things been? It seems like it’s been an age since we spoke.

His expression sobered. Nothing new on the investigation.

I stared at him steadily. I wasn’t asking about the investigation. I was asking about you.

He blinked sharply. I’ve been…good. Busy, as usual. I bought an apartment in New Town, and the decorating part is a pain. I’m not very good with color schemes and fabrics.

Do you want some help?

You know about interior decorating?

I smiled up at him. Not a thing, but we can muddle through together.

His laughter filled my mind . I’d like that. The car finally began to move. Atlas told me about your missing persons case. I’ve authorized personnel to help canvas.

Thank you. It’s so strange.

There are a lot of strange goings on in Dracul territory of late, but we can discuss those at dinner after the recital. I took the liberty of booking us a table at the Royal House again. You didn’t get to sample your dessert the last time. Maybe you can tell me what happened at Dracmore?

We’re not staying for the ball?

He looked surprised. You want to stay? We can stay.

He looked thrown, like he’d put his foot in it, and I reached out and placed a reassuring hand on his arm. I hate dancing, so dinner at the Royal House works fine. But I’d rather not relive Dracmore if it’s all the same to you.

He frowned . That bad?

Let’s just say it wasn’t the highlight of my month.

I’m sorry that I wasn’t there. Father did ask me to accompany him, but work took precedence. In hindsight, I should have come.

I doubt your being there would have stopped Darage from making his play.

His expression hardened . Maybe not, but I would have been there to help Ezekiel protect you. He covered my hand with his, and our gazes locked with a snick, and the back of the roomy vehicle no longer felt spacious. It felt close and intimate.

You are truly beautiful, Orina…

My cheeks warmed. I’m not used to compliments.

He lightly touched my cheek. I hope I can change that. His fingers dropped to my shoulder then skimmed down my arm. My markings warmed and tingled beneath his touch, and I bit back a gasp.

He pulled his hand away quickly. Time to go in.

The car came to a halt.

He climbed out then helped me out before guiding me up the steps to the school. We passed between stone pillars and headed to the warm rectangle of light spilling from the open door. My arm tingled once more, a phantom sensation left over from Kaster’s touch.

We swept through the doors and into the opulent entranceway dotted with gilded portraits and ornate moldings. Classily dressed vampires and noble humans glided toward another set of doors into what was probably the recital hall.

Kaster lightly touched the small of my back, anchoring me as we moved with the crowd until we got to the doors, where a stern-looking man took our invites and raked us over.

His gaze snagged on my holster. “No weapons,” he said.

I’d been expecting this, but there was no way I was leaving my sword behind, and I was about to tell him so when a voice I’d been wanting to hear for the past week cut through the hubbub and silenced it.

“She can take her weapon inside,” Ezekiel said. “In fact, she can take a whole arsenal if she wants. After all, she’s my watcher.”

The crowd melted away to let him through. Kaster tensed, but Ezekiel had eyes only for me, and damn my treacherous body, I could not look away from him.

“What are you doing here?” My voice came out as a rasp.

“I could ask you the same thing.”

“I’m on a date.”

“Hmmm, well, I’m here as a potential patron, so shall we?”

He sidled up to the other side of me and offered me the crook of his arm.

The sheer arrogance of the male. “I already have an escort.”

“And now you have two.” He looked over my head. “Unless Mr. Black has a problem with sharing…”

Orina? Kaster asked in my head.

It’s fine. I’m fine. Shit, are you fine? I’m so sorry.

Don’t be. Kaster inclined his head in Ezekiel’s direction in acquiescence.

“Good.” Ezekiel smiled and flashed a little fang. “It saves me having to kill you.”

I glared up at Ezekiel. “What is wrong with you?”

“Now that is a loaded question, one that I’m sure you’d happily answer if left to your devices.”

Kaster’s laughter filled my head.

Are you serious right now?

“Your Majesty.” Christian Constrange sidled up to us with a stiff smile on his face. “And who is your lovely…Oh, Miss Lighthart.”

“I’m here as Mr. Black’s plus one.” I had no idea why I felt the need to clarify that.

“Of course. Of course. Please be seated. I’m sure we can arrange a box seat for His Majesty. If you’d informed us of your attendance, then we would have?—”

“Excuse me?” Ezekiel’s tone was ice-cold. “ I have to inform you ?”

Christian’s eyes went round. “No. Of course not, I just…I meant?—”

“Can we please just go inside.” I sighed. “There’s a queue behind us.”

“Please follow me,” Christian said.

I glided through the doors and into the recital sandwiched between two powerful men with the awful feeling that tonight wasn’t going to be much fun after all.