Moonlight Prince (Vampire Girl #4)(20)

Damn him. He knows I don't want to see innocent men fall. And he knows we need resources to recover from recent events. Niam is self-serving, but he's not stupid and he knows the value of things. Yet it is he who plans the battle. "What of Ace and Zeb? They turn on you already?"

He smacks his lips. "No. But Ace is staying neutral, as he calls it. And Zeb, well, Zeb does not wish to take Crimson Castle in case Levi returns. He thinks it would reflect poorly on him."

"But you just don't care what people think, don't you?"

His voice is cold when he speaks. "What people think is often irrational and changes on a whim. So no. I do not care. I would much rather spend my time getting results. Thoughts can easily be influenced later." He takes another bite of the apple. "So, what do you say? Should we discuss the details?"

I think over his offer. It would mean warm bellies and shelter for my people. It would mean faster repairs for my castle. It would mean less bloodshed in the south. But in the end, it would mean a deal with the devil.

I face my brother. And then I leap into the air and land on the table. Plates shatter under my heel and the table shakes and groans beneath my boots. I walk forward, kicking dishes and meals away, until I stand over Niam, glaring down at his small form below.

"I will not help you," I say, my voice stern, a voice you do not interrupt. "But you will help me. You will send your goods north, to Stonehill. You will send your supplies. And you will do so promptly."

Niam chuckles, but the humor doesn't touch his eyes. "And why would I do such a thing?"

"Because if you do not, I will throw you to the floor of this hall. I will punch those pretty teeth until they fall out red and bloody. And I will drag you to my dungeon. Where you will stay for all eternity."

He stands from his chair, his face filled with rage. "You wouldn't dare. I am your brother. I am your guest."

I kneel down, meeting him at eye level. "And perhaps that would count for something, if you hadn't tried to have your brother killed. If you hadn't attacked his guest in his very own hall. Perhaps then, it would count. But who knows? I never really liked you anyway."

"You… You…" Spittle flies from his mouth as he searches for the words. "You will not threaten me."

I grip the dagger in my hand. His dagger. And I put it against his throat. "I think you misunderstand. I don't make threats, brother. I am the Prince of War, or have you forgotten? I only make promises."

"I…" His eyes race around the room, surely searching for a way out. A way to safety. He seeks his guards, dressed in masks, planted throughout the room. But I spotted them early on and had their drinks spiked in anticipation of his arrival. They are sleeping off their drugged state in guarded rooms. He will find no ally, no help. He underestimates my capacity to anticipate danger and plan for it. I may not relish my title as Prince of War, but I have earned it and I do not wear it lightly. The cocky bastard should have thought ahead. But that is the way with Niam. People always like him, even when he stabs them in the back. Why should he worry? He just forgot, I'm no person. Not truly. I gave a part of myself away, a part of my humanity, when I took the throne. When I became half person, half prince. Half human, half duty. When I became the Prince of War. The Prince of Death.

I push the dagger into his skin, drawing a drop of blood.

Niam hisses, shutting his eyes. "Fine. Very well. I will send you the provisions you require. Now let me go."

"Seems you forget your own rules, brother," I say, twisting the dagger against his flesh. "Nothing is final until one signs a contract." I gesture at Asher who stands with a cup of wine. "Draw him up a contract, won't you? And quickly."

The Prince of Pride nods, fumbling to find parchment and paper. Eventually, a servant brings him some and he writes up the details. Wood, stone and food for my people. Nothing for Niam—except his safe return home. And he promises no retaliation for this agreement. The final thorn.

He lays the parchment on the table. And I shove a pen into Niam's hand. "Sign."

He breathes deeply, biting his own lip. Then, slowly, as if resisting with every muscle, he shoves the pen's sharp edge into his arm, drawing blood. His signature is hurried, but binding. A swirl of magic seals the contract, and I see the compulsion of his commitment weighing on him even now. He will not rest until he has fulfilled his bargain.

"We have a deal," I say, grinning, letting the dagger fall to my side.

Niam reaches for his neck, checking the injury. "You will not like the outcome, I assure you."

I cock my head, taking his measure, and smile. "Why don't I believe you?"

He wipes away the blood on his neck with a cloth napkin from the table and straightens his clothing. "I wasn't going to tell you, not if we had struck a bargain, but Zeb and Ace wish Levi returned."

I shrug. "Then they should speak to the Fae. Metsi is the one who likely holds him."

"Yes. But the way they see it—the way we all see it--you are responsible. You attacked him. And in the midst of the chaos you created, he was captured."

I stand back up, and hop off the table, laughing at this madness. "The chaos I created? I was reclaiming my own realm."

"Even so, it is on your head whatever happens to Levi. So, on behalf of Ace and Zeb and myself, I must inform you, you have one month. One month to return our dear brother, the Prince of Envy. And if you do not, we will invade. With all our forces. We will not stop until you are in chains, and those you love dead in the mud."