Shadow's Seduction (The Dacians #2)(21)

If true—and natural-born vampires couldn’t lie—then this news appeased at least some of the rage he felt toward Mirceo. All these years, Cas had carried that burden.

As it dissipated, numbness took its place.

“When Trehan came for you that night, I was already in Abaddon, ready to defend you,” Mirceo said. “You remained in a godsdamned brothel till morning.”

Cas’s lips parted. He had been there. Mirceo had planned to challenge the great Prince of Shadow? Which meant Mirceo had intended to risk his very life. For me.

“But my uncle never made it to you because he sensed Bettina and was distracted. Then he entered the tournament.” For her, Trehan had left his mist in front of thousands, turning his back on his kingdom. “I couldn’t interfere with anything after that point.”

“Do not remind me.” Those tournament rules had governed all of their behavior inside and out of the ring. “Did you see Trehan fight me?” Say no . . .

“No, I didn’t. My other uncles and I were chasing our new king all over the Lore, trying to protect him and Queen Elizabeth, his mate.” Rubbing his nape, Mirceo added, “But I heard about it.”

Cas’s face heated. “The Abaddonae will never view me the same way. Trehan denied me an honorable death.” Since his self-exile, Cas still wasn’t ready to face the people of his kingdom.

Though I miss Bettina. He hadn’t seen her in centuries.

“Honorable death?” Mirceo scoffed. “You can’t enjoy honor when you’re dead.”

Cas didn’t bother arguing with him; a spoiled prince like Mirceo would never understand. “Did you tell Trehan that I’m your mate?”

“I did.”

Cas’s worst enemy now knew his greatest weakness. “And how did you reveal that? Did you refer to me as your Bride? Is that how you would introduce me?”

“I see the blood rise in your cheeks.” Mirceo exhaled with impatience. “Our species has always been inclusive, and now we are updating the terminology. Male or female, a mate is a mate,” he said. “Besides, as a prince of Dacia—which you already are, just by virtue of our fated connection—you won’t be introduced to others. They will be presented to you, because you are now a royal of the House of Castellan, the heart of our kingdom.”

“Me? A prince?”

Mirceo nodded. “Mina and I are all that’s left of our house. We need you, Caspion—”

“Shut up.” Awareness lifted the fine hairs on Cas’s nape. The rolling hills surrounding the brothel were too still. Insects and night creatures had fallen silent. He surveyed the terrain. One by one vampires materialized in the distance.

“No need to be rude, you lout.” Mirceo sighed. “But if I must, I’ll polish your manners along with your knob.”

Cas rolled his eyes. “Vampires close in on us.” They emanated menace. Excellent. He needed to vent some frustration.

Mirceo inhaled the air, catching the same smells. With a grin, he said, “Do you remember our nights of bloodshed, sweetheart?”

“Stop calling me that!”

Unperturbed, Mirceo said, “Our new opponents don’t smell like Horde vampires. Could be Forbearers. They might be here for me, since King Lothaire abducted and imprisoned Kristoff, their king.”

Wait, Lothaire? “The Enemy of Old is the king your family crowned?” By all accounts, Lothaire was as deranged as he was vicious.

“He’s the rightful heir.”

“Why in the gods’ names would Lothaire kidnap Kristoff?”

Shrug. “Uncle needed someone to play chess with.”

“Your entire bloody family is insane.”

“Fair point. I believe the imprisonment also stems from the fact that Kristoff is Lothaire’s secret half brother, on his father’s side. The Horde side. For all we know, this might be Lothaire’s way of bonding.” Growing more serious, Mirceo said, “Those Forbearers will have swords, and we do not.”

Cas bared his fangs and claws, sneering, “I’ll have a sword soon enough.”

“Yes, of course.” Mirceo jutted his chin. “As will I.”

Half a dozen vampires appeared not fifteen feet away, forming a rough semicircle, weapons raised. They had clear eyes. Forbearers. That order of turned humans took a vow never to drink blood from the flesh.

The largest male, the apparent leader of the troop, said, “As predicted, Mirceo Daciano has returned to his favorite pastime.”

“Are you insinuating that I’m predictable?” Mirceo sniffed. “How unsexy.” Did he concern himself about nothing?

Cas warned the newcomers, “You do not want to challenge me tonight.”

“We have no fight with you, demon.” The leader pointed his sword at Mirceo. “We only want the vampire.”

Cas’s horns straightened, his fangs lengthening. Only want the vampire? His demonic instincts erupted to a savage degree. These six would try to kill Cas, then incapacitate Mirceo to take him alive. Not while I’ve a breath. I’ll slaughter them all.

With a cocky lift of his brow, Mirceo said, “What would you want with little ol’ me?”

“You are going to show us the way to Dacia.”

“I certainly shall, lamb.” Mirceo’s own fangs and claws sharpened, his eyes turning black. “All you have to do is come and get me.”