A Kingdom of Blood and Betrayal (Stars and Shadows #2)(30)

Everything. The answer was on the tip of my tongue. I wanted to see all this kingdom had to offer. But at the same time, I wanted to see it with Evren. Even through my anger, I knew that this kingdom was his world. It was special to him, and I felt guilty for seeing any of it without him by my side.

“I don't know.” I shook my head. “You two decide.”

Thalia and Sorin leaned forward and looked at one another, and both grinned at the same time. That should've worried me, but I couldn’t get the small thrill to leave my gut.

“The Olde Vine,” they both said at the exact same moment and laughed softly. I had no idea what The Olde Vine was, but I had a feeling for the two of them to like it so much, it probably wasn’t the most respectful place in the kingdom.

Sorin continued to lead me through the street, and I smiled at all the people who were bustling down the cobblestone road. The Blood kingdom was alive with street sellers and performers and people falling in and out of pubs. There was a laughter that carried onto the streets, a vivaciousness that couldn't be hidden, and my marks buzzed under my skin as I took it all in. They were all watching us as we walked, and I fidgeted with my shirt to try to hide my insecurity.

“Do they know who I am?” I said softly to Sorin, and he smiled down at me.

“Of course, they do.”

Just at that moment, an elderly man crossed our path, and when his gaze connected with mine, he faltered for a second. My gut turned, worry fueling me, but the man simply bowed his head as if he was showing me respect. This man, who I could only assume was a vampyre, was showing respect to the Starblessed girl who hadn’t earned it.

“Hi, Rhion.” Thalia stepped forward and wrapped her arms around the man, and he let out a small chuckle.

“Thalia, my girl. I thought they were never to let you out of that castle.” A smile beamed across his face.

“You know me.” She grinned at him before she pulled back an arm’s length to look over his aging face. “Work, work, work, then I play.”

The old man laughed, his chuckle aged and full of spirit. “If only I was about two hundred years younger.” His hands squeezed against her arms, and I could see the amusement lighting up her eyes. “I would've stolen you away from this captain back there.”

“The captain would have to manage to land me himself for that.”

The old man laughed hearty and full, and I couldn't help joining him. Sorin scoffed, even as he fought a grin. “I’ll have you know, Rhion, that I’m the most charming guy in this kingdom. Thalia is just a hard one to crack.”

Thalia rolled her eyes, and the old man squeezed her tighter. “Maybe you aren’t as charming as you think.” He winked at her, and she let out a small laugh. “I seem to charm her more than you do, and I'm nothing but an old man.”

“You got that right.” Thalia leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss against the man's cheek, and he beamed with pride.

“We’re headed to The Olde Vine. Would you like to join us?” Thalia’s voice was soft as she squeezed his hand in hers, and a little bit of that hard exterior that she always held up cracked before me.

It was such an odd feeling to experience this man, this vampyre, interact so freely with Thalia. I had already seen it with those inside the castle, but this was different. This vampyre was the exact thing I had been taught to fear, but I didn’t feel an ounce of unease as I looked at him.

“No. No.” The man held up his hands in laughter. “You all go and have fun. This old man needs to get some sleep. Plus, handsome over there won’t stand a chance if I’m around.”

Thalia laughed as she placed another kiss on his cheek before we said our goodbyes and continued down the road.

“How old is he?” I asked Thalia, and she wrinkled her brow.

“Several hundred years. I don’t know exactly.”

Chill bumps ran along my arms. I had always been told of vampyre’s immortality, but I hadn’t given it much thought until that moment. “And how old is Evren?”

She swallowed hard, and she hesitated before finally answering me. “Just over a century.”

“Oh my gods.” I pressed my hand to my chest. I knew that Evren was older than me, but I didn’t think he was that much older. I never would have fathomed it.

“Don’t freak out.” She grabbed my hand and pulled me closer to her. “Starblessed live a lot longer than normal humans.”

“What?” My chest tightened, but there was an edge of relief that I felt as well. Why did I care how long I would live in comparison to my mate when I wasn’t meant to care for him at all?

“Did you not read any of the book I gave you?” She rolled her eyes.

“I did, but I hadn’t got to that part.” I crossed my arms and searched her face. “Wait, how old are you?”

“A lot older than you.” She laughed and tightened her hand in mine.

People were watching us. Everywhere we went their eyes slid in our direction, but none of them were judging, calculating, or cruel. Everyone who looked upon Sorin and Thalia did so with admiration, and those who looked upon me did so with respect or maybe curiosity. They lowered their heads briefly, but their eyes never left me.

“These people”—Sorin nodded toward all the people that surrounded us—“love their prince. And as his mate, they will love you too.”