“No, it’s—”

Atticus laughed, a low, nonthreatening sound. “No, friend. Just like you, I wasn’t born into my current state.” He blinked but his eyes remained focused on nothing. “I gave up my sight voluntarily.”

That, Mal thought, was where the similarities between them ended.

Tatiana settled into the handsome leather chair in Ivan’s old office, one room in the massive estate she would very soon become the rightful owner of. A few preliminaries and it was done. She knew it in her gut.

Octavian stood at the bar, pouring them each a glass of Ivan’s best red. He stoppered the decanter and brought a glass to her. “Are you sure it’s wise to set these things in place before the council has made it official?” He set her glass down, then took his own and retired to the chair adjacent her desk.

She sipped the red before answering. Ivan’s taste was impeccable. She’d give the old pile of rubble that. “The council’s decision is merely a formality. The ancient ones will tell them to make me Dominus and they will obey. Lining up a loyal noble to take over the position of Elder just makes good sense. Especially because it allows whomever I choose to prove themselves.” She offered him a rare smile. “You’ll see.”

He returned her smile and lifted his glass to her. “As always, I learn so much from you.”

“In bed as well as out.”

He dipped his head at her words, making her laugh with her own wickedness. Turning Octavian was one of the best decisions she’d ever made. He was young, but a quick learner and capable of anticipating her needs, just as he’d done when he’d been the head of her household staff. Yet another position that needed filling. “Any ideas as to who might be ready to take over your old position?”

He swallowed his wine. “Yes. Kosmina. She was part of Ivan’s household staff and would be perfect. She’s a good worker. One of the best.”

“You trust her? Think the rest of my staff will work well with her?”

“Implicitly. Yes, absolutely. Kosmina is iron-fisted.”

“I like her already. Make it so, then. One less thing to do.”

“I’ll talk to her today.”

“When is my meeting with Madame Rennata?”

“Tomorrow.” He grimaced. “At eight a.m.”

“Damn that woman. Her comarrés run and I’m the one who has to breach daylight to rectify the situation. Someone needs to put her in her place.”

A knock rang out against the door.

“Come,” Tatiana called.

One of the staff opened the door. “My lady, the noble couple whose company you requested has arrived.”

“Send them in.”

With a short bow, the servant left. He returned a few moments later to usher the vampire couple into the office. She stood and walked around the desk to greet them. She didn’t know the couple that well, but the male, Laurent, was the next eldest after her and therefore by rights next in line to be Elder. “Welcome. Please sit.”

Daciana, his wife, curtsied with her palms upright, a move that instantly won her some favor. Marriage among the nobility wasn’t unheard of, but that didn’t mean Tatiana saw any good reason for it. Perhaps these two had simply clung to the old ways. If that was true, they should be very respectful and easily malleable.

Laurent held the chair for his wife, then sat beside her. “Very kind of you to invite us, Lady Tatiana. I know how busy you must be with your pending promotion.”

“Not so busy to attend to my house.” She glanced at Octavian. “Perhaps our guests would like wine.”

He looked horrified for a moment, obviously unhappy he’d yet to make the offer himself. “Of course, let me take care of that.” He leaped to his feet and set about pouring two more glasses.

Tatiana decided to test her guests. “Octavian is newly turned.” His previous position as head of her staff was well known. How Laurent and Daciana received him would tell much.

Daciana accepted a glass of wine from Octavian as Laurent spoke. “How marvelous for you, Octavian. To have Tatiana as your sire is quite an honor.”

Daciana set her glass down without drinking and looked at her husband. “We should throw a party for him.” She smiled and turned back to Tatiana. “Wouldn’t that be wonderful? There hasn’t been a debut party in years. I’m going to do it.” Her smile faltered, her gaze flicking from Laurent to Tatiana, seeking approval. “That is, if you haven’t already planned something.”

Tatiana smiled. “I think it would be rather appropriate for the House of Tepes’s newly appointed Elder to host a debut party for my first turned.”

Daciana’s eyes lit up like silver sparklers. The woman was far too emotional in Tatiana’s estimation, but if she could scatter, she’d be perfect. “Are you saying…” She squeezed Laurent’s arm.

Laurent bowed his head but failed to hide the pride on his face. When he lifted his eyes to Tatiana’s, he had regained his composure. “I am honored.”

She leaned back in her chair and shrugged. “It is your right. You are eldest in the house.”

“Even so, I know exceptions have been made.” He straightened. “I understand that I will not truly be Elder until the council proclaims you Dominus, but I will strive to fulfill that position to the best of my abilities regardless.”

Tatiana held back a grimace. Gah. The pair of them were like eager little puppies. “Wonderful. It just so happens that there is a matter I need attended to.”