Then her gaze shifted back to Chrysabelle. ‘Holy mother. Why in heaven’s name are you dressed like some cheap kine whore? Your appearance is appalling. I should have you removed for that alone, but I imagine you’ve got a reasonable explanation given your recent circumstances.’

Mal bristled at the woman’s comments. Chrysabelle looked nothing like a whore, but for her sake, he kept silent.

Chrysabelle bent slightly from the waist. ‘My apologies, Madame Rennata. No explanation except that I had little choice in my clothes, I’m afraid. Considering the money my blood rights brought to the Primoris Domus, I’m sure you can overlook this indiscretion for the moment. I’ve only come to access my suite, where I assure you I will change, and then I will be gone. Tatiana has kidnapped Maris. I intend to rescue her.’

‘Tatia—rescue her? No. I forbid it.’

Chrysabelle stiffened. ‘What do you mean, you forbid it? My aunt’s life is in danger. You know what Tatiana is like.’

‘Exactly why I forbid you to attempt such a thing.’ Rennata glanced at Mal quickly. ‘Everyone knows comarré are not equipped for such … endeavors.’

Mal stifled a retort. Not equipped. Like hell. Chrysabelle walked around with a freaking arsenal strapped to her. Obviously, Rennata didn’t think he knew that, and she didn’t want to risk exposing comarré secrets by letting Chrysabelle talk about it either. He wondered … did Rennata know about the ring? Was she stalling to keep Chrysabelle from discovering it had already been removed? Would the woman have given it to Tatiana? No, that wasn’t likely. Tatiana wouldn’t still be pursuing them if that were the case.

‘You cannot forbid me from this.’ Chrysabelle planted her hands on her hips.

Rennata lifted her chin. ‘There are risks one accepts when one lives the life of a comarré. Your aunt accepted them and so have you. Now is not the time—’

‘Hmph.’ Mal lowered his head to hide his anger until he could better control it. ‘Did either of them have a choice to live any other way?’

Rennata’s mouth opened slightly. ‘I beg your pardon, vampire. This is comarré business.’ She spoke to Chrysabelle. ‘And I am still unclear what he’s doing here.’

‘We didn’t know if Tatiana had come here yet or not. He’s with me in case I need help.’ Chrysabelle slid closer to Mal.

‘Tatiana’s already visited. I fail to see how a strange vampire could help you with that.’

Chrysabelle tilted her head. ‘She’s been here? When? What did she want?’

‘Right after Algernon’s body was discovered. She came to see if you were still alive.’

‘But how … ’ The fingers on Chrysabelle’s right hand curled into a fist. ‘She wanted to enter my rooms, didn’t she?’

Rennata laughed. ‘Don’t worry, child. We took care of things.’

What did that mean? There was a tone in the woman’s voice that clearly indicated she meant something only Chrysabelle would understand.

‘You didn’t take care of things that well apparently. She found Maris and would have kidnapped me too, if I hadn’t been with … ’

Rennata’s brows rose. ‘With whom, dear?’

‘With me.’ Mal sensed Chrysabelle didn’t want to use his name. He didn’t particularly want his cover blown yet either. The longer he had before the nobles who had cursed him knew he was in Corvinestri, the better.

Rennata focused her piercing blue gaze on him. ‘And who are you again?’

He turned to Chrysabelle. This was getting old fast. ‘Get what you came for and let’s be on our way.’

Chrysabelle raised her palm, as if she needed more time. ‘Did you take Tatiana to my suites or did you mock up one of the cells?’

Rennata’s face blanched. ‘I will not discuss such things in front of this unknown. You have changed since Algernon’s death, Chrysabelle. I do not care for it.’

Mal laughed bitterly. ‘Changed? You’re bloody right she’s changed. Being accused of murder, hunted by Nothos, and having a family member kidnapped will do that to a person.’

‘Chrysabelle has not been accused of murder. Not officially.’ Rennata’s nostrils flared. ‘You carry the scent of a noble, but I don’t recognize you.’

‘Do you know every vampire in this city?’ ‘Every one that lives here, yes,’ Rennata replied with a haughtiness better suited to his fanged brethren. ‘Except you.’

He took a few steps closer, impressed that the older comarré didn’t step back or flinch. ‘I am Chrysabelle’s protector.’ He refrained from using the word ‘patron.’ That was more information Chrysabelle would probably rather he not share. He couldn’t blame her. ‘And if she hasn’t been officially accused of murder, why does the House of Tepes seek her? Or does Tatiana work alone?’

‘Tatiana never works alone.’ Rennata sniffed and placed both hands on the head of her cane. ‘You don’t know anything about Tatiana, do you?’ She peered at him. ‘Who are you, vampire?’

‘He is my patron. That is all you need to know.’

Mal turned before his face could register his surprise. Chrysabelle’s mouth bent down for a brief moment, then she swallowed and stared defiantly at Rennata.

‘That cannot be.’ Rennata rapped her cane on the floor, narrowly missing Mal’s foot. ‘This … this … unknown is your patron?’ She glanced at him and revelation flared in her eyes. ‘Holy mother, preserve us. You’re anathema, aren’t you? That’s why I don’t know you.’