Chapter Five
“Your Highness, you look so beautiful.” Irena sighed. “I must’ve looked like a haggard witch in that dress compared to you.”
Mina laughed and spun around, shaking her head. “Highly doubtful. You are quite lovely, Irena. May I ask a favor of you?”
“Anything.” Irena beamed, standing in a gown of coral silk, the square neck accented with delicate lace. She truly was a beautiful young woman.
“Will you please call me Mina? I’d rather forgo all the formalities. It’s been so long…”
Her thoughts wandered yet again to Kathleen, her lady-in-waiting. She swiveled back to the mirror, blinking away the tears that caught her off guard. Her dearest friend in all the world had been murdered right before her eyes by order of the queen. That bastard, her closest bodyguard Radomir, had gripped Kathleen under the chin, then slit her throat before she even knew she was in danger. When Mina had fallen to the ground, wailing in despair, he’d flicked his hands, and two of the queen’s Legionnaires dragged her away. The last thing she saw was him grinning as they carried her off.
“Yes, Your High—I mean, Mina. I’d be honored to use your first name. I’d be honored to call you a friend. Though, if I know my brother, you won’t be staying long.”
“I doubt we will. But you may still count me as a friend.” She admired the champagne-ivory gown with a heart-shaped neckline. She appreciated the clean chemise and undergarments even more. Mina had rested all afternoon after her encounter with the captain, until Irena’s lady’s maid, Therese, had come to assist her in dressing for dinner. Truth be told, Mina did little resting at all. She lay in bed, reliving the most glorious experience of her life. While Therese coiled her hair into intricate braids atop her head, drawing attention to her slender throat and delicate shoulders, Mina had tried not to laugh at her own lack of worldliness. The captain probably thought her pathetic for losing self-control so easily. And yet, she wanted to do it again with him. She wanted more, actually. A strange sensation for someone who’d kept herself locked so long within a shell of self-restraint.
She turned from the mirror and held out a hand to Irena. “I can’t thank you enough. For making me feel so welcome. For everything.”
“But, Your—” she stopped and bit her lip—“Mina, you are the Princess of Arkadia. The one we wish would rule the south. Not that damnable Steward Thorwald. I would do anything you asked.”
Mina opened her mouth to reply, but then the door opened, and Therese stepped in. “Pardon, my ladies. But the guests have gathered in the dining hall and are awaiting you.”
“Shall we?” asked Irena, leading the way.
“Absolutely.” Therese closed the door behind them when they stepped into the hall. “I find it fascinating and wonderful that your mother keeps the proper routine of human dining. Not many vampires do.”
“Oh, yes. Mother loves food. Especially dessert. Sometimes, I have to remind her if she hasn’t fed from her host in a week. Honestly, I think she forgets she’s a vampire at times.”
Mina laughed at that, admiring Lady Galena a great deal already.
They strode down the grand staircase together. Irena regaled her of what it was like having a brother who encouraged her to do all sorts of naughty things, like coerce her into sliding down the winding marble banister when she was little.
“And when my nurse caught me, she whipped me with a switch till I was black and blue.”
Mina was laughing loudly as they strolled into the dining hall. All five men stood at once. But Mina’s gaze landed squarely on one in particular. Mikhail. Her heart stuttered at the sight of him. His cheeks were ruddy from feeding, his sable hair glistening by the candlelight, his otherworldly gaze fixed intently on her. Like the other gentlemen, he wore fine formal wear. His black-on-black suit fit to perfection.
“Come, Your Highness,” said Aleksei, seated at the head of the table as the master of the house. “Please take a seat.”
“You all look so—”
“Yes, don’t we mercenaries in the Bloodguard clean up well?” He winked.
Dmitri smiled and pulled out a chair at his side. “Please have a seat, Lady Irena.” Gavril was on her other side. Aleksei shot Dmitri a dirty look, but the man just smiled amiably.
Mina broke her stupor and made her way to Aleksei’s side to the empty chair across from Mikhail.
She examined these five men of the Bloodguard. She’d witnessed firsthand their use of deadly force. She couldn’t deny that they were efficient killers, but underneath there was a resonating thread of nobility tying them together. For the first time, Mina looked at her saviors with new eyes. They belonged in this gallant finery, yet they chose a brotherhood of blood instead. She yearned to know why.
Lady Galena sat to Mina’s right when she took her place. “You know, my dear, it was a shock when my only son confessed he’d joined the Bloodguard. Forgive me, is it all right if I address you without the title?”
“Please.” Mina unfolded her napkin in her lap. “I would prefer that.” She kept her gaze on Lady Galena and not on the man across from her whose intense stare heated her cheeks.
The footmen carried in platters and set down a bowl of rich beef broth before each of them.
Aleksei smiled seductively like the rogue Mina was sure he was. “You look well-rested, Your Highness. You have the prettiest rosy blush to your cheeks.”
“Thank you, my lord. I believe it was the blood the captain gave me.”
Captain Mikhail coughed, having just swallowed a spoonful of broth.
Mina froze with her spoon halfway to her mouth. “Are you all right, Captain?” she asked innocently.
He lifted a glass of wine and knocked back a big swallow. “Fine,” he answered gruffly, eyes averted.
“Glad to hear Fanny’s blood was to your liking.” Aleksei swirled his glass of claret. “We need our princess on the mend.”
“Truth be told—” Mina dabbed her napkin to her lips—“I feel absolutely divine. I’ve never felt better in all my life.”
Mikhail sat back in his chair, glowering at her as if she’d said something monstrous. Rather than acknowledge his obvious distaste for the present thread of conversation, she lifted her wineglass and smiled at him over the rim.
“That’s wonderful to hear, my dear.” Aleksei’s mother had obviously recovered from her emotional episode earlier that day as her happy gaze alighted on her handsome son.
“I am delighted to know my son and the Bloodguard came to your aid. Aleksei never was an obedient child. A loyal son, to be sure, but never good. A scoundrel, more like. I’m happy to hear his escapades could be of service to the Princess of Arkadia.”
“Oh, Mother. Don’t go extolling all my virtues. Princess Mina will think you’re matchmaking.”
Mina smiled at his teasing smirk. They fell into silence, eating the soup quietly. But Mina was distracted. She stared at her broth, stirring it absently.
“What is it?” asked Mikhail, drawing her gaze across the table. “You have a question on your mind, Your Highness.”
The footmen removed the bowls of soup and set down the next course, sliced roast pork and herbed potatoes.
“Yes, Captain.” She took her fork and knife in hand, focusing on her plate. “Forgive me, but my reports of the Bloodguard have extolled your men as nothing more than mercenaries. That is obviously not so. You’ve saved me from the hands of the queen and King Dominik for the Black Lily. But, the Black Lily is the human resistance against the crown. I don’t understand why you would involve yourself in such a venture.”
“The resistance is not composed of only humans anymore.” He held her gaze, hands in his lap. “Since you’ve been…asleep, others have joined their cause. The Duke of Winter Hill for one.”
“And us,” chimed in Dmitri.
Mikhail gave a nod of assent, a knowing glance passing between the brothers that made Mina think there was more they weren’t saying.
“I understand you men wanting to help the prince and the duke,” chimed in Lady Galena, her brow pinching together. “But why would you risk your lives for a human revolution?”
Aleksei tensed. But Mikhail seemed calm as ever. Rather than address Lady Galena, he kept his focus on Mina—dark and serious focus.
“We saved you, Your Highness, because it was the right thing to do.” His steady voice, rife with power and command, riveted her to his every word. “Because injustice, wielded by the hand of the monarch who proclaims to be protector of her people, is not only a crime, it is a sin. Because tyranny over a weaker people is the worst kind of corruption. Because murder inflicted upon innocents when the ruler of the land maliciously and intentionally spread the foul disease sanguine furorem for her own pleasure—” he paused, his voice vibrating with such fury it zinged along Mina’s skin “—is the greatest depravity of all.” He inhaled deeply and slowly exhaled, steadying the tenor of his voice. “And because we, the Bloodguard, though deadly mercenaries, fight for something greater than money or spoils of war.”
Silence permeated the room. Mina sensed emotions beyond rage from the other men at the table—admiration and high esteem for the man fuming across from her. For their captain. She couldn’t blame them. She yearned to know more of his strength and power, to feel it in his hands on her body. “Brother, you have a gift for spoiling the mood of a party faster than anyone I know.” Dmitri raised a hand to the footman behind him. “More wine, please. I’m afraid I’ll need it.”
Gregoravich bellowed out a throaty laugh. Mikhail broke his fixed stare from her, arching a brow at Dmitri before returning to his plate without comment.
His warrior’s hands, rough and lined with masculine veins, were now the center of her attention as he cut into his meat. When he brought a bite to his lips, he froze at the sight of her intent gaze, before bringing the fork to his mouth, a fresh scowl marring his brow.
“That’s our fearless leader,” said Aleksei. “Ever thinking of the cause.”
“Hear, hear,” said Gavril, the first words Mina had heard him speak at all. He raised his glass in salute, “Captain.” Then he knocked back the remainder of his wine.
Mikhail gave him an approving nod.
“More for Gavril,” ordered Dmitri. “I say we deserve a celebration. Irena, do you dance?”
“Of course, I dance. What kind of lady do you think I am?”
“Marvelous. It’s been too long since I’ve had the pleasure of a dance partner as lovely as you.”
“Dmitri,” growled Aleksei, “are you flirting with my sister?”
“Of course, I am.”
“Then stop. Immediately.”
Dmitri whispered something low to Irena, which made her giggle. Before Aleksei launched his knife through the air down the table, Mina said, “I do have another question.”
“Oh, no,” said Aleksei. “Your Highness, please tell me this one is harmless.”
“It is,” she assured him. “How on Earth do you all have perfectly tailored suits at the ready here at Wentworth? I am sure I saw none of you carrying packs that would fit formal evening attire.”
“Good planning,” answered Aleksei, flashing his charming smile. “My tailor in nearby Crowley is the finest in the southern provinces. When I knew we’d be resting our midway point here, I sent ahead to have suits waiting for us upon our stop from Briar Rose.” He forked his last piece of roast pork and leaned back in his chair.
Mina shook her head. “You were so sure you’d make it away from Briar Rose…unscathed?” She was careful not to use graphic language that might upset Lady Galena, but the mistress of the house was preoccupied, prattling on to Gregoravich about the fineries of fermenting southern wine.
Aleksei didn’t answer. Mikhail did. “There was no doubt.”
Mina found her gaze locked to his once more. The footmen entered with trays of lemon tarts, and the captain finally let her go. After dessert, they retired to the parlor for an after-dinner glass of blood.
Aleksei offered her his arm, and she gladly rose to take it, enjoying the view of Captain Mikhail strolling ahead of them. Entranced by the broad set of his shoulders, his shining black hair under the candlelight, the graceful way he moved like a patient predator who knew he’d catch his prey eventually, Mina exhaled a heavy breath.
“Are you all right, Your Highness?” Aleksei whispered down to her.
“Never better.”
A lie. She’d tasted the virile man stalking ahead of them and heading straight for the liquor decanter, but it wasn’t nearly enough. This afternoon, one taste of his sensuality sparked a flickering flame into a burning inferno. She wanted more than his blood. She wanted the captain as a lover. Her first lover. She’d never even entertained the idea of a lover outside marriage before he awoke her from the long dark. As if it was designed in the stars that he should be the man to awaken her, that he should ignite her primal urges, calling her vampire to the forefront to meet his as an equal.
The captain knocked back a tumbler of amber liquor. Mina smiled, for she sensed his internal struggle after their earlier encounter. A man of duty and honor simply didn’t topple his moral code to seduce royal virgins. It seemed she had her work cut out for her. Time to put the sweet princess to sleep for good and let the passionate woman take the lead.
…
While the others gathered around the piano—Aleksei charming them with his deep baritone voice, singing a lullaby about home and hearth—Mikhail filled his glass and took it out to the balcony. His blood was up after dinner.
Who was he fooling? His blood had been up since this afternoon, when he’d allowed the princess to sink her fangs into his throat and drive him to the brink of madness with lust. Staring up at the near-full moon, he tossed back a large swallow, thankful for the liquid burn and numbing effect of good strong whisky and the biting winter air.
“Do you mind a little company?”
Her dulcet voice stiffened every part of him. How a creature so soft could make him hard as adamant, he had no idea.
“Of course not,” he answered, though he was well-aware his tone said otherwise.
She sidled closer but not too close, setting her gloved hands on the stone banister. “I wanted to speak to you about this afternoon.” She dropped her chin, staring at the snow-dusted garden, the stone path silvery white under the moonlight.
Mikhail cleared his throat. “Yes. I wanted to apologize for my behavior.”
“Apologize?” She looked up, her fairy-like visage luminous. “Please don’t.”
Stunned for a moment, he tore his gaze away and stared at the humped moon hanging between two peaks of the Novak Mountains in the far distance. The tension between them would only tighten if he didn’t explain himself, and why there could be no repeat of what had happened that afternoon.
He blew out a heavy breath, the frosty air curling upward. “Fine. I won’t apologize. I am pleased to have been of service to you.”
She angled her body toward him as he kept his grip on the bannister. “I was pleased as well.” Her tone held a teasing lilt.
Hardening his expression, he faced her finally. Her smile faded at once.
“It can never happen again.”
Her lashes dropped. She swallowed hard before lifting her chin, a defiant glint in her eyes. “Was I so distasteful to you?”
He almost choked on air as he inhaled deeply with one hard shake of his head. “No, Your Highness. That isn’t it.”
“Then why must it never happen again?”
Shock didn’t cover his reaction to this innocent beauty asking why they couldn’t explore each other’s bodies. Her primal nature had truly taken hold, her vampire playing the predator behind glass-blue eyes. Hell and damnation, if he didn’t long to break every code to show her other pleasures. Deeper, darker, carnal pleasures. But his men depended on him.
“You are Vilhelmina Dragomir, heir to the throne of Arkadia. You are destined to lead the southern kingdom. And I am the Captain of the Bloodguard, who has sworn an oath, promised with blood, to lead my men toward victory.”
“I see. Even so, you are a vampire…with needs. Are you not?”
Her pulse quickened as she waited patiently for an answer. He refrained from leaning closer to stroke his thumb along porcelain skin.
“Yes. I have needs. Ones that are fed quickly and without complication in a blood brothel.”
She flinched. He hated himself for speaking the truth so harshly, but there it was. She must understand. Acid churning in his gut, he went on.
“Every member of the Bloodguard has taken a sacred vow of fealty to the Guard itself. Forsaking marriage or family or any kind of relationship with a lover. His loyalty, his focus must not be divided.”
As she snapped her gaze away from him, he felt it like the cold slap of northern wind. “I see,” she whispered. “You spoke of victory. What does victory look like for you?”
The need for revenge for his father, for his ancestors, for his men’s families, burned hot in his chest, especially now that it was in his reach.
“It means the defeat of Queen Morgrid and King Dominik’s army. It means the overthrowing of her reign altogether, preferably with her death and that of her brutal son. It means starting over for the land of Varis with just and benevolent rulers in place.”
“And when you’ve achieved this victory? What then? The Bloodguard will continue on being mercenaries for hire?” She bit her bottom lip as if she regretted saying the last, but he knew he’d sparked her anger.
“The Bloodguard will always be needed, Your Highness,” he said gently. “To maintain order for the new realm. To help those rulers who come into power to enforce a new way of life for the people.” He softened his tone. “I have a duty.”
“I understand.” She faced him again, straightening her shoulders, gaze direct, mouth tilted in almost a smile. “Once upon a time, I would’ve swallowed my own desires and wishes, bowed gratefully, and taken my leave to do my duty as the obedient princess.” She waved a flippant hand in the air as if shooing away a vision of her past. “But I am not that girl anymore.”
She eased so close, her bodice brushed his waistcoat and his heart seized.
“Something happened when you awoke me in that tower. I can feel it as easily as I can feel your breath on my cheek or the winter chill at my back. It’s real. It feels wrong to turn away.”
She placed a gloved hand upon his chest, her feathery touch summoning his desire as if she cast a spell upon him, able to control his every thought. As if that wasn’t enough, she slid her hand up his chest to cup his nape while he remained a block of marble. Her fingers brushed the short hairs, the sensation sending blood rushing to his cock.
“I know you feel it, too.”
She smiled wider, kicking his heartbeat into a thunderous roar. Sweat beaded along his brow, but he said not a word. He couldn’t, wouldn’t confirm that she was right. He was the goddamn Captain of the Bloodguard. He had more control than that.
“Did you know I’m an empath, Captain?”
Closer still. Her perfect pink lips so near, all he’d have to do was dip his head a few inches and he could kiss her, drink from that sweet mouth. Slip his tongue inside and taste heaven. Or was it hell? He wasn’t sure.
“My whole life, I’ve remained quiet in my little cage that Steward Thorwald kept me in at Briar Rose. I was forced into an agonizing bloodless sleep by that witch, Queen Morgrid. And apparently, I’ve been sold into marriage without my consent.” Anger rode her words. “But you woke me up. In so many ways.” She sucked in a shivering breath. “I know you want me,” she whispered, her gaze roaming down to his mouth. “Like I want you. There’s more here between us. And I won’t ignore it.”
Then she left him on the balcony. And heaven help him, as he watched her walk away, he knew he was doomed.