“More important, they’re as sharp as the devil’s tongue.”

“I love them. Thank you.” She leaned up and kissed him. “These are from your personal collection?”

“Yes. They were one of the first pairs I ever… acquired.”

She frowned, knowing that most likely meant he’d killed their owner.

“Don’t look so upset. He was a highwayman who attempted to rob the carriage I was traveling in. He killed my driver before he got what he deserved.”

She tilted the blades so they caught the light. “All that matters is that you wanted me to have something of yours.” She smiled at him. “I like that.”

“So do I.”

“Here, hold them while I take the old ones out.” She handed them over, then balanced her foot on one of the seats, pulled her skirt up, and slid the first dagger out. She held her hand out to Mal for the replacement.

Nothing filled her open palm. She glanced up. Mal was holding the dagger out to her, but his gaze was on her bare leg. She cleared her throat. “A little to the left.”

“What?” He looked at her and readjusted his aim. “Don’t show that much skin if you don’t want me to look.”

She slipped the new dagger home. “I never said I didn’t want you to look.” She switched legs and repeated the process, enjoying the ability to turn him into vampire mush. Finally, she adjusted her skirts. “Let’s go find Dominic.”

He stood to one side and gestured toward the exit. “After you.”

But as she started by, he caught her and pulled her close to kiss the tender spot below her ear. “Be careful tonight. I will not lose you.”

She splayed her hands against his chest. “We have the element of surprise, remember? The upper hand.” She gave him a smile she didn’t fully feel. “Tatiana’s the one who should be worried.”

He didn’t answer, just pushed her gently toward the exit again. She dropped her smile as soon as he was behind her. There was no question death would be woven through the hours that lay ahead of them, only which one of them would be ensnared by it first.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Tatiana looked up as Octavian entered the suite. “The nobles have begun to arrive.” He came to where Tatiana sat rocking Lilith and kissed both their cheeks. He’d been ever so amenable lately. Almost careful. It was enough to make her wonder if he was up to something. “Where’s Daciana?”

“I imagine breaking in her new comar.”

“Ah, yes, Lord Syler asked me how that had gone. I assured him everything was fine. I hope that was the case?”

“It was.” She kept her eyes on him until he seemed uneasy. “What have you been up to?”

“Up to? Nothing, just making sure this evening will go as smoothly as possible.” He smiled unconvincingly. “Your needs are always my first concern.”

She raised one brow. “You’re planning something.”

“What? No.” He swallowed.

She shook her head. “Don’t lie to me. I can sense it.” She shook her finger at him. “I hate surprises. Hate them. I want no grand gesture this evening, understood? If anything happens outside of what’s been scripted, I will hold you personally accountable.”

He nodded vigorously. “Yes, absolutely, nothing outside what’s planned.” He exhaled unnecessarily and relaxed a bit. “Back to the subject of comars—have you seen Damian recently?”

She bounced Lilith lightly, causing her to giggle. “I’ve been sharing Daci’s comar, but I did look in on Damian. His bruises are completely healed. He’ll be in fine shape for the ball.” Especially since she’d taken care of adding a little sedative to his evening meal.

Octavian nodded. “Excellent. I’ll be sure he’s dressed and ready.” He tapped a finger on the arm of the chair. “Lord Syler also mentioned you’d spoken to him about when you’re to be announced?”

“I did.” She brushed the soft cotton of Lilith’s day gown. “I don’t want us to enter until the majority of the nobles are here. At least two hours in should do it, don’t you think?”

He took the chair across from her and wiggled his fingers at Lilith. “Two hours from now they’ll be chomping at the bit to see you.”

She laughed. “We both know they’re here to see my daughter.”

He looked at her. “Yes, but I promise you that’s not the only reason. Word of Svetla’s death and the ancient one’s declaration have spread. Besides that, you are the first female Dominus. The nobility know your name but not your face, and with your reputation, they very much want to know who you are. The crowd will be thick this evening. I imagine you’ll be inundated with gifts, offers of assistance… a great number of things I’ll have no control to stop.” He sat back, his eyes worried. “Prepare yourself.”

“I won’t hold you accountable for those things.” He was definitely planning something. Or had been.

“Thank you. Still, you and Lilith are my primary concerns. It’s my job to make sure every possibility has been examined.”

She set Lilith on the floor to play with her blocks. “How is security?”

“Tight. I’ve walked the perimeters and watched some of the nobility being checked in. No one who doesn’t belong will get through.” He snorted. “Not that anyone will try. Who would be foolish enough to invade a large gathering of powerful vampires? No one I can think of.”