Page 72 of The Vampire's Lament
She simply nodded.
I remained confused. Had she heard herself? “Tilly, why would you want to join him? Why wouldn’t you loathe him with every fiber of your being?”
“I do,” she said.
My patience weakened. “Good. I’m glad to hear it. He is the enemy. Never forget that, and never make such ridiculous suggestions again.”
“A vile thing to say,” Vaughn stepped in. “We don’t share beds with our enemies.”
A mistake on his part, one that spread Tilly’s lips wider.
“Unless you’re the king,” she said, vitriol in her tone. “But I supposeyouget a free pass, Your Majesty.”
“That’s it!” Vaughn barked, jumping to his feet. “I’m dragging you out of here.”
As much as my anger burned, I stopped him. I wanted her to speak, to expose the insanity of her rebellion.
To be an example to the others.
I gestured for her to speak.
And she did. “Of course, I hate him, but he’s bent our minds to believe so many lies. You can’t deny how impressive that is.” She lifted her hands in exasperation. “Come on. He’s clearly theside to be on. United, we can be an unstoppable threat. Together we could change the game, big time.”
“You’re delusional,” a vampire named Patti said.
Tilly groaned, cracking her knuckles. “We have to adapt. We have to survive. We can’t go up against someone of that power. Who knows what he’ll hit this world with next? But if we’re on his side, we might get a seat at his table.”
Bryan nodded.
How divided were we in this? How many would like to submit to Aidan?
Curse this. Every single one of these vampires should be on their knees in supplication, praising my actions tonight, knowing their place, agreeing with me, declaring their loyalty.
I asked the question. “Raise your hand if you agree with Tilly.”
Less than half did, but that was still too many.
Tilly didn’t like the response, her face twisting with fury. “You’re all fucking stupid. It’s like you want to die. It’s like you’re happy knowing your king fucked an executioner.” She laughed, the sound hateful. “Remember what got us here in the first place.” She pointed at me. “Him. Because of his mercy. Because of his weakness with Aidan. Because our fucking king only thinks with his cock.”
Vaughn bristled. “Say the word, Your Majesty, and she’s out of here.”
I regarded her as appalled voices rang through the ballroom, paired with those who agreed with her. I couldn’t stop myself from staring at her, studying her every twitch, the gleeful glints of triumph in her eyes.
My anger moved from a simmer to a steady boil. Not spilling over quite yet. More controlled for the time being.
“Come here.” My deep timbre vibrated through the air, throwing a blanket of hush over everything.
Her smirk dropped, her posture changing, unease a sickly sheen passing over her face.
Unable to refuse my command, she headed for the stage. I saw her throat bob, practically smelling her fear.
It only fed my rage.
She arrived before me, bowing with the respect that had been missing until now. Meek in the face of danger.
“My king,” she whispered, going to her knees.
“Did I ask you to kneel?”
