Page 110 of Sold to the Dark Vampire Prince

Dani raised an eyebrow. “Remind me again why you didn’t want to marry him?”

“Don’t start.” Sera shot her a look. “Now, I don’t know about you, but I could use a cup of tea.”

They went to the kitchen. Dani began filling the kettle. Sera took out mugs and a jar of loose tea from the cupboard.

“What happened with the raid on the research facility?” Dani asked while they leaned against the counter, waiting for the kettle to boil.

“It was an ambush.” Sera pressed her lips together. “Eight of our people were captured. Most of the fae managed to pass back to their realm in time, but Finneas said four are still missing. They’re presumed to be prisoners as well.”

“You think they knew we were coming?”

“I’m sure of it. Isabella betrayed us. It’s the only thing that makes sense. Now even more of our people are being held as hostages and I have no idea how we’re going to get them out.”

“There has to be a way into the castle.” The kettle began to steam. Grabbing a hot pad, Dani poured the water into the mugs.

“The reports we’re getting are saying the Cavalieris have brought in two hundred guards to occupy the castle. The wards are another problem. My father will have surely revoked permission for me and Dante to enter.”

“How does that work exactly? I thought the fae set the wards.”

“They set the wards initially, but obviously they don’t want to be called out to tweak the magic every time we want to add a cook to payroll. They’re blood wards, in the most basic sense. You need to add a drop of a person’s blood to the ward stone in the king’s chamber, which is located at the center of the castle, to give them permission to enter or revoke it. Anyone who’s given permission to enter also has a vial of their blood kept in case the king later decides to revoke their right to cross the wards.”

“But the fae can lift the wards?”

“They were the ones who cast them in the first place. We don’t have that sort of magic. It was part of the treaty we signed, agreeing to the first ceasefire between the fae, the vampire sectors and the wolves.”

“Then Finneas might be willing to lift the wards on the castle.” Hope rose in Dani’s chest. “Don’t you think he would, if it would mean we could get to Alex and the fae prisoners they’re holding at the same time?”

“He would have to take it up with the rest of the members of his council. And even if we could get the fae to lift the wards they’ve set, we would still be massively outgunned by the two hundred guards loyal to Cavalieri who are waiting for us inside. I’m confident there’s a way in, but it will take time and careful planning.”

“I can’t just sit around and do nothing.” Dani took a sip of her tea and grimaced. “Not while I know Alex is being held against his will.”

“We’ll find him. I’m not giving up. But don’t forget, you’ll have to stay in seclusion for at least a month while your body adjusts to craving blood. We can’t let you out on the street until the worst of it passes and you’re better in control.” She frowned. “Is your tea not good?”

“It tastes off. I still feel a little sick to my stomach.”

“That’s normal. You’ve been through a major trauma. Why don’t you try to get some sleep, and in the morning, we’ll have you feed again. Hopefully by then, we’ll know more.”

Too exhausted to argue, Dani let Sera give her a pair of nausea tablets and a glass of water. But as she crawled back beneath the covers, listening to the snow falling softly against the windows outside, it was a long time before she was able to drift off to sleep.

“Where did you leave her?”

Alexander slumped forward where he was tied to one of the chairs in his bedroom.

Their bedroom, Lara had informed him, when she’d had him dragged upstairs by the new Cavalieri guards that had taken over the palace. I want this to work between us, Alex. You’ll come to your senses soon enough.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he answered. “I haven’t seen Daniela since she left the castle.”

“Don’t lie to me.” Lara’s eyes flashed with rage. “We have video of you and Serafina leaving her apartment building. You took her somewhere. I know you did. She was badly injured. She couldn’t have dematerialized far.”

“And you would know she was injured how, exactly?”

Out of the corner of one eye, he saw Lara signal to the guard behind him. After days of beatings, he knew what was coming, and yet he still flinched when the force of the blow knocked both him and the chair to the ground.

The carpet dug into his cheek as Lara stood before him, designer snakeskin pumps unmoving. He didn’t react. There was nothing to be won by goading her, and he’d known that.

“Get him up.”

He refused to make eye contact with Lara as she paced before his fireplace, face hard with fury. Things weren’t going to plan. She’d failed to kill Dani. Now he was refusing to be cowed.