The Red Lily (Vampire Blood #2)(16)

The village of Lobdell was the smallest of the three, about the same size as Sylus. But the town of Dale's Peak was even larger than Hiddleston. They would certainly do well to recruit there though Sienna had her reasons for wanting to stay clear of it.

"Pleasure to meet you," said Nikolai with a slight bow, noting none of the men offered a hand to shake.



       
         
       
        

"I don't care for vampires," said the sternest of the three, Mr. Surry, his white brows drawn tight as he puffed on a pipe.

"Aye," said Nikolai lightly, not at all put off by the sentiment. "Most intelligent men do not."

"How's that?" asked Mr. Mills, the man with the roundest belly.

Nikolai rattled on in his lighthearted manner. "It seems logical that a man would steer clear of another who would prefer to drink a cup of blood than a cup of ale."

Mr. Mills chuckled. Mr. Lowe smiled. Mr. Surry did not.

"But, rest assured, gentlemen. I am devoted to my prince, who is devoted to his wife, Arabelle, the leader of the Black Lily. We are all of the same mind."

"And what mind is that?" asked Mr. Surry, his frown having vanished.

"That no man should live under the yoke of fear and oppression. And every man, woman, and child has the right to live free."

Mr. Surry added, "And no man should worry if his daughter will come home safe at night."

"Aye," agreed Nikolai. "If there is to be a change in the regime, your best chance is the Black Lily."

The three men exchanged glances.

"Why don't you all get one more round from Lizzie?" suggested Ivan. "I see she's brought down another tray."

They shuffled off, and Ivan urged them forward where three crates had been stacked together, a makeshift stage for speaking. Evan followed behind them.

"And those three curmudgeons are on our side?" asked Nikolai with a lift of his cynical brow.

"Not yet, but they are open to listening to what we have to say." Ivan glanced around. "These three men have the eyes and ears of the Masonry Guild, which is comprised of more men in the peasantry than any other from here all the way to Terrington under the palace of Winter Hill. If we gain their support, then your work will be easier going forward."

"When do you and Evan return to Cutters Cove?" asked Nikolai.

"Tomorrow morning. And hopefully with more men in tow. Evan will return with some men in two weeks' time. Now that we have the sloop from the duke, a faster ship than our own, he can return with empty cargo and load up the recruits you two send to Hiddleston."

"Ivan, I believe Mr. Surry is calling us over," said his brother.

"Excuse us."

Nikolai scanned the crowd, so Sienna did the same.

"Not many men are here," she noted.

"But many head of households are. It's safer not to meet in too large of numbers, but these older gentlemen represent a larger faction."

Sienna wasn't accustomed to the workings of an underground resistance, but what he said made sense. Especially when it was known that the queen had spies everywhere. It also reminded Sienna there was danger for Nikolai even showing his face in a place like this. Not only because he was considered a natural enemy to most peasants but also because if the queen set a spy amidst this crowd, she could track his whereabouts and capture him. 

"Well, well, lieutenant. Such a fine pleasure to see you here."

Sienna was taken aback by the sultry tone of a brunette woman who sauntered forward. One hand on her rounded hip, her full bosom on display, she was obviously a woman who was proud of her assets and who knew how to use them.

"Good evening, Colette. I wasn't aware you sympathized with the cause of the Black Lily."

"Why ever not?" She positioned herself between Sienna and him, clasping his arm in an all-too-familiar way. "I am a mere peasant as well. But unlike most of those here"-she leaned closer and whispered-"I do not fear our vampire brethren."

Sienna seethed. The woman was certainly no lady, but the fashion and quality of her blue dress and the silver bracelet on her arm denoted she had far more money than most of her class.

"I am well aware you do not, Colette. No need to be coy."

"Then let me tend to you, lieutenant. Are you not hungry?"

His gaze flicked for the first time in the conversation to Sienna. She could hardly hide the anger sealing her lips shut so tightly as her neck flushed with heat.

"May I introduce my friend, Lady Sienna?"

The woman turned, still clinging to Nikolai's arm, as if shocked to find someone standing there. Sienna knew good and well she was aware of her presence.