Vampire Girl(29)

"Is everyone here a vampire?" I ask.

"No. But many are. Some might look more monstrous because of their particular charms."

"Like the dungeon demon," I say.

Fen smiles. "Like him, yes. There's also a heavy population of Fae here. Many are Shades... mixed bloods, the byproduct of a Fae and vampire union    ."

"Aren't Shades like spirits or ghosts?"

He shrugs. "Mixed bloods have some freedoms, because of their vampire blood, but they are still under many restrictions, particularly in regards to their use of magic. They have little rights. They live in hell. What are they if not Shades?" He drinks again. "Then there are full Fae, Outlanders who are now slaves to their vampire masters here."

"That's awful."

"It's better than the alternative," he says, taking a drink from his glass.

"What's the alternative?"

"Execution."

I sniff at my drink. It's sweet, so I take a sip. A cascade of flavors washes over my tongue, first sweet, then a bit tangy, then sour. The aftertaste returns to sweet, and I feel an instant lightness in my body as my blood warms. "Is this alcoholic?"

He grins. "Not the way you're thinking, but it will have a similar effect. Drink cautiously."

It's so good I can't help but take another drink.

Dora brings us food and it looks as good as it smells. I dig in, eating voraciously. I didn't realize how hungry I truly was until now.

"It seems we've been starving you," Fen says.

"I just haven't eaten much since my mom got sick," I say between bites. "It seems my appetite is coming back with a vengeance."

I eat everything on my plate and then finish Fen's falafel, before I'm finally satisfied. Dora brings us a plate of little balls of deep fried pastry dough soaked in honey syrup and cinnamon.

"These are loukoumades," Fen says, picking one up and popping it into his mouth. "You'll like them."

He's right. The sweet, flaky treats practically melt in my mouth and I devour them quickly.

As I lick the last of the honey off my fingers, a man approaches us, and Fen rises to greet him. Baron shifts at our feet, a very low growl in his throat.

"Fen! It's good to see you. And you brought the girl. Oh my!"

I stand, hoping I got all the honey off my fingers and shake hands with the man. He's not as tall as Fen, but he's very handsome in a softer sort of way. He has large brown eyes, a shock of dark hair that flops about on his head, and a kind face. "It's nice to meet you," I say.

"And you," he says, covering my hand with his as we shake. "You're prettier than Asher indicated. I think he was trying to keep you to himself."

I snort. "I'm pretty sure I annoy him too much for that."

Zeb sits with us, turning to Fen. "I have information on the matter we discussed." His voice is quiet, and he glances at me.

"You may speak in front of her," say Fen. "After all, she will be Queen one day."

Zeb nods. "I had my alchemists look into the poison found in father's room. It's, well... it's not a poison at all." Fen's eyes go wide, and Zeb continues, his voice growing more animated. "Someone weakened our father, then killed him."

"There were no wounds," says Fen.

"None that we noticed. If we reexamine the body, perhaps we'll find a small gash. Maybe they used a small needle-like weapon or—"

"You would have our father dug out from his grave?"

Zeb shrugs. "I'd consider it. Ace is keen on the idea. Don't you want to figure out what happened?"

Fen looks down and sighs. "We'll have to take this before the others."

"Ace and I are already drafting the proposal," says Zeb, smiling. He clasps his brother on the shoulder.

Fen shrugs him off and signals his wolf to stand by him. "We have to go, Zeb. But the meal was great, as usual."

Zeb frowns. "So soon? I'd hoped you'd stay for drinks. Maybe more dessert later."

Fen shakes his head. "I need to get her settled into my place so I can get back to work."

"Right. We will find out who did this, you know. They will pay."

Fen nods, and we leave the tavern. I don't ask the question that's burning in me until we are back on the boat. "Why didn't you tell him you suspected one of the princes?"

The boat begins to glide through the water and Fen stays alert and focused until we are away from the city. It seems the canals have different paths depending on where you are going: direct paths to move through the realms quickly, and side paths to travel within them. We are back on a direct path when Fenris finally answers me. "Until I know who to trust, I have to be careful. You should too. I plan to find out the truth before our month is over, so you don't end up in the wrong hands, but if I fail, don't tell any of them what you've learned. It will only put you at greater risk."