“How unfortunate for him. The hunters would have been merciful.” William lifted Raven into his arms. “You have seen some of my power, Borek; a glimpse I am sure you will keep to yourself.”#p#分页标题#e#
The commander shifted his weight uneasily. “Yes, my lord.”
“You’re from Prague, as I recall. I am sure you wouldn’t want the Curia aware of your true heritage.”
Borek’s eyes met Raven’s. He looked uneasy.
“Serve me well, and your secret will also remain secret.” William turned and ran into the woods, carrying the woman he loved.
Chapter Nine
“YOU AREN’T WEARING KEVLAR.” Raven’s hand had slipped inside William’s shirt, making contact with his cool skin. He carried her, moving at a high rate of speed through the trees.
“No, I am not.”
“Your soldiers are.”
“I am an old one, Cassita. I am faster and stronger than the others.”
“I wish you’d wear it.” She spoke against his chest.
William’s expression was impassive. “Hunters are the least of my worries.”
Raven sighed and withdrew her hand. “Borek told me he was Russian.”
William glanced back at the soldier, who strained to keep up with him. “He’s from Prague.”
“Why did he lie?”
“The Curia laid waste to the covens in Czechoslovakia. No vampyre dares live within its borders or lay claim to its heritage. No doubt Borek was afraid the Curia would kill him if they discovered the truth.”
Raven shivered. “So much death. So much killing. I don’t know how they live with themselves.”
William snorted. “They baptize their actions by claiming God is on their side.”
“Are they really so blind? There must be some way for them to combat a vampyre take-over of the world without killing.”
“If there is such a way, they aren’t interested in finding it.”
“I thought you were dead.” Raven’s voice grew small. “I agonized over it. You promised we’d stay together, and you broke that promise.”
“Cassita, I—”
“How could you send me away?” She squeezed his shoulder, her green eyes fixed on his face.
William slackened his pace.
“You could have been killed. Or worse, you and your sister could have become pets to anyone. Do you understand what that means?” His tone revealed the simmering anger that swirled in his chest.
“Machiavelli wasn’t interested in us.”
“Someone would have been. The best decision was to make everyone think the Curia wanted you and to have you escorted outside the city.”
“I was nearly killed by a feral. A hunter grabbed me. I could have died not having—not having—”
William interrupted her. “I swear by the name of my teacher that I will never send you away. But if your priest persuades the Curia to take you from me…” He trailed off.
“I will persuade Father Kavanaugh to let me stay with you.”
“I’ve always admired your optimism, Raven, but I cannot share it.” He increased his pace. “Still, I have one ally left.”
“Good.” Fatigue overtook her, and she closed her eyes, resting her cheek against his shoulder.
It was easier like this—to close her eyes as they whipped past the scenery. The speed made her dizzy, and jostling gave her a headache. But the tender, tight embrace of her beloved comforted her. He would protect her, even with his life.
William was much, much faster than Borek, even with her in his arms. Twice he had to slow his pace so the commander could catch up.
At length they approached a hill and quickly climbed toward the summit. But before they crested the top, William halted.#p#分页标题#e#
“My lord?” Borek’s voice was tight as he caught up.
William nodded toward the peak. “Your men and the other human are up there. But they are not alone.”
Borek inhaled slowly. “Not hunters.”
“No.” William’s jaw tensed. “Vampyres.”
Chapter Ten
THE PRINCE TESTED THE WIND, making sure it wouldn’t betray them to the vampyres who’d assembled on the hill.
He gestured for Borek to follow him, and they slowly crept up to the top. As they approached, they could hear voices.
“But couriers were sent!” Stefan sputtered. “The new Prince of Florence sent a message to your princess, explaining that we needed to pass through her territory on our way to Rome.”
“I know of no such message.” The male voice was harsh. “You’re trespassing. The price of trespassing is death.”
Swords rattled, and the sound of heavy footfalls rang out.