The Roman(31)

“I am approaching my last centuries. Father, I ask that you allow me to serve out my final years as Prince of Florence and that you defend us against the Curia.”

The Roman’s eyes searched William’s.

“Are you asking as the Prince of Florence? Or as my son?”

William’s fingers curled into fists. “Your son, if necessary.”#p#分页标题#e#

The Roman frowned. “I have not seen you for some time. Now you appear, begging favors.”

“Pardon, your excellency. I mean no disrespect.” William appeared contrite. “Florence is a jewel and one that many of my neighbors covet. I have traveled little during my time as prince.”

The Roman blinked. “You are a favorite of mine; it is true. As you say, Florence is a jewel. Are you certain your time is short?”

“You made me in 1274. My thousand years approaches.”

The Roman hummed. “Centuries come, centuries go. When one has forever, the marking of time seems immaterial. Since I have escaped the curse and you are my offspring, perhaps you will escape the curse also?”

William shook his head sadly. “You are the great exception, Father.”

The Roman hummed again, his brow furrowed.

At length, his expression brightened. “I had forgotten how much I enjoy your company.”

“As I enjoy yours.” William bowed.

“What were we discussing?”

William’s brow furrowed. “We were discussing the Curia.”

“What about the Curia?”

“The Curia is looking for an occasion to attack Florence, Father. They are demanding my pet.”

“A ridiculous demand.” The Roman smiled. “Promise you will visit your father more than once every few centuries.”

“I promise,” the Prince vowed quickly.

“Good. I see no reason for you to acquiesce to the Curia’s commands. You are a prince and under my authority. You may decline their request for your pet, but do so with prudence. There is no need to antagonize them unnecessarily.” The Roman exposed his teeth. “I admit you’ve made me curious. Tell me, is your pet beautiful? I should like to see it.”

In an unguarded instant, William’s eyes grew wide. He dropped his gaze to the stones at his feet. “I serve you, Father. Of course I could bring my pet to you. But I doubt you would find her appealing.”

“Her? Ah, yes. I forgot.” The Roman examined William’s bowed head. “I take it you have a fondness for this one.”

“I’ve had her but a short while.”

“I wonder.” The Roman adjusted the signet ring on his hand. “I have given you long life, power, wealth, and the jewel that is Florence. And I have never asked anything in return, except for loyalty. You are loyal to me, are you not?”

William lifted his gaze. “Without question.”

“And you serve me in all things?”

“All things, your excellency.”

The Roman leaned forward in his throne. “Then give me your pet.”

The Latin words echoed in the throne room.

The room fell silent.

Despite his best efforts, William’s heart beat irregularly.

“In comparison to everything I have given you, the request for your pet is very small.” The Roman’s nostrils flared, but his body remained still.

“Yes, Father.” William hid his face by bowing.

“Excellent.” The Roman leaned back in his chair. “Cato tells me your pet is here, in the palace, along with its sister. I want them both.”

William’s mind raced as he calculated how he could smuggle Raven out of the palace before the Roman realized the deception. It would be too risky to try to escape with both women. He’d have to leave Cara behind.

His innards twisted.

William genuflected and backed toward the door, hoping the Roman couldn’t scent his anxiety.
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He opened the door, and the Praetorian guards snapped to attention on the other side.

“William,” the Roman’s voice echoed in the hall.

The Prince turned, ever so slowly.

“You may close the door.” The king motioned to William to approach the throne once again.

Confused, he did as he was ordered, then stopped before the steps and knelt.

The Roman’s gaze flickered to William’s hands before moving to his eyes. “I perceive strength in your attachment to me, Prince of Florence. But I also perceive weakness. How much do you value your pet?”

“She is but a pleasant diversion, Father.”

The Roman closed his eyes.

William’s entire body tensed. He could almost feel his bones bending beneath the strain of his muscles.

“Kiss me, my son.” The Roman opened his eyes.