William climbed the steps and kissed his maker.
The Roman stroked his head, running his fingers through the short, fair hair.
“Here is my beloved son,” he whispered. “Who would never betray me.”
He released William with a short caress, and the Prince withdrew down the steps.
“I shall speak to Cato about our conversation. You are free to deny the Curia’s request and to return with your pet to Florence.”
“Thank you, Father.” William knelt on the ground, relief coursing over him.
“You may inform the Curia that you consulted me, and I agreed with your decision.”
At this, William lifted his head.
The Roman was staring at the fresco of William’s transformation. “I have seen much since the second century. Kingdoms rise and fall; the strength of our enemies grows and wanes. But they cannot destroy me, and this they know.”
The Roman’s gaze sharpened as it fixed on his son. “Perhaps you will escape the curse. Perhaps not. Only time will tell.
“I have granted you this favor. You have pledged unfailing service. In the years you have left, I demand absolute obedience.”
“Yes, Father.”
“Good. Send Cato to me.”
William bowed and retreated to the door, watching as the Roman glanced at the fresco once again before closing his eyes.
Chapter Twenty-Three
WILLIAM WAS TREMENDOUSLY DISQUIETED.
He had to resist the urge to run through the palace corridors, pull Raven into his arms, and flee. But the eyes of the Roman were upon him, he was certain, so he forced himself to follow Gaius at a moderate pace as the captain led him back to the room where Raven waited.
He’d accomplished his goal. He’d secured the support of the most powerful vampyre in Italy, if not the world. But undoubtedly, it had cost him. The Roman might be weary of public life, but he was no fool. He’d noticed William’s attachment to his pet. The sooner he was able to remove Raven from the palace, the better.
“Prepare to depart.” William barked to his soldiers, sparing them not a glance as he crossed to the adjoining room.
He opened the door and noted the two sisters curled up together on one of the couches, asleep.
He closed the door and stood over them, like a dark angel.
He barely remembered his own siblings, and he couldn’t imagine resting with them. He’d loved his family, especially his sisters and his mother. But family life in the thirteenth century under the tyranny of his father had not been warm or comfortable.
The bond between Raven and Cara was not something he understood.
He placed a light hand on Raven’s head. “Cassita.”#p#分页标题#e#
When she didn’t stir, he stroked her hair gently. “Cassita.”
Raven came awake with a start. “What? What is it?”
She pulled away from her slumbering sibling and sat up. Cara didn’t move.
“The Roman has taken our side.” William caressed Raven’s face. “We must contact your priest as soon as possible and make arrangements to deliver Cara to him.”
“Will she be safe?” Raven eyed Cara with concern.
“Much as it pains me to say it, she is more vulnerable to vampyres than to the Curia. The Curia won’t kill her.” William’s expression hardened. “Your priest will be angry that I refuse to give you up. He may try to take you by force. We must be prepared.”
“I’m not worried about myself; I’m worried about her,” Raven replied. “She will have to deal with losing Dan. I suppose forgetting about vampyres will be a mercy.”
“The Curia are not known for their mercy,” William sniped. “But she is a victim to them, which means they will protect her.
“We must go. The sooner they know we have the Roman’s support, the better.”
“I have my cell phone.” Raven retrieved it from the pocket of her jeans. “I’ll call Father. But I want you to remove the mind control from Cara first.”
“No.”
“William.”
He crossed his arms over his chest. “I shall remove the mind control when she joins your priest, but not a moment before. It’s too dangerous.”
Raven’s gaze dropped to his arms, to the muscles that contracted as his body tensed.
“I thought the Roman agreed to help us.”
“He did.”
She frowned. “Then why are we still in danger?”
As if by instinct, William glanced around the room. But he and the women were alone.
“The Roman seems to have taken an interest in my pet. He asked to meet you and your sister.”
Raven shifted backward on the couch. “I don’t want to meet him.”