The Roman(56)
“Your excellency, although we haven’t received any formal communication from the Curia, our spies have revealed that a small group of black robes has entered Florence.”
“A small group of black robes won’t fell the city. My son is stronger than that.”
“If the human population is in chaos and the suggestion that vampyres exist begins to take root, the Curia will act in greater numbers.”
The Roman turned peering eyes to his lieutenant. “Has the Prince requested our assistance?”
“Yes, a message has just arrived.” Cato lifted his eyes. “Florence is unstable. Clearly, one of the Prince’s subjects is attempting to unseat him. He survived a Venetian assassination attempt only to crush a coup a short time ago. Now there is the public display of a dead policeman.”
“Unstable,” the Roman repeated, closing his eyes.
“The Curia knows you support Florence. That is the only reason they have not marched on the city.”
The Roman remained silent.
Cato frowned. He moved a bit closer to the throne. “There are precious few old ones left in Italy. There’s Simonetta of Umbria, but she’s content where she is and would never challenge you. The Prince of Florence might.”
The Roman’s eyes opened. “What are we speaking about?”
Cato’s eyebrows drew together. “Your son, excellency, the Prince of Florence.”
The Roman closed his eyes again. “Ah, yes. My beloved son.”
Cato coughed theatrically. But the Roman did not open his eyes.
“If I may speak freely, excellency, I believe the Prince’s visit was a ruse.”
“To what end?”
“It’s clear he has some strange attachment to his pet. Why else would he risk the ire of the Curia and come to you for support? He sounds like Faustus of Sardinia.”
Now the Roman’s eyes opened. “You believe Florence’s conflict with the Curia is caused by the pet?”#p#分页标题#e#
“The Curia wants it. The Prince wants it. The Prince won the last contest of wills by invoking your alliance. But an exsanguinated policeman in full view of the human population is certain to attract Vatican attention, even if the pet were not an issue.”
“If Florence is not under attack, I have no need to defend it.”
Cato paused, conflicted as to whether or not he should press the matter. It was not in his interest as an ambitious lieutenant to encourage the Roman to go to war. But the king was capricious and likely to blame him for any missteps.
“Shall I send word to Florence that we will not send troops?”
“Tell my son he has my confidence that he can best a few black robes.” The Roman focused on the fresco to his right, the image of a young and beautiful man dressed in Dominican robes being changed by an older, dark-haired man. “Order him to surrender the pet to the Curia and put an end to this petty squabble.
“I am hungry and require another feeding.” He bared his fangs. “Send in another, something young and fresh.”
Cato watched his ruler’s expression carefully, surprised by the non sequitur. “I shall procure something for you immediately.”
“You are dismissed.” The Roman closed his eyes once again.
Cato bowed, his smile growing wider as he quit the throne room.
Chapter Forty-Six
THE VAMPYRE SMILED, arms stretched wide. “I am the resurrection of the dead.”
Raven frowned. “And a plagiarist. I’ve heard that line before.”
He studied her for a moment. His smile widened. “You are a wit.”
“And you are?” She lifted her eyebrows.
“I am Ibarra of the Euskaldunak.” He bowed theatrically. “Late head of security for the principality of Florence and former Consilium member.”
“Former? What happened?” Raven stalled.
“Your master executed me.”
Raven made a show of inspecting his body, which seemed very fit. “You don’t look executed.”
“How is it you came to be wandering these tunnels all alone?” he snapped.
“I’m not alone. I told you, the Prince is with me.”
“I don’t see him. Perhaps he’s at his villa, resting.” Ibarra moved a step closer. “You aren’t under mind control, that much is certain. Feeding from you will be all the more pleasurable.”
Raven cringed. She had her cane in hand, but even if she struck him, she could never outrun him. She wondered if she could outsmart him.
“If you’re going to feed from me, can we at least move somewhere more comfortable? It’s damp down here, and I’m wearing sandals.”
Ibarra laughed, and the sound echoed. “So the Prince’s pet doesn’t mind someone else feasting on her. Perhaps the reason you’re in this tunnel all alone is because the Prince tired of you?”