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.
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.
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.