“Where do we stand?”
“Someone from the medical team leaked details of the autopsy to the press. It’s being reported that the human’s body was drained of blood prior to death and that there were bite marks on his neck.”
The Prince lifted a gold chalice from a nearby table and threw it across the council chamber. It struck the back wall, which was hewn from stone, and shattered on impact.
“Tell me the newspapers aren’t mentioning vampyres.”
Gregor swallowed noisily. “I cannot tell you that, my Lord. However, they are also mentioning Satanists.”
“If only the Satanists would claim responsibility,” the Prince muttered. “I expect the Curia is already on its way.”
“In this respect, I can offer good news, my Lord. Word from Rome is that the Curia are merely observing, too wary of the Roman to act against his ally.”
“That is something positive.” The Prince straightened. “Order the human intelligence network to manufacture evidence supporting an alternative scenario, one that would implicate someone other than a vampyre. Satan-worshippers are convenient enough.
“Deal with the reporter, and identify a new suspect related to the Uffizi robbery—someone from the security staff.”
“With what evidence, my Lord?”
“With whatever evidence can be created in a short period of time,” the Prince growled. “The human intelligence network is supposed to be intelligent. Tell them to use their heads.”
“Yes, my Lord.”
The Prince fixed his head of security with a severe look. “The security service needs to find Ibarra and bring him to me. I shall go in pursuit of Aoibhe.
“See that we have troops posted at our borders in case of an incursion, and contact our spies in Rome. I want to know if we can expect any reaction from the Curia.
“Send word to the Roman as a courtesy, thanking him for our alliance and reassuring him that I am in control of the principality and all security risks will be dealt with expeditiously.” He paused. “And Gregor, take care to improve your service.”
“Absolutely, my Lord.”
Gregor bowed and raced from the council chamber as if the hounds of hell were chasing him.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
RAVEN WAS IN THE HALLWAY looking for William when she heard voices from behind the closed doors of his library. Without bothering to knock, she entered the room.
Lucia and Ambrogio stood at the far end of the library, in front of William’s desk.
William beckoned to her as he concluded his instructions. “To Geneva. But only in dire circumstances.”
“Yes, my Lord.” The servants replied in unison.
“You are dismissed.”
The two humans bowed and left the library, nodding at Raven as they exited.
She leaned on her cane as she crossed to his desk. “What’s in Geneva?”
“The Trivium.”
“What’s that?”
“My bank.” William came out from behind his desk. He took her hands in his. “If you need to flee Florence, go to Via San Zanobi, number thirty-three. Ask for Sarah. She will provide you with safe passage out of the city.”
“You’ve told me this before.” She searched his eyes. “Has something changed?”
“A newspaper has printed the story of Batelli’s death. They mentioned my name and yours.”
Raven was horrified. “Why?”
“Batelli was investigating us in connection with the robbery of the Uffizi.”
“But that’s a lie! I was interviewed, but I was never an official suspect.”
“The newspaper is reporting what Batelli recorded in his personal papers.”
Raven pressed a hand to her forehead. “The director of the Uffizi will see this. So will Professor Urbano. I could lose my job on the next restoration project.”
William took hold of her arms. “I am not going to allow that to happen. Even now, my intelligence network is putting out disinformation. In a few days, the pendulum will swing in our direction.”
Raven leaned against the desk. “I want to continue to live in my world. My job at the Uffizi is really important to me.”
He wrapped his hand around her neck. “Understood. Just give me a few days.”
“Someone is trying to take the principality away from you. There’s the Curia on one side and whatever vampyre interloper on the other.”
He removed his hand and took a step back. “That’s true, but we have the support of the Roman. We have allies in Venice and Umbria. The tide will turn.”
She grabbed his hand. “Are you sure?”
“Yes. If I’m wrong, I have already made a way for you to escape the city.”
She gripped his hand tightly. “I won’t leave without you.”
“You won’t have to.” William looked down at their hands. “I have an idea who the traitor is, and I am going to find him. I just need a little time.”
“What about the Curia?”
“The Curia doesn’t want a war with the Roman. They’ll make noises, I’m sure, but they’ll be slow to act.
“I must show the Curia and the world that Florence is firmly in my control. It will take a couple of days.” He lifted his eyes to meet hers. “Can you give me that?”
“I’m not leaving you, William.” She leaned against him. “But if the city falls, and we need to flee, will you do it?”