Jessica Rules the Dark Side Page 10

  Who is he?

  "What's the suggestion?"

  "You are interested in establishing rule of law, yes?" Raniero asked me. "And you also wish to establish that you are in power—have authority, yes?"

  I nodded warily. "Yes..."

  "Then I think it is best if you are the one to order that Lucius be detained, and then to oversee the procedure by which he is taken away."

  I dropped the bread I'd been shredding and stared at both of them in disbelief. And I'd thought my cousin's plan, about the show of stakes, was bad. But I could tell by the look on Lucius's face that this was exactly how it was going to happen. Still, I had to protest. "You're joking, right? I can't order you taken away!"

  But Lucius shook his head. "Raniero is correct, Antanasia. The Elders will perceive you as powerful—and understand how serious we are about adherence to law—if you enforce my detention. There will be a vote, of course, but you must be the one who controls what follows."

  I shook my head. "But—"

  "You need to prove yourself as a sovereign today," Lucius insisted. "As your American countrymen would say, 'The training wheels are coming off.' And now."

  I suddenly had a very vivid memory of crashing my bike when my dad first let me ride without those two little wheels for support. I'd slammed right into a tree next to our house. "I don't know, Lucius..."

  "There really is no choice," he said. "Whether you like it or not, you are coming into power this afternoon." His eyes softened, like he could tell that I couldn't imagine speaking words that would take him from me, even if he was going no farther than the catacombs beneath our castle. Especially if he was going there.

  "It is only symbolic, Antanasia," he said encouragingly. He was definitely reading my mind. "You can do this. It will feel wrong to you, but it is for us, really. For your protection and our future."

  I didn't think I could do what he was asking. But there was nothing I could say—especially since Raniero was watching us—except "Okay. I'll issue the command."

  Then I sank down in my seat, not unlike Raniero.

  My first real act as a princess is going to be ordering my husband bound and taken away.

  And even though I had a lot to worry about, I noticed that Mindy—who was definitely awake and loved a good Romanian bread breakfast even more than I used to, when I still ate—hadn't joined us at the table.

  Chapter 40

  Antanasia

  LUCIUS AND I stood in the anteroom where we always waited before councils with the Elders, and I was keenly aware that these would be our last private moments until... when?

  "Do not look so worried," he whispered. And although we usually used that space to prepare to look and act like leaders—at least, to the extent that I ever managed that—Lucius took me in his arms. "We will not be separated for long," he promised. "And remember, too, that you now think in terms of eternity, and a few weeks are nothing."

  I rested against him, wanting to draw on his strength. The time—would it really be weeks?—would pass slowly. And yet weeks also seemed like nothing when I tried to imagine how we'd figure out who destroyed Claudiu before a trial became inevitable. "I hate this."

  He moved to tilt my chin up with his crooked index finger. "You are a princess now," he reminded me, sounding at once tender and a little tough. "There is no more time for tears."

  "I know." I nodded. "I promise I won't cry again." Not until I'm alone in bed tonight.

  "Rely upon Raniero," he urged. "I know that he does not look like much of a savior, but his appearance can be deceiving. He is a vampire of many talents, most of which you may find useful in coming weeks. Discounting, of course, his ability to 'get amped' about 'carving' a wave." He'd started smiling but quickly got serious. "And with the exception of you, he is the only vampire whom I trust. The only one."

  "I wish there was time for you to tell me about him."

  "I am afraid we do not have that luxury." Lucius glanced toward the doors that would open any second now, then met my eyes again. "And I think it best if Raniero determines what he wishes to reveal about himself. For he has a strong inclination toward privacy." He pulled me closer. "Just trust my faith in him, Antanasia, and let him help you."

  I felt my throat getting tight, because I knew we were running out of time. "I love you," I said. "I love you so much."

  "I love you, too, Jessica." Lucius's arms got even tighter around me. "I love you for eternity—and we will weather this small and temporary storm."

  I nodded like I actually believed that, and he bent down and brushed his lips against mine, then pulled away, so I was standing next to him but completely alone. Straightening his shoulders and tugging on his cuffs, he transformed from husband into ruler who would probably soon be prisoner, and his voice was even firmer when he told me, "It is time for you to truly assume your role as princess. And I have complete faith that you will succeed beyond anyone's expectations—espe-cially your own."

  Then, on that silent cue I would need to learn if I ever had the guts to assemble the Elders without Lucius, the doors swung open.

  Chapter 41

  Antanasia

  THE ELDERS WERE already gathered at the table, and before each I saw a box similar to the one that waited at Lucius's seat. Even my uncle Dorin had a small pine container, although I couldn't even imagine him using a stake to make kebabs.

  As I pulled my chair closer to the table, I looked at my husband, who was already calling the meeting to order. "I wish to waste no time," he said. "I see that you have all brought your weapons—let us proceed."

  My throat seemed to pinch shut so I could hardly breathe.

  I want to waste time. I want to run away with you and live like Raniero, in a shack on the beach.

  But that wasn't going to happen. Lucius was already nodding to his left, to Flaviu, who wordlessly opened the box before him and produced his stake, slapping it down on the table with an assurance that proclaimed innocence. A moment later, Horatiu Dragomir followed suit. Then it was Dorin's turn, and I saw his hands shake, even though his stake was completely clean. Not a drop of blood on it, because he was a runner, not a fighter.

  Like me? Because I'm not sure anymore...

  On it went around the table, boxes opening, pale hands reaching in, stakes clacking against wood. It was like watching a very grim wave that skipped over me before going down the other side to reach Lucius.

  NO! I wanted to scream when it was his turn. We need more time!

  But all I could do was watch in horror as the vampire I loved essentially damned himself.

  For the moment Lucius opened the box before him and slammed his own stake down with as much assurance any of the other Elders, every vampire in that room gasped, and the air was filled with Romanian voices that sounded shocked and outraged and ... accusing.

  Chapter 42

  Antanasia

  "EXPLAIN THIS, LUCIUS!" Flaviu demanded, rising. "That is clearly Claudiu's blood!"

  Yes, it definitely was. I fought hard against the urge to cover my nose again. The blood was dried, but still fresh enough that the smell permeated the room.

  "Indeed, it is Claudiu's blood," Lucius agreed calmly. "That is obvious."

  "Then how did it get there?" Flaviu cried. He remained standing and his eyes glittered, like he could barely conceal his glee over his rise in power—and Lucius's abrupt, apparent fall. "Are you confessing, Lucius?"

  "Now, now, Flaviu." Dorin made a rare interjection. "I'm sure that Prince Lucius has a good explanation for this." My uncle gave Lucius a shaky, hopeful smile. "You do, don't you, Lucius?"

  But Lucius shook his head. "No, I do not know how Claudiu's blood got there, but I will find the explanation." Then he locked eyes with each of the Elders, adding, "And justice will be served. Not only for Claudiu's destruction, but for this obvious attempt to destroy me."

  Flaviu dropped into his seat, like he was exasperated. "But this exercise was meant to determine who destroyed my brother!" He pointe
d at me and I cringed. "Your own wife suggested it!"

  I felt my face reddening.

  "Yes, and if Antanasia and I had wanted to hide anything, we would not have pursued this course of action," Lucius reminded everyone. "And yet we did call for a show of weapons—"

  My cheeks got even warmer. At least, I did.

  "—and I have come before you and willingly produced my own stake," he added. "Because I am innocent and will be proven so."

  "And in the meantime?" Flaviu asked with a sneer. "We do what?" He addressed Lucius. "With all due respect, it is difficult to justify letting you loose in this estate!" He appealed to the others. "The evidence would seem to warrant a vote on Prince Lucius's detention, do you not agree?"

  There was a long, tense silence, during which I looked around the table. They all think he's guilty. Except maybe Dorin.

  But even my uncle wouldn't meet my eyes again. He fidgeted with the box that held his stake, closing it with fumbling fingers.

  And when I finally turned to Lucius again, I realized that my moment had arrived. He was willing me with his eyes to speak—and reassuring me that I could do what we'd discussed. Still, my voice quavered as I said, too quietly, "Flaviu is right about the evidence."

  I had never done more than hold the office of 4-H treasurer, and the words felt strange on my lips when I added, "We will vote now."

  I knew the Elders were shocked to hear me take charge—and to realize that Lucius really was going to abide by law. Yet for all his insistence that what we were doing was right, I couldn't look at my husband as I said, "Those who believe that Lucius Vladescu should be detained until either vindicated or tried, raise your left hand and say 'Aye.' Those who believe that he should walk free, raise your right and speak in the negative."

  With the exception of Flaviu's, which shot up, left hands rose tentatively, because everybody knew that if he was eventually absolved, Prince Lucius would remember how this vote went down. But the evidence against him was so damning that one by one the Elders said, "Aye."

  Even Dorin seemed to have no choice, although he started to raise his right hand. But it was only because he was a rare right-handed vampire and often got confused when voting. Then he caught himself and lifted his left, which trembled like a leaf.

  "It is unanimous," I said miserably, when every hand was up. "Lucius Vladescu will be incarcerated."

  I thought it was again testament to his courage that Lucius didn't look upset or scared. He mainly looked proud—of me. Even though I couldn't stop feeling like a traitor, especially as I rose and ordered guards, using the words he'd helped me memorize: "Intrati, gardieni."

  I was relieved that they actually came on my command, and yet close to throwing up as Lucius stood, turned, and offered his hands, held out behind his back. I thought I heard the guard mumble an apology as he bound Lucius's wrists with an iron chain.

  And when the ancient padlock was slipped in place, the Elders—including Flaviu—sat very still.

  I realized then that Raniero's strategy had been right. We had rocked their world. A prince was obeying the law when it didn't suit his aims. It had probably never happened in the whole brutal history of vampiredom.

  Lucius and I locked eyes, and although I wanted to use my new power to set him free, I forced myself to say, "Luati-l."

  Take him away.

  He gave me another nod, reassuring me that I'd done everything right. Then, head held high, he turned to the Elders and said, "Do not forget this. We are all governed by law now, and I submit, willingly, to prove that we enter a new era." His eyes narrowed in a way that made it hard to believe he was really a prisoner, though. "And remember, too, when I am vindicated, that the punishment for whoever did destroy Claudiu will be swift and harsh—also in accordance with our laws." A hint of his old autocratic self emerged. "I promise you that when I sit as judge, I will not forget this moment, either."

  He looked at me one more time just before the guard opened the door, allowing Lucius to walk through first, untouched. Prince Vladescu might have submitted to being bound to make a point, but there was no way he would have stood for being dragged away—or even gently led.

  I stood there in helpless silence.

  Even after his footsteps died away, I kept standing, because my knees were shaking so badly that I was afraid I'd fall down if I tried to sit. But before I could say "Meeting adjourned," Flaviu interrupted, raising his nondominant right hand, which signaled a request to speak.

  No! Panic gripped me. We didn't plan on this. I'm alone!

  But even I understood that I had to recognize the vampire who was probably bent upon bringing my whole world crashing down, maybe even at the expense of his brother's existence.

  I knew that his stake was clean. But I also knew that Flaviu Vladescu was just plain nasty, and capable of doing things I couldn't even contemplate, for reasons I couldn't imagine.

  Yet what could I do except allow him to do even more damage?

  Chapter 43

  Mindy

  I SAT IN my room flipping through Catwalk magazine, but I might as well have been reading about art in college, 'cause I couldn't focus on anything. I could hardly even think about Jess's problems, 'cause someplace in that castle there was a guy in shorts...

  I looked over at the door for the millionth time. Not that I want him to come for me! I do NOT!

  And it was just me being a total klutz—I wasn't in some big rush—when somebody finally knocked and I fell out of bed and kinda crawled—'cause my feet were totally tangled in the two-million-thread-count sheets—to answer it. "Coming!" I yelled. I kicked free of the stupid sheets and got up on my feet. "I'll be right there!"

  I took a sec to fix my hair—not that it mattered how I looked—and hauled open the door and...

  STUPID VAMPIRES!

  Chapter 44

  Mindy

  GOSH, HE WAS a mess.

  A hot, HOT mess.

  When I opened the door, Raniero was slouching against the wall with his hands in the pockets of the worst of his four pairs of shorts, and he had on the absolute worst of his five T-shirts—the one with the scary taco on it—and his hair was an even bigger disaster than the last time I'd seen him, in the summer. It was like he hadn't even thought about cutting those long brown waves with the highlights from the sun. And his goatee needed shaping up, too, even more than usual.

  He pulled his hands out of his pockets and crossed his arms. His muscles were still nice, though. I finally really looked at his face. And so was his nose, which had a little bump in it, like he'd been slammed down by the surf one too many times. And his lips that were all rough from the sun. And those gray-green eyes that were, like, boring into mine...

  "Hey," I finally said, 'cause he didn't say a word. He just stared at me with those eyes. Those amazing, sexy, unemployed-drifter eyes. I knew what he was, so why was I having trouble talking? I crossed my arms, like him. "What, um ... what are you doing here?"

  Raniero still didn't say anything. And when he finally talked, it was, like, the first time I ever heard him sound close to mad. "I tell you many times not to come here. That it is dangerous. And yet you come."

  I kinda looked away, not sure how I felt about the way he was talking to me. I mean, I always wanted him to be more, like, forceful, but..."Jess needed me," I said. I looked at him again. "So why are you here?"

  For me? Did you follow me?

  Not that I want that!

  "Lucius summoned me, and to defy a Vladescu prince is punishable by destruction," he said. "And so I obey."

  "Oh." A few days ago, I woulda laughed at that. But all of a sudden I wasn't so sure it was a joke. "So you had to come 'cause you didn't wanna get in trouble?"

  Ronnie kept slouching against the door, but his eyes turned a weird color. A dark color I'd never seen before. "Do you truly believe that I am afraid to lose my life, Mindy Sue?" he asked. "I come—against my better judgment—only so I do not cause difficulty for Lucius. I do not wish to for
ce him to choose between enforcing laws that are important to him and destroying one whom he considers a brother. It is not kind to give one's friends such difficult choices. Specialmente when they already face hardship."

  I hugged myself tighter. So he'd come for Lucius—and to save his own butt. "Yeah, I get it."

  Ronnie took a step closer, and I was surprised at how he filled the whole doorway. He seemed bigger than he used to be. And not as happy.

  "And of course, I come for you, Mindy Sue."

  Of all the stupid things, the stupidest was how much I wanted to hug him right then. I wanted to jump on that stupid Italian vampire I'd missed so much and tell him how glad I was to see him. I wanted to kiss him again. And touch his messy hair, and feel his mouth against mine.

  But I was really glad I didn't do any of that when he said the exact kind of protective thing I'd always wanted to hear—"I come here because I am worried about you. I cannot sleep in peace knowing that you are in this dangerous place"— followed by the worst thing he'd ever said. "And I also wish to tell you that you are right. We are not a good couple, yes? I will watch over you as a friend, and will not talk to you of love again. It is better that way, as you have said for many weeks now."

  It was like a big balloon popped in my heart. "Oh, sure."

  We stared at each other for a couple more minutes, and even though I'd broke up with him a million times—once in person and 999, 999 more times over the phone—it never really felt like the end until right then, when he said, "It is good that we make this clear now. And both agree."

  "Yeah, definitely."

  Then he reached out and shut the door with his inky hand, and I stood there like an idiot, not sure what had just happened. All I knew was that Raniero had finally agreed to break up with me—right when he'd almost started acting like I'd always wanted him to act.