The prince’s head swung back to her. “Are you afraid, Guardian?”
“I would be a fool if I didn’t respect your power. But I suffer from few human fears, your highness. And, I think I’m safe enough for now because you want something from me.”
“No one is irreplaceable.” The vampire studied her face as if trying to decide what to make of her. Then he smiled. It wasn’t a bad smile. “But you are correct, I do want something. In fact, I am interested in your services. So let us relax with some fine wine while we talk. Lucien, would you do the honors?”
Within minutes, Ari found herself doing the unthinkable—sitting in a pretty blue room, deep in the heart of the vampires’ court, sipping wine with the four most powerful vampires in the city. It was surreal, but apparently the games were over. Once they were settled, the prince got down to business.
“What have you been told of Frederick’s death?”
“Only that he was staked in his sleep.”
“That is true. His killer was not a vampire.”
Ari nodded. “Not directly, but someone betrayed him. An insider, probably another vampire.”
“Yes, I am afraid that may also be true,” Prince Daron conceded. “And there have been other disturbing incidents.”
“Besides the attempt on your life? What incidents?”
“My prince, I must protest.” Lucien’s mouth had puckered, as if he’d been sucking on something nasty, the moment Ari entered the room. He couldn’t contain his displeasure any longer. “The woman has no right to question you.” He directed his anger at Ari. “You’ll be told only what you need to know. Nothing more.”
Prince Daron raised a hand to stop the angry flow. “I understand your concerns, Lucien. We may be getting ahead of ourselves, but if we come to an agreement tonight, she will need to know these details. For now,” the prince turned to Ari, “it is enough to know I believe there will be another attempt on my life. And this unknown enemy has the ability to attack during the day. I trust you see the problem.”
“But don’t you have daylight guards? Someone to protect you while you can’t defend yourself?”
Daron’s look passed the question to Andreas.
“Of course we do,” Andreas said. “But since we cannot identify the enemy, we can trust no one on the current staff. As you correctly pointed out, an insider was involved. Someone revealed Frederick’s sleeping quarters to an enemy. Most of our day guards have been with us for years, but they are not vampires. I would trust them with my life. Not with the life of my prince.”
“So you suspect everyone. No prime suspect?” She continued to look at Andreas.
“That is correct. We have a traitor, but unfortunately, I do not know who.”
“So what’s all this got to do with me?” Ari asked, turning her head to address Prince Daron. She wasn’t sure where the conversation was headed.
“We will find those who betrayed us. Until we do, I need someone who can provide for my protection during the day. Take charge of the daylight guards and prevent the next attack. If the traitor is among the guards, I expect you to identify him.”
“I can’t take on a job like that,” Ari said. “The Guardianship is 24/7. And the vampires aren’t the only ones with problems.” Too restless to sit still, she got abruptly to her feet. The vampires, except the prince, reacted by springing between her and the prince. Lucien crouched, fangs showing; Carmella held a wicked-looking knife. Andreas had his arms out, blocking both sides.
Ari straightened from her own defensive reaction to them. Her witch blood raced. “Sorry about that. Really.” She showed them her hands, palms up. “I didn’t mean to alarm anyone. I think better on my feet. But look at us. If you needed proof your proposal wouldn’t work, here it is. How can I help you when we don’t trust each other?” Her explanation didn’t appear to make Lucien and Carmella much happier, but Carmella put the knife away.
Daron sighed heavily.
Andreas stepped into the breach. “We wouldn’t ask you to do this, except there is no one as qualified. You’re the Guardian, a neutral party with exceptional skills. Our court is requesting assistance from you and the Magic Council. That shows a certain level of trust. Can you afford not to listen?”
“Why didn’t you apply directly to the Council? Why come to me?”