Rhia jerked around. "Afraid? Regina?"
"Yeah, I know—an oxymoron. But she sounded…cautious."
My stomach fluttered, a knot rising, but I pushed it away, focusing on the icy street as I navigated through the silent neighborhoods. So many people had fled New Forest, and though some were trickling back, the town seemed unnaturally quiet and subdued.
"We'll know what she knows soon enough." I turned onto the street that led toward Lannan's mansion. The estate had belonged to Geoffrey until he'd defied the Crimson Court and been ousted from his position of Regent. Now, Lannan Altos, the golden boy of the vampire nation, and my personal nemesis, had taken over the job.
The brilliant mansion lit up the night as we approached. Gleaming white with gold trim, the behemoth rose three stories high, with who knew how many stories below-ground. Columns lined the wraparound porch, and urns sported rosebushes now nestled beneath the snow. The tableau suggested a Grecian temple more than a mansion belonging to New Forest.
The entire estate sprawled across two acres, fully gated and surrounded by snow-covered gardens and security guards in dark suits. Vampires they might be, but they also carried guns and stakes and whatever else they might need to defend against enemies. With their obsidian eyes cloaked behind dark glasses, and dressed in black suits, the vamps had an old-time gangster look going on. But there was no mistake—they were vampires, far deadlier than the yummanii mobsters.
As we eased into the driveway, one of the guards hurried up to open my door. They knew my car by now and gave us only a cursory pat-down. I politely turned over my silver dagger—which they were cautious to avoid touching. I slipped it into the weapons case one of them carried. I'd pick it up on the way back.
Beside them stood our guards. I saluted to them and they bowed, which felt weird as hell, but considering I was in line to become the Queen of Winter, and Rhiannon the Queen of Summer, we'd have to get used to it.
I handed my keys to the valet. As we started up the steps, he carefully eased Favonis out of the way.
Rhia and I glanced at each other.
"After what happened to Luna, I hate going in without backup," she said.
"I know, but Regina will keep us safe. Even though she's the Emissary to the Crimson Court, I trust her. She has to be diplomatic, and she knows that the Cambyra nation would come stake her royal ass if either of us were hurt."
As soon as I rang the bell, the door swung open. The maid who answered was a bloodwhore, but with perfect makeup, her hair in a chignon, and a stiffly pressed uniform and heels, she had to belong to the Emissary's stable.
"We're here to see Regina."
The woman curtseyed, then led us through the spacious foyer, past the office that had once been Geoffrey's. But we didn't stop there. Instead, she led us to the next door down the hallway, where she tapped discreetly. After a moment, she opened the door, peeked inside, and whispered something. Then, standing back, she ushered us in.
As we entered the room, I was surprised to see that it was yet another office, but this was oh-so-official, with what I assumed was a print of the royal seal hanging over the cherrywood desk. The polished desk was a monster, filling a good one-third of the room. The top was clear except for an appointment book, a pen on a blotter, and a bronze statue that at first looked to be a woman kissing a man. As I drew closer, I saw that it was actually a vampire holding her victim.
Regina, behind the desk, stood as we entered. Blond, like her brother, she wore her hair in an intricate updo that must have taken an hour to fix. A black linen pencil skirt hugged her hips, and a red corset boosted her cleavage in an impressive display.
A large ruby teardrop flanked by two diamond baguettes hung around her neck from a gold chain. I knew they were ruby and diamond because Regina would never stoop to wearing costume jewelry. Matching earrings dangled from her ears, and her face was flawlessly made up.
Regina's eyes glowed with the soft, unbroken obsidian of all true vampires. She wore a neutral eye shadow, with thin, precise liner and heavy mascara that glittered with gold flecks. Her lips were crimson, moist and alluring, and her alabaster skin was like fine porcelain. When she smiled, the tips of her fangs showing, and motioned for us to sit, I felt a brief rush of hunger.
"Cicely, Rhiannon…please make yourselves comfortable." She waited until we were seated on the dusky mauve divan opposite her desk, then motioned for the maid to leave and close the door behind her. Sitting back, she studied us carefully, as if she were gauging what to say. Or, perhaps, how to say it.
I leaned back against the velvet of the divan. I'd learned never to rush a vampire. The more you pushed, the more they pushed back. So, we waited. Rhiannon nervously knotted her sweater sleeve in her hand, but after a moment, she let out a long breath and finally leaned back beside me.
Regina stepped from behind her desk, crossing to the front, where she leaned her butt against the edge, her long legs stretched out in front, ending in five-inch stilettos. She glanced at the door.
"Lannan will be joining us shortly." She held up her hand as I shifted uncomfortably. "I know you'd prefer to deal with just me, but the fact is that Lannan's input on this is vital. Trust me, the news isn't pleasant."
"I have a feeling your news is going to be just about as good as what just happened to us."
On that cheery note, we went back to staring at each other. Even though she didn't try to pull glamour on me, her gaze unnerved me. I licked my lips and yawned, quickly trying to cover my mouth. Were Queens even supposed to yawn in public? Flustered, I glanced up at the gorgeous vampire, and to my surprise, Regina flashed me a little smile—probably as genuine as she could manage.
"There are so many things changing. The old ways no longer serve your people, nor mine. We must learn to adapt. I think that our two nations have much to explore over the coming decades, don't you agree? Hmm?" Her voice was smooth, silk against skin, and I ducked my head, feeling oddly shy.
Before I could think of an answer, she straightened up. "I'm being remiss in my duties as hostess. Would you care for something to drink? Some wine, or sparkling water, or a café au lait?"
I was about to say no when Rhiannon surprised me. "Some sparkling water would be nice, with ice if you have it." She cleared her throat and straightened her shoulders.
"And the girl of light and summer can actually speak." Regina's laugh was throaty and rich. I could never tell if she was making fun of us or truly found us amusing. Either way, she rang a small bell and a different maid immediately entered the room.
"Sparkling water for the Queen of Summer. Cicely—what will you have?" Regina expected an answer, and so I blurted out the first thing that came to mind.