territories. Let me know which one you fancy, and I’ll make the appropriate arrangements. After we’re done with Silvano City, I mean.” Because I wouldn’t turn down his offer of help. I’d need his alliance.
Vampires valued loyalty.
Alas, I’d turned my back on this new society, opting to live within the borderlines of two conflicting regions. No one fucked with me because I kept to myself. However, claiming temporary royalty had changed that.
I wasn’t naive. I knew I would have enemies as a result of my decision. And I welcomed those assholes to step forward and try to dance with me.
Lilith accepted my self-nomination for a reason.
I just needed to make sure everyone else in Silvano Region understood that.
Damien nodded. “I’ll let you know which territory I desire, but I’ll focus first on your list of contenders. It’s going to be long.”
“I know.” My kind adored hierarchy and respected age. All they required was a stern reminder of why they should bow to me. I’d use Damien’s list as a starting point, publicly put those opposing me in their place, and go from there. “Are you done with your sandwich, pet?”
I ran my thumb up and down Willow’s spine once more and listened as her pulse sped up.
“Yes, My Prince,” she said, addressing me formally.
I glanced at Damien. “Is that a thing I should get used to?”
“Yes, My Prince,” he repeated, his lips hiking upward in a taunting grin. “You’re a royal now.”
“Indeed, I am,” I replied. “In a society I don’t fully comprehend.” I’d witnessed enough to grasp the ins and outs, but I wasn’t as well versed in the human norms and rules.
Which actually gave me an idea.
I grabbed Willow’s hip and spun her on the stool, forcing her to face me and give Damien her back. “I now have a use for you.”
She didn’t meet my gaze, her submission resolute.
It irritated the shit out of me.
“Look at me when I talk to you, Willow,” I demanded.
“She’s trained not to,” Damien put in.
I muttered a curse. “When in private or around just me and Damien, I want you always to look at us. Fuck the rules.” I caught her chin between my thumb and forefinger to draw her gaze upward in demonstration. “All right?”
“Yes, My Prince.”
“Yeah, cut that shit out, too. Call me Ryder.”
“Another thing she’s taught not to call you,” Damien unhelpfully informed me. Well, technically, it was helpful. I just didn’t care for the inane edict.
“You can go now, Damien,” I told him.
He lifted a shoulder. “I have work to do anyway.”
“Yes, you do.”
“I’ll see myself out, then.” He flashed me a shit-eating grin before leaving. I waited until I heard the alarm engage again—something Damien did by pressing a button for me outside at the gate—before I locked gazes with Willow once more.
“You’re going to help me learn more about society’s current rules for humans,” I advised her. “I assume you’ve also taken classes in the current political structure?”
She blinked at me. “I… yes.”
“You know the names of all the royals and clan alphas?” I pressed. Most of them I knew as well. This was more valuable in terms of her being able to keep up with me when required.
“Yes. At least those who were in leadership roles while I was in university.”
“You’re year one hundred and what again?”
“Seventeen.”
“Which is the current year,” I said. “So you were only in the camps for a few months since the Blood Day ceremony wasn’t too long ago.” Something I only knew because of my recent stay with the Clemente Clan. The new alpha’s male playmate had been a recent addition to his territory from the Immortal Cup.
Her eyes flashed. “Only a few months?”
“Yes, pet. Maybe one or two. I’m not sure because I’ve never attended.”
“But you’re a royal,” she protested. “All royals attend.”
“Which, I suppose, means I’ll be at the next one. How fortunate for me,” I deadpanned.
Her lips parted, but no words escaped, as if I’d stolen her ability to reply. Good. This wasn’t the point of our discussion.
“You will teach me more about current customs,” I said. Not because I intended to adhere to any of the ridiculous ordinances, but because I just wanted to be aware of them. “And in private, you will always address me as Ryder. You will also look at me when I speak to you. Actually, none of the rules apply when we’re together. I’d rather you be whoever you are, not some mindless puppet.”
Now her mouth reminded me of a