became part of thehunting and killing frenzy. In a stream he caught two fish with his bare hands. Vampires could not drink the blood of a fish, but as with a cat, its flesh could be eaten once properly prepared and cooked. Larten kept one of the fish but gutted the other and left it lying on the bank as bait. He lay in wait nearby, as patient as any other predator. A rat nibbled at the guts, but Larten was in no mood for rodents, having eaten more than his fill of them over the last few nights.
Finally a weasel wandered by, homed in on the fish, and greedily dug in. Larten gave it a minute, then swept down on the weasel and made short work of it. While washing his hands, he darted after another fish–this one even bigger than the first two–but it slipped away and reached the safety of deeper waters. Larten bid the fish luck as Seba had taught him–“Always respect the ones that get away”–then returned to the ruined castle with his catch.
Seba and Paris were arguing when he got back. Rather, Paris was shouting at Seba, while the slightly younger vampire was smiling wryly.
“This is the honor of a lifetime,” Paris huffed. “Thousands of vampires dream of such an offer.”
“I would say it is more than most even dare dream of.” Seba nodded.
“You could enforce your views,” Paris said. “If you object to the way we treat those who blood children, you could help reshape our laws.”
“But I do not want to,” Seba said. “I am old-fashioned. I do not like some of the changes that have been introduced in recent decades, but I acknowledge the need for change. I am no revolutionary.”
“I need your support,” Paris pressed. “There will be a crop of new Princes this century. I’m currently the second youngest, but at six hundred I won’t be for long. The prospect of sitting beside a handful of young, headstrong Princes troubles me. I need an ally who sees things my way but who can also relate to the newcomers. You’re the best of both worlds, Seba, the old and the new.”
“You flatter me,” Seba murmured. “I am proud that you think so highly of me, but…” He spotted Larten listening. “Paris has made me a marvelous offer, Master Crepsley. He has pledged to help me become a Prince.”
“A Vampire Prince!” Larten gasped, eyes widening. He didn’t know much about Seba’s past. He thought his master was a General, but he wasn’t certain. And even if he was, Larten figured he couldn’t be one of great importance, since he had so little to do with the rest of the clan.
“At least the boy is excited by the prospect,” Paris muttered sourly.
“Power always impresses the young and foolish,” Seba said dismissively.
Larten scowled at his master and almost snapped at him but bit down on his tongue, not wanting to earn a thrashing in front of their visitor. “How do you become a Prince?” he instead asked Paris Skyle.
Seba frowned–he would have preferred Larten to listen some more before chipping in with questions–but Paris was happy to answer.
“A General is nominated by an existing Prince,” Paris explained. “If his fellow Princes approve–one can object, but no more than that–it’s put to a vote. That can take a few years, because at least three-quarters of the Generals must be asked. If the majority give their backing, he’s invested at the next Council.”
“But what do you have to do to be nominated?” Larten pressed.
“You must prove yourself worthy,” Seba cut in. “It starts with knowing when to ask questions and when to be silent.”
“Peace, old friend,” Paris laughed. “I have irritated you. Don’t take your anger out on the boy.”
“I am not angry,” Seba said. “I am amazed and humbled by your offer. But I must ask you not to takethis further. If you do, I will have to publicly reject you, and that would be embarrassing for both of us.”
“I don’t understand,” Paris growled. “You deserve this. You’re respected by everyone. If
Allyson Young
Becket
Mickey Spillane
Rachel Kramer Bussel
Reana Malori
J.M. Madden
Jan Karon
Jenny Jeans
Skylar M. Cates
Kasie West