“I don’t understand why I didn’t see that, King. My apologies!” Seth lowered his head in a bow while his brothers just gaped at the screen.
“That’s…” started Syre. “That’s one of Vernon’s carriages. It’s a luxury one too. The V… right there.”
“Well done,” muttered Viktor with a glare. “You’d have gotten maximum points if you hadn’t realized it a week too late.”
The other six also inclined their heads. “Our apologies, King.”
Viktor’s eyes fell closed. “Just… forget it.”
Swiping his hand across the screen, Viktor brought up all the images they’d captured of Rogan going and coming from different places. His jaw grew fighter as every single one showed Rogan making free use of Vernon’s property.
“Is this how it is?” murmured Viktor angrily as he swiped the images across the screen.
Zen looked at Viktor. “This is actually how he’s been getting around lately. These carriages. Not causing trouble, but visiting different places as if putting a plan together.”
“If Vernon’s been allowing him to make use of his property even after Rogan got ostracized…” said Fayed.
“Then Vernon’s backing him,” completed Vlad with a menacing snarl. “Traitorous bastard!” He pushed away from where he was leaning, his eyes a fierce glow beneath his dark hair. “Say the word, King,” he murmured.
Jaw clenched, Viktor raised a calming hand. “Easy, Vlad. Easy.” His mouth curved. “I’ll deal with him.”
Kamilla smiled. “Oh, Mr. Vernon! There you are! My, is your house suh–poo–key! Perfect for a Halloween party.”
“I don’t engage in such, my dear,” said Vernon quietly. “Allow me to say that your visit is rather surprising.”
Kamilla nodded. “Yup. I know. Don’t worry, Viktor didn’t send me or anything.”
“I don’t imagine the King would,” agreed Vernon.
Kamilla jerked a thumb at the photographs on the wall. “Sasha’s your daughter? Damn. How do you feel about that?”
Vernon blinked at her. “Pardon?”
Kamilla’s expression grew grave with sympathy. “It must be hard. Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll survive it. She’s horrible, but she wouldn’t kill her own father, surely.*
“My Queen-”
“You may call me Kamilla,” said Kamilla with a gracious smile. “The ‘My Queen‘ thing still makes me cringe. Now then, where do I sit?”
“Uh, well…” Flustered, Vernon looked about him for a chair and yet saw none, bringing him within an inch of panic.
“Don’t worry!” said Kamilla. “I can stand. I just need to speak with you for a moment.”
Taking in a breath, Vernon attempted to calm himself. What was this? He’d never before lost such total control of his composure. This girl was quite something! How on earth did Viktor survive with her?
“Uh… regarding what?”
With all seriousness, Kamilla marched over and stood directly in front of Vernon, not fazed by how he jerked back and stared at her with wide green eyes.
1/2
Chapter 131
Now, said Kamilla. “You’re about a thousand years old, right?“:
Vernon nearly choked. “No! Not at all, my Queen. I’m eight hundred and thirty years old.”
Kamilla blinked, finding herself unable to even fathom that kind of age. “Anyway,” she said, waving the matter away. “You’ve been here for a long time haven’t you? Even when Viktor’s father was around?”
Vernon nodded. “Yes, I have. I was born fifty years after Darrius became King.”
Kamilla brightened. “Really? Then you were also here when Rogan was made an Elder?”
The question had been very clear, but Kamilla saw hesitation contort Vernon’s features. He tilted his head uncertainly. “Well… yes, but-*
A sudden loud smash splintered the quiet of the Elder’s home.
Kamilla jumped at the sound, clutching herself. With wide eyes, she looked up at the high ceiling and at the dark upstairs. “What the hell was that
Vernon looked over his shoulder up at the stairs with worry in his eyes. “Nothing at all, my Queen. Perhaps you should leave.”
Kamilla made a face, dodging his hand when he reached for her. “Wait, are you seriously going to try and convince me that that loud crash was nothing? I have excellent hearing, you know? Even better than the average human female because I’m half–Vamp.”
“I know, dear,” agreed Vernon with an exasperated nod. “But for now, dearest Queen, you should take your leave. I will pay you a visit at the castle….
Vernon trailed off and Kamilla frowned in curiosity up at him. What was the matter? She watched his expression slackened as he stared beyond her.
Slowly, Kamilla looked over her shoulder and very quickly became as frozen as Vernon.
It wasn’t smoke. Neither was it air nor fog. It was darkness. Kamilla gulped. Darkness seeped into the room, creeping in from the shady hallway to her left.
Kamilla felt her bones turn to ice when Rogan materialized from the darkness, walking up to them, his dark gaze focused solely on Kamilla, like a Tiger’s o
prey.
He smiled his slow, cold smile.
“Kamilla,” he greeted darkly. “If it is about me you must know… why don’t you come and let me tell you all about me.”
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