Torija put her arm around Daisy’s shoulders. “Deep down you know it’s the right thing to do. I’m putting others ahead of myself, which is what you taught me.”

“Will you just hold me tight?”

Torija lay down on her side on the bed, and Daisy lay in front of her. Torija wrapped her arms around Daisy and kissed just behind her ear. “I love you.”

Daisy took Torija’s hand and placed it between her breasts. “You are the only one I will ever love.”

* * *

In Byron’s office tensions were high. Alexis and Bhal were disagreeing over their next move.

“Alexis, I know what she’s done to you and to so many others during her long life, but we have to get Sera back.”

“Of course we do. I’m the Duca to the Debrek clan, and I have pledged myself to them. I would die for Sera, but trusting Victorija is completely ridiculous. She wouldn’t give herself up for anyone. It’s a trick, an elaborate plot that Daisy has been unknowingly pulled in to.”

“And I wouldn’t? I would give anything to save Sera.” Bhal was showing much more emotion than she normally did.

“But what are we supposed to do? Risk Byron’s life and leave the Principessa a widow, and their child without a parent?”

Byron was getting more frustrated by the second. She slammed her hand down on the desk. “Enough! Both of you. The decision’s been made. I trust the Grand Duchess and Sybil and Daisy. We are taking Victorija Dred’s offer, and if Anka does not accept that, then I will exchange myself for Sera. If the worst happens, I will need you both, working in sync and securing this clan. Amelia must be protected at all costs, she holds the future of this clan, and Sera would become Principe. She will need you, Alexis, and especially you, Bhal, to guide her and teach her about leadership. Do I have your word?”

“Yes, Principe,” they both said at once.

Byron stood. “Now I’m going to speak to the Principessa, and it’s not going to be easy.”

* * *

Byron knew where Amelia would be, where she always went in times of stress. She opened the door next to their own and found Amelia folding baby clothes into a chest of drawers. The baby’s nursery had just finished being decorated, but only the furniture, like chests of drawers and chairs, had been assembled. The cot, mobile, and toys were all still in their packaging. Even though Byron assured her that vampire babies were strong and rarely had any problems, Amelia still didn’t want to tempt fate by having everything set up perfectly, at this stage of the pregnancy.