Bhal was holding the car door open for her, and she slipped in. “Thank you, Bhal.”

Once everyone was in the car, Byron said to Alexis, “Is the Debrek plane ready at the airfield?”

“All fuelled and read to go. We’ll be in Paris in no time.”

“Let’s go and find Daisy then.”

Chapter Ten

It was taking every bit of Victorija’s will and strength to look as if she was well and strong, thanks to Daisy’s blood. She made her way up the throne room, where the ball was taking place, and noticed the uneasy looks of her turned vampires at her presence.

Oh, Drasas, what have you done?

“Principe,” Drasas called from the dais. She was certainly getting very used to the dais where the throne was. Victorija climbed up the steps to meet her Duca. “You look strong and well, Principe.”

“I feel it, Duca.” Victorija looked out at the room of guests, some dancing, some partaking of blood, but all having a good time.

Drasas snapped her fingers at a server with a tray of drinks. “Would you like champagne, or blood? I know it’s not your blood bond’s but—”

“Blood, Duca. It may not be the perfect blood for me, but I can still indulge.”

Victorija wasn’t going to drink anything, but simply hold her goblet, as there might be something in it to weaken her. She pretended to take a sip, and the other corner of the dais caught her eye. The ritual fire had been lit. The one where Gilbert had burned her mother’s heart, and where Victorija had burned his. Her fate was clear.

She was meant to die this night, but Victorija was determined that was not going to happen. If she died, so did Daisy, and she was not going to let that happen, for Angele’s sake.

“Thank you for such a wonderful party, Drasas.”

Drasas smiled. “You are welcome, Principe.” Victorija walked down the steps and into the crowd. A worried-sounding Drasas said, “Anka will be here soon.”

“A dance and some fun are all I want, Drasas. There will be time for Anka.”

Victorija handed her goblet to an attendant and pulled a vampire towards her. They began to dance sensually, and then Victorija kissed her. She acted her way through the kiss, but again, she felt nothing. The only time she felt her body come alive was when she was close to Daisy.

Victorija took the vampire’s hand and pulled her out of the group of dancers. She kissed her again and compelled her to calmly follow her.

Victorija looked up to Drasas and said, “I’ll be back.”

“But Anka—”

“Ten minutes and I’ll be back with you.”