She shook her head. She could imagine what her mouth and chin looked like, and she didn’t want the truth of it to frighten Amelia. “No, I don’t want you to see. You’ll think I’m a monster.”

She felt Amelia’s hands stroking through her hair. “Sweetheart, look at me. You are not a monster. You’re an immortal vampire who is moral and noble. You went through such pain just because you didn’t want me to feel forced into giving you blood. Show me who you really are.”

Byron wiped off the drips of blood from her chin with her hand, and raised her head. Amelia’s eyes didn’t show fear or disgust. Instead, they shone with love. It was an unusual response to Byron.

Amelia trailed her fingers down her cheek and over her bloodied lips. “Thank you for showing me the real you. You don’t have to hide this from me. This blood on your lips is mine, and it’s keeping you alive. Do you know what that feels like?”

Byron shook her head. “No, I’ve always been ashamed of it.”

“I know, and we have a lot of talking to do, but this between us? I never want to change. I’m in your blood, and you’re in mine. Tell me what you call it again?”

“Bound in blood and spirit for all eternity,” Byron said while stroking her hair.

“That sounds about right to me,” Amelia said, then pulled Byron down into a long, deep kiss, tasting the blood her lover craved.

* * *

Amelia helped Byron wash in her bathroom and tucked her in to bed. She then went to the door to talk to Bhal and Alexis, who had discreetly moved further down the corridor. Wilder was gone, and she could guess why. She hated that she might have hurt her by rekindling her relationship with Byron.

“Principessa, how is she?” Alexis said while staring at her neck wound.

“She’s settled now. I think she’ll be okay. I’ll be staying with her to make sure she rests.”

Alexis didn’t look totally convinced, but Bhal gave her a warm smile and said, “Are you all right, Principessa?”

Amelia touched her neck and was surprised that there was little pain, just a throbbing warmth. “I’m perfectly fine, Bhal. I’ll give her what she needs from now on, so you don’t have to worry.”

Bhal bowed her head and said, “Our greatest thanks, Principessa.”

Then Alexis followed suit, although not with the same warmth. She guessed that Alexis was somewhat unsure of her commitment and loyalty to Byron.