“I’m sorry, that’s very personal, isn’t it?” Victorija said. While Amelia contemplated her response, Victorija said, “I know what it’s like, you see. I can recognize every shade of pain it’s possible to feel.”

Victorija’s gamble on Amelia’s empathy worked when she covered Victorija’s hand in sympathy.

“Someone hurt you, Victorija?” Amelia asked.

“A long time ago.” Before I had my heart and humanity beaten out of me.

Amelia sighed. “Yes, I was very hurt by someone I loved more than anything.”

“How long has it been?”

“Six months today. I had just left work early, determined to go out and start afresh, move on, when you rescued me. I’m so sick of feeling miserable and hurt.”

Victorija clapped her hands together and smiled. “Then that’s what we must do. Allow me to take you out to dinner, and dancing.”

“I’d love that, but I think the accident is really hitting me now. I’m exhausted. But could we make it another day?” Amelia said.

“Of course, you name the day and I will take you out and treat you like the lady you are.”

She saw Amelia visibly shiver and rub the bite mark on her neck, as if she was in some discomfort.

“I’d like that. How about tomorrow night?” Amelia suggested.

“Perfect.”

They exchanged contact details, and Victorija escorted her out and into a taxi, and paid the driver chivalrously. Before she closed the door of the cab, she took Amelia’s hand and kissed it softly. “Wonderful to meet you, Mademoiselle Honey. I look forward to taking you out tomorrow.”

Amelia gave her the sweetest smile, a smile that stirred something in the blackness of her soul.

“I can’t thank you enough for saving my life. I’ll be forever grateful.”

“You’re most welcome.”

Amelia tilted her head to the side and said, “There’s something so familiar about you, Victorija. I just can’t think what it is.”

“Really? Strange.” Victorija was happy the slight family resemblance was making Amelia more relaxed with her. If only Byron could see her now.

“Goodbye then, Victorija.”

Victorija watched the taxi drive off in the early London evening. Almost immediately her Duca was by her side.

“Principe, did everything go well?” Drasas said.

“Perfectly. She is Byron’s weakness.”

“Why didn’t you just compel her and take her?”

Victorija had been asking herself the same thing. “Patience, Drasas. I want Amelia Honey to come to me of her own free will. That will destroy Byron more than simply taking her.”

“As you wish, Principe.” Drasas signalled and Victorija’s limousine pulled up. “You were watched the whole time by Bhaltair and her warrior, Wilder. The Debreks will know you’ve made contact.”