Instead of listening, he closed the door, and I sighed loudly.
“What did the creature say to you?” Killian demanded.
“Nothing that means much,” I said. “I can barely recall his words.”
Which was a lie. I remembered every word. They still slid across my skin, much as his tongue had done this evening, promising pleasure. I hated myself for wanting what he offered, but I was standing opposite a man who could never give it. How could I possibly be blamed?
“You can’t really mean to marry him,” Killian said.
“What do you mean?” I gazed at him, even though I didn’t want to look at him. I’d rather he left.
“I mean exactly what I’m asking. You aren’t really going to go through with this wedding, are you?”
“I don’t have a choice, Killian. I—”
“You have a choice!” he cut me off. “Kill him, Isolde. Drive a knife through his heart, and then you and I can wed.”
I stood opposite Killian, stunned. “I would never marry you.”
“You would marry the Blood King with no argument but not me?”
“It’s not as if I have a choice. This will save so many lives, Killian. What can you offer?”
He clenched his fists and lifted them, as if he wished to strike something—maybe me—but he did not move from his place. After a moment, he spoke. “Before your father decided on a truce with the vampires, he promised you to me,” Killian said. “I only had to kill the Blood King.”
“Promised?” I repeated the word, because his admission shocked me. My father had never spoken to me of marriage, least of all to Killian.
“Think about it, Isolde. Would you not rather live a long life with me than one with him?”
“If it were my choice, I’d have neither of you.”
“You don’t mean that.”
“I mean every damn word.”
I started to pass Killian, intent on opening the door and demanding that he leave, but he grabbed my arm and jerked me toward him. I lifted my hand and slapped his face, but he didn’t release me.
“Let. Go,” I said between my teeth.
“You do not think I could kill him. I could. I would for you.”
“And I am telling you no. Do nothing for me, Killian. I don’t want it.”
I jerked on my arm, and he loosened his grip.
“Are you telling me you want him?” he asked, a note of disgust in his tone.
“I will not dignify your questions with a response. Not that you would hear me if I gave one.”
I turned from him and swung the door open.
“Leave. Now.”
Killian’s stare was lethal, but he still managed a courteous bow before storming from the room. I stood for a moment, rubbing my sore arm. There were a lot of reasons I’d never consider marrying the commander. Aside from bland sex, he was quick to anger, a trait I never wanted in a husband. I saw it too often among nobility, especially among the kings of the Nine Houses.
Once he was gone, I walked to the window and stared out into the night. It was well past sundown, and every gate that led into High City and the castle grounds would be locked and under guard, though that meant nothing for Killian, and I wondered if his anger was acute enough to send him beyond those gates to attempt his assassination of the Blood King.
I had no faith that Killian would succeed in his effort to kill Adrian, but I wondered what his betrayal would mean for our truce? For the protection Adrian had offered my people? I wanted to ensure they would be safe despite one man’s rogue choice.
I lingered at the window a moment longer before slipping on my cloak, arming myself, and leaving my room.
The cold seeped through my slippers as I made my way out of the servants’ quarters and into the night. I hadn’t exactly decided how I was going to make it past the guards at the gate, and I was no closer to figuring that out when I arrived. Nicolae and Lascar had retired; in their place were two older guards who were not as easily swayed by my charm—one named Avram, the other Ivan.
“Princess,” Avram said. “You best get back to the castle.”
I ignored him. “Has Commander Killian come through these gates?”
“Minutes ago,” said Ivan. “Can we pass along a message?”
I hesitated and tried to look coy, clearing my throat. “I’d rather surprise him.”
The two exchanged a look. Avram looked amused, but Ivan frowned.
“You cannot blame her,” Avram said. “She’s got to marry the Blood King tomorrow.”