Page 72 of Their Blood Queen

And it had come from more than just a compatible mate. I think it belonged to a Sigil.

My Sigil.

And whoever or wherever she is, she is the key.

The key to my problems.

The key to Sabre’s broken heart.

The key to everything.

CHAPTER 18

EDWARD

Tonight was supposed to be about Scarlett, I think, frustrated to be blackmailed away from her when I want nothing more than to stay by her side.

She is going to be so much more than my mother had planned. Yes, she will bring new wealth and new status to our family by the fruit of our union. But an heir is the least that Scarlett can offer. She is special. She is an untapped source that even the monsters have let slip by under their noses.

My mother is too shortsighted.

I intended tonight to be my announcement, one of a public intention to show that Lady Scarlett will not be swept aside amidst the workings of our family. Nothing is more important than my future bride. Not even Selections Night.

She will be the star that makes us all shine brighter.

That’s what I had intended to say tonight. Instead, Lady Eleanor thinks she can threaten me, which is why I’m forced to march through an empty corridor rather than entertaining my guests in the ballroom and calming Scarlett’s nerves.

She’s worse than I would have expected. I know she has a different background than most Elites, but she seemed truly rattled.

My sister will take good care of her. At least, long enough for me to deal with my little problem.

Jealousy is an ugly beast.

I can’t blame the poor girl, though. Reaching out, I trail my fingers along the gilded walls that practically glimmer with gold. The hidden flecks catch on my nails as I turn the corner.

There are actually gold flakes inside the paint, making everything shimmer in a way that’s just not replicated in other estates. Of course, the riches of my family are mostly earned off the books. My parents are brazen to flaunt it after I just took a large withdrawal to pay for Scarlett’s blood contract. We should be broke until the accounting after Monsters Night.

We’re not. In fact, I think we’re richer now than ever before. My father had set up bets against Scarlett’s family accepting our courtship, and that alone had won us some new servant staff and various treasures.

Including the new vial of anti-aging elixir that clinks against a key in my pocket. It’s a vial that I will use as a bribe tonight, if needed.

One such vial that I took from my mother’s stash has already served me in earning Scarlett’s trust. Or maybe she doesn’t trust me at all and was acting out of desperation. But that’s just as well. The investment was worth it all the same.

There’s no better position to be in than in someone’s debt.

I hope this trade will be as fruitful, but I doubt it.

Once I turn one more corner, I spot Lady Eleanor practically preening from her perch on a chaise lounge large enough for two people, despite its petite size.

I would know, because I’ve fucked her on it before.

But not tonight.

Not ever again.

The old Edward is gone, and now I am a new creation in Cain’s image. It’s almost as if I can feel him here with me tonight, following me wherever I go.

I’m going to make you proud, I pray as I trace the blood mark on my hand, one that promises me to Scarlett.