Kingmakers, The (Vampire Empire Book 3) by Susan Griffith Clay Griffith Read Free Book Online Page B

hair, and her blue eyes gleamed in the dark.
    Cesare boldly let his eyes rove over her. “I hope you bring me good news from the continent.”
    “Word of your skill and imminence is spreading among the clans. King Lothaire of Paris is prepared to join the Grand Coalition of the North. And he will bring several notable clans with him.”
    The young prince smiled and relaxed. “That's excellent. Excellent. I've received messages from Flay at the front that, with additional packs, she can destroy the humans utterly. How quickly will the Paris packs move south?”
    Hallow's lustrous features went stiff. “It isn't quite so simple, my lord. King Lothaire is eager to be a part of the new era, but he made it clear that he will only ally himself with a king. He demands to meet with your father.”
    Cesare replied coldly, “He realizes that my father is indisposed and I speak for him?”
    Hallow inclined her head with a wan smile. “I tried to make him understand. He felt it would be injurious to his prestige, which is tenuous at best, if he appeared to be subservient to a prince.”
    Cesare sneered. “Lothaire is an idiot. He's always been an idiot.”
    “He was always a close friend of Prince Gareth's,” Hallow said hesitantly. “I suppose there is no way you could ask your brother to intercede?”
    The prince glared at her. “No.”
    “Merely a suggestion.”
    “Even if I knew where Gareth was, he plays no part in the future of this clan. Did Lothaire say anything about Gareth to you?”
    “No, my lord.”
    Cesare continued to stare at her. “Are you sure, Hallow? Did Lothaire mention that he would deal with Gareth, but not with me?”
    “No, my lord. Prince Gareth never came up at all. King Lothaire knows that Gareth is in virtual exile.”
    “So, Lothaire wants only to treat with a king? And then his packs will be mine? With them we can win the war.”
    “Yes, my lord.”
    Cesare paced, his compact form dwarfed by the large room, with his footsteps ringing in the expanse. Finally, he paused. “Very well, then I must announce with great sorrow the passing of King Dmitri.”
    Hallow started. “My lord?”
    “Yes, His Majesty has expired. It's all a terrible shock.”
    “When was this?”
    “Earlier today. Tomorrow. Last month. Really, what does it matter? I say the king is dead, and so he is. I will call a coven for the next full moon to name the new king. Then we can draw Paris into the Grand Coalition and get on with the war before damned summertime.”
    “What about Prince Gareth?” Hallow asked.
    “What about him?” Cesare asked sharply. “I'll send a message to his chamberlain in Edinburgh. Baudoin is the only person who ever knows where my brother is.”
    Hallow said in a measured voice, “Are you sure you want him here in London?”
    “He's the eldest son. Tradition demands he open the coven, and it becomes sticky for me to be crowned king without him here to agree.” The prince extended his claws and admired them. “What are you saying, Lady Hallow? What would you have me do with Prince Gareth?”
    “Kill him, my lord. Now.”
    Cesare laughed at her sudden ruthlessness. “Why should I? I'm not afraid of him. Are you?”
    “Yes, I am. Kill him.”
    “I'm alarmed by you, Hallow. You and Gareth were quite a pair once. Everyone expected you two to be the future king and queen.”
    “That was long ago.”
    Cesare nodded sarcastically. “Yes, apparently you're quite over him now.”
    “I am your servant, Prince Cesare. And as your servant, I beg you to kill Gareth.”
    The prince strolled to Hallow and took one of her slender alabaster hands. “You seem so frightened of him. He would never harm you. Not you, of all people.”
    “I'm not afraid for myself.”
    Cesare rubbed her hand slowly. “I'm touched by your concern. Or is it merely distress for your own future, since you're attached to me now?” Hallow began to protest, but he continued, “I must admit, I'm a bit annoyed. Do you