After a moment, Diego said, “Just checking, boss. Hey, at least it’s good to get out of the house now and then, right?”

He had lightened his tone, but his cheerfulness rang false to Tess. She put her head in her hands and rubbed aching temples. With the sure knowledge that she would be facing Malphas soon enough, she didn’t have any emotional room to spare for whatever might be bothering Diego.

Xavier touched her thigh. “Are you ready?”

No. No.

She lifted her head, straightened her shoulders and said, “Yes.”

“Come with me.”

She stepped out of the SUV as he did, and he came around to escort her through a metal reinforced security door to a concrete stairwell that soon gave way to stone walls and steps. Walking up the stairs felt like passing from the present day into a century in the far past.

“Why this?” she murmured. She had been talking to herself, but Xavier, who had taken the lead and was a step farther ahead, turned to look at her with one eyebrow raised in inquiry. She asked him, “Why a castle?”

“This demesne has a number of very old Vampyres who wield a great deal of financial and personal power. At the time, Julian and his sire, Carling, felt a structure that was so indicative of strength and age would strike the right note of authority with those Vampyres when they came to settle in California. Also, it’s highly defensible, and there are a number of interior rooms that have no windows at all. The place is riddled with halls and private passages, so it can be a bit confusing until you get used to it. I suggest you do not get lost or wander off on your own.”

“You don’t have to worry about that,” she muttered, even though she knew he could hear her quite clearly.

They continued up the stairs, and along a series of hallways that grew wider and more trafficked. Vampyres turned to look at them as they passed, their gazes lingering curiously on Tess.

She found she didn’t have any emotional room to spare for them either. Walking by Xavier’s side, she felt as safe as if they strolled down the beach back at the estate.

Maybe that was a positive image, or maybe she just knew in the marrow of her bones that he was more dangerous than anyone they passed, and he was on her side.

You gave me blood, he had said. I’m supposed to protect you.

And she trusted him.

They came to a set of massive mahogany doors guarded by two Vampyres, a man and a woman, dressed in thoroughly modern, dark gray suits.

The man had average features and gingery hair, but the tall, athletic-looking woman was striking, with dark brown skin and a smooth, sleek cap of black hair. As Xavier approached, she said, “Go right in, sir. He’s expecting you.”

“Very good. Thank you, Yolanthe.” As they stepped aside, Xavier nodded to the man and ushered Tess into the Nightkind King’s personal quarters.

Julian stood in front of a blazing fire in a large granite fireplace. The Nightkind King’s arms were crossed, and he spoke into a Bluetooth headset. He wore faded jeans, old, scarred cowboy boots and a black T-shirt that stretched across a broad, muscled chest. While the expensive, elegant evening suit he had worn to the Vampyre’s Ball had emphasized his rough looks, this outfit looked as if it suited him.

As they entered the room, Julian looked up. Still speaking, he raised a finger, and Xavier nodded.

While they waited for Julian to finish his call, Tess looked around curiously. Whatever she might have imagined, the reality of Julian’s living space was not it. The place was austere, and gave almost no hint of the kind of wealth and power he must truly have.

Black leather couches were arranged in front of the fireplace, with a thick, heavy wool rug between them. Plain, sturdy wooden tables and a matching cabinet completed the furnishings. The only expression of extravagance was a massive landscape painting that dominated one stone wall, depicting a sun-drenched scene that appeared to be Italian, or at the very least European.

A laptop and a pile of papers were stacked on one end of the coffee table. Julian finished his phone call, tapped the Bluetooth device at his ear then tore it off and flung it at the table.

“Melly isn’t answering her cell,” he said to Xavier. “Her publicist claims she’s on location for a new shoot. And Tatiana is not inclined to waste Light Fae time and send another representative to redo proposals that have already been agreed upon. Goddammit.”

“Give me a moment.” Xavier pulled out his cell phone, dialed a number and a moment later said, “Hi, Melly, how are you?” He paused, giving Julian a wry glance. “Good for you. A skiing trip to Aspen sounds delightful.”

Julian’s rough expression darkened with fury. Hand out, he strode forward, silently demanding the phone. Xavier stepped back and shook his head warningly.

Xavier said into his phone, “Listen, I have a favor to ask of you. Yes, it does have to do with why Julian’s been calling and leaving messages. No, I promise, it doesn’t require you coming back to Evenfall. All I want you to do is say, ‘Julian, I agree with all of the trade proposals that Xavier and I chatted about in New York.’ Then Julian is going to say, ‘Melisande, I agree with all of the trade proposals that you and Xavier chatted about in New York.’ You don’t have to really talk to each other, just say the words. Meanwhile, I’m going to put you on speaker and record everything, all right? Thank you.”

As Tess watched in fascination, Julian’s eyes flashed red. Lips peeling back in a silent snarl, he held up his hands, fingers curled, and pantomimed strangling an invisible person in front of him.

Xavier checked the screen of his phone. He said, “Melly, I’ve got you on speaker now. Can you hear me?”

“Of course.” The Light Fae princess’s warm voice sounded clearly in the room.

“Okay.” Xavier’s thumb moved over the screen. “I’m recording you now. Go.”

Melisande said, “Julian, I agree with all of the trade proposals that Xavier and I chatted about in New York.”

Xavier pointed to Julian. The Nightkind King growled, “Melisande, I agree with all of the trade proposals that you and Xavier chatted about in New York. And would it have killed you to pick up the fucking phone just once?”

“You never know,” Melisande said. “It might have.”

“If I ever get my hands on you again,” he snapped, “I’m going to throttle you senseless.”