Blood Prince (Heir of the Blood Curse) Read online

  Toviah merely winked in response and ordered some more drinks for them.

  “So, tell me Veronica. Are you enjoying Carnevale?” He leaned close enough to breathe her in.

  “Oh yes, immensely.” She fanned herself.

  “What is it that you like about Carnevale?” Toviah asked.

  “The gowns and masks.” She looked him in the eyes.

  “That’s all?” He quizzed.

  “Oh no, my Prince. I like to be able to do as I please without being caught.”

  “What are these things you like to do?” Toviah raised his eyebrow, curious as to what a lady of Carnevale would get up to.

  “I can show you, my Prince. If you like?” She ran her little finger along Toviah’s thigh.

  The server arrived with their drinks and Toviah was glad for the distraction. He was unsure of what he was doing flirting with the fire haired Countess, surely he would snap out of it soon. The sound of trumpets and the steady rhythm of drums announced that the parade was about to begin. Toviah looked around for his parents and spotted them in the stall next door, seated with Veronica’s parents. The Queen Mother looked smug as she chatted with Veronica’s mother, she gave Toviah a wink before turning her attentions to the oncoming parade.

  “I will need another two rounds of port please,” Toviah asked the server.

  “To Carnevale.” Bastian held up his drink.

  “To Carnevale,” Toviah echoed and drank his port without taking his eyes off Veronica. He watched her bring the glass to her lips and run her tongue along the edge before closing her eyes and taking a small sip. She licked the remaining liquid from her lips before setting her glare on him.

  Bastian cleared his throat to get Toviah’s attention. “Cousin, do you wish to stay for the entire parade?”

  Toviah turned in his chair. “I’m not sure. Can you think of anything better to do with our time?”

  “I can think of many things,” Veronica interrupted.

  “Like what exactly?” Bastian folded his arms.

  “There is a secret gathering in the campo dei morti on the forbidden island, with music and fire twirlers and most importantly plenty of port.” Veronica sipped her beverage.

  “Well, that sounds like my kind of gathering. How do we excuse ourselves from this?” Bastian gestured to the crowds.

  Toviah jumped up and strode over to where his mother sat before returning to his friends. “All fixed, my dear mother does not know how to say no to me.”

  “The gathering starts at sunset. What will we do until then?” Veronica stared out at the crowds.

  “We sit and enjoy each other’s company and drink of course.” Toviah winked at her.

  The Masked Parade had long finished, and the sun hid behind the palace, it’s red glow hauntingly beautiful. Toviah rubbed the small vile between his fingers and wondered where the Seer disappeared to and what he had meant by the one who seemed delectable. Toviah looked over to Veronica and was mesmerised by how her hair seemed to shimmer in the afternoon light, his thoughts teetered on the edge of desire and infatuation. He cleared his throat and drank the rest of his port before sliding his seat closer to hers to join the group that had gathered at the bottom of their stand.

  “You’ve joined us, my Prince.” A young woman with raven coloured hair smiled shyly.

  “Yes. Don’t think me rude, but I missed your name.” Toviah took her hand in his and gently placed a kiss on her fingers. He sensed the watchful gaze of Veronica upon him.

  “Anabella,” the raven-haired beauty replied as a blush quickly spread across her cheeks.

  “Have you met my cousin, Bastian?” Toviah grabbed his cousin by the arm and pulled him closer.

  “No, I have not had the pleasure, my Prince.”

  “Bastian, this beauty here is Anabella. Anabella meet my crazy, slightly drunk cousin Bastian,” Toviah introduced the two. If his plan worked, he would have Bastian occupied with Anabella for the night, which would mean he could do as he pleased without Bastian monitoring his every move.

  Toviah watched as Bastian offered Anabella his seat and poured her a glass of port. His work here was done, now he had time to play games with the fire haired Countess.

  “I thought you were trying to make me jealous, my Prince.” Veronica moved closer.

  “Were you?” Toviah grinned.

  “Maybe a little bit. I do not share very well.” She blinked.

  “I am the Kingdoms Prince. You will have to share me with everyone.”

  “Not tonight, my Prince.” Veronica licked her lips.

  “Don’t I get a say?” Toviah laughed.

  “Not tonight.” Veronica leaned in and whispered in his ear before reaching over to take another glass of port. Her sweet scent was intoxicating, and her proximity made him want to take her right here in the stand.

  “Let’s make our way to the campo dei morti.” Toviah jumped up to give himself some room to breathe. He needed to control himself, his heart belonged to Elisabetta and he would not betray her trust.

  Chapter Five

  The snake like pattern of shimmering lanterns lit the way to the monastery in the centre of the forbidden island. The island where the dead were buried and forgotten. Toviah spotted fire twirlers surrounded by an already gathered crowd. The excitement and magic was thick in the air and Toviah felt it permeate his being. It was as if the island was alive and was feeding on the living. He watched as Anabella and Bastian giggled at some unspoken joke, their instant attraction hard to ignore.

  “Shall we gather our glasses and fill them with amber?” Bastian slapped Toviah on the back.

  “Lets.”

  “Tell me, where is your red- haired Countess?” Bastian nudged Toviah.

  Toviah had eagerly rode in Bastian and Anabella’s gondola to avoid being alone with Veronica, his need to have her becoming overwhelming.

  “I am unsure which gondola she came over in.” Toviah shrugged and followed Bastian to the make shift bar.

  “She was still on the main island when we set off. Maybe she didn’t come after all.” Anabella added.

  Disappointment washed over Toviah and he pushed the feeling away, he grabbed his drink and washed it down swiftly. “Another glass of rum before I go find some entertainment on this island.” He slammed his glass on the table.

  “I found him!” Bastian shouted into the dark.

  “Who?” Toviah looked around, confused at his cousin’s sudden announcement.

  “I found Toviah. You told me to tell you when I found him,” he laughed.

  “You are a buffoon.”

  “Welcome back my beloved Toviah. Please don’t leave me again.” Bastian hung onto Toviah dramatically.

  “Another drink for this drunk.” Toviah pointed at his cousin.

  The two Princes drowned their boredom with the golden liquid until Toviah could not stomach the affectionate display between Anabella and Bastian. He longed for his loves bare skin against his, her rapid breaths in his ear and her sweet scent filling his senses. He wondered what Elisabetta was up to and wished he had invited her along to this meagre gathering.

  “I’m going in search of some entertainment,” Toviah announced to no one in particular. Bastian and Anabella had soon disappeared to their own devices and Toviah hoped he didn’t accidently find them.

  The worn dirt paths that lead to the other side of the island were lined with tall trees, their finger like branches spined their way towards each other as though they were reaching out to grab a hold of the one brave enough to venture too close. Toviah edged his way down the nearest path, the dark seemed to swallow him whole, and the sounds of humming rang in his ears. A faint orange glow flickered to his right, beckoning him towards it. Without thought, Toviah crept through the forest, the vines and small bushes clawed at his coat as though trying to stop him. In the clearing beyond the edges of the forest, a bonfire threw it’s tallest flames towards the sky. Toviah watched, mesmerised by the fluid movements of the people dressed i
n long black cloaks, wearing twisted horns as their headgear. They circled the bonfire in a trance, twirling and moving in and out as though the flames were pulling them in and spitting them out. The air around the dancers seemed to vibrate and shimmer, like they were in a world beyond this one.

  Toviah stepped forward to get a better angle when one of the dancers peered his way. He knew those eyes, but he could not pin point who they belonged to. The horned stranger continued with their dance, every now and again glancing back at Toviah waving with their arms for him to follow them closer to the flames. Toviah hesitated, the constant rhythm of the humming beckoned him towards the flames. A loud crack in the distance jolted him form the daze he found himself in and he decided to scurry back to where they left their gondola, happy to escape the darkened paths leading to who knows what sinister ending. A low constant vibration played against Toviah’s ears as he made his way through the thick shrubs, the island seemed to hum with activity. Or was it the song of the dead, their souls crying out for escape. A shiver snaked its way down his spine as he hurried towards the gondola. If he had only come by himself, he would now leave this haunted place and make his way back to his loves bed. Toviah stood at the edge of the water, gazing out over the darkened sea, the faint noise from the gathering a mere echo.

  “Care to join me, my Prince?” A voice he was all too familiar with carried in the wind.

  Toviah glanced at the nearest gondola tied to the pontoon, to see Veronica sitting with a lantern at her feet. “What are you doing out here?”

  “Waiting for you.”

  Toviah did not respond.

  “Come gaze at the stars with me.” Veronica made room for Toviah to join her in the gondola. Her skin glowed in the lanterns dim light, the shadows against her skin making her seem otherworldly.

  Toviah’s inner turmoil sent knots to his stomach. He wanted nothing more than to leave this island and head back to the warm embrace of his Elisabetta. However, his unwanted need to be near Veronica held strong against his will and he sighed with defeat. Toviah found himself climbing into the gondola, knowing all too well that what he was doing would end in tragedy.

  “How fickle the stars are, floating up there in the sky,” Veronica declared.

  “If you pay any attention to the night sky, the stars are in the same position every night. Their patterns never changing, only moving when they die and light the sky in a streak of fire,” Toviah answered.

  “Then tell me, my Prince. Why when we wish upon a star, it never comes true?”

  “It depends on what your wish is. A star cannot grant a wish if the wish one desires is unattainable.” Toviah smiled as he gazed up.

  “I know my desires will be granted and I did not need to wish upon any stars.” Veronica reached down to her feet and picked up a bottle and two goblets.

  “I am positive you always manage to get what you desire Countess.” Toviah swallowed as his cunning gaze raked over the fire-haired beauty sitting opposite him.

  Veronica’s emerald eyes warmed as she looked up at Toviah, her desires spelled out over her features. She handed him the goblets, their fingers touched for a second too long. “I am glad you found me, it was getting a little cold out here.”

  “Do you need my jacket?” Toviah started to take it off, after all he was still a gentleman.

  “I would rather you come sit next to me, my Prince.”

  Toviah edged his way to Veronica’s side, his heart beating in his chest with excitement. Excitement he wished he did not have.

  “Much better.” She leaned into him as she uncorked the bottle.

  Toviah held up the goblets, his thoughts escaping to the mystical gathering in the forest. “I’m curious, have you ever seen the dancers circling the bonfire in the clearing?”

  “With the horns?” Veronica placed the bottle back at their feet and took her goblet.

  “Yes. Their bodies seem to shimmer in the fire light.” Toviah had a long drink, hoping to soon forget about the gathering.

  “They are the Blood Moon dancers. It is myth and legend they are not human.” Veronica smiled and raised her eyebrows.

  “Blood Moon dancers?” Toviah asked.

  “They dance under the nearing Blood Moon.” Veronica leaned into him, pressing her breasts against his arm.

  “For what purpose?” Toviah turned to look at her, his need to touch her smooth skin played against his better judgement.

  “Do you really want to know, sweet Prince?” Veronica chuckled before she sipped her port without taking her eyes off him.

  “Tell me.”

  “I don’t think your mother would be happy I am telling her beloved son such things.” Veronica dipped her finger in her drink and licked it off.

  “Tell me Countess.” Toviah grabbed her hand, wanting to lick the remnants off her finger.

  “What will you do if I don’t tell you, my Prince? Punish me?” Veronica placed her hand on his shirt and played with a button between her finger tips.

  Toviah gazed at her lips, his eyes trailed to her neck and down to her breasts before he drank the rest of his drink and placed the goblet at his feet. He leaned into her, slowly inched closer until his mouth was near her ear. “Tell me,” he whispered.

  Veronica giggled and turned to come face to face with the Prince, their eyes locked. “No.”

  Toviah looked down at the bodice of her dress and found the end of the ribbon that held it together, he twirled it between his fingers before he tugged on it and slowly started to unravel the braiding. His eyes met hers again, a surprised look on her perfect face. Toviah had her exactly where he wanted her. He leaned over her and she leaned back in response, his eyes never left hers. “Tell me Countess,” he whispered in her ear once more.

  “No.” Veronica dropped her goblet, the remaining liquid spilled at their feet.

  “This isn’t a game Countess. I order you to tell me.” Toviah breathed against her neck.

  Veronica sighed in response and Toviah knew he was wearing her down.

  “I don’t want to tell you my Prince.” Veronica lay back until she was comfortable against the seat.

  Toviah continued to unlace the bodice and trail his finger in circles against the delicate skin on her stomach. A sprinkling of goose bumps spread across her skin. “Are you cold Countess”

  “No, my Prince.” Veronica shook her head.

  Toviah trailed his fingers up until they reached Veronica’s breast where he continued to circle lightly against her heated skin. She let out a barely audible moan and Toviah could not help but grin. He inched his way until his body was pressed to her side and breathed her in. “Tell me and I shall grant you a wish the stars did not.”

  “I am sworn to secrecy.”

  “Can I not convince you Veronica?” Her name purred through his lips, his hunger to have her intensified.

  “What wish do you grant, my Prince?” Veronica blinked.

  “The most recent one,” he whispered against her ear.

  “I wished that one tonight.” She undid his top button.

  Toviah cupped her breast in his hand, rolling her nipple between his finger and thumb. “Tell me your wish Countess.”

  Veronica responded with a groan of frustration. Her hand finding its way up under the Prince’s shirt, his muscled stomach tensed under her touch. “You.” She swallowed.

  “Me?” Toviah breathed.

  Veronica leaned in until their lips were almost as one. “You, my Prince. I want to have you, if only for just one night.”

  The temptation was too much for Toviah to ignore. His lips crashed against hers in need, he had never felt such heat under his touch. Veronica responded in the same manner, her hands worked frantically to pull his shirt over his head. Toviah sat up and ripped his shirt off before he lowered himself between her legs, she parted them and pulled him on top of her as she grasped his shoulders.

  He kissed her neck and nibbled his way up to her ear, she responded with a deep moan and Toviah knew he cou
ld not stop now. His mouth found hers again and she pulled him tighter against her as his hands ran the length of her body and dug into her hip. She tasted of black raspberry and firelight. Their kisses deepened and slowed until they found a rhythm that satisfied them both, Veronica arched her back and grinded against him and Toviah could not hold back any longer. He tugged at her full skirt until it was bunched around her waist, his fingers found their way inside of her, he circled and pressed until she whimpered against his lips.

  “Are you ready for your wish Countess?” Toviah growled as he slammed into her.

  Veronica cried out, her finger nails dug into the Prince’s back. Toviah pulled all the way out and pushed into her rhythmically until he could feel her quiver beneath him. The gondola rocked under them, keeping up the pace of their frantic movements, pushing him in deeper. He grabbed her behind the knee and pulled her leg up to rest against his chest to deepen his thrusts only to realise he did not want to look at the woman beneath him. The guilt ate at him but he forced it away. He grabbed Veronica’s leg and wrapped it around his waist as he lowered himself on to her and buried his face in her neck, he kept his eyes shut until he could feel her clench and whimper beneath him once again.

  “My Prince,” she groaned into his ear.

  A deep growl slipped from Toviah’s throat as he picked up his rhythm and pushed deeper and faster into the Countess with each thrust, until he filled her with his release. Their ragged breaths the only sound in the silence of the night. Toviah lay on top of the Countess for a few moments before he sat up and helped her to adjust her skirt.

  “Your shirt, my Prince.” Veronica handed Toviah his crumpled shirt, a satisfied glint in her eyes.

  “Thank you.” Toviah pulled it on, remorse kicking at his heart as he watched the Countess lace her bodice.

  “Another drink, my Prince?”

  “Certainly, let me pour it.” Toviah turned his back to the Countess to allow her a few moments to adjust herself. He placed the goblets at his feet ensuring Veronica did not see what he was about to do. Without a second thought, Toviah took the vial out of his pocket and emptied its entire contents into her goblet and topped it up with port. His hands shook as he handed the drink to the woman who would become his biggest regret.