Annan was the focus of the banquet. Wherever he stood, eyes followed him.
The young vampire shot Annan a sidelong glance and continued his provocation. "How did you manage to ally with the Skeleton Duke? Did you sell yourself?"
"I'm disappointed... Crimson Princess," Annan said with a soft sigh.
The young vampire, braced for a confrontation, froze. The Crimson Princess, who had been delighted by Annan's arrival, went still too. Then a heartbreaking sadness crossed her face.
"I..."
"I always thought the Vampire Clan were nobles as beautiful and elegant as you. I never imagined they had trash like this among them."
"You..."
The young vampire's face turned as red as the Crimson Princess's, though his was red with anger.
"What were you going to say?" Annan cut him off. He was shorter than many of the guests, yet at that moment he seemed to tower above the clouds while they sank into the dirt, forced to look up at him. "By what authority do you accuse a Councilor of the Blood Council? Or are you speaking for the powerful figure behind you? Give me his name. I'd like to know who has the nerve to do this—and how he intends to make amends for the insult. Perhaps by selling off a subordinate who can't keep his mouth shut?"
"I..."
Under Annan's relentless pressure, the young vampire's already pale face went deathly white.
"A fool who doesn't even measure up to the Mad Dog Duke..."
At least the Mad Dog Duke really did bark and bite. This one had yelped once and tucked his tail between his legs.
Annan turned his attention from him to the other vampires at the banquet and raised his voice. "You were invited because the Crimson Princess considers you her kin and asked the Skeleton