After a night of upheaval, dawn was near.
Williams probably wouldn't be getting any sleep. Dracula and Lucy were speaking with the old butler on the Crimson Princess's behalf. As for the princess herself...
"Carry me to bed." The Crimson Princess's cheeks reddened, but she held out her arms to Annan with resolve.
Annan caught the sly glint in her eyes. "I'm not carrying you."
"Why not!"
"You're planning to give me the First Embrace while I'm holding you. Don't even think about it!"
The Crimson Princess stamped her foot and returned to her room.
Eileen bowed to Annan and followed the Crimson Princess out. Only Annan and the Centurion remained in the bedroom, the two humans who didn't need to rest during the day.
"You've got the Morel Family under your thumb now. Whatever you do, don't let them stop," the Centurion said.
"I've already told them."
The Stuen Ratfolk on the other side were old acquaintances... but Maria probably wouldn't mind him battering her clan.
"I'm going to look around the Castle. Want to come?"
"Me? No, I'm going to take a look at the front," the Centurion said.
Annan realized he meant the front line where the vampires and Ratfolk were fighting.
"Isn't everything here more or less settled?"
"What do you think a Street Sweeper does? We have to keep an eye on the Ratfolk and make sure they keep losing numbers. If there's no war, we'll start one."
"A true shit-stirrer." Annan thought for a moment. "Should I send a few vampires with you?"
"They'd only slow me down." The Centurion waved as he headed out. "If you miss me, go visit the me in Free City."
The Centurion left. Annan didn't know whether Williams would send someone to follow him, but anyone who did