Romeo & Juliet & Vampires Read Online Free PDF Page A

trusted.
    â€œDo you honestly believe a diet of pig’s blood and asigned scroll is going to bring out the good in them? We’re better off letting the Montagues hunt them to extinction, which will be easy once their bodies are weakened,” her short and pudgy male escort replied.
    Juliet swallowed hard. Perhaps the treaty would not be so effective in protecting her family as she’d thought. As she took a few more steps forward, her father’s strong hand tightly clamped over her own, she shut her eyes briefly and tried to clear her mind.
    When she opened them a moment later, Lady Capulet was within view, as well as Prince Radu and his highest-ranking knight, Felix. Juliet never believed she would find anyone more intimidating than her mother, who stood so straight and rigid that she appeared to be a good ten feet tall. However, the longer Juliet looked at the prince, with his salt-colored hair, pink windburned cheeks, and virtuous-looking pale blue eyes, the more in awe of him she became.
    Once she and Lord Capulet ascended the platform, Juliet could also see that the prince was wearing a red military-type uniform, which was similar to that of his sergeant at arms, only slimmer in the shoulders and more decorated with medals. Everything about him demanded respect, especially the brutish, scowling Sir Felix, who made no effort to conceal the long-sword at his side.
    When her father bowed before the prince, Juliet lowered herself into her most reverent curtsy, hergown rippling around her like a wave of green spring leaves.
    â€œGood evening, Prince Radu. We are delighted to have you and Sir Felix at our home,” Lord Capulet said.
    â€œThank you, good sir.” Prince Radu raised his eyebrows in amazement as he watched Lord Capulet levitating above the floor, right next to Juliet. “I am pleased to be here among your family and…shall I say ‘friends’?”
    â€œAcquaintances mostly, but future allies, I hope.” Lord Capulet extended his hand to a lavishly dressed Lady Capulet and guided her to his left side. “You already met my lovely wife at the gate.”
    â€œIt is a great honor, Prince Radu,” Lady Capulet said as she delivered a perfect floating curtsy. Juliet was surprised that her mother could even get back up—the onyx choker around her neck was so gigantic, it must have weighed twenty pounds.
    â€œAnd this is our precious daughter, Juliet.”
    Juliet stifled a sarcastic laugh. If anyone had caught her with her father a few minutes ago, they would have questioned his use of the word “precious.”
    Nevertheless, Prince Radu smiled at Juliet and planted a gentle kiss on her hand.
    â€œIt is a privilege to meet you, Your Highness,” Juliet said.
    â€œThe privilege is mine, young lady,” the prince replied.
    After a few moments of pleasantries, Juliet’s father gestured toward the expansive Great Hall.
    â€œShall I show you around the castle before I present you to the rest of our company?” Lord Capulet offered.
    The prince glanced around the room, taking in the artistry of the Gothic rose windows and beautiful hand-woven, wall-hanging tapestries all around him. “Yes, I’d enjoy that.”
    As Lord Capulet began to lead the prince and Sir Felix away, Juliet felt her mother’s fingers lace through her own. A cold sensation traveled up Juliet’s arm and deep into her chest. When in the presence of her mother, she usually was tense, but this feeling of dread was in a class of its own.
    â€œGood God, I thought they would never stop talking. There is no time to waste,” Lady Capulet said, pulling her daughter down the stairs of the platform with great fervor.
    Juliet tried to writhe away from her mother’s grip, but it was useless. Lady Capulet’s strength matched that of her husband’s.
    â€œWhere are you taking me?” Juliet asked.
    Lady Capulet grinned, her teeth slightly stained with