Starlight(Pact Arcanum 4) Read Online Free PDF Page A

sobered. “You’re a good friend.”
    Lorcan snorted. “I’m the best.”
    The two of them remained there for another hour while they talked, completely unaware of the security camera above the door that recorded their every move.
     

C HAPTER 4
     
    February 2083, House Tervilant Embassy, Court of Shadows Council Chamber Complex, Alexandria, Egypt
     “I don’t understand,” said Lorcan. “This was settled.”
    Javier Magister Tervilant shrugged. “I changed my mind.”
    “Prince Javier, you already agreed that you would allow free passage to those members of your house that wished to seek the Grace. You can’t just change your mind.”
    “I disagree. My house will not subsidize the Daywalker alliance that you have created, Imperator.”
    “Why not? Half of your people have already accepted the Grace. Developing ties to the other daylight houses only benefits your position and security.”
    Javier scowled. “I have no objection to such ties. We will pursue them on our own. But we will not accede to your orders as leader of the alliance.”
    Lorcan sat back in his chair, stunned. “This is about me ?”
    “It is. We cannot accept your dishonor without compromising our integrity.”
    Lorcan blinked. “What dishonor?”
    Javier sneered. “If you do not already know, then you are even worse than I had believed. I have nothing left to say to you.” He stood from his chair. “My Praetors will show you out.”
    Lorcan reviewed the conversation over and over again as he walked back to the House Diluthical Embassy. What am I missing?
    Lorcan entered his study and keyed a request for a video conference into his computer terminal. After a few moments, a virtual screen opened above the desk, showing William’s face. The other Daywalker frowned at him. “Imperator. What can I do for you?”
    “Javier just pulled out the Daywalker alliance, citing my dishonor. Do you have any idea what he’s referring to?”
    William’s frown deepened. “Of course, I do. Prince Javier is a Daywalker.”
    “So?”
    “My lord, did you honestly think the Children of the Dawn would tolerate your behavior toward the Redeemer?”
    Lorcan stared at him, completely taken aback. “What are you talking about?”
    William snorted in exasperation. He typed a few commands on his terminal, and a second virtual screen opened above Lorcan’s desk.
    Lorcan felt his heart skip as he saw the image of Rory kissing him in the snow on New Year’s. “Oh my God. Where did you get that?”
    “From the security camera on the roof of my fortress in London. One of my soldiers discovered the footage a week ago and disseminated it to all the Daywalker Houses. Bad enough the two of you would carry on an illicit affair, but for you to become lovers while the body of his Leshir is barely even cold? It’s indecent.”
    Lorcan found his voice. “William, we’re not—”
    William’s eyes shifted to red, and his fangs extended. “Don’t you dare try to claim innocence.  The images speak for themselves. You dishonored him in my stronghold, making me complicit in your crimes. The Redeemer is young, and impressionable in his grief. For you to take advantage of his bereavement to serve your own base desires—”
    “I am not sleeping with him!” screamed Lorcan.
    William laughed. “And when faced with proof of your guilt, you deny the relationship, giving up the opportunity to honorably acknowledge his status as if he were a two-bit whore. You are despicable.”
    Lorcan sputtered with rage. “You think … How can you … I would never —”
    “Actions speak louder than words, my lord, and your actions are clear.”
    “William, I swear on the Grace that Rory and I are just friends. I’ve just been helping him through his grief.”
    “Is that what you’re calling it now? How quaint.”
    “For God’s sake! Will you listen to me? Rory and I are not lovers. Ask him!”
    “Perhaps I will, if only to convince him that he deserves better treatment