Damien stared at him. But then he nodded, a silent agreement laced with gratitude and worry. "Be careful," he said. "I need you alive for when this child starts asking uncomfortable questions about history."
"I'll make a study guide," Veyron replied.
*****
"No!" Luna sat up with the determination of a woman who'd risen from near death simply to argue.
"Luna…" Damien stepped closer, palms out, trying to calm her.
"I said no!" she snapped, yanking the blood drip from her arm in one swift, defiant motion. "You're asking one of your citizens—someone loyal to you—to break the law? You're the crown prince, Damien. You are supposed to protect them, not drag them into your sins!"
He sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "There is nothing else we can do, Luna. Without the extra blood, you will die. And so will the child."
"I'd rather die trying to find a way than stay alive under illegal sacrifice!" she shouted.
"I will get the legal quantity."
