ILL-FATED JOURNEY™

Chapter 46

Vlad ground his teeth as his stupid cousin took his time contemplating his question. He watched

as he swirled his drink in hand, then took tentative sips, ignoring Vlad's seething rage. This went

on for a few tense moments until Vlad had had enough.

"Out with it already."

"Patience dear cousin," Charles chastised. "A question like that needs careful deliberation."

"Name your price. I'll pay..."

"Money? No. Got enough of that already."

"A man always wants more..."

"You, maybe. Then again your desires were always so...common." Charles finished with a 

delicate shudder.

"Then what is it you do want?" Vlad asked impatiently.

Charles narrowed his eyes at him then grinned evilly. "Irena."

"What?" Vlad asked, stunned.

"The mother may cause problems for you but having..."

"NO!"

"You didn't let me finish..."

"They will never be part of any bargain I make with you!"

"But they already are! You made it that way when you kept her!"

"I am not giving you my heir..."

"She's only the heir because her mother has yet to give you a son. But knowing my Russian 

counterparts' usual taste in winter activities, that will soon be remedied."

"The answer is still no!"

"You need to hear me out." Charles said, his tone grave. And when Vlad still shook his head he

continued anyway. "The mother ...is no good anymore." Vlad narrowed his eyes and he snarled

but Charles ignored him and finished. "I can't use her as any bargaining tool with anyone, but

your daughter is a different matter. She has royal blood. That would appease the other members

and keep your wife in check."

"Exactly what do you plan to do with her?"

"Nothing," Charles admitted. "she would be raised at court according to her station..."

"And then?"

"And then as a young woman. She'll be offered the best of choices."