In Darkness We Must Abide (The Fallen King, Episode 8) by Rhiannon Frater Page B

wrist, Armando tugged her onto the dance floor and away from the others.
    “What do you want?” Carlotta demanded.
    “ To dance with an old friend,” Armando answered with a flirtatious smile.
    “ I need to find Roman,” Carlotta sniffed, though his answer had pleased her. She loved drama and Armando playing the resentful ex-lover pleased her.
    Sweeping Carlotta into his arms, Armando drew her into a slow dance. “He can survive without you hanging on his arm for a little while.”
    “ Jealous?” Carlotta’s finely sculpted eyebrows rose playfully.
    “ Me? Jealous? Of you?” Armando lifted a shoulder in a shrug, but gave her a smoldering look. He knew Carlotta’s vanity would never allow her to believe he wasn’t longing for her. If it would keep her dancing with him and away from Roman so Vanora could speak to her brother, Armando would play along.
    “ Oh, dear Armando, you know that it was never that way between us,” she said, fingers tracing down his cheek. “We had passion and lust, but never love.”
    “ And it’s love between you and Roman?” It was difficult for him to think of Carlotta loving anyone but herself.
    Surprisingly, her usual haughtiness and arrogance melted from her features as Carlotta nodded. “Very much so. He is...” She faltered, her dark eyes shockingly glinting with tears. Regaining her composure, she said, “I have never loved anyone before. It’s terrifying. I would do anything for him.”
    Losing his jealous façade, Armando drew her closer. “Carlotta, Aeron is coming...”
    “ I know.” She lifted her chin, her eyes bright. “But Roman is safe. I’ve seen to it.”
    Armando gazed at her doubtfully. “Aeron will start a purge.”
    “ Yes, but Roman is safe,” Carlotta insisted. “I spoke with Aeron personally and begged him to spare Roman.”
    “ And he agreed?”
    Nodding her head, Carlotta smiled brightly. “Oh, yes, he did. I asked him not to kill Roman because I have found love and happiness. He said he wouldn’t.”
    The music took a decidedly darker turn and Armando glanced over to see Alexander had taken over the deejay equipment.
    “Aeron won’t kill Roman, Armando. His vow is sacrosanct,” Carlotta insisted, though there was a slight tremor of fear in her words.
    “ With your very own ears you heard him say he will not kill Roman?” Armando faltered in their dance. Would Aeron truly spare the Socoli?
    “ Yes.” Carlotta’s red lips spread into a beautiful smile. “He did. He never breaks his word.”
    Armando pressed a kiss to her cheek. “I wish you happiness, Carlotta.”
    “ I am happy,” she answered.
    With a slight bow, Armando excused himself and hurried through the party. Stepping into the shadows, he gathered his thoughts. Aeron had promised not to kill Roman, but that didn ’t mean he couldn’t have someone who served him do the deed. Carlotta had obviously not considered that possibility. Whenever Aeron began a purge he always killed the leader first. Aeron was most likely still in transit from Europe, but Lorelei was in Texas.
    Vanora had to convince Roman to leave tonight. There was no time to squander.  Frustration ate at him as Armando considered all the possibilities of what could occur. Glancing toward the house, he wondered if he should try to help Vanora convince Roman, but then realized his presence would most likely complicate the situation. Checking his watch, he decided to give Vanora ten more minutes before he would seek the siblings out.
    Glancing toward Alisha, he saw she was watching him with a worried look pressed onto her features. He knew his expression mirrored hers.
    Again checking his watch, Armando ignored the dread seeping into his bones.
    Somehow, they would save Roman.
     
    * * *
     
     
    Unable to breathe, unable to think, Vanora stood on the threshold of her home staring into the dark night. Her throat was pinched closed. Wordlessly, she called out to her sister.
    Alisha! Come!
    Resting her