“It’s been known to happen, especially if the man lasts longer than a minute…”

Aelred swirled the contents of his drink before swallowing what remained. Without asking, a servant brought him a fresh glass. After another sip, he snapped his fingers.

“…that’s why I prefer to use a sabre,” Marc answered a question from ten minutes ago.

He observed someone from out of the corner of his eye. At first, he believed it was a dream, a memory of the days when it was just him with his men. However, when he turned to confirm it was Beatriz, she was gone.

“Clearly, your choice of blade has worked well for you,” Aelred said.

“Quite.”

“Does he prefer men?” Aelred asked.

“He’s never shown interest in anyone,” Beatriz said. “I would describe him as bored with life, hiding behind a poorly fitted mask.”

“I caught you saying that he frequented a whore… Émilie was it?” Florian asked.

Vampires had excellent hearing, which made them formidable predators. Their ability to overhear distant conversations while participating in another was a skill they coveted.

“She tried, and tried,” Beatriz said with a smirk. “I heard her sobbing in her room, bemoaning her inability to reach him, but she eventually got what she wanted.”

“You have to admire the girl for being so determined,” Aelred said.

“When fighting a defensive war, one must win every encounter,” Florian mused.

“You Austrians are always going on about war,” Aelred countered.

“My mission was to ascertain the town’s defences. My report clearly stated there were better targets,” Beatriz said. “Since we only crossed paths at the tavern, I could not apply my full powers of persuasion.”

“You mean to say—” Aelred asked.

“He never noticed me.”

“Really?” the men asked in unison.

“He’s the only one in the bar who didn’t…”

That answer revealed more than intended. Her attempts to flirt managed to catch the attention of every man at the tavern, save for one. Applying more persuasion would have risked a riot…

Once De Prins’ lower jaw rejoined its opposite, the boy cleared his throat and excused himself. With the doors closed behind him, conversations were given a new life.

However, fortune smiled on Marc. Selections were done on a majority vote and the boy was but one voice amongst many. By leaving the masquerade, he had no ability to influence the others.

“Well played,” the Austrian Florian said.

“It had to be said,” Beatriz countered. “He’s always had a rather big chip on his shoulder.”