The Abandoned Vampire Bride Walked Away novel · Chapter 12 of 24

Chapter 12: The Summons

I read the summons in the back of Darian's car, with the blinds down and the engine running.

The paper was black, with silver edges and a seal of three crossed keys.

It was handwritten, in a hand so old that I had to read it twice.

"A petition has been lodged by House Crowhurst," I read aloud. "The bride has released the pledge without cause. The Council of the Houses will convene on the night of the next full moon to hear the matter."

"Seven days," Darian said.

"What does it want?"

"A Rite of Consent. The old law says a released pledge may be reclaimed by decree, unless the bride stands before all the Houses and states her will in her own voice."

"So I have to say it in front of them."

"You have to say that you refuse. Out loud, to a hall of four hundred, with the Crowhurst family sitting across from you."

I folded the paper.

"And if I don't go?"

"Then the pledge is restored by decree. The ring goes back on your hand, and your will no longer matters."

My mouth went dry.

"Nobody can do that."

"The Council has done it twice in four hundred years." He looked at me steadily. "Both times, the bride was found dead within a year."

I stared at him.

"Then I'll go," I said.

"Rosalind."

"I'll go, and I'll say it."

"I will stand beside you. If you want me."

"I don't want you to do it for me."

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