Lucien knew both Filomena Salvatore and Emil Conti had been hit hard by Laskaris’s tariffs through the Bosphorus because both were heavily invested in shipping.

Conti said, “Trade concerns are of utmost importance to my people. But they are not the only consideration.”

The Roman regent had taken over from Livia when her treachery with Elixir had been exposed and was widely regarded as one of the most stabilizing and influential European vampire powers. But even with his reputation, he had not been able to completely wipe out the Elixir virus, and the whole of the Iberian Peninsula had been affected.

“I also offer you a cure,” Saba said. “A cure only I can offer.”

Conti looked directly at Lucien. “Does it work?”

“Yes.” The fact that they were still waiting to hear could not color his response. At all.

“There,” Saba said. “You have heard my son. And while this might mean a loss of the afflicted from your aegis, once you have an alliance with Alitea, there is no true loss. Your sons and daughters will be safe. Your businesses will flourish.”

Conti looked between Saba and Kato. “You seek to copy the Eastern model of rule. That is not how the Western world has ever operated.”

“The elders of Penglai govern their region with an iron hand,” Kato said. “This has leant stability but also a lack of independence.”

“Independence cannot be taken for granted,” Conti said. “Athens is no longer the power it once was. Laskaris and I have quarreled regarding tariffs, but I have no dispute with the rest of the council you want to usurp. Why should we offer our loyalty and resources to a court that has faded from influence? You would have us trade sovereignty for assumed stability in a region you have not ruled for over a thousand years.”

He saw Saba curl her lip in irritation. This was not going as Lucien had planned. He’d thought the meeting in Crotone was no more than a formality. Filomena and Emil would make their demands, negotiations would commence, and the Iberian Peninsula would be a powerful gem in Kato and Saba’s growing crown.

Filomena looked between Saba and Emil. Lucien noted the calculating glint before she turned to Kato and said, “Kato, most ancient of kings, you have my fealty and the backing of my court.”

Kato held out his hand, and Filomena kissed it. Lucien could hear waves battering the rocks outside.

What was she playing at? And what would Emil say? Lucien had expected their unity in the matter, but Filomena was a new leader and still testing the boundaries of her power. What did she know about Emil that Lucien didn’t?

“I challenge you,” Emil said to Kato.

Lucien tried not to react, but it was difficult. Formal duels happened so rarely that the practice was nearly extinct. But then Emil was a Roman, and an old one. This wouldn’t be the first challenge he’d offered, nor were his words spoken rashly.

It was, however, a hopeless challenge.

Nevertheless, Kato treated it seriously. “I accept your challenge. Meet me on the ramparts in ten minutes, and I will teach you humility, child.”

Emil stood and left the room without another word. Filomena followed him, a smile ghosting her face.

“Did you expect this?” Saba asked Lucien.

“No.”

“Neither did I,” Kato said. “But it is not unwelcome. I have not faced an opponent of my own kind for many years. It is better I face Emil Conti before I face Laskaris.”

Lucien realized Kato had not been in battle since his recovery from the Elixir virus. “Theio, will you—”

“I’ll be fine.” Kato smiled. “Bring your pretty mate up and have her watch. This will be an education for her.”

Lucien positioned himself next to Makeda as they watched Emil and Kato stand across from each other on the rampart on the far side of the courtyard. Lucien, Makeda, Filomena, and both their entourages stood to witness the duel. The water vampires had stripped to nothing but breeches, and water coated their chests. Emil, smaller and leaner than Kato, was still a fierce and able fighter. His body was scarred from his human life, unexpected for the nobleman Lucien knew he had been.

They stood on either end of the high wall separating the fortress from the sea. Waves churned beneath them with the occasional waterspout shooting high above their heads. The air was quiet as Ziri hovered over the gathered immortals.

“He can’t win,” Makeda said under her breath. “Even I know that.”

“No.”

“Will Kato kill him? I thought Emil Conti was one of the good guys.”

“Good and bad aren’t terms I’d use for either of them,” Lucien said. “But Emil has challenged Kato. He must know death is a possibility.”

“Isn’t Emil a friend of Giovanni Vecchio’s? And isn’t he a friend of Saba’s?”

“Yes.”

She shook her head. “I don’t understand vampire politics at all.”

“Watch,” Lucien said. “This is strategy, not aggression.”

No words were spoken, but Emil held his hands out and reached for his element, throwing a spear of water toward Kato that would knock him off the rampart and into the courtyard below.

The water never hit the ancient. He held up a palm, and the water shot back to Emil, who threw it with his other hand while grabbing for another wave from the rocks below. Lucien recognized Emil’s strategy at once. He could never match the older vampire in power, but he might stand a chance with speed. If he could hit Kato with a flurry, he might last long enough to accomplish whatever purpose he had. The Roman was surprisingly quick. As he moved, even Lucien had trouble tracking him.