Chapter 9

Jade waited patiently in the large foyer, keeping her inner thoughts well-guarded and hidden, forcing herself to maintain a calm and cool presence on all levels. This meeting was a very important one, and she knew she must handle it very carefully…

As soon as Horatio had left her home, she had retrieved his suit jacket from the hallway and had taken a few moments reveling around in her oversized bed with the garment, wrapping it around her, scrunching it up and pushing her nose into it. She inhaled his scent deeply, her heightened senses picking up every subtle nuance of this incredible mortal man who was now her lover.

But after the brief bout of reverie, she had sobered herself, and reached for the phone, knowing what she had to do. There were protocols to follow, laws to be obeyed. She had an obligation to uphold, one that was critical to everyone's safety.

It helped that she knew the Prince of Miami rather well. He was an aged one, centuries old, much like herself. But although she completely respected him, she also had a respectful fear of him. And this meeting would be quite different from any other that she had ever had here. So she reminded herself to keep her guard up and proceed carefully…

Price Galean's mansion was located was a secure gated community in one of Miami's most coveted and exclusive communities. The grand scale of his mansion made her own home seem rather small and quaint by comparison. Before long, she was led into the Prince's official chambers. Price Galean beamed a brilliant smile and rose to greet her as she entered the room.

"Jade, welcome. It's been such a long time."

"My Prince, thank you for seeing me on such short notice," she said warmly, bowing to show her respect. She was by far his elder in actual years, and therefore worthy of a large amount of respect in her own right. But she still acknowledged and recognized the lofty position of massive power that the Prince held.

"Jade, my dear," he said smoothly. "You know I will always find time for you. Please. Sit down. Make yourself comfortable."

Galean was a good Prince. He had ruled Miami for many years, quite admirably. He was charismatic and exceptionally good-looking, with a regal bearing and a fine aristocratic pedigree. Tall, muscular and lean, with chestnut brown hair and deep hazel eyes. He was seen as both rugged and refined at the same time. He was known to be very opinionated and strong-willed, but his judgments were always carefully measured, fully considered and ultimately very fair. His main concern was the welfare of all of the vampires within his jurisdiction, regardless of clan, and the observance and preservation of their laws. When it came time to enforce the laws, his justice was swift, precise, and absolutely uncompromising.

Jade eased her lithe body into the soft leather chair opposite the Prince. She crossed her lean legs, and addressed the Prince with a sincere and respectful tone.

"I've found a new lover, Galean. And he's a mortal," she said quickly, before any questions were asked. "And I want my claim to him known. He is mine. Absolutely and completely. And under my protection, as well as the protection of our laws."

Price Galean smiled and seemed rather relieved. "Well, what a pleasant revelation. Honestly, I thought you were bringing me something much more sinister," he said lightly. He leaned in closer to her. "It has been quite a long time for you, has it not? So who is this wondrous mortal you have discovered?"

"His name… is Horatio Caine," she replied.

The Prince's pleasant façade faded slightly, and a look of serious concern clouded his face.

"Would that be Lieutenant Horatio Caine? Of the Miami Dade Police Department?" he asked.

"Yes. That's him," she answered evenly.

Galean took a deep breath, and perched his hands in front of him, his fingertips touching each other. He pressed his index fingers to his own lips, carefully measuring his words. He took a deep sigh before continuing.

"Jade… Lieutenant Caine… is a very public and very powerful figure. Your involvement with him could be extremely dangerous. Not just to you, but to all of us."

"I am aware of that, my Prince," Jade replied gently. "I understand that his occupation and position present some genuine reasons for concern. But I am confident that I can deal with any and all of those challenges. He will not be a problem."

Galean perched his elbow on his knee and thoughtfully massaged his chin. Jade became more nervous, but dared not let her emotions show. She maintained her calm and composed demeanor. The Prince did have the power to absolutely forbid certain relationship or liaisons, if it was deemed too great of a safety risk. He also had the power to order a death, either vampire or mortal, depending on the circumstances.

But Jade was not about to give up her new found lover. In a careful show of boldness, she spoke to Prince Galean with a slight edge to her voice.

"I have not violated any of our laws, Galean. On the contrary, I am here because of them. I am coming to you and fulfilling my obligations. And I would merely expect you to fulfill yours…"

Galean stood quickly, anger threatening to surface, but just as quickly he vanquished it and took yet another deep breath, quelling his fury.

"…with all due respect, my Prince," Jade finished, with softly spoken sincerity.

"Very well, Jade," he replied with forced cordiality. "So shall it be. This mortal has been claimed by you and it shall be recorded as such."

He paused, then leaned closer to her, his eyes flashing an unmistakable warning. "But hear me now, Jade, you hear my warning," his eyes narrowed and Jade sat stock still under his blazing glare.

"You clearly know our laws, but let me remind you. Should this mortal of yours ever become a threat to us… a threat of any kind… it will be entirely your responsibility. And you will have only two options. You will be the one required to either make him one of us… or to kill him. Are you prepared for that? Is that clearly understood?"

"I fully understand my responsibilities, my Prince," she said bowing her head. "And I accept them."

"You can appreciate my concern, Jade," Galean said softly. "But you have fulfilled your lawful obligations. So… all things considered… you now have official and legal acknowledgement, and with that you also have my blessing. So go. Be with your new found mortal lover. Enjoy him to your heart's content. Just keep in clear mind what we have discussed here. For if and when that time comes, I will make no exceptions."

Jade made her respectful retreat, and walked out into the balmy Miami night air. She took a deep breath, letting herself relax after her meeting with the Prince. She took flight, with no specific destination in mind, but hungry to see Horatio again…