"I have no son," Hector replied sharply. "No wife either."
He turned his eyes away from Lora, unable, or unwilling, to meet her gaze.
Lora released a slow, quiet breath. Relief loosened the tight knot in her chest. So, he hadn't taken any woman by force or deception. Somewhere in that twisted journey, he had clung to a shred of morality. He hadn't forgotten who he was.
"Why do you ask?" Hector added, his frown returning.
The King kept his voice even. "Just curious. You lived a life outside this kingdom… didn't you?"
But it wasn't just a question, it was a test.
Twelve vampire lords existed. Ten of them were male. The females were sterile, but the males could sire children.
"Hmm," Hector hummed, voice laced with sarcasm. "I had a life far different from yours."
The jab was meant to sting, and it did.
