Free The Chalice (Luna Vampire Series) by Christine Asher Page B

fact, he would've been a mirror image if not for the extra muscles, military buzz cut, and goatee.
                  "This is Petrus," William announced, motioning toward his companion.
                  "Was I talking to you?" I sneered, immediately adopting my most haughty affectation.  "Nope, definitely not.  From now on, don't speak to me until you're spoken to, you lying snake." 
                  His demeanor abruptly changed then, as regret glistened in his eyes.  "Princess, I'm sorry..."
                  "Oh, well!  You should've thought of that before you kidnapped me!  And don't call me princess!"
                  "I didn't kidnap you.  I merely followed the king's orders, his commands."
                  "But you did!  You accosted me in front of my home and, somehow, caused me to black out.  After which, you locked me up in a cement cell."  Irritated, I crossed my arms over my chest.  "Sure sounds like a kidnapping to me.  What do you think, Petrus?"
                  "Princess, my, uh, my intention isn't to displease you.  However, William is correct.  If presented with a command from the king, we must obey."
                  "So what?  You're his puppets?  You have absolutely no free will?  For some reason, I highly doubt that."
                  "I wouldn't refer to us as puppets," William answered flatly.  "We're foot soldiers and we had a choice initially.  Nevertheless, once the king turned us, we were sworn loyal to him."
                  "Oh god!" I grumped, shaking my head in exasperation.  More vampire nonsense.  "So, you're basically saying that Tsedaka made you, therefore you have to be loyal to him?"
                  "Yes, princess," Petrus affirmed.  "When your maker gives you a direct order, you have no option other than compliance."
                  "Quit calling me princess!" I shouted.  "My name's Luna.  And I just don't see how that really works.  I mean, we all have free will.  No one can take that away.  Seriously, have you ever considered the possibility that you're brainwashed?  In a cult?  Maybe, in need of..."
                  "I'm sorry, Luna ," William cut in, his condescending mood firmly back in place.  "We simply don't have the time for any more of your antics.  In the future, please take your grievances up with the king."
                  "You're such a piece of..."
                  "No more arguing," he insisted.  "You must go get dressed; the king awaits your presence."
                  "Whatever," I huffed, rolling my eyes.  All the bullshit was driving me totally nuts.  
                  I hesitated for several moments, before finally deciding that I might as well get on with it.  Otherwise, I'd probably be forced to see the stupid lunatic naked or, well, something worse.  So, without saying another word, I marched into my bedroom and slammed the huge door behind me.  Fuck this shit!  
                  After a multitude of calming breaths and a tirade of silent cussing that'd make a person's ears bleed, I eventually came to terms with my reality.  I understood that it was in my best interest to bide my time until I could manage an escape.  And, to truly be successful, I'd need intel on the layout of the facility, the number of guards, and their schedules.  Beyond that, I'd have to figure out the pass code to my door.  Not simple tasks.
                  In the meantime, I needed to stay alive which meant playing their games and hopefully gaining a couple of sympathetic people to help me along the way.  With that in mind, I steeled my resolve and put on my stage face, just as I'd done during numerous college performances.  Out walks Luna, rational human being  -  in walks Luna, vampire princess.
                  I promptly went