Page 112 of The Vampire's Bride

Prince Raine carefully lowers his blood wife from his lap and stands. He raises his glass and gestures to me and Juliet with a sly grin. “To a tale as old as time.” He turns to the crowd. “This is a ball, is it not?” He motions to the musicians in the corner of the room. “Let us dance and enjoy the evening.”

He steps down from the dais with his blood wife. “Come, Alayna.” He offers her his arm and guides her to the center of the room before directing a glance at me. “Lord Greyvale, you and your lovely bride will dance beside us.”

Despite his easy smile, his words are both a command and a subtle threat. If I were to refuse, it would be considered an insult to his royal highness and thus, the very crown itself.

The music begins and I grit my fangs. Because Prince Raine has chosen us to dance next to him, Juliet may be paired with the prince many times throughout the evening, depending upon what type of song is played.

Unease moves through me, and I am tempted to whisk my mate away from here with Aerlyx.

As if sensing where my thoughts have gone, Damar gives me a subtle shake of his head.

According to our laws, no members of a Great House may be harmed during a social gathering like this. It is known as Right of Guest, and it is one of our most sacred tenets. I pray that it will not be broken this night.

“Before we begin,” Prince Raine’s voice echoes throughout the room, and the music stops abruptly. “I would remind you all of the sacred Right of Guest.” His red eyes shift to mine. “Now, that that has been said, I suggest we return to enjoying all the pleasures this night has to offer.”

I still. There have always been whispers that the prince is avocari—able to read the thoughts of others, but it has never been confirmed. Now, however, I find myself wondering if these rumors might be true.

Prince Raine turns his sharp gaze to us, and I slip my arm around Juliet’s waist and pull her close as the stringed quartet starts up again.

Dancing in time with the music, we spin and whirl across the floor. Damar catches my eye from off to one side, and I know he is watching for danger.

My human bride is surrounded by predators. Her fear scent still lingers, but it is not nearly as strong as it was earlier. Leaning close to her ear, I drop my voice to a low whisper. “Are you all right?”

She dips her chin in a small nod.

Several pairs of eyes observe us, many of them darkened with hunger. As I hold Juliet in my arms, my protective instincts surge and the truth is revealed with sparkling clarity.

Iam the most dangerous Vampire here. Not because I am the strongest, but because I have something I’d do anything to protect.

I allow my gaze to travel over the room, leveling a dark glare at any who look on with covetous intent. I want there to be no doubt in their minds that Juliet belongs to me and that I will end anyone who dares try to harm what is mine.

CHAPTER 47

JULIET

Valaric’s hands are firm yet gentle as he guides me effortlessly across the polished floor. We dance and whirl across the room in a series of intricate steps, our movements smooth and fluid as we weave around each other.

A soft moan draws my attention off to the side, and my jaw drops when I notice a Vampire couple against the wall kissing passionately. Another male Vampire drinks from his blood wife on his lap as he cups her breast over the fabric of her dress.

“Is this… normal?” I ask, my voice barely a whisper, shocked to notice a few other couples doing the same.

Valaric catches my chin between his thumb and forefinger, directing my gaze back to him. “Do not watch. If you stare too long, it may be viewed as a request to join them in their… activities.”

The music changes tempo and worry creeps down my spine. It’s thevolka. A dance that requires the periodic changing of partners.

“It’s all right,” Valaric whispers as he presses a tender kiss to the back of my hand before relinquishing it. “I’ll be near you the entire time.”

Nervous energy floods my system as I watch him walk to the opposite side of the room to stand across from me. Beside him is Prince Raine, and his human blood wife is positioned at my side, which means she will be Valaric’s partner during some of the song just as I will be Raine’s.

Dread settles deep in my gut as the prince looks at me. A glint of amusement shines in his eyes—as if all of this were a game.

Closing my eyes briefly, I send a silent prayer to the gods to watch over us and get us through this night unscathed.

The music begins, and I walk toward my husband, meeting him in the middle of the floor. Valaric raises his hand, and I do the same, placing my palm against his as we circle one another. The dance is a form of give and take, and when the tempo shifts, we must change direction and switch partners.

Valaric’s hand falls away as he moves to his new partner, and I find myself palm to palm with Prince Raine. His eyes are red embers against the darkness that swirls within his intense gaze. “Tell me, Lady Greyvale: Is it a human custom to lie to royalty?”

My steps falter, and I nearly stumble, but the prince grasps my forearm, steadying me as we continue to dance. “I’m… not quite sure what you mean, your Highness.” I struggle to keep my voice even despite my fear. “I—”

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