Page 1 of Bound By Dance and Desire

Chapter

One

ANDREIEN

“Humans stink,” Constin growled as we exited yet another nightclub I'd found unsatisfactory. “Why are there somanyof them?”

I agreed, but to say so aloud would perhaps offend the High Lord, the reason for the influx of mortals in the last decade. As her Heir I must at least appear loyal.

“You pout like a child, warrior,” I said.

Because Constin was luudthen, he sneered at me with his brand of playful mockery and kept his life despite the disrespect.

To anyone else he exuded death as if it were fine perfume. Verdant green molded leather armor announced him as Sworn to House Casakraine, and normally the pattern of gold piping proclaimed him as belonging specifically to myself, the Heir of the city.

But tonight glamour altered my features because I didn’t intend to be recognized.

I scanned the streets of Casakraine city's heart as we walked the cobbled stone, buildings of darkwood petrified with age until it shone like polished stone gleaming under graceful magic-and-steam powered lamps.

No, this night wasn’t for politics or entertaining those who sought favor. This night was for. . .

I cursed under my breath.

Forwhat? Prescience was an affinity of my bloodline, but it eluded me as always.

“What's wrong?” Constin asked, his storm gray eyes watchful. “You've been restless all night.” He paused. “All week.”

I shook my head, thinning my lips. “I don't know. There's tension in the air. A hint of possibility just beyond my reach.”

I fisted my hand at my side, then forced the fingers to uncurl. A possibility that sparked every instinct in me to go to war, and House Casakraine had known peace for decades now.

Perhaps that's what it was. “I need a fight, by the Dark. A challenge.”

Constin snorted, a glimmer of mild contempt in his eyes. “If another mortal bumps into us, you'll get your wish. They behave as if we're not dangerous. What are they teaching them in the entrance orientations these days?”

“Doubtless nothing useful. They keep crossing realms.”

As if Constin was prescient, a squawking cluster of mortals spewed out of a club just as we passed, clipping my shoulder.

I swiveled in their direction, a smile stretching over my teeth to expose fangs. I could have evaded them, but why waste a fine excuse?

He grabbed my bicep. “Don’t. You know your mother doesn’t like when we spill tourist blood. Something about it being bad for business.”

“But it’s actually not. I’ve seen the data.” Whenever there was a sensational death, applications for weekend tourist permits spiked.

“Fine. But you’re the pretty public face of Casakraine city. If you’re involved in that kind of scandal, it will break mortal hearts. They believe you’re the civilized one.” His brow creased for a moment. “They’re so stupid. Have you seen the latest batch of merchandising?”

I had. Which was another reason for the glamour. “Iamthe civilized one.”

“That’s certainly one version of the truth. You even said it with a straight face.”

I sighed. “I’m not going to shame myself spilling mortal blood.”

He slapped me on the back. “Excellent. They have far more entertaining uses, if you’re so inclined. And in that case, many of them don’t mind bleeding. . .a little.”

I rolled my eyes. “Don’t insult me. A human? I would never. They're rude creatures, lacking grace and manners.”

“Not all of them,” Constin said. “She's interesting.”

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