Page 111 of A Bond in Blood

“I am enjoying your festivities, your grace.”

Ulrich’s eyes widened when my body was before him. His gaze went right to my barely covered breasts.

“Go back to the room. Now,” he ordered.

I glared. “No, your grace.”

“Who let you out?”

“I did.”

Ulrich stepped back and his fists balled at his side. His rage was evident, but I had become aware enough to know he was considering his next steps before his court.

“Your grace,” Bjorn hissed. “Each member of your court and home are required to participate in the Rite. Do not tell me you were to give this mortal leniency?”

“She is a half-fae princess, Bjorn. Address her as such,” Ulrich growled.

Bjorn smiled a wicked grin. “She’s dressed for the Rite. I’ll give her that much.”

Ulrich snapped his fingers and the man before us went still.

“Return to your fantasies, Bjorn. The Rite will begin shortly.”

The man turned on his heel, glaring at me while he left.

Ulrich returned his attention to me. “What are you wearing?”

“Don’t recognize it?” I spun in my place. “You gifted it to me.”

A low whistle came from behind Ulrich, and I stepped to the side, finding Olen with a bright grin on his face.

The right hand was dressed in a dark gray suit, cut to his body in the same way as Ulrich’s. Accentuating every muscle on the towering man’s body.

“Princess,” he whistled again. “Gods.”

Ulrich’s head turned to his right hand. “You keep an eye on her.”

Olen nodded, reaching for me, but I stepped back.

“I want to enjoy myself,” I stated. “You will both leave me be.”

“Ursa,” Ulrich warned. “Not tonight.”

The music picked up again and I placed my hand on the king’s chest. Right where I knew his ink hid beneath his dark shirt. I circled him, my fingers tapping his dress coat.

“It’s been nearly four years,” I whispered. “I am a woman with needs.”

The king was unmoving while I continued my circling. His right hand was as equally unmoving a few steps away.

“This is not the day,” Ulrich growled.

“I say it is,” I bit back, pulling my hand against my chest.

My hips moved with the music, and I turned my attention to Olen, trailing my fingers across his arm. In the same teasing motions I’d done to Ulrich’s chest.

“Princess,” Olen whispered. “Do not test him.”

“Dance with me,beast.”

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