Page 116 of A Bond in Blood

“Not to completion, princess. If that’s your question. He only goes long enough for them to yell their deal.OrI guess until he—”

I shrieked and covered my ears. “Oh my Gods, I need to get to my bed.”

I stood to leave, but Olen gripped my arm. “Too late. You must allow yourself to exchange blood with your partner. Youboth must declare your intentions and you both must remain, watching until the traitor is killed.”

“I can’t participate in this,” I whispered.

Olen stared at me. “This is exactly why Ulrich banned your attendance. This is the consequences of your own choices, princess.”

I opened my mouth to protest when a voice cleared behind Olen. The beast-man stepped aside, a scowl now tight across his face.

“Bjorn,” he said coldly.

Bjorn held up two flutes of wine. “Olen.”

“It appears you are not on friendly terms,” I spoke, reaching for one of the flutes.

Bjorn handed me the glass then turned back to Olen.

“I believe myself and my partner are in need of a few moments to acquaint ourselves better before the festivities begin.”

Olen gave me a worried glance then nodded his head.

“Call for me if you need,” he said softly.

“That’s unneeded,” Bjorn cut in. “She issafein my arms.”

There was a hiss to his words, like a serpent waiting to attack in the shadows and my blood went cold. I’d made a mistake. I’d allowed my own stubbornness to potentially put me in harm’s way.

Bjorn clinked his glass against mine, pulling me from my fear.

“Do not fret. I will be gentle.”

I put the wine to my lips, drinking heavily.

“I’m not fragile,” I replied when I’d drained my glass.

Bjorn’s eyes lit with amusement. “Yes, it would appear you are not.”

The fire in the middle of the room climbed higher and a drum began to beat in repetition. The sound thumped throughout the room. Like a heartbeat, connecting us all together.

“It’s beginning,” Bjorn said calmly.

My hands went numb at my side as he gripped my wrist, dragging me through the room. He placed me right before the dais where I had a clear view of Ulrich and his nine partners.

Bjorn’s hand brushed my neck and traveled down my arm while I held the king’s hate-filled gaze.

“He likes to watch,” the man whispered into my ear. “I figured I’d allow him a delicious view of hispet.”

My head went foggy with the wine mixing with the liquor while the drumbeat picked up. My chest heaved with the rhythm. Uncontrollable. Terrifying.

Bjorn’s breath was hot on my neck when his hand grasped my breast. “Do you know how this Rite is completed?” he whispered.

My words stuck in my throat. I couldn’t respond. The wine. It was—

My eyes widened. I attempted to turn to face the monster holding my body, but he held me in place.

“Just because Ulrich has it banned, does not mean I cannot get it onto this Island,” Bjorn whispered.

---