Chapter 47
CHAPTER 47
JULIET
V alaric’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 the volka . 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—”
“Lord Jonathan Harker of Aralon came to my father’s court a few days ago.” My heart slams in my throat at the mention of my former fiancé. “He is nephew to your human king and claims the two of you were engaged. He said Lord Greyvale stole you away with a blood bargain, and now he and his king are demanding your return.”
Panic snakes down my spine. “Your Highness, I can explain. I—”
“I asked you for an explanation earlier.” His eyes narrow. “Instead, you chose to withhold—”
The tempo changes, and he spins back to his partner while I return to Valaric.
“You’re pale.” His eyes flash with concern. “What’s wrong?”
“The prince knows.” I draw in a shaking breath. “Jonathan went before the Vampire king. He and his uncle—the King of Aralon—claim I was stolen. He’s demanding my return.”
Valaric glances at the shadows in the corner, no doubt searching for Aerlyx. “When I tell you to run, you must go,” he says in a voice so low I almost miss it. “Do you understand?”
My heart hammers. “What about you?”
“Do not worry for me. Just—”
The music changes, and before I even realize what’s happening, a strong hand wraps around my middle and I’m pulled into the arms of Prince Raine. He grasps my waist and lifts me off the ground in a half spin before setting me back on my feet.
“Not thinking of running away, are you?” His voice is smooth as silk. “If you do, I will only be forced to hunt you, you know.” The tips of his fangs peek out from his lips in a terrifying half-grin. “But if you must know the truth, I do enjoy a good hunt.”
“I was not abducted. I left of my own accord.”
“Are you saying I’ve been misinformed?” He arches a condescending brow. “That you did not make a blood bargain with Lord Greyvale to save your life, taking you away from your betrothed?”
Worry settles in my chest like a heavy stone. There’s too much to explain and the music is about to change again, so I speak quickly. “A bargain was made, but I chose Valaric nonetheless.” The words spill from my mouth in a panicked rush. “I can assure you, our marriage is true.”
“Well, this changes things,” he replies cryptically. He glances at Valaric and his blood wife dancing nearby. “Be a dear and keep Alayna entertained while I sort some things out, will you?”
Before I can answer, the tempo changes. In a blur of movement, Raine spins me to Alayna, and my heart slams in my throat as he rushes toward Valaric.