Page 188 of A Dance of Water

The King led her to the middle of the room. The revelers gave them a wide berth, watching with fascination as he began to twirl her slowly amid the icy fall of enchanted embers.

The room was bathed in blue, and she, especially, was touched by the glow.

One hand rested lightly on his waist, the other held out by their side as he led her in a sensual dance, steps graceful as they spun.

"How do you feel? Has it been helping to share your bed?" His words made the flush on her cheeks travel down to her chest.

Blue dust clung to Luella’s kohl-lined lashes. "Y-yes. My body doesn’t hurt nearly as much, and I"—she licked her lips—"feel my power inside me… the threads, as well."

"Threads?"

He spun her out into a lazy twirl before she came back into him with equal languidness. The air was charged with sensuality, everyone in the room knew what tonight would entail for her—everyone but her. They would eagerly celebrate throughout the night while she was taken by the Advisor and taught how to please their King, all in preparation for what awaited her at the Temples of Aedis.

Her, lying beneath him on the altar.

The dragon huffed, and Vale swallowed down smoke.

That was what she must believe, at least—a ruse, to keep her safe.

The tips of Luella’s lashes brushed her brows as she peered up at him. "They’re like little strings inside me. Five of them."

Her breath hitched as he dipped her. When she rose, he held her still in the middle of the swirling bodies.

"Come with me," Vale muttered, leading her away into a dark alcove. He ignored the jeers and whistles as they retreated, but her fingers gripped his elbow so hard her knuckles were white. He parted the dark blue curtain, inclining his head for her to step inside.

The curtains fell with a soft whoosh. Intimate shadows blanketed the space. Her heart was beating so loudly it was all he could focus on—his dragon loved the sound, a reminder she was alive. That she was here. That she was his.

Ours.

The pillows dipped under him as he sat. He pointed to the cushions beside him in a silent demand. Her eyes narrowed, but she obeyed, fingers gripping the seat under her as she perched on the edge.

Blue flames from the candles danced over her skin.

"Those aren’t threads, darling," Vale murmured. "You feel us." His lips skimmed her jaw. She tensed. "You feelme." Mouth pressed against her ear, he whispered, "Our bond."

Smells so good.

Need to taste.

"You mean the Vin?—"

Vale pressed a finger to her lips to stifle the word. If anyone were to find out they were Vincire, she would be in grave danger—more than she already was.

Her lips were soft, and he couldn’t quite stop himself from rubbing his finger back and forth over the seam, feeling her breaths.

Soft. Mine.

Softer than all our furs, shinier than all our jewels.

That thought… Vale was not sure if it was his or his dragons.

Heat curled low in his stomach.

"Do not speak of that here." Vale’s eyes fell to her amulet, the inviting swell of her breasts. He reached for the stone, fingers grazing her flesh. She shivered. "Do not think I have forgotten about your dreams."

"How could I," she whispered, "when you have gone to such lengths to remind me."

Vale’s lips twitched. "If there were not so many ears around, I would show you what manner of punishment your errant words deserve." He brushed a white curl behind her arched ear, tracing the tip of it with his finger. Her scent wrapped around him, filling him with every inhale. "I’d force you to confess every thought and dream to me."

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