Page 189 of A Dance of Water

Vale pulled away, his control too close to slipping. Possessive words filled his lungs like smoke; he couldn’t let them free.

She was flushed, trembling, didn’t look him in the eye.

"And you would tell me, because I would not stop until you did. Until everything inside you belonged to me."

Luella’s maroon lips parted, words poised on the tip of her tongue.

But he would never hear them?—

A bell chimed, echoing the hour.

The moment was shattered like a blade striking glass.

She flinched, staring at the curtains that kept them shrouded in false privacy. Laughter and cheers echoed beyond.

The King stood, inclining his head. "Come. It is time."

They stepped out from behind the curtain, and the crowd grew hushed at the sight of them—the King and his Chosen. He led her to the steps of the dais, as was customary, and stopped her with a hand on her shoulder, forcing her to stare out at the crowd with him behind her.

Facing out at the crowd, Vale was hit with a wave of familiarity.

Let’s hope this time does not end in death,he thought.

The chiming ceased, a long, echoing ring that cascaded throughout the throne room until it was only a memory.

He did not speak, simply waited.

It was tradition for the reigning King to publicly hand over the Chosen to his Advisor, so Vale would be forced to give her away to Bastian for her lessons tonight.

Fire roared inside him, fingers tightening on her shoulder until a slight whimper was torn from her lips.

Luella seemed to sense Bastian’s arrival, her head turning to the side, as the vampire stepped out of the crowd.

Bastian’s reddened eyes found his, words passing through their minds:I will keep her safe. Meet me as soon as you can.

His dragon prowled beneath his skin, restless, curling around his ribs like he wanted to claw his way out. Did not understand patience. Did not understand why he did not simply take.

Vale shuddered, and he felt her tense against him.

Bastian stopped before them both and held out a pale hand for her to take. "King Vale," he addressed, voice a sinful croon as he stared at Luella.

Vale took her hand, so small in his.

She started to form the shape of a sentence.

"Do not speak, Chosen, until you are given permission," the King ordered. "I thought you had learned to be obedient." This, added for the benefit of the revelers. They tittered, unused to such an unwilling Chosen. She was a novelty—captiveandChosen. If only they knew she was his Vincire, too.

If only they knew he wished to force her to become his Queen.

His dragon purred, picturing her in jewels laid amongst his furs. A golden crown that matched his own, but smaller, more delicate, perched upon her white tresses.

Luella tried to pull away, and Vale realized he must have been hurting her with his grip. His green eyes met her wide blue ones, and he let his voice carry as he said, "For the night, you are his."

And Vale took her hand and placed it in Bastian’s awaiting palm. The vampire’s fingers closed around her wrist as he took her, and Vale felt colder without her near.

"My King." Bastian bowed his head. "The Chosen will be safe in my care."

Vale knew his words were not empty.

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