Chapter 2

Moonlight spilled across the lake. I danced on the water, toes skimming the surface, ripples spreading silver beneath me.

A sweet fragrance rose from my skin. Fireflies drifted in from the reeds, circling me, refusing to leave.

Alaric stood on the bank, frozen.

When I finished and turned, my eyes met his. I feigned surprise, slipped on my shoes, and made to leave.

"Wait."

I stopped.

"You're a palace dancer? I've never seen this dance before."

I kept my head down. "It's from my homeland, Your Majesty. Few have seen it."

The spring night was cool. I let myself shiver.

He noticed. He took off his pale robe and draped it over my shoulders.

I looked up at him, let my cheeks flush pink.

The fragrance thickened. The air turned warm.

I saw the flash of want in his eyes.

He cleared his throat. "The Queen loves dancing. Her birthday approaches. You will perform this for her."

I dropped to my knees. "Forgive me, Your Majesty. I didn't know who you were."

He waved his hand, but his gaze lingered on my face.

"Rise. No offense taken. Don't disappoint me or the Queen."

I thanked him and accepted the task.

As he walked away, I flicked my fingers. A tiny leech burrowed into his skin. It would feed on his thoughts, bend his feelings toward me.

By the next morning, the whole palace was talking about the dancer who'd caught the King's eye.

Someone knocked on my door. A woman I'd never seen before.

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