The ballroom glittered with vampire wealth and power. Nobles from every major house were present in the hall; their combined power made the air electric.
Lyanna stood near the dais in a midnight blue dress that Azrael had chosen for her. She looked like a perfect vampire queen, yet completely out of place.
Around her, nobles made polite conversation, trying to avoid mentioning the real reason for the ball. The spring equinox was a traditional excuse, but everyone knew the true purpose was a public courtship performance. The king had to dance with potential future mothers of his heirs while his current wife watched.
Azrael stood across the room, surrounded by nobles paying their respects, looking striking in formal black. They looked at each other across the distance and he reassured through his eyes.
Then the music began, indicating the start of the formal dance. The host, a young male vampire, made an announcement.
