Page 10 of Unkindness of Crimson Ravens (The Crimson Duet #1)

Devil’s Creatures

S tanding before Simon, I curtseyed, readying for our dance. He bowed for me, taking my right hand into his. The music played by the orchestra set the slow motion into our steps. One, two, three—one, two, three.

I had a strange feeling I was being evaluated, just like I’d been when dancing in front of court at home. I locked the feeling behind the wall in my mind, not wanting to think about it too much.

I followed Simon through the dance floor, keeping up with his movements with absolute perfection—as I said I would.

Had he thought he could actually win this challenge?

I’d been dancing since I was four, it would’ve been a great disappointment if in the last twenty years I hadn’t perfected my performance.

Simon nodded approvingly when the music started playing faster, more intensely. Listening to the rhythm of this piece, I adapted to the new tempo with less confidence than I had had a moment ago. I had never danced to a waltz that fast, though I couldn’t help but admire; the music was glorious.

I was used to slow dancing, loving the tension in each note, though this music made me feel something else: not romantic per se, but powerful, even free.

We passed dancing pairs graciously, moving to the cadence of the piece when my eyes spotted the orchestra for the first time. They all wore scarlet suits, playing their instruments with such elegance, such skill, they would’ve put any human orchestra to shame.

Mesmerized by their mastery, I watched them, thinking about my own violin. My fingers itched with desire to play my beloved instrument that was still at home. Would I be able to retrieve my goods one day? Would I take another step on the palace grounds?

Simon spun us to the center of the floor, letting go of my hands, allowing them to move freely in their own dance.

Lightning traveled through my body all the way down to my fingers.

The pulse of the instruments reached my skin, reached my heart, making it beat with the same frequency.

My breathing quickened, my body ached in exhaustion, but I cared not to stop.

Addicted to the rush of excitement, my mind quieted.

Despite my years of firm training that deprived me of the ability to do the same, I now understood why no one paid much attention to the technique in this place.

The music was too passionate, too intense to think about the strict rules.

No matter my struggles, I still managed to make zero mistakes, though Simon didn’t seem to care if I did.

The music reached its climax, slowing toward the end of the piece. Simon spun me for the last time, graciously moving me to his side for the ending sequence. One, two, three. The music quieted, slowly transitioning into the next piece.

I looked up at Simon, enjoying my victory. “Someone told me, I will fall on my face...” My brows flew up.

“That someone must be a fool, then,” he replied with a smile on his face.

“Looks like it’s my turn.” Francis’ voice carried from behind me as he graciously stretched out his hand toward mine, his other slowly moved to my waist. He gently turned me away from Simon.

“Come now, Princess, I am a better dancer than your previous partner.” He glanced at Simon, effortlessly spinning me around.

“I’ve danced plenty tonight.” I bestowed him with the most annoyed look I could possibly manage. “Besides, I don’t dance with amateurs.”

“I promise, I won’t outshine you, Your Highness.” Francis purred into my ear, sending dozens of needles down my skin. “Just one dance, and you won’t ever have to attend another ball if you don’t wish to.”

“Bargaining feels desperate even for you, don’t you think?” I raised my brows, but did not move from his embrace.

“Is that a yes?”

I needn’t his permission to not attend another ball, though something told me he took great pleasure carrying me through the halls. “One dance and no more balls?” My eyes narrowed.

A triumphant smile spread across his face, as he led us into the dance.

The back of my neck prickled when Francis’ cold hand caught my waist. As though his skin grew thorns, it pierced the fabric of my dress, burning my flesh.

It’s just a dance, Cordelia. I repeated in my head everytime his fingers moved so slightly. Just one dance. My knees shook with every step I took, my stomach turned in disgust.

I turned away from him, focusing on the musicians, praying they shorten their piece despite its beauty.

“You are doing the wrong steps, Your Highness,” Francis pulled me closer, whispering into my ear.

A shiver went down my spine when I met his gaze. His amber eyes bored into mine, the corner of his lips turned upwards. I swallowed the growing lump in my throat, adjusting my steps to his. “Perhaps I wouldn’t make mistakes were I given a competent partner,” I countered.

Francis chuckled, spinning me in beat with music. “Perhaps I am not used to dancing with masters like yourself.” He winked, ignoring my never-ending glare.

The music slowed, every other instrument quieted, leaving the violin and piano to lead the piece.

I wished I could enjoy the harmony, yet Francis had ruined even that; he spun us right to the center of the ballroom, stopping every other pair in place.

Dozens of eyes stung my skin, yet I refused them any acknowledgment.

“How are you enjoying my ball, Your Highness?” Francis’ voice cut through the violin.

“It’s all right,” I shrugged, painfully aware of all the strangers’ ears around us. “There is clearly room for improvement,” I added louder.

A grin spread across Francis’ face. “I don’t doubt that. I am open to suggestions, Your Highness.”

“This music bores me.” I almost heard a gasp from behind me. What in the Kingdom was I doing?

“And yet you agreed to a dance,” Francis raised one brow.

“I believe you left me no choice.” I cared not to hide the anger in my tone.

“I don’t see a chain around your neck.” Francis’ face was just a few inches away from mine. “It’s all right to enjoy my presence, Princess.” He lowered his voice to a whisper, “Your secret is safe with me.”

My skin flushed, though I didn’t pay it any attention when I said my next words.

“You and your foolish ball disgust me,” I spat out.

“Your arrogance blinds you, otherwise you could see how much I despise everything that involves you.” My words silenced the musicians.

Several people chuckled at my outburst; my eyes closed in embarrassment.

Francis’ body pressed into mine, yet we did not move. The sweet burning feeling down in my stomach spread through my veins, spinning my head drunk.

A few moments of deathly silence passed before the musicians finally resumed their playing, making the strangers around us return to their dancing, forgetting about us altogether.

“Oh, I can see that, Princess, don’t doubt.” A small smile spread across Francis’ face. “Thank you for allowing me the pleasure of your company.” Francis slowly kissed both of my hands as he turned to leave without sparing me another glance.

“No more balls,” I shouted after him, raising my chin. I turned back toward my table, though I couldn’t help the feeling of foreign joy spreading through my chest despite my protests.

“Dear Gods, that was amazing,” Florence planted her hand on my shoulder.

“Pardon me?” I slightly moved away from her reach.

“You totally humiliated him in front of everyone—” Florence grinned at me. “Oh—you must give me a lesson.”

I sent Francis a quick glance, noting he was still watching me, a glass in his hand.

“On—humiliating Francis?” My brows furrowed.

“No silly!” she laughed. “Dancing! You were fabulous, you must tutor me.”

“Oh. Of course,” I replied to Florence, not exactly confident in what I’d just agreed to, but the bright smile spread across her face let me know my answer had satisfied her.

“Splendid!” Florence put a glass in my hand, urging me to drink. “You should have some.”

“I think I’ve had enough for tonight.” The idea of having any more alcohol in my veins made me nauseous. I should keep my head clear.

“It is not wine, Cordelia.” Florence whispered, “You must have some before humans arrive.”

My eyes flew toward her. Had I heard her correctly? The hair on my neck rose.

“Why would the humans come here?” I asked her, already guessing the answer.

Florence sighed as if trying to explain to a child why fire was hot, yet she stayed quiet. Shaking my head, I took a step backwards, my mind went into stupor.

“Take it,” Florence shoved the drink into my hand, the smile on her face was long gone, and I could not remember if I’d ever seen her glum before.

My mind was occupied with dozens of awful images. My mouth went numb; nausea came in with great force, covering my skin in an icy sweat.

The doors to the ballroom flew wide open, letting a dozen people through.

My throat itched; I instinctively covered it with my hand. Their smell reached my nostrils, my lungs ached. The delightful aroma overwhelmed me, somehow I immediately knew the smell was of the human flesh.

It had not yet crossed my mind where the blood Florence brought me had come from. I’d been so worried for my own sanity, I’d cared not for the formalities of my new state.

No.

My head shook: in disapproval or disbelief—I was not sure. I would rather set myself on fire than participate in this nonsense.

Though Florence did not seem to care, trying to put the glass to my lips. “Drink it,” she hissed at me. “Before you do something you will regret.” She said, her stern tone left no room for an argument. Nothing of sunshine-Florence was left on her face. “Drink, Cordelia.”

My trembling hands took the drink from her, obeying her requests. I emptied it, immediately noting that the drink she’d given me did not taste quite as good as the aroma coming from the group standing by the entrance of the ballroom.

“Good,” Florence nodded, sighing in relief. She took the empty glass from my hand, hugging me tightly; although I could not return the hug this time. Paralyzed, all I was capable of doing was watching the scene that played out in front of me.

A dozen humans were at the mercy of the devil’s creatures, their throats were on display before sharp teeth pierced their smooth skin.