Excerpt from "Blood Sin" by Toni V. Sweeney

Excerpt:

Taking a deep breath, Aric walked into the sunlight. As his uncle rose to meet him, he stopped and bowed, “You wish to see me, Your Majesty?” as if he had no idea why.

“Yes.”

He could feel those hawk's eyes taking in his dusty clothes and the fact that he was wearing the most simple and undecorated of the Black Shield uniforms, knew his uncle could smell the alcoholic haze floating about him.

“I-I came as soon I received your message. I didn't want to take time to change,“ he lied.

“I see.” His uncle's tone told him, that he did indeed see, more than Aric's explanation said.

Aric forced himself to affect an innocent expression which he was certain didn't fool Deroes a bit.

“I know you've heard the newscasts--”

“Yes, sir.” He had to steel himself not to burst out with the questions he really wanted to ask-- How could you do this? You nearly caused a war! Have you completely lost your mind over this little slut?

“--and you know why I've summoned you.”

Aric nodded, not trusting himself to speak. He glanced past his uncle, trying to get a good look at the girl sitting on the stone bench.

He didn't like what he saw.

Alien.

That was the word that came into his mind as he looked at her.

She was too different, the opposite of everything he liked in a woman. Small, the top of her head would probably be on a level with the center button of his tunic, and very pale, with dark gleaming hair and eyes lighter than the noonday sky, a stark contrast to the women in his own family with their long copper hair and topaz eyes.

His gaze swept over the dress she wore--what there was of it. Gods, the garment is almost as short as my uniform tunic! He could actually see her legs, pale and slender, midway up her thighs.

The Arcanian Double Standard sprang to life: what he might slaver over in a bar-maid was forbidden attire for a future queen.

Move those legs one inch, slut, came the vicious thought, and you'll give everyone a glimpse of the Gates to Lust!

He wondered how many times his uncle had gone through those gates.

She was nearer his own age than Deroes'. Of course! An old stallion with a young mare. His uncle was like any other old man, making a fool of himself over some young Piece of Light.