Free Carnal Magic: The Wraith Accords, Book 1 by Lila Dubois Page A

the princes and princess—were seated on long low couches and chairs near the fire.
    Those not in favor with the royal house, and members of the lower houses, stood against the walls—hopeful spectators.
    Isabel was lounging on a chaise, a glass of wine dangling from her fingers. Her body was lush and tempting in her fitted dress. Reclined as she was, her breasts were on magnificent display and Aed couldn’t stop himself from thinking what it had been like to touch her.
    “A game? Is it one I would know?” Isabel spoke casually, gaze focused on the fire.
    Deocha, the daughter of Fionnin, head of one of the most powerful high houses, slid to her feet. She was slim and elegant in a dress the color of irises.
    Aed went on alert. Deocha was devious in the extreme. She’d given herself over to Cairbe dozens of times, seeming to revel in the most extreme debasement at his hands. More often than not, she turned around and tormented members of the lower houses or servants once Cairbe was done with her. But unlike the prince’s companions, not all of Deocha’s survived.
    “What would be the fun of playing a game you already know? You’re here in Tara—let us teach you our game.”
    Prince Oisin made a disgusted noise and got to his feet. The woman who’d been draped against him fell inelegantly against the couch cushions.
    “I’ll have no part of this.” He ripped off the tawny cloak and tossed it into the air, where it disappeared. “Brothers, sister.” He nodded to Fionn, Cairbe and Niamh. “Psychotic leeches.” He bowed to the other Tuath seated by the fire.
    Fionn snorted out a laugh as Oisin disappeared. The courtiers shifted uncomfortably, though some of them tried to laugh it off, pretending Oisin’s words had been a joke.
    Deocha’s smile tightened in the silence following Oisin’s departure, but she would not be deterred. “A game, my friends?”
    “I’d like to play.” Niamh was smiling.
    Isabel sat up. “Perhaps I’ll watch you play, before I participate.”
    “That wouldn’t be fun,” Niamh said.
    “I would not want to ruin your game with my inexperience.”
    “Oh, but I insist that you play,” Deocha said.
    “You insist?” Isabel raised one eyebrow.
    Deocha realized she’d overstepped and looked at Cairbe.
    The prince shrugged. “What game are you thinking of, Deocha?” He looked bored.
    “A show of strength and creativity. What better way for us to learn about the vampire, and for her to learn about us?”
    “It sounds like a very fine game, but I quite like this dress and have no desire to ruin it.” Isabel sighed in mock sadness and several people laughed.
    Niamh narrowed her eyes at Deocha, who nodded slightly before facing Isabel once more. “It’s not just physical strength that’s important in this game. You won’t ruin your dress.”
    Isabel shrugged, seemingly immune to the pressure to play that Deocha and the princess were applying.
    When Isabel remained silent, Deocha’s lips pinched together. “I’ll go first. I need a…partner.” Deocha scanned the walls where members of the lower houses were standing. “Evon, come here.”
    A slim young man with silvery eyes stepped forward. Aed stiffened, forcing himself to hold still when every instinct told him to reach out and grab the boy.
    “You’ll help me with the game, won’t you?” Deocha smiled sweetly. The boy nodded—like a damned fool.
    Cairbe motioned and everyone rose. With a wave of his hand the couches scooted back, clearing a fifteen-square-foot area in front of the fire. The casual display of power was unlike the prince, and Aed suspected it was an attempt to impress Isabel, but she calmly resumed her seat once the furniture was moved.
    “What next?” Isabel asked.
    “Now I must decide how best to display my strengths.” Deocha shook her head, her long hair flowing down her back. “It’s no different than designing the perfect dress, one that both flatters me and expresses my unique