You couldn’t see Riya’s face, so Lucian understood Alaric’s hesitation. The two regarded each other after so many years apart. Riya was no longer the skinny, fifteen-year-old girl he had left behind. She was taller and her training gear outlined her athletic frame as well as the swell of her hips and breasts. Alaric didn’t let his guard down and refused to let the Prince move around him. Lucian glanced to Lucy who had just entered, assessing the situation. He almost laughed at her frown of disproval.

“Riya,” Lucy called.

At the sound of her name, Riya lifted her hand and pointed at Alaric. She then pointed at the wall of weapons. The gesture simple: take your pick. It was a starting move Alaric knew well. The light went out of his hand as he stepped forward.

“Riya,” he began, shaking his head. She continued pointing at the weapons. “Riya, my duty is to protect the Prince. I am not to step away from his side. I can’t…” Riya opened her hand, looked at the weapon wall and jerked her arm forward. Three gold knives flew from the wall directly at the Crown Prince’s chest. Alaric blocked them with his magic; the sharp blades impaled the wall just behind them. The impact of the knives was so forceful that everyone tensed. “Enough, Riya!” Alaric shouted. She pointed to the wall again.

–Excerpt from THE BONE DANCER