They reached the entrance, which was lined with guards in full uniform, and the rejoicing noise from the party spilled into the hall. The ballroom was dramatic and expensive, with an enormous crystal chandelier in the center of the high ceiling. Hundreds of candles lined the tables against the walls, giving the crowded room a magical, ethereal shimmer.
The blood slaves were lined up on one side of the room, dressed in their finest gowns. They were chatting with each other and giggling as they drank champagne from crystal glasses. On the other side of the dance floor, the vampire guards and council were mingling, drinking wine from goblets, and many of the guards were eyeing the girls.
At the far end of the room, on a raised dais, the king and the queen were sitting on luxuriant golden th
