Here’s a nibble from Summer Knights Dream, by Ariadne Breylard

“I’m prey.”

“You’re not prey.” Mother wrapped her hand around my chin and turned my face to look at her. “You’re glamoured as prey. That does not make you prey.”

“I’m being hunted.”

“You’re being dramatic as usual, daughter.” Father bent down to kiss the top of my head. “You’re glamoured as prey, not being hunted and you’re certainly not prey. Far from it.”

“Think of it as being a coveted prize that the greatest treasure finders are actively searching for.” Pop’s voice lilted as if he were weaving a tale.

“That’s exactly why she’s being dramatic, Elio. You make everything fantastical.” Baba shook his head at Pop as he caught my eye in the mirror. “You’re fulfilling your destiny as your mother did, and your grandmother before her, and so on. This is tradition, my love. This is how you will find mates worthy of the position they will one day hold by your side.”

“This is how you will find mates worthy of you, my darling,” Papa crooned as he hugged me and kissed the top of my head. “I know it feels daunting, but it is necessary.”

I sighed and turned to look at myself in the full-length mirror. Tonight, if the fates granted it, I would find my Spring Mate.