The tension builds, until I’m choking on it.
Aurelius leans even closer, until I can see the tawny flecks in his amber eyes. “Nothing to say, Little Spark? It’s refreshing to meet someone who isn’t groveling at my feet and telling me what I want to hear. I could burn anyone to ash. I could kill you. But I choose not. It’s my right as King. I’m protecting you.”
My chest is tight with fear. “I’ve lived in the shadow of death, haunted by its ghosts my entire life. I’ve just had my bond broken. I’m not in the groveling mood, even if you burn me.”
To my surprise, Aurelius chuckles, deep and rumbling. “You’re fucking perfect.”
I force myself to ask, “Where am I?”
Finally, Aurelius sits back, brushing his hair away from his face, and I can start to breathe again.
He appears to notice my fear (he must be able to smell it in the sourness of my scent). He sends out soothing pheromones, which calm me more than I am expecting they could.
Why is he bothering? Why did he save and heal me?
“This is my tent in the middle of the Draca military camp. We’re on the borders of the Unseelie Kingdom. I can’t tell you precisely where, since I’m in the middle of a campaign.” His gaze hardens. I can see now how he’s the warrior who leads an army that dominates the world. I quail. “Who drew the fae runes on your dress?”
He snatches up my scarlet dress, shaking it like evidence at a trial.
Shit, this is bad.
Maybe he’s only saved me in order to interrogate me as a fae loving spy.
Admittedly, wearing a dress that’s covered with ancient rune magic, which is forbidden in lands under the control of King Aurelius, does look bad.
“I can explain,” I start because usually I’m good at talking myself out of trouble and I’ve had a lot of practice, “I stole (borrowed because can you truly steal knowledge?), from Prince Bard’s banned book. No Omega has access to that knowledge.”
Aurelius’ gaze has become even frostier. “And why would youborrowillegal fae magic?”
“To not have my throat torn out in the Mate Hunt. I’m quite fond of my throat and actually, the rest of me too. It’s only a protection spell to hide my scent and stop me from being caught by an Alpha.”
Aurelius’ eyes sparkle with suppressed mirth. “And how did that work out for you?”
“Shit, thanks for asking.”
“So, King Ulf’s son is the traitor who possesses illegal books. That is useful information.”
“He’s also the asshole who broke the bond with me.”
Aurelius goes unnaturally still.
“Is he, now?” His voice is calm but somehow manages to sound twice as murderous.
It’s thrilling.
No one has sounded like that on my behalf before.
Is it fair of me to take revenge on Bard like this?
I don’t know, but as the old saying goes,break an Omega’s bond, and an Omega will break your knot.
When have old sayings ever led anyone astray, right?
I nod.
“Hmm.” Aurelius looks coldly calculating. I shiver. “So, the wolves are trading with my enemies the fae, possibly more. Tell me, are you also secretly friends with the vampires?”
Aurelius’ gaze sharpens like he’s suddenly considering devouring me or at least, throwing me out of the nest.
