Page 107 of White Raven

“And I prefer you in leathers,” the king replied dryly.

“I mean who doesn’t, right? My ass looks great in these.” Bjørn winked over at me.

Despite my mood a smile broke through, my head shaking at his silliness.

The king motioned for them to proceed, the four Night Hunters ushering us across the floor, scurrying the partygoers out of our way. Small cages hanging from the walls were filled with colorful birds and tiny creatures I had never seen before. Bright peacocks strolled around, their plumage standing out against the backdrop of black gowns.

The main floor was a forest of cascading moonflowers and night-blooming jasmine, their scent so dominating it lightened my head, taking over any smells from the food being piled on the tables set around the edges of the room. Instead of everyone sitting down to dinner, like my father preferred, King Helvig focused more on the dancing and merriment, keeping the food to the side to nibble on. Everywhere I looked thralls strolled around with jugs, pouring wine and mead in abundance, adding to the bewitching tone of the ambiance.

Walking deeper into the huge round room, I noticed a handful of people-sized cages hanging down between the chandeliers, their elegant silver frames reflecting off the moonlight and almost disguising what was inside.

My feet came to a stop, the taste of acid choking up my airways.

“What is wrong, my dear?” Gavric curved his head to me in a smirk. “You do not like my engagement gift?”

Acid raked over my stomach in horror. Hovering above my head, each birdcage was occupied. Women and men, their almost naked figures writhing to the music, their bodies wrapped in sheer gauze adorned with snowy feathers, the moonlight illuminating their white hair and pale skin.

Day Ravens.

“I thought they would make you feel more at home.” His attention was on them, watching them move seductively to the music. “They are such lovely creatures, aren’t they? My most prized possessions.” He nodded to them. “And unlike your father, I don’t enslave your people.” He looked back at me pointedly. “I collect them.” He reached over, brushing his knuckles down my cheek. “And you, my dove, are the rarest of all. The most beautiful and sacred of my butterflies. You will bring me so much wealth and power.”

I wanted to laugh at his declaration, tell him what a fool he was. The sentiment was on the tip of my tongue, but I forced myself to stop. Sucking in a deep breath through my nose, trying to regain myself, somehow everything felt lighter, all my worries not feeling as important. The shock of seeing my own people in the cages, being held like collector pieces, dissolved away in smoke.

And it felt good. Not to worry or care. I just wanted to feel happy.

King Helvig’s coy smile grew, his hands brushing over my arms like he needed to touch me. “Yes, experience how good you can feel.” He took a deep breath. “Come, my dove. I have more gifts waiting for you.”

I didn’t fight him, everything seemed more and more surreal as we took steps up to another dais, where two black ornamental thrones sat side by side overlooking the room. His flock stood in very little clothing at attention around them with trays of food and drink. Exotic animals scurried in hanging cages behind the thrones, jasmine and moonflowers cascading down the wall behind, filling my nose with more of the floral scent.

King Helvig sprawled in his chair, a smugness oozing from him, as his eyes grew hazier, peering at me with a lustful glance.

“Sit, my queen. Be by my side.” He motioned toward the throne beside him.

“Until you don’t need me anymore,” I blurted, my tone coming out calm and factual.

He grinned widely, his shoulder shrugging. “We all have our roles to play.” Grabbing a glass of wine off a tray, he patted the seat. “And let’s not worry about any of that until later. We haven’t even enjoyed our union together first.” His focus drifted beyond me, a smile tweaking his face. “Which might come sooner than later.”

“What—”

“Your highness.” A familiar female voice cut me off, swinging me around to the figure at the bottom of the steps.

My world tipped on its side. I had the sensation I had stepped into an alternative universe, struggling to put the pieces together. What was she doing here? Was she a hostage like I was?

“Morrigan.” The king purred the name of my father’s personal seer as though he had said it many times in private. “I am so happy you could make it home.”

Her beautiful smile was only for him, but her blue eyes slid to me briefly, a self-satisfaction in her expression before she turned back.

“As I am, my lord.” She dipped her head, her dark blond hair tumbling down to her waist, laced with black feathers, declaring who she stood with. Her eyes burning with desire. “I have missed you.” She kneeled before him.

His eyes glinted with lust, his tongue sliding over his lip, not at all hiding his erection. He leaned over, his mouth taking hers. “Same, my dear.”

My chin swung between them, my brain not able to process what I knew to be true. She had been my father’s private seeress for years, and he’d never doubted her faithfulness for an instant. He bedded her, he listened to her like he did the captain of his guards, leading his decisions.

This whole time she was a spy?

“No.” I shook my head, still wanting to deny it. I stared at my father’s seer, the woman who stood at my betrothal, whom I had trusted. “I don’t understand . . . how could you turn against us?”

“Turn against you?” she huffed, her hand twining around Gavric’s leg, his fingers threading through her hair like she was a hound. “I was never with you.”