Page 188 of The Fallen Fae King

“Surely you should call me Aurelius.”

“I would also like that, Aurelius.”

She smiles, adjusting her braids.

My smile is much darker, as I prowl closer to the bed.

Liviana’s smile falters.

I gesture at the jewels. “What are all these?”

“Mother sent them. They are heirlooms from my family. They belonged to my ancestors and were worn on their wedding days. She said that I could choose one.”

“So, she does allow you to make some of your own choices?”

Liviana casts me a sharp look. “What do you mean?”

My smile widens to reveal my fangs, and the Omega shrinks back against the pillows.

I lean over Liviana. “Who would you have picked between my brother and me?”

She pales. “How can I…? I d-d-don’t…That is an inappropriate question.”

I flood my dominant pheromones over Liviana, and she huddles even further into the bedding. “Tonight, you will be rutted on my knot. Nothing I ask that brings us closer is inappropriate, is it? Did you prefer Tarq over me because he was older, more charming, the King?”

Liviana’s eyes moisten.

Interesting.

Is it a ploy or real?

Is she crying for herself, however, or over feelings for my brother?

“He courted me,” Liviana whispers. “By the Shadow Gods, why are you talking about the past? Can’t we look to our future? I will be loyal to you alone, I swear. Your loving Empress. You won’t even think about those filthy consorts…”

Filthy consorts…?

Fuck this undercover shit.

I snap, growling loudly enough to make Liviana scream in terror. Sparks spray from my horns.

I’m doing this my way.

I turn and leap from the dais. Then I storm back out of the door and into the corridor, where I left Aquila on his knees. I knew that I would need him later.

Aquila’s hair is tangled, falling over his bruised face. His academy uniform is creased and so hastily dragged on that he broke the top button.

Normally, he would be flogged for that.

His feet are bare because I didn’t wait for him to pull on his boots.

“Get up,” I snarl. “Play your part like we agreed. You are only good for lying, after all. Disobey, and I shall tear out both your throats like the traitors you are. Your soft Alpha isn’t here to save you now. Do you understand?”

Trembling, Aquila nods with wide eyes. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

When he shakily stands, I punch him in the mouth.

He lets out a grunt of pain, and his lip busts. Satisfied at the way that blood is staining his teeth and trickling down his chin, I grab him by the scruff of the neck and drag him into the bedchamber.