Page 156 of Ravenrose

“Would you like a drink, Your Majesty?” Theo holds up his already half-empty glass of whiskey, making an attempt to break the simmering tension between her and his captain. “Ayer and I were just enjoying a lovely nightcap.”

The queen doesn’t even look at him.

“No. I won’t be long.” The way her eyes slither back over to Ayer reminds me of a viper right before it strikes. “I just wanted to congratulate you on your victory at Rosecliff. A grand success.”

I tense, and Ayer’s hand tightens on my thigh, silently warning me to stay still and quiet.

“Yes,” he replies smoothly, lifting his own glass of dark liquid toward Theo. “The first of many, we hope.”

The queen’s eyes drift over me again.

“And you’ve found yourself a new pet?” She comes closer, inspecting me as if I were a piece of livestock, one eyebrow raised. “She is fae?” she asks, her tone marked with surprise as she looks at Ayer for confirmation, as if my ears aren’t evidence enough.

I feel Ayer’s fingers in my hair before his fist curls around a lock of it, roughly tugging my head to the side to expose my neck to the mercy of his mouth.

My pulse thumps violently.

His eyes stay on the queen, a challenge in them I don’t quite understand, as his mouth brushes lightly against my neck. All while his other hand disappears beneath the thin fabric of my skirt.

“An even greater victory,” he murmurs before biting down on my throat.

A soft whimper escapes me before I can stop it. The queen visibly recoils in disgust.

“Well,” she says stiffly, “I’m surprised you haven’t killed it yet.” Her eyes lock on mine deliberately, cruel amusement dancing in them.

I attempt to shift away from Ayer, but his grip on my hair and thigh tighten, dragging me in closer. He is—for better or worse—in complete control of my body right now.

And I’m allowing it.

“No promises.” The ice in Ayer’s voice sends a shiver down my spine. Possessive, controlling… The voice of a ruthless shadows-cursed war captain.

The queen looks down her nose at us in disgust. “I need to be on my way, but before I go,” her eyes sharpen, narrowing in on Ayer behind me, “what is the status of the Raven?”

This time, I feel Ayer tense for real. His fingers momentarily tighten in my hair before he releases me entirely.

The Raven.

My body stiffens as I await what he has to say about the creature: the dark demon hellspawn Kovaria summoned to help them win this war. I had seen neither hide nor hair of the creature since our departure from the rest of the Kovarian army, and I was happy about it.

Ayer hesitates for a long moment, and when he speaks, his words are careful. “The Raven remains with the army. His well of power has recovered.”

I perk up at the bite of intel.

Recovered?

Meaning it can weaken. As devastating as the Raven’s power is, apparently using it drains him. I file the knowledge away with a flicker of hope that I might be able to share it with my brothers.

The queen’s smile is thin. “Excellent. Daekhar moves against the rest of Sitara soon.” Her gaze sharpens. “Tell the Raven we will require him at full strength.”

I chance a glance at Ayer behind me. His jaw is tight, and his eyes hard as he gives the queen a stark military nod. “I will see to it.”

Satisfied, the queen finally turns toward the door.

“I’ll see you soon.” She levels a warning gaze on both Theo and Ayer before she disappears into the hall with her soldiers trailing out behind her.

The second she leaves, the room feels lighter, like I can breathe again.

Ayer loosens his tight grip on my waist but I don’t move—not yet.