Page 9 of Ravenrose

I missed my brother. But the entire thing still grates on me. As much as I appreciate Fel backing me up, I shouldn’t need his permission.

Still waiting impatiently by the door, Alita throws up her hands, a distinct sound of disapproval emanating from her before she turns and stalks out of the throne room. Her heels click loudly against the marble floor as she goes.

The general looks as though he has more opinions on the matter, but wisely keeps his mouth shut. The sight of his red cheeks and tight jaw makes it hard to contain the smug smile that threatens to escape me.

“Do you have to be difficult in everything?” Riven asks, leaning in, his voice a whisper so only I can hear him.

My eyes stay trained on the general when I give my answer. “Yes.”

My twin leans back, exhaling. Forever my greatest ally, he doesn’t always understand. All three of us had been born at the table, but only Fel and Riven were offered a seat. I’ve had to fight for mine since the day I was born.

Fel takes his seat on the dais beside us, and at his behest, the soldiers half-drag, half-push the prisoner forward. I steal the opportunity to study him, recognizing the Kovarian crest on his armour: a sword pointed down, with white wings flaring out from either side. And through all the dirt and mud, the silver, white, and blue of his uniform peeks through. My eyes trail up to his rounded ears until they land on those bright blue eyes.

Human.

“What can I do for you, Your Highness?” The man’s eyebrows fold forward. “Highnesses?” he questions before giving a little shrug, addressing all of us before bowing deeply—too deeply—mockingly deeply.

I arch a brow.

One of the guards leans forward and smacks the back of his head again. “You’re to speak only when spoken to.”

The man reaches up to rub the side of his head with the back of his hand, his hands still bound. I catch the slight smirk on his face before it disappears, his eyes finding mine again.

He knew that. He’s familiar with court etiquette; most are not.

“What is your name?” Fel asks, his voice deep and in command, every bit the Crown Prince of Sitara right now.

The man turns his attention to my brother with a look of exaggerated confusion on his face, making a slight gesture toward his chest, as if confirming Fel was talking to him.

“It is Theo, Sire.” He takes his gaze down to the floor. Still taking it just slightly too far for it to truly be respectful.

“Is that a last name or a first name, Theo?” Fel asks, his mouth a thin line, unamused with the Kovari scout’s attitude.

“It is the only name. Sire,” he tacks the honorific on at the end, but his tone remains in jest as if still not recognizing the seriousness of his situation.

“Well, Theo, is it?” Fel leans forward in his seat. “Do you care to tell me what in the hells you were doing in my forest?”

Theo looks thoughtful for a moment, as if actually considering the question and whether or not to answer it. “No, I don’t believe I do, Sire.”

Fel doesn’t move, but his jaw ticks slightly. There’s a beat of silence while he studies the scout. “Is this a joke to you, Theo?” There’s a dangerous edge to my brother’s voice that wasn’t there before.

“No, Sire.” Theo’s expression appears serious—yet not at the same time.

Riven shifts in his seat, and Theo’s eyes flicker to him, holding his gaze. Unabashed. Unintimidated. His blue eyes still sparkling.

But Fel has had enough. He waves to the guards at Theo’s back. “Take him down to the cells for further questioning.” The guards haul the man roughly to his feet, dragging him from the room.

My eyes trail them out. Theo notices my stare and shoots me another wink.

I shake my head, marveling at the man’s audacity.

Riven notices. The glower on his face evident as he glances between the two of us, looking like he might call them back, but I wave him off. No harm done.

“If he winks at you again, I’ll personally remove those pretty little eyes of his.”

“Stop being dramatic,” I sigh, though my worry for the prisoner grows.

“He’s asking for it,” Riven grumbles, looking like he’s still half debating chasing after the Kovari scout.