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I burned watching him leave. The way he spoke about me. As though I was already the animal this place would turn me into.
“Are you all right, my queen?” I was set back on my feet, and finally given a chance to gaze upon the line of women waiting to greet us. One had thick, dark fur poking her pants and sleeves, and large beaver teeth down to her chin. Beside her was a horse faeriken. With the long muzzle and ears on her crown, she could be nothing but.
On the other side of the woman setting me on my feet was a tiger faeriken. Striped, fuzzy fur and unsettlingly long canines gleamed between her whiskers.
I tried to stop staring at them, and ended up staring at my catcher’s plume of black feathers and slitted eyes. She beamed at me.
“Welcome, Queen Emiana, it is our pleasure— Nay, our honor, to welcome you.”
They bowed low.
“Um, thanks.” I cut a look at the door.
The guards were drawing it closed. Gazing up, I saw the massive, thick slab of wood waiting to slam home on metal hooks, sealing the door, and me in.
“Will you allow me introductions?” she asked.
I turned away to face her. It occurred to me to make a run for it, but I’d breathe fresh air for all of a second before his guards tackled me. There has to be another way out of the castle.
Like through a servants’ entrance.My interest piqued.Servants like the ones before you. They are who I need.
“Yes, please,” I said, putting on a smile to match.
“I am Aeris. Head servant and personal attendant to you, my queen.” She bowed again, then kissed my hand on the way up. I would never get used to that. “This is Mavourneen.” She pointed to the horse-faced girl. “She is your royal dresser.
“This is Talulla.”Beaver girl.“She is your official taste-tester.
“And this is Eadaoin.”Tiger girl.“She is your companion. She will be by your side always, providing for your every need—recreational and sexual.”
I blinked. “Excuse me?”
Aeris’s smile still blinded. “This is Eadaoin, your companion.”
“I heard that part. What was at the end of your sentence?”
“She is here to serve your sexual needs,” she repeated, blowing my eyes wide. “That is, of course, when our lord and master is not available to satisfy them for you. Eadaoin is quite skilled.” Grasping the woman’s shoulders, she brought her closer. “She was chosen just for you.”
“Nope.” I tossed my head. “No and nope.”
“My lady?” Aeris’s smile slipped. “Is something wrong?”
“Eadaoin will not be serving my sexual needs. That has been removed from your duties.”
“Oh.” For some reason, Eadaoin slumped. “It is because I am hideous to you. I knew it. I’m so sorry, my lady.”
“No, that’s not—”
Aeris sighed, nodding. “Of course, I should’ve known. My queen, I will find your next companion myself. One who has yet to undergo the change. She will be the epitome of Lyrican beauty.” Another deep bow. “But she will not hold a candle to you.”
“There will be no she!”
“No she?” Talulla made an odd sound, clicking her teeth. “Ah, I see. Our queen is saying she wants a man.”
“A man?” Aeris said the word like it was foreign. “You wish for a male companion? But, my queen... you’re a married woman.” Reproach was so heavy in her eyes, I almost shrunk. “Our lord will not like this.”
I threw up my hands. “Let me be clear. I have no wish for a sexual companion of any gender. At all. Ever. However, a regular companion who—once again does not perform any sexual acts—would be wonderful.” I tipped my head to Eadaoin. “I’m sure you’re perfect for the job.”
“Thank you, my queen.” Eadaoin’s smile returned. “It is my honor to serve.”
