Page 287 of Commanding Scythe and Sky

She pinched my chin between thumb and forefinger, turning my face this way and that. “Is he not feeding you, pet? You weren’t so skinny when you were dragged into the throne room months ago.”

Adrastos sighed, long and pained. “You know as well as I do what this place does to people.”

For the first time since I’d arrived, Marlana’s irises were entirely free of the shadows I’d grown accustomed to. Clear. Focused.

Currently focused on me.

“I am provided for.”

She nodded softly. “It doesn’t take two to deliver a summons. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“I guess not,” I said, gaze flicking between the two intruders as I fought the urge to glance toward the bookshelves. The ruby in my hair gave an indignant thrum of energy, almost… annoyed.

“So, if you’re as clever as my brother claims, you must be wondering why I’m here.”

“I assumed we’d get there eventually.” I pulled away from her, sidestepping deeper into the room, relieved when Bartholomew followed.

I might not trust Barry or his cousin, but somehow their brand of psychotic felt less volatile than the silver-haired witch did right now. Being sandwiched between the two of them slowed my pulse, if only incrementally.

Only as that sly smile broadened and the witch turned to follow did I fully register that I was surrounded by killers.

Not just killers.

Sadistic, strategic murderers. Warriors responsible for the demise of entire hierarchies. And their princess was looking at me like a meal.

“I came to thank you,” she purred, cocking one hip as I backed another step away.

“Thank me?”

“For your help and quick thinking with Moros.”

“Oh. I… of course,” I said, scrambling for words that made sense.

“The vermin dealt us an insult we must retaliate for quickly.” My stomach bottomed out. “Rest assured, should we secure the wild card tonight, that retaliation will be imminent.”

“Wild card?” I prodded.

“You’ll understand. Our cousin—well, my cousin,” she clarified snottily, eyes sharpening over my shoulder as if inflicting a physical wound on the men behind me. “He’s a rather unconventional one. Currently, he’s declared his intent to protect his own interests, but that simply won’t do. The fates have a sense of humor, and we need him for this to work.”

I nodded. “And you think I can help you win his allegiance?”

“I don’t. But he does,” she countered, jerking her delicately pointed chin toward Adrastos.

“And why’s that?”

“Please.” She tossed her silver hair over one shoulder. “Look at yourself. I fear you’re exactly his flavor, much to my brother’s chagrin. Beautiful. Helpless.”

“I…” The words died as breath slammed out of me, realization stinging like a slap. Hell, I think I would’ve preferred the slap. I whirled, eyes snapping to Adrastos’ face, which remained infuriatingly impassive. “You want me to seduce him?” I squeaked.

“Well, I can’t do it,” Marlana purred. “That would be incestuous, darling. Besides, if he intended to keep the bloodline pure, he would’ve done it by now.”

“I will not fuck your cousin,” I blurted, pleading eyes locked on the side of Adrastos’ face as he glared at his sister.

“Nobody asked you to open your thighs, Briar.”

Marlana shrieked with laughter. “Although, if you’ve never ridden a king before, I encourage you to try it sometime. They are unanimously mad with power. Make one remark about their endurance and they’ll give you the time of your life proving the point.”

Adrastos stiffened, then sighed dramatically. “That won’t be necessary. I’ve acquired proper incentive. Briar’s charm is simply more likely to keep him around long enough to give a damn.”