Page 28 of Stolen

My stomach lurched, and nausea burned my throat.

“The food doesn’t please you?” Midian asked.

I smiled. “Nothing pleases me more.” Praying my hand wouldn’t shake, I dipped my spoon in the meat-water and brought it to my mouth. He tracked my movement, and an intense look entered his eyes as he watched me swallow. When he didn’t look away, I continued eating, spooning water and undercooked meat into my mouth and hoping I didn’t choke.

Midian observed this like he found it fascinating. He leaned an elbow on the table, the look in his eyes almost lustful. “What’s it like?” he rasped.

What would Laurent say? I nodded toward Midian’s untouched plate. “Won’t you try some?”

His eyes went black, and his handsome face twisted in unmistakable rage. For one brief, terrifying moment, he looked like a decaying, grimacing corpse. A beat later, he was back to normal, and he waved a languid hand. “I enjoy watching you.”

My face was beginning to hurt from smiling. I took another bite so I could switch to chewing. The demons continued their silent, disturbing dance, and I wondered if I was supposed to hear music or if this was just another trick. Varick’s presence pressed against my side like a warm, solid weight. Instinct urged me to turn to him, to make eye contact with someone alive and familiar, but I didn’t dare. Sweat soaked the back of my gown, and my stomach threatened to revolt. But I couldn’t show any discomfort. Our lives depended on me keeping it together.

I looked down at my bowl just as an insect skittered up the side and over my hand. A scream ripped from my throat before I could stop it. I jerked backward in my chair, upsetting the bowl and sending my spoon clattering to the ground. Water and meat sloshed over the table, weaving tiny rivers through the dust.

As one, the demon dancers stopped.

Cold dread descended over me as I stared at the mess on the table. Slowly, I lifted my gaze to Midian.

He rose from his chair, a cruel smile lifting the corners of his mouth. “How unfortunate,” he murmured. “It seems you’re not enjoying the feast, after all.”

My heart dropped into my roiling stomach. “I-I am,” I said, trying to salvage my act, but it was too late. Black bled over his eyes, obscuring the whites and his brilliant blue irises. He swept behind me and headed straight for Varick.

“No!” I cried. “Don’t touch him!”

Varick spoke for the first time as he watched Midian approach. “Be quiet, Given.” His voice sounded scraped from the back of his throat, as if he hadn’t used it in months.

Midian chuckled, the sound low and vicious as he stopped before Varick. He gripped Varick’s jaw and hauled him out of his chair. Midian was slightly taller, and he forced Varick’s head back, putting him in a clearly uncomfortable position.

“Please don’t,” I gasped.

“Given, be silent,” Varick growled.

Midian looked at me over his shoulder. When he spoke, it was in Varick’s low, gravelly voice. “Yes, Given. Please do be silent.” He turned, taking Varick with him. Varick bumped into his chair and sent it toppling over. Midian paid it no mind as he positioned himself and Varick in profile, giving me a clear view of both of their faces.

“The princess doesn’t like our entertainment,” Midian said, his gaze locked with Varick’s. “And that simply will not do, will it, General?”

Varick glared at him but said nothing.

Midian gave an exaggerated sigh and turned his attention to the demons spread throughout the Hall. “So disobedient, these children.”

The demons laughed—a sudden burst of raucous jeers that quickly cut off, leaving an eerie silence that made my heart pound harder and sweat prickle under my arms. The meat sat like stones in my stomach, and my mouth watered uncontrollably as I tried not to vomit.

Midian turned back to Varick. He leaned in like he meant to kiss Varick, not stopping until their lips almost brushed. “We’ll have to find something else to entertain our princess, won’t we?”

Varick jerked. Squeezed his eyes shut. A low-pitched sob escaped his lips.

“No, no, no,” Midian crooned. “Don’t be afraid to look.” He peered at Varick the same way he’d watched me eat. Like he was fascinated. Almost greedy.

Varick strained in Midian’s grip, his lower half shaking. He cried out again, fighting some invisible foe.

Midian laughed. “Oh, how you love having a king on his knees. Such a naughty general, turning your sovereign over your knee.” Midian’s voice changed, growing darker until it reached a growl that sent shivers down my spine. “You revel in it, don’t you, boy? Your disgusting, unnatural, filthy habits.”

“I did nothing wrong!” Varick cried, his voice cracking. He sounded so young. And utterly lost.

I lurched forward, clutching at the back of a chair. “Stop it!”

Varick opened his eyes, but he didn’t look away from Midian. “Stay back, Given!”

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