Page 16 of The Stolen Throne

He laughs. “We are the safest people in all the kingdoms for you to be around.”

“How do you figure?”

He smiles and takes a step closer, invading my space. Reaching up, he brushes a thumb across my lips as he replies, “You aren’t ready to hear the answer to that, Darling.”

“What… what do you mean?” I ask breathlessly as I watch his eyes bleed to black like ink. Those ebony pits of his drawing me in while he stares at me.

“The truth would make you run.” He leans closer until his lips are a hair’s breadth away from mine. “And that would be dangerous for you.”

“Why is that?” I whisper.

His tongue darts across my lips before he replies, “I wouldn’t be able to control the darkness.” He shifts, so his lips caress my ear, making me shiver. “It loves a good chase, Darling. I’m sure Ash would love to hunt his little snow bunny.”

Heat builds in my stomach as my breathing becomes choppy. I lick my lips and say, “Then I’ll make sure not to run.”

With a laugh, he pulls away, backing up to stand next to the door again. He gives me a wink and teases, “Unless you want to be caught.”

With a stiff nod, I scurry into my room, slamming the door behind me. I take a deep breath and fall back against the door, fanning my face when I feel my cheeks burn. I’ve never been this flustered over a man before. Although, the men I have spent most of my days with were the king’s men.

None of the men I’ve met have as much charm as these males do. Thumping my head against the door, I sigh. Even though Kasim infuriates me, he is still attractive. Taking a few more deep breaths in and out, I push away from the door and begin to undress, knowing I will have to trust these men to protect me in the presence of the king.

I could see the truth in Dax’s eyes when he said he would protect me. But that doesn’t stop my heart from pounding with fear at the thought of having to return to that awful place I once loved so much. The fear of being helpless and back at that man's mercy causes my stomach to flip. I shake myself to banish those thoughts and feelings.

I know one thing for sure. I would steal a sword and kill myself before I ever allowed the king’s hands on me again.

11

“H

ello, Little Snowflake,” I hear a voice boom across the great hall, making me flinch.

Bene stands beside me, and he stiffens at the king’s greeting. His hand tightens on mine, which rests on his forearm. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. I have to remind myself that Bene is here with me; he won’t let the king do anything. Not wanting to cause any issues, I return his greeting. “Hello.”

His eyes are their normal mirrored black, and I’ve always thought it an odd color. More so now, since I know the guys’ eyes change from normal to black and then back again. Has the king lost all humanity?

He hums as he takes in his son. “She seems docile. Did you break her in?”

Dax shrugs as his eyes shift to me briefly before returning to his father. “I clipped her wings. An illusion of freedom, but she is still trapped within my cage.” He gives his father a dark smile as he says, “If she tries to escape, she can flit about, but clipped wings can only get you so far.”

The king grins maliciously. “Clipped wings indeed. I do hope she has been fun to play with.” I shiver when he says play because I know what he means by that. The swirls of black smoke floating around him seem to grow erratic. “I have missed your tears, Little Snowflake. Maybe I should have some fun while I visit.”

There’s a cacophony of growls from the males in the room. My eyes widen when I see that all of their eyes have changed to black. Reverie steps out of the darkness as he glares at the king. His eyes are completely black and look otherworldly with his dark skin.

Kasim looks like a wild animal as he snarls in the king's direction with inky eyes. Branimir stands beside him, glaring as well but staying quiet. His black eyes contrast against his reddened cheeks and fiery hair.

Asher comes to stand to my other side, and Bene’s grip on me tightens. I look at Asher first to find my normally happy guard has turned serious as he scowls in the king's direction. His hand comes up to brush against my back as if he would sweep me away if need be.

Alair flanks Dax, both shifting to reveal their swords. With eyes dark as night, Dax’s voice rumbles across the room, “We do not share.”

The king laughs. “I see. Well, then I would love a demonstration at least.” His eyes narrow on his son as he continues, “It’s the least you can do, considering I gifted you with my toy.”

Dax’s eyes shift to me briefly before darting back to his father. “Very well. But you will be waiting outside the chamber. Your eyes will never see her naked body again. She’s mine.”

The way he growls mine sends a shiver down my spine. I want to say that whatever he has planned isn’t going to happen, but I know this situation won’t end well if I disagree with the prince in front of his father.

The king gives a sharp nod. “Very well. Let’s have some fun. If I’m not able to participate, I wish to get this done, so I may return home to play with my other toys.”

Dax nods and shoots Bene a look. “Take her to the guest bed chamber.”

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