Page 53 of Thorns and Echoes

Mistress’ petting paused. “Welcome, Prince Balak. Did you forget to land at Drantar? I wasn't expecting you quite so soon. My people haven’t returned from that bitch’s tournament yet.”

The prince’s name sounded familiar. Castien had seen that confident, wide grin and flamboyant bow before. The memory surfaced slowly, like a bubble rising from the bottom of the ocean.

Balak waved gold-ringed fingers. “The tournament was cancelled. Your people will be here soon, I’m sure, your highness. Ships sail faster than horses run, and the winds favor me.”

The Queen resumed stroking. “Mm. I hate boats. Akerami is welcome to all the oceans in the world, as far as I’m concerned.”

Grinning, Balak bowed again. “And that is why my mother loves you dearly, Queen Yelena. She sends gifts for you – treasures from the sea and our people.”

The two women stepped forward to set down their chest. Within lay bolts of colorful silk and shiny jewelry. In the back ofhis mind, he catalogued the trinkets. A small fortune – perhaps enough to purchase his services for a moon.

Except that his services belonged to his Mistress now.

A wave of dizziness washed away the thought.

Queen Yelena leaned forward, pushing on his head as she moved. He braced his spine. “Has dear Brianna finally sent you to join my court? I would never mistreat you, a sweet prince of Aker. Oh, Balak, I would honor you like my own son.”

The courtesan frowned. Her purring tone had nothing motherly to it. He glared at the prince.

Bakak threw his head back and laughed. “Most lovely Queen, I am afraid I would wither away in your land. A few days off my boats, and you will find me a terrible companion.” His eyes slid to Castien. “Like the man at your side… I couldn’t help but notice the Drantarian whore.”

Claws raked his hair and grasped the strands, angling his head up. He quickly smoothed his expression. She glanced down, then narrowed her eyes at the prince. “My toy? You recognize him?”

He nodded. “Queen Anais was to make him her Consort. Their tournament was for him, and only cancelled because they claimed their Queen was poisoned. Strange how he arrived here so quickly.”

A beauteous smile spread across his Mistress’ lips. “My toy loves me. Don’t you?”

Lost in the amber of her eyes, he said easily, “Yes, Mistress.”

She released his head abruptly. Her arm rested on her throne as she narrowed her eyes at Castien. “Consort, indeed. I thought that ridiculous announcement was a trap. She truly wantedyouas her Consort?”

“…Yes. I… Yes, Mistress.” A faint thrum of pain began in his temple. He didn’t like the twist of her lips. She was disgusted. With him?

Then her expression cleared, and her smile returned. His panic receded as she scratched lightly at his face. "I have an idea. You have the attention of two Queens – a rare thing. I always knew you were more than you seemed. What do you think of being my Consort instead?"

His heart pounded, panic and pain crashing through his head. He was aware of himself saying, "I'm not worthy, Mistress."

A sharp pinprick punctured the center of his bottom lip. Her eyes tracked the bead of red that dripped to his chin. "No, you are not. But it will be fun. We will have the ceremony next week.” She turned her smile to the court. “Yes, how fortunate you are here, Prince Balak. We can hold a tournament as properly as the bitch Queen of Drantar. What kind of contest do you prefer, dear prince?"

The Akeramian lightly touched a finger to the hilt of a sword. “Oh, I enjoy a sea battle any day, highness. But a duel will do just as well.”

“My toy has been training with a sword.” Her gaze flicked down again. “Toy, would you like to duel the prince?”

He licked his lip and tasted copper. "If you wish, Mistress."

Her smile gained a cruel edge – a smile she’d once worn when she rode him and whipped him. "I wish. What do you think Anais will do when she finds out?"

She was watching him very closely. That name was like an arrow into his eye. He fixed his attention on his Mistress, thought only of her, refused to think of any other woman. Pain hovered like a knife at his temple.

"I don't know, Mistress."

Her face darkened. "Don't lie to me. Think."

The ringing in his ears was back. The voice was listening, rage building. He tried to think past it, ignore it. "She will be… angry. Sad." Why would the Queen of Drantar care about him?The ringing exploded into a scream. Pain stabbed his mind. He whimpered and closed his eyes.

"Look at me."

His eyes snapped to hers, the pain and ringing slowly fading. She had bent down. Her claws caressed his chin and lifted him up, up to her lips. Her kiss was cool, as though he was fevered. He drank her soothing, demanding kiss, thanked her when she leaned away.