"Oh, Niam, has our brother here pulled you into another one of his sad conspiracy theories?" Asher asks. "You know Levi is always bitter, but you shouldn't let him get to you too."
"We just thought it best we all have a chance to talk to the princess," Niam says.
"She is quite the prize," another voice says. I recognize him from just one meeting. Dean, Prince of Lust. This time, my knees don't go weak.
"It seems curious that so many of us weren't invited to the recent Council meeting where so many of these decisions were made," says Asher, who seems the most level-headed right now. I'm pretty sure if Fen tried to talk, he'd just start fighting.
"What can we say," Levi says. "You've been awfully preoccupied with other endeavors of late, Asher. Where have you been disappearing to so often?"
"Some of us have real work to do," Asher says. "We can't just sit around all day wishing we had what our brothers have."
There's a thud. Then a groan, and then Asher laughs. I suspect Levi must have punched him. "Now, now, brothers," says a new voice. "We're here. The princess is here. Let's just get on with it, shall we? I have work to do and no time for this rot."
"Shut it, Ace," Levi spits. "You aren't in charge here."
Ace laughs. "Nor are you, dear Levi. And that rankles you, doesn't it?"
"What is the plan for our girl, here?" Asher asks.
Levi answers. "We have some questions for her first."
"Let's have at it then," Asher says. "What are your questions?"
I suck in my breath and exhale slowly, trying to calm my nerves. My legs shake and there's nowhere to sit. Whoever came up with this idea just lost their chance at the crown.
"What criteria will you take into consideration when choosing your mate?" Levi asks.
Just his voice makes me want to punch something. "For one thing, I'll consider if the prince in question is a complete ass who would treat a woman like an animal in a circus. Spoiler alert, that will not impress."
Fen barks a quick laugh and I smirk a little, knowing he'll see it.
I hear Niam's voice next. "So you have already developed opinions about princes you haven't met?"
"My opinions come from my direct experience of you. For some, that bodes well. For others, let's just say you're definitely making an impression, just not a favorable one."
The lights are hot and my throat is getting dry. A rivulet of sweat drips down my spine, making my skin itch. Someone clears their throat to ask another question, but I interrupt. "What is this about? Why are you guys behaving like spoiled toddlers fighting over a toy? Do you really think this will impress me? It's my understanding that—"
"You don't speak to a prince like that!" Levi roars.
"And you don't speak to the princess and future Queen like that," Fen says in his deep, gravelly voice.
"I thought you didn't want to be involved," Niam says. "Seems like you're pretty invested in it now."
"Enough!" Levi says. "It's clear we won't get more answers from her. It's time for the revealing."
I stiffen. His voice sounds lecherous and my stomach rolls. Dean smirks. "Sounds delightful."
Levi continues. "Princess, you are to undress and present yourself to us for examination. If you resist, the guards will be forced to finish the job."
"You bastard!" I scream.
Someone snaps. "Guards!" Four armored men approach me. I kick one in the knee. He stumbles back. Someone grabs me from behind. Hands pull at my dress. They tear away at my clothes.
Baron growls. He jumps into the light, knocking one of the men to the ground.
Tears burn my eyes. Not from sadness. From rage.
I grab the dagger from my inner thigh.
And stab a guard in the arm.
His grip loosens. But there are still two pairs of hands on me. They rip off what remains of my top. I slash at them, screaming and spitting. One of them grabs my wrist. He is strong. Too strong. My fingers ache. I drop the dagger.
And then he is there. Fen.
He grabs a guard by the throat and squeezes. The man's neck explodes with bits of blood and meat and bone. The other man stumbles back, pleading for his life. It is too late.
They have unleashed the Prince of War.
Fen leaps into the air. His knee slams into the man's head and sends him to the floor. The man groans in pain, his face a mangled mess of purple and red. His nose is caved in. Still, I recognize him. The guard who grabbed me earlier. Fen stands above him. "I told you not to touch her."
He slams his foot down into the man's face.
It shatters.
All goes silent. Red stains the marble platform. Bits of bone litter the floor.
Fen faces the light where the remaining princes sit. His hair is dark with blood, and he roars an inhuman war cry. "Does anyone else challenge me?"
Someone claps. "Impressive dear brother," says Levi. "No challenge. I will have my time with the princess." I see a shadow move in the darkness. It disappears through a door. Others follow.
Fen passes me what remains of my torn top, stained with crimson, and I cover my chest with the rags.
Asher steps into the light. "This is a fine mess we've gotten ourselves into," he says, looking down at a splash of blood that touched his sleeve.
Fen reaches for me, ignoring his brother. "Are you hurt?"