Ruffled Feathers (Once Upon a Harem Book 5)

by Stephanie West

  Cygne looked from Kaede to the other males. They were all staring at her, wearing similar serious, focused expressions. Their gaze travelled down, then back up again, assessing her.

  Am I so odd compared to what they’re familiar with? I must be. She had hoped she wasn’t terribly freakish, but apparently that wasn’t the case, considering the way they stared. Yes, I’m female, Cygne frowned when their gaze came to rest on her chest.

  Their intense appraisal made her nervous. Never having met her own kind, she couldn’t interpret their intent. Their eyes followed her as she took a step back. Cygne felt like a cornered yelzek. The five males were so big. If they meant to do her harm they easily could, since she foolishly hadn’t brought anything to defend herself. Cygne quickly put on her torn sapphire cloak, to hide her embarrassingly pale wings and skin. It offered little protection, but made her feel better.

  “Why did you follow me?” She tilted her head in confusion as she anxiously took another step back. Her heart sped up when they too stepped forward, closing the distance.

  “We were worried,” the easy sounding male repeated what they’d mentioned before. “I’m Meir.”

  “Greetings,” she whispered, while casting surreptitious glances up at him.

  Cygne didn’t want to be rude, but she couldn’t help staring at Meir’s majestic red wings and bright golden eyes as she tried to judge his sincerity.

  “My name is Tynan. We will escort you back,” the large rainbow-winged male insisted with a gruff voice.

  “What?” Cygne’s eyes widened.

  “You will not return alone.” He brooked no argument.

  I didn’t misunderstand. Cygne tried to shove down her rising trepidation as she stared at Tynan’s serious mien, his blue-green eyes pinning her to the spot. She debated taking off again, but doubted she’d make it far.

  Cygne panned the other four males, who were waiting for her response. Their gaze was unwavering, though not nearly as stern as Tynan’s.

  If you fly off again, you’ll never learn about your people. Cygne chewed her bottom lip. They’re intense but they haven’t tried to hurt you. Meir said they were worried, Cygne reasoned. Before she could think better of it, she nodded consent.

  “Oh,” a squeak burst past her lips when she was suddenly surrounded; one male on all four sides, another hovering overhead. The last time she’d been crowded like this, she ended up with scrapes and bruises.

  Maybe this wasn’t a good idea. Cygne nervously glanced at the five males, who were still unnervingly focused on her.

  “Are you cold? You may have my jacket.”

  “No, thank you,” Cygne replied to the male with pale blue pinions on her left. She was shivering, but not because she was cold.

  “I am Severin. Your voice is the loveliest thing I’ve ever heard.”

  “Thank you.” Cygne tucked her head as her cheeks heated. She didn’t quite know how to take the compliment, especially coming from the stunning male.

  “My name’s Akiva,” the green and blond male said, while hovering overhead.

  When Cygne nodded up at Akiva she stumbled, her hands planting flat against Meir’s chest. Cygne gaped, feeling the hard, warm muscle through his shirt. His heart beat strong and steady.

  “I’m sorry,” she exclaimed and reared back in mortification.

  Cygne couldn’t believe she’d touched the male. It was unforgiveable. She swiftly glanced up at Meir, but rather than shove her away he merely smiled down at her. He wasn’t angry at all.

  She didn’t want to press her luck, but Cygne wasn’t quite sure how to walk while being crowded by the wall of flesh and feathers. It felt a little like being herded. Cygne startled each time a wing or arm grazed her. They didn’t seem to notice or mind the accidental occasional glance, so after a bit Cygne relaxed. It was such an odd way to walk with someone. Not that anyone ever insisted on escorting her anywhere.

  Goosebumps erupted on her skin, feeling the heat radiating off their towering bodies. She wasn’t cold; still it felt nice, given the slight nip to the night air. A strange, foreign sensation suddenly gripped her. The jittery sensation centered low in her stomach. Cygne took a deep, shuddering breath and found herself inundated by the dark spicy scent the males exuded. It was enough to make her head spin.

  “It was very rude the way that server accosted you. I doubt the pub will get more performers with a reception like that,” Kaede commented, capturing her attention.

  “We had no idea other Olor were on Braccio. Do you often travel this far from the Legion to perform?” Severin asked. Cygne got distracted watching the cerulean feathers on his brilliant pinions flutter in the night breeze.

  “Um no. I just started singing,” she replied, realizing Severin had asked her a question. “It’s not necessary for you to go out of your way. I can find the tavern from here,” she let them know, when they reached the edge of town. Cygne still couldn’t understand why they followed her in the first place.

  Cygne shook her head in embarrassment, horrified by how she must have looked as she fled the tavern. She didn’t want these noble males feeling obligated to help her because she was tragically pathetic.

  “We wouldn’t hear of it. You are too delicate to be out here alone,” Tynan rumbled near her back, making Cygne jump.

  Delicate? Cygne tilted her head. She’d been called a lot of things, but delicate wasn’t one of them. Then again, she was fragile compared to their immense stature. Cygne smiled back at the giant male. He smiled, and her eyes widened seeing how it softened his stern expression. Tynan reminded her of Focario. His demeanor was brusque, but he wasn’t so bad.

  “I heard there’s a slave auction in town. Anyone could snatch you up,” Kaede relayed.

  “I don’t have to worry about that.”

  It was kind that they were so concerned, making her wonder if all their kind were so considerate.

  “Why? Do your mates usually escort you?” Akiva inquired, as they travelled down a back road.

  “I’m not mated,” Cygne replied incredulously. Wasn’t that patently obvious by looking at her?

  The five males abruptly stopped, and Cygne ran into Kaede’s midnight blue wings. He spun and looked at her wearing an odd expression. She was suddenly confused. They weren’t offended by her touching them a moment ago, what had changed? Cygne followed his gaze, as Kaede glanced at his companions. She grew nervous again when they appeared to share a silent conversation.

  “So, do you have some sort of elite fighting skills you’re sworn to keep secret unless the situation is truly dire?” Meir asked, breaking the intense mood.

  Cygne relaxed when he cast her a cheeky smile. She smiled wide seeing the set of dimples that appeared on his cheeks. She’d never seen such a thing, and was instantly enthralled with the happy little depressions near his crinkled eyes.

  “That’s it, and I’m a skilled hunter,” Cygne snorted in amusement. The funny male put her at ease. “I doubt they’d try to auction me twice,” she chuckled under her breath.

  What happened to her wasn’t really amusing, but anyone foolish enough to attempt it again would be sorely disappointed with the results.

  Cygne realized they heard the comment when they growled. The rumbling from deep in their chests was fearsome. None of the Braccio ever made such a predatorial sound.

  “You were abducted and sold here!” Kaede’s dark brows furrowed, forming a harsh line in the middle of his forehead.

  Cygne nodded yes. They’re mad about the slave auction. It was reprehensible. Cygne relaxed. It was comforting knowing her people didn’t condone slavery.

  “Were there other Olor at the auction?” Akiva demanded while hovering overhead, his green wings slowly flapping.

  That was the second time she heard the name. I’m Olor. It was nice having a name for what she was. Olor, Cygne repeated to herself, liking the sound of it.

  “No, just me,” she replied, realizing they were again waiting for an answer. She kept getting caugh
t up in her own thoughts. Meeting them was such an overwhelming experience.

  The males appeared relieved hearing no other Olor had been auctioned off, and started walking again.

  “Just a moment,” Cygne said when she caught a glimpse of Jylu sitting behind the nearby barrow.

  It took her a moment to ease past the imposing males. Their wings were so closely knit that she couldn’t get through without brushing up against them. It was such an odd sensation when their feathers grazed her skin. Cygne didn’t quite know what to make of it, if she liked it or not.

  “I haven’t seen you for a few days,” Cygne knelt in the dirt by the elderly male.

  “I didn’t want to bother you,” Jylu replied.

  “Tomorrow, I’ll leave a package of leftovers hanging in our usual spot. Don’t forget, or the vermin will get it.”

  She cast a final concerned glance at the old Braccio as she returned to the Olor males. Jylu was looking paler every day. She doubted he had long for the world.

  “Who was that? Severin asked.

  “Just someone I know.” Jylu was too proud to beg. She’d never tell anyone their secret, not even strangers.

  They made it to the entrance of the tavern, and the males followed her in. The crowd had waned considerably since her performance. Only a few people remained in the dining hall.

  “Cygne, I wondered where you went,” the barrow dame called out, giving them all a gracious smile.

  Cygne doubted the pink-crested female looked for her too hard. The barrow dame was kind enough, but business came first. Now that Cygne had been exposed, that business would undoubtedly suffer. And she’d run off without helping Focario finish cleaning. Yet the dame was acting as if nothing was wrong as she smiled at the Olor. It was uncharacteristic and disconcerting.

  “Sorry, Dame. I hope I didn’t ruin anything. I’ll get back to the scullery.”

  “Nonsense,” the barrow dame declared, her fuchsia crest wavering. “I assigned Rialzo to help Focario, since she was so eager to take your place.”

  The scullery’s going to be a wreck tomorrow. Cygne groaned.

  “Thank you, males,” the dame continued. “Come. Have a tankard on the house. Cygne will fetch the drinks for you.” The pink-crested female pointed to a private table behind a screen.

  Cygne’s eyes widened in surprise. The dame never wanted her to serve the guests. She wasn’t even supposed to be seen in the dining hall without her mask and cape.

  “Thank you. Much appreciated,” the males eagerly replied and took their seats.

  Cygne was headed toward the serving board to fetch the brew, when the barrow dame tugged her aside.

  “You go have a drink with those males. If any of them want to take you to your room, it’s twenty pecunia each.”

  Cygne’s mouth dropped open. “Dame, I’ve never—”

  “There’s a first time for everything. Now, go earn your keep.”

  Cygne’s heart pounded as she fetched the drinks. Her hands were shaking so bad, she nearly spilled the brew as she carried the tray. The way the large males continued to stare at her wasn’t helping. She didn’t know what the dame was thinking. Cygne knew the female wasn’t blind. She might be the same breed as the five males, but they were way out of her league. Even if the colorful Olor found her attractive, she wouldn’t know what to do. Just the thought of what that involved had Cygne trembling harder as she set the tray on the table.

  “Thank you.” Severin grazed her hand as he grabbed a tankard.

  Cygne recoiled so fast she nearly knocked the other mugs over. His brow furrowed. She shifted awkwardly on her feet.

  “Have a seat.” Akiva pushed out a chair, and Cygne sat hesitantly.

  As the males took in the sight of the working females entertaining some patrons, a frightening thought occurred to her. What if they know what kind of place this is? What if that’s exactly what they expected when they brought me home? There was no way she could ask these males up to her room. What am I going to do? The dame is going to throw me out if I disappoint her.

  “Have you thought about trying to go home?” Kaede asked, breaking the silence.

  “I have.” But every time Cygne pictured Flot with her new mate that notion died. “I can’t go back there, not now. No. This is my home.” She shook her head sadly.

  “You said you’re a good hunter,” Meir changed the subject.

  “I am.” Cygne perked up as she nodded. That was a subject she knew something about.

  “I don’t think I’ve heard of an Olor female who liked to hunt,” Tynan gruffly commented.

  Oh. Her heart sank. Apparently, that wasn’t acceptable among her people.

  “I don’t get to do it much anymore. I’m too busy here,” she replied quietly, feeling more awkward than before.

  Cygne silently wracked her brain for something to say. She wanted to ask them about the Olor, but didn’t know where to begin. Everything she thought up just sounded silly, so she sat quietly, nursing her drink.

  “Well, it’s late, and I’m sure you’re tired.” Kaede finished his brew and stood.

  “We’re leaving?” Akiva challenged his friend, wearing a scowl.

  “Aye.”

  A sense of loss and terrible disappointment enveloped Cygne as she realized it was time to part ways. Thankfully they hadn’t asked her to go somewhere private, which was a frightening prospect. But her chance to learn more about her people was slipping through her grasp. Cygne cursed herself for being so awkward and tried to hold it together, while escorting them to the door.

  “It was nice to meet you, Cygne,” Kaede husked as he, Akiva, Tynan, Severin and Meir surrounded her.

  “Thank you for walking with me.” I’ll never forget meeting you.

  Although she wasn’t nearly as glorious as the five captivating Olor, Cygne now knew who she was. She had a name to go with the face she saw in the reflecting glass, one that wasn’t laced with derision. These males would never understand just what that meant to her.

  Despite how disconcerting it felt, she dared to look each of them in the eyes, doing her best to give them a genuine smile. Cygne thought they might say something else with the way their expressive eyes gazed down at her bright and intense. But after a moment Kaede just nodded and they left.

  Cygne watched them disappear into the night, wishing things could’ve been different. The instant the door shut, she couldn’t get back to her room fast enough. Cygne flung herself onto the mattress and broke down in tears.

  4

  Taking Flight

  “To move, to breathe, to fly, to float, to gain all while you give, to roam the roads of lands remote, to travel is to live.” Hans Christian Andersen

  * * *

  “You have visitors,” the barrow dame hollered into the scullery.

  “One moment,” Focario replied, and wiped off his hands.

  “No, Cygne.”

  Cygne’s head popped up in surprise. She dropped the dirty platter back into the basin, then followed the barrow dame out.

  “Who?” She never had guests.

  “The five males from last night.”

  “What?” Cygne’s eyes widened.

  Why are they back? She made such a fool of herself.

  “Where are you going?” Cygne asked when the dame spread her wings and ascended toward the upper canopy.

  “They’re waiting in your room.”

  Cygne’s wings froze mid-flap, and she nearly plummeted to the lower level.

  “What is your problem?” The dame scowled, once Cygne made it to the third balcony.

  “I-I…” Cygne started to hyperventilate as she followed the dame toward her room.

  “You are a hatchling,” the dame huffed as she pulled Cygne aside. “Do you even know what goes where?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Ugh. Just do whatever they ask.”

  “You-you want me to let all five of them rut on me? I don’t think they like me. Look at me,” she stammere
d.

  “It’s obvious they’re of the same breed, when we all thought you were just some deformed hatchling. Yes, you’re as sallow as a plucked volucris compared to that bunch.” The dame waved toward the closed door. “But males don’t always require an attractive female when they’re looking to dip their quill. They returned to see you, so they’re lonely enough to overlook you’re unfortunate coloring. Now go!”

  Cygne took hesitant steps forward, then paused at the closed door. She could hear deep voices conversing on the other side. Imagining their massive bodies crowded around her in the small room sent her heart into overdrive.

  “How much iridium do you think it’s going to cost us?” the green one called Akiva mused.

  “Well, you all saw her,” Meir replied.

  “If we were in Legion territory, bartering her price would be pointless. But here, on Braccio, I doubt they know her actual worth,” Kaede, with the raven wings, spoke.

  Cygne’s chin quivered at their talk about how cheaply they could acquire time with her.

  I can’t do this.

  Cygne franticly looked around. She had to get out of here. She glanced over the canopy rail at the dining hall below. She couldn’t go that way; the barrow dame would see her. Cygne flapped upward, and fled through the canopy exit, tears streaming down her cheeks.

  I can’t go back. She shook her head, her pale hair violently whipping in the breeze as she flew.

  Things had been good at the tavern. Well, not good, but she was doing just fine singing and working hard. Except now, the barrow dame was insisting she entertain the males. What would happen next time a group of merchants landed and found her tolerable?

  I can’t. She couldn’t live her life like that. I have to get out of this place.

  Cygne spotted the landing strip with all the docked vessels, and headed that way.

  Maybe one of those ships would be willing to take me somewhere, anywhere, it doesn’t really matter. I’ll beg if I have to.