Ruffled Feathers (Once Upon a Harem Book 5)

by Stephanie West

  “Halt, Matron Calesse,” the captain hollered.

  “Don’t come any closer.”

  Calesse didn’t seem to know who to focus on, Cygne or the approaching males. Cygne waited for the Matron to shift the munition muzzle away from her ribs, then swung her fist, before Calesse could aim at the guards. The punch landed with a satisfying crack. Calesse dropped the munition in shock, her hands flying to cup her bloody nose as she staggered back. The guards quickly rushed in and captured the traitorous Matron.

  “Good shot, Gallina,” the lead guard nodded, looking impressed. “Are you all right?”

  “Yes, thank you. What’s your name, captain?”

  “Palme.”

  “Nice to meet you. Thank you for your swift response. There are at least two, possibly more traitors holding Kaede, his broodmates, and the Drakes somewhere in the Atelier. The Matrons and one dead poacher are in the dressing room.” She pointed down the hall.

  “I apologize. It took a moment to comprehend what was going on. Another squadron captured Osceno, Hissen and Brutto, but Velifico and Spicarre fled the grand hall. I just received a report they were followed to a lounge in the Drakes’ quarters and are holed up there.”

  “Palme, I suspect something has happened to Svane and Vogel.”

  “We’ll handle this situation.”

  “Those bastards have my broodmates, so someone needs to lead the way,” Cygne insisted, her hands propped on her hips. There was no way she was being shuffled to the sidelines.

  “Um, as you wish, Gallina,” Palme replied, his eyes widening at her vehement response.

  “Sorry, Palme. That’s probably not the way I’m supposed to behave. It’s been a long day.” She grimaced.

  “It’s all right.” Palme nodded in understanding.

  “You’re not leaving me behind.” Belni followed as Palme and half the contingent headed down the corridor.

  They reached a large group of guards gathered near a set of doors. Shocked, the males looked her up and down. Cygne groaned. She could only imagine what she looked like with her dress, face, and hands spattered with gore. The guards quickly recovered and bowed.

  “Fulmat. It’s an honor to serve you,” the captain of this contingent introduced himself with another bow. “We followed Spicarre and Velifico here. They’re threatening to kill Kaede and the Drakes if we don’t clear out. From the blood trail we found on the way here, someone has already been seriously injured. Do you need a physician, Gallina?” Fulmat’s brow furrowed as he considered her bedraggled appearance.

  “I am fine, thank you, Fulmat.” She nodded grimly. “The traitor holding us committed suicide after my announcement.”

  “I don’t have a good feeling about this. Velifico has nothing to lose at this point. From the broadcast we were shown, Kaede, his broodmates and the Drakes already have various injuries. We may be forced to clear a path for the traitors, or they likely will kill their hostages,” Belni reasoned.

  Cygne paced as she puzzled over what to do. She ran a frustrated hand through her hair, then blanched, realizing she just smeared blood through her pale locks. She was having a hard time keeping the gnawing worry to a low roar. The longer they debated what to do, the more contentious Velifico would become. The vile bastard was just as likely to injure someone unintentionally as intentionally.

  “I’m going in to negotiate,” Cygne declared.

  She was desperate to see her broodmates. Danger be damned. Just thinking about what may have happened to Severin had her coming unglued.

  “I don’t advise that,” Fulmat insisted.

  “My broodmates are injured, bleeding, and who knows what in there,” she growled menacingly.

  “With all due respect, Gallina, we don’t want to add you to the list of hostages.”

  “Give me the knives on your belt, please.” Cygne softened her demand. Fulmat meant well. She had to keep a cool head.

  “I highly doubt they’ll let you in armed,” the captain countered, but handed Cygne the three blades from his belt anyway. “Please don’t cut yourself. What do you think you’re going to accomplish with those, if you don’t mind me asking, Gallina?”

  “You might watch yourself, Fulmat. I witnessed our new Gallina break Calesse’s nose with a well-aimed punch.”

  Cygne smiled appreciatively at Palme for his vote of confidence. She palmed one of the knives, getting a feel for its weight, then quickly threw it toward the critical captain. It winged past Fulmat’s right ear, embedding itself in the wall with a resounding twang. The captain’s eyes widened as he spun and stared at the blade lodged in the paneling.

  “I warned you,” Palme chuckled. “Hoo wee, it’s deep,” he whistled as he tugged the blade free and handed it back to her.

  “That’s what I’m hoping for.” Cygne pointed at the dumbstruck look on Fulmat’s face. “I’ve noticed that Olor females don’t hunt or play with arms much. And you males don’t seem to expect it of us. I don’t like fighting, but that doesn’t mean I’m incapable, especially if I’m armed. I’m going to need one more knife.” She mentally counted the two remaining poachers, Velifico and Spicarre, hoping that was all she’d have to contend with.

  “Here.” One of the guards swiftly handed over not just one but two blades.

  “Thanks.” Cygne smiled. She cut a slit in the first layer of her gown, then stabbed the blades into the folds beneath. “That should do nicely. As bloody as I am, I doubt they’ll think much of the tear. All right, back away.” She headed for the door.

  Belni stopped her.

  “We really should discuss your risk taking at some point.” Belni gave Cygne a hug. “Please be careful.”

  “Don’t tell me you weren’t about to risk that poacher’s wrath back there,” she replied, and squeezed her grandmother tight.

  “Good point. I guess we know where you get it from,” Belni snorted.

  “This is your new Gallina.” She knocked hard on the door. “I’m here to negotiate.”

  Velifico’s face appeared in the small display screen by the door. Cygne cast him a wan smile as she held up her hands.

  “Do you think I’m stupid? I know there’s a squadron of guards out there,” Velifico growled.

  “Cygne, don’t,” Kaede yelled.

  “Shut it,” Spicarre rumbled as he cuffed Kaede in the head.

  “Look around, Velifico. The guards are nowhere near the door. I don’t want anyone else to get hurt. I’m willing to negotiate,” she replied, pushing down the urge to scream at the bastards.

  While Velifico studied her shrewdly, Cygne took the opportunity to note where the blue-haired poacher, his blond coconspirator, and Spicarre stood. She repressed her smile when Velifico nodded and unlocked the door.

  “Tell those guards to stay back,” he demanded as the door cracked open a fraction.

  “They heard you. You stand back. I don’t plan on becoming your prisoner either.” She slipped into the room then shut the door. It automatically locked with a click.

  “No, songbird,” Meir heaved.

  Cygne wanted to go to her injured males, but she had very little time to do what she came to do. She casually reached into the folds of her gown.

  “Now that you’re here, I think I’m going to get everything I want,” Velifico crowed in triumph.

  “No, not likely.” Cygne smiled cruelly.

  She leapt forward and thrust one knife deep into Velifico’s gut, then without pause threw another, catching the blue-haired poacher in the neck. The blond poacher swiveled toward her, shock lighting his eyes. Velifico burbled in dismay, but she had no sympathy for the vile male. Cygne pulled on his shirt, using Velifico as a shield, as she launched a third blade at the blond’s gut. He fired as he grabbed at his abdomen, striking Velifico in the shoulder. Cygne quickly jumped back to avoid Velifico as he stumbled forward. She grabbed for the door and threw it wide. Cygne then turned toward Spicarre, her fourth blade in hand.

  “Don’t,” Spicarre bellowed, aiming
his munition at Kaede.

  Cygne held her hands up, as the guards spilled into the room behind her. Her eyes narrowed on Spicarre, her anger seething from every pore.

  “You shoot Kaede and I promise I’ll gut you like a vacca. I’ll make sure you’re fully conscious as I yank out your entrails,” she snarled.

  “Do it, beautiful,” Kaede goaded.

  Spicarre kicked him in the head, and her blood boiled over. Before his foot came to rest back on the ground, Cygne threw her fourth blade. It struck Spicarre in the eye, stabbing straight into his skull. She watched with twisted satisfaction as the male dropped lifeless to the floor.

  Cygne shook herself loose of the red haze, panting as she realized it was over. She ran toward her broodmates, relieved tears spilling down her cheeks.

  “Are you all right?” Cygne husked as she dropped in front of Kaede, her fingers feathering over the nasty wound in his shoulder.

  “I think so.” Kaede flexed his bruised jaw. “Did I just see you throwing knives like the Raptor of Annihilation?”

  “Aye.” She nodded.

  “Good. I was worried that last kick snapped something loose in my head.” Kaede blinked, attempting to clear his vision.

  “Songbird, you’re covered in blood.” Meir lifted his manacled hands to examine her, dragging the weight of the others’ arms with him.

  “It’s not mine.” She captured his hand and gripped it tight.

  “Fittich I’m sick, but that’s so damn sexy,” Meir groaned.

  Cygne’s mouth dropped open. She shouldn’t have been surprised Meir was able to make light at a time like this, yet she was.

  “Where’s Severin? What happened to Akiva and Tynan?” Cygne anxiously felt Tynan’s neck, and was relieved to feel a pulse.

  “We were ambushed. They used some sort of drug to knock half of us out before we could retaliate,” Kaede replied, he gestured with one bound hand toward his fathers.

  Cygne was instantly relieved to see Severin slumped over amidst the Drakes. She wrapped her arms around his unconscious body and started crying in earnest.

  “I saw the pool of blood, and thought they killed you,” she whispered into Severin’s ear, even though he couldn’t hear her.

  “He’s just fine. We’re all fine now,” Nicht said.

  “Thank you, daughter.” Ehren tipped his head to nuzzle Cygne.

  Cygne felt arms go around her as Kaede enveloped her and lifted her off her feet.

  “Kaede, your shoulder,” she objected with a concerned scowl.

  “She’s right.” Meir stole her from Kaede’s arms. “I just saw the physician walk in. Sit down and let him patch you up.”

  “Hey, I see how highly we rank. We are still the Drakes till the Ascension Ceremony,” Nicht rattled his manacles at the guards in mock indignance.

  “Sorry, Drakes.” The guard who located the key to the manacles left an unconscious Akiva and raced over to the Drakes.

  “Father, you just saw our female in action. I bet the guards don’t want to anger their new Gallina,” Kaede replied as the physician examined his shoulder.

  “No, we don’t,” the guard mouthed good-naturedly to Nicht, making the Drake snort.

  “I don’t blame you, and you weren’t here to see half of it,” Ehren hissed back.

  “Well I’m pissed. I missed all the fun facing this damn wall,” Regen complained.

  “I bet it’s recorded on surveillance, so we can show it to everyone,” Meir said as he cradled her on his lap.

  Cygne shook her head at the males, then smiled. It was probably good they were joking, otherwise she’d collapse into a blubbering mess.

  “Missed what?” Tynan rumbled groggily. His eyes suddenly flew wide. “Cygne!” His breath heaved out as he looked around the room with wild eyes. Tynan batted the physician away when the male tried to examine him.

  “It’s all right.” She crawled out of Meir’s lap and went to Tynan. “Everything is all right now.” Cygne wrapped her arms around her big male, kissing his cheek repeatedly.

  “No, it’s not all right. Cygne, you’re covered in blood,” Tynan’s deep voice was filled with devastation as his hands frantically travelled over her.

  “It’s not mine.” She had a feeling she was going to be saying that a lot.

  “I think the others should come around soon,” the physician commented. “Tynan processed whatever they used faster since he’s so large. Kaede, your shoulder should be good as new soon with that dermal patch.”

  “Thank you,” Cygne said gratefully to the physician. “You didn’t happen to bring a pocket of sweets, did you? I think we could all use one.”

  Everyone chuckled a genuine but weary laugh.

  “I better get Velifico stabilized, but I’ll send my assistant with a box full.” The male smiled kindly.

  “Aye, make sure that male is well enough for judgment.” Belni knelt next to Tynan and hugged Cygne. “I’ve grown years in the span of a day,” her grandmother sighed in relief.

  Cygne panned the room as she sat quietly on Tynan’s lap catching her breath. The guards were bustling around, unlocking the remaining Drakes’ manacles, securing the injured traitors, and removing the two she killed. Everything was a bloody mess. Severin and Akiva were unconscious, but someone had kindly moved them to be with their frazzled little group. She ran a trembling hand over her sleeping males. Kaede and Meir were ragged and bruised. They cast her wan smiles as they took turns rubbing her knee, while Tynan clutched her against his chest. They couldn’t get enough of touching her. The feeling was mutual. She needed them close.

  They’re all safe. It seemed too good to be true. Cygne started laughing as she let it sink in. Everyone stared at her like she’d snapped. Cygne sobered.

  “I love you all.” She nodded as tears started streaming down her cheeks again.

  “Oh, songbird, we love you, too.”

  She was suddenly enveloped by several pairs of sheltering wings as her family held her tight. Given their macabre surroundings the notion was so out of place, but there was no place she’d rather be.

  19

  Happily Ever After

  “He now felt glad at having suffered sorrow and trouble, because it enabled him to enjoy so much better all the pleasure and happiness around him.” Hans Christian Andersen

  * * *

  Cygne stood on the dais with her broodmates surrounding her, as the Drakes and Matrons formally introduced them to the Legion. It was still so surreal hearing the cheers echo through the grand hall when she knelt before the Council of Legion Matrons. Cygne smiled as the Atelier guards made the loudest ruckus. She had a feeling this wasn’t quite the solemn response this ceremony usually garnered.

  “We couldn’t have made a wiser choice,” Belni whispered and clasped a platinum circlet signifying Cygne’s new status around the base of each wing. She’d never owned jewelry, much less anything so beautiful. And what the precious metal bands represented was humbling.

  Cygne smiled at her proud broodmates as they knelt before the older Drakes and Matrons. Her love for them overflowed. They had opened her eyes. If she lived to be as old as Lori she’d still never find the words to express all the ways they changed her world.

  It was bitter sweet watching Kaede’s fathers have their circlets removed, so they could be bestowed on her broodmates. Knowing she wore something that used to grace Kaede’s mother’s wings, along with unknown generations that came before, was an honor.

  “Legion citizens, I present your Gallina and Drakes. May the Zephyrs carry you always, till the day you become one with the winds.”

  Cygne looked out at the crowd, panning individual faces, as another cheer rose up at the decree. She smiled wistfully, feeling a deep connection to her people. It wasn’t just the Ascension Ceremony, or her new title that made her feel this way. It seemed unreal how much her life had changed in such a miniscule span of time. She’d come to Olor questioning everything, desperately wanting acceptance. But instead she
found something more profound—she found herself. Cygne no longer feared if she was up to the task of leading her people. She didn’t wonder if she was truly worthy. Life had tempered her with its challenges, molding her for something more—this.

  The close of the Ascension Ceremony pulled her from her thoughts. Her broodmates along with a bevy of guards escorted her out of the grand gallery. Belni and the other Matrons stopped them on the way. Her broodmates bowed respectfully to the honorable females. Kaede then turned to Cygne, his expression suddenly serious.

  “Songbird, I know it’s been a long day, but you need to go with the Matrons. There’s one more ceremony to prepare for. We know you’re shy, but I don’t want you to worry.” Kaede lovingly rubbed her shoulders.

  “Well, the Consummation Ceremony is hardly necessary now, don’t you think?” Belni looked pointedly at the new Drakes, one brow raised.

  Old Lori cackled as Kaede, Akiva, Meir, Severin and Tynan gaped in surprise, looking more than a little guilty. Cygne covered her mouth to repress a snort of amusement. She nearly forgot about this little detail.

  “Um, well,” Kaede sputtered, till Belni held up her hand to halt him.

  “It’s a good thing you overeager fledglings clearly love my granddaughter,” Belni said sternly to the five males. “In lieu of tradition, I was going to tell you to mind your new Gallina.” Belni turned to Cygne and winked, then gave her a big hug.

  “What did you tell the Matrons?” Meir asked as they continued down the hall.

  “What did you forget to tell me?” she replied coyly.

  “They won’t ever let us live this down.” Akiva shook his head.

  Cygne chuckled, hearing her broodmates groan in unison.

  “I’m still amazed Belni is your grandmother.”

  “I thought she was being critical when she kept watching me,” Cygne commented to Severin. “Now I know why.” She looked forward to spending time with Belni and her grandfathers.

  The group wound their way through the warren of corridors. Cygne glanced down an intersecting hall and recognized the doors leading to the lounge her broodmates were held hostage in.