by Meg Xuemei X
They must have used their sky magic against our earth magic, Souline cried in dismay.
They have no magic, but they have Forbidden Glory.
What is it?
The angels’ most lethal weapon and their power source. The Dragonian oracle had warned me about it. The Forbidden Glory had taken down the magic shield of Mysth and created a leyline through the sky into the twilight realm.
The irony was that the Dragonian had been trying to penetrate the magic walls of Mysth for ages. Where they’d failed, the angels had succeeded.
Only when I found Forbidden Glory and deactivated it could the combined force of the Dragonian and Mysthian armies annihilate the angel hordes and seal the portal to stop more of them from coming to Earth.
Only then could we all go home. And the Mysthians wouldn’t be eradicated or enslaved.
But even the oracle couldn’t see much of the Forbidden Glory other than it was the undying flame with the powers of the universe.
Souline started applying powder to me. Earth Mother won’t abandon us, Princess!
Maybe Earth Mother has been weakened by Forbidden Glory, I said. It matters no more. We aren’t under the Goddess’ protection. All we can count on is ourselves now.
Only in great crisis will your magic come out. Souline finished the last touches on my cheeks. Have you felt differently since you entered Atlantis, Princess?
Souline was one of the firm believers that I was the one whom prophecy had pointed to.
I don’t think I’m the one, I said.
Then a sudden chill came over me. Did the angels lure me here because they knew about the Mysthian prophecy? If they suspected that I had the destructive magic that could destroy them, why not kill me now and be done with it?
The terrifying, probing look from the Lord of All Angels sliced into my mind again.
Souline massaged my stiffened shoulders. You’re the one, Your Highness. You’re the Earth Mother’s favorite child.
And here I am, a hostage in the angels’ city, I said sullenly. Don’t rely on the prophecy.
That’s the only hope we have, she said desperately.
What kind of earth elemental magic do you think the prophecy meant?
A great, catastrophic magic, Souline said. Something that can cause time disturbance, or ice and wind and fire storms, or earthquakes. Or more. You’ll know when the magic awakes in you, Princess.
We fell into silence, for we both realized that if the elemental magic was in me, I’d have to go through the trial of fire for it to manifest.
Lexa, my lady-in-waiting in disguise, stormed in.
She had luxuriant blond hair, like most Mysthians. Her good looks could easily disarm the male opponents from other races. Before they knew it, her blade was at their throat.
She was my father’s spy. The emperor had insisted on having her accompany me. I hadn’t contested because she was one of the best female warriors.
She’d just come back from scouting the enemy’s territory. “Your Highness,” she greeted me, dropping one knee with her right fist on her forehead.
I waved for her to rise. “Have you seen Hector?”
He’d been patrolling the perimeter of the south wing with Lion. They would have to watch the sky too, since we were dealing with angels.
“I don’t think he’ll ever return,” Lexa almost spat. “He’s having great fun flirting with the angel bitches!”
Lexa had a thing for Hector. The captain of the guards was taller and bigger than any of us, and he was very handsome. He could be the scariest bastard or the most charming male. I hand-picked him, not because of his looks and charms but for his skills and fierce loyalty. He’d guarded me since I’d been a toddler.
I looked at Lexa. “He’s a natural-born flirter.” Then I dropped to telepathic mode so the angels outside the door couldn’t overhear us. I need this skill of his when we’re surrounded by enemies. Flirting means nothing.
Lexa clenched her fists.
While we’re here, Souline chimed in, it’s part of his job to fish out information by any means. Perhaps you should do the same.
Lexa gave Souline a glare. He doesn’t have to look like he’s enjoying it so much. For Earth Mother’s sake, he’s courting the angels!
He has to be authentic, Souline said. If he winces every time a female angel touches him, then how can he charm her and get the information out of her?
It’s not your male on the line, Lexa said.
He isn’t yours, at least not yet, Souline bit back. Her Highness is in a grave danger, and all you worry about is your hurt feelings?
There are many ways to collect intel, Lexa said. There’s no need for Hector to whore himself out. You’re only a lady-in-waiting. You don’t get to lecture me.
But Souline is my lady-in-waiting, I cut in. I give her permission to say whatever she wants. Didn’t my father whore me to the angels as well? And he sent you to make sure the transaction gets done.
Lexa swallowed, face going pale.
If you can’t stomach what Hector and I have to do, I said, you should return to the emperor.
You sacrificed for your people. Lexa dropped to one knee and lowered her head, her hands crossing over her shoulders in apology. I might be the emperor’s spy in his palace, but when you came to the angels’ city, I have only one duty—to protect you. I vowed to die for you. She raised her head and looked at me. If you want, Your Highness, I’ll whore myself better than Hector.
When my companions had signed up for this mission, they’d all prepared to die for me or die with me. None of us were safe for a second while we lived and slept among the enemies.
No more fighting among ourselves. I gestured for Lexa to rise. I won’t let any of you make unnecessary sacrifices, but if we can give Mysth a surviving space from this mission, then our death—if it comes to that—will count for something.
Souline and Lexa nodded with a determined, brave look.
I couldn’t tell any of my companions about my suspicion of the Lord of All Angels’ terrible purpose for me.
That burden was mine alone to carry.
Chapter 14
PRINCE SETH
The king paraded the Princess of Mysth as his future trophy queen on the royal terrace, facing the mass of angels on the ground. The king and the princess both made a speech, which were all bullshit. My brother bragged and shouted about the glory of all angels, like a pompous idiot.
The princess kept her words brief and put on a cold smile—the kind of expression that angels expected and respected from the Mysthian royal house.
When she wanted to be proper, the princess was all proper.
I leaned against a stone column on the side behind them, my wings grating the façade of the stone impatiently. I wore a long, leather trench coat. If her scent assaulted me again, my coat could cover my erection.
The boring speeches were finally over.
The king exchanged pleasantries with the princess in intermission, and I saw Victoria strolling toward them with a look that promised trouble.
The mistress’s beauty was famous even among angels, but it was tainted by cruelty and pettiness. Her self-assumed splendor paled in comparison to the Mysthian princess’s. If the princess’s beauty radiated like the star, Victoria’s was a firefly’s light.
For the first time in an eon, there was finally a female who outshone the king’s mistress. The young princess probably made Victoria feel old as well. Just for that, the general would hate her rival to the bone, even if King Agro hadn’t chosen the girl to be his queen.
The atrocious Victoria had her arms around the king’s neck.
My brother looked surprised, then smirked. He loved drama. He was especially fond of having females fight over him. When it came to that, he had no care for the appearance of propriety, no matter the occasion.
Both the king and his mistress waited for a reaction from the princess, and everyone in the court craned their necks, not wanting to miss the promising catfight between the k
ing’s bride and his mistress.
Did the princess know about the king’s mistress or have any idea that the general could be her woe at every turn? If she got into a duel with the general, she’d become a laughingstock in Atlantis, because there was no way the elegant fey princess could match one of the most experienced, cutthroat battle angels.
I straightened up, my muscles tensed with an overwhelming urge to protect her. I forced myself to stand down and not to move an inch toward a fight that would break out any instant.
If the princess cried, it would be worse.
She should just pick a fight, and I would interfere at the last minute to save her neck. I was the head of her security, and I intended to make sure the goods weren’t damaged by anyone other than me before I was done with my duty.
The princess turned to the king and his mistress. “And this is?”
The king smirked. “I present to you Victoria.”
“I see,” the princess said, “one of your groupies. Your Majesty works so hard and deserves a treat.” She then fixed a ghostly smile reserved for a good servant. “And, Victoria, do your best to entertain and please the king.”
Victoria growled. “Who do you think I am?”
The princess arched an eyebrow in amusement. No one could quirk it better than she. “Aren’t you one of the devotees to my handsome future husband? My elite courtiers will soon join you to offer His Majesty great service. They’re on the way to Atlantis.”
The princess surprised me again. She’d easily put the general in the rank of her whores, and the general’s provocation had backfired. If the princess initiated an assault first, the general could accept the challenge without suffering the king’s punishment. But if the general reacted to the princess’s insults and attacked the king’s future queen, she might be punished by death.
I chuckled, my hand on the hilt of my sword, just in case.
“Courtiers?” The king’s eyes sparkled. “I heard they’re the best female companions on Earth.”
The princess smiled. “They surely are, and all of them are as lovely as Victoria, probably more so. They’ll be my gift to Your Majesty. Now, my king, go enjoy your sport and do take your time. I’ll see you at the end of our celebration?”
Victoria slipped her hands off the king’s neck. Her hand moved to her sword.
I was about to leap into the air. If she struck, I would strike her down.
The king restrained his fuming mistress by grabbing her waist. He and his mistress now had no choice but to scurry away together, as planned. He was aroused and needed a release anyway.
The princess didn’t so much as glance at their retreating figures.
Before she could enjoy her leisure, a swarm of angels surrounded her like vultures. Their interest in her increased greatly after she’d humiliated and dismissed the general.
Compliments and questions were tossed at her. Some of the aristocrats asked about Mysthian customs and her future plans as the queen to the King of Angels. They wanted to test her out when the king wasn’t at her side to see what she could do for them and how they could influence her while she lasted. Some of them insisted on a private audience with her.
The princess’s ladies-in-waiting endeavored to break into the wall of wings that separated the princess from them. They yelled and shoved, yet the walls grew thicker and the crowd larger.
The Mysthian guards were on the move too. However, unless they shed the blood of the angels, they wouldn’t accomplish their task soon.
I lifted my wings and rose to the air, black lightning sparking on the tips of my feathers. Eyes drew toward me as I cut a path through the crowd and landed inside the circle, right beside the princess.
The crowd gave me a wide berth.
My lightning disappeared, but my wing brushed against the sheer lacy sleeve covering the princess’s arm. The touch sent a shiver of pleasure from my wings to my whole body.
The princess turned to me, her pink lips parted involuntarily.
Even as I’d tried to prepare, I could never be ready for her intoxicating scent that swooshed around me, invading my every pore like a living thing. From my experience, I knew it was no use to hold a breath against her perfume.
My cock shot up hard, straining against my trousers. It wanted one thing and one thing only—to mate the princess. Nothing else—social grace, public image, or inhibition—mattered or meant anything to it.
I snarled. I was an angel, not an animal. I wouldn’t mount the girl as it spurred me to. And it was unnatural for me to want a fey female. I should just get off with a female of my race if I wanted a fuck. Even if I wanted to experiment with a difference species for the sake of novelty, I should pick anyone other than the off-limits princess.
However, my body wanted only her.
The Princess of Mysth turned back to the crowd, as if I didn’t exist. She told them to set an appointment with her guards and commanded them to leave her alone.
The aristocrats were taken aback by her harsh dismissal.
It was obvious that the princess had no intention of associating with any of them to secure powerful allies. She wasn’t planning to make friends here. If I hadn’t seen the moves she’d made in the court, I’d say she was either arrogant or dumb to push anyone away. But she was neither.
Something struck me.
She must have realized she wouldn’t survive in Atlantis no matter what she did, so she didn’t bother to waste time on any of us while her time was running out.
Which could only mean that she didn’t plan on a future with the king. She placed her future somewhere else.
That was why she’d urged my brother to go off with his mistress.
She’d come to Atlantis with her own agenda, and it wasn’t going to benefit the angels. It would be interesting to find out what her scheme was and crash it.
The crowd scattered at my stern command. If they refused, they knew I’d strike down one or two to set an example. That was how I usually showed my displeasure when someone inconvenienced or disobeyed me.
The Mysthian ladies-in-waiting and guards reached their princess.
“Isn’t it a bit too late for you lot to find your princess?” I asked.
They gave me a unified cold look.
“You’re the head of the guards, High Prince,” the princess said. “It’s only befitting that you reached me before them.”
“I’m the head of security, but I’m not the leader of your royal guards,” I said.
“Then it’s not your jurisdiction to scold them, is it?” she asked, titling her head with a mocking curiosity. Her hair flowed and waved, sending her thick, desirous scent wafting toward me.
I held a breath, thankful for the trench coat I wore. Now I needed to manage to not let any sign of lust appear in my eyes, on my face, or anywhere visible.
I looked at her coldly, ignoring her criticism. “The crowd could crush you and injure you,” I said. “From now on, I’ll guard you in person 'til the wedding night.”
Something similar to panic flashed in her eyes.
“That’s totally unnecessary, Your Highness,” she said, her eyes scanning and seeking an exit. “My guards are capable of protecting me. Besides, your angel guards follow me everywhere. And you must have much more important things to attend to than watching me.”
I was almost amused by how much she wanted to throw me off her trail.
The girl indeed had her own game plan.
Only I wouldn’t be that easy to get rid of.
“I enjoy watching you,” I said.
Her eyes widened, then they turned indignant.
“It’s my duty to watch over you,” I said. “What’s more important and honorable than safeguarding our future queen?” The words ‘future queen’ felt like nails in my mouth.
The princess yawned.
I blinked. Had that just happened?
I was to be feared, hated, or desired, but not to be yawned at!
I narrowed my eyes. “Do I bore y
ou so, Princess Rose?”
“Perhaps I’m tired,” she said, putting up an effort not to give a second yawn at my scornful look. “I probably should return to my suite and take a nap. We can part ways here.”
Again, she tried to get rid of me.
“I suggest not returning to your chamber before the end of your betrothal party,” I said. “The court will perceive you as weak if you hide out in your room. But if you do insist on going back to your chamber, I’ll accompany you, and I’ll stand guard outside your door until you’re ready to return when the king is back.”
“I don’t hide,” she said in a snide tone, then looked up at me through her thick lashes.
She’d realized she wouldn’t be able to send me away easily and was now trying a different strategy. I hoped she would succeed for entertainment’s sake.
“I believe it’s going to take a while for the king to reappear,” she said. “I’d better take advantage of the free time and do something productive in your angels’ city.”
I searched her face. There wasn’t the slightest indication of jealousy toward my brother and his mistress. Nor did she seem to feel humiliated that they left together. She could have asked the king to stay with her and fought for him, yet she’d gladly removed him from her sight.
Somehow that improved my mood, as if her jealousy toward my brother would irk me. “It will indeed be a while before he returns,” I agreed. “Wherever you want to go, I’ll escort you. I’ll be a good, amiable host, on behalf of my brother.”
She gave me a resigned look.
I told myself that I wanted to spend more time with her without my brother’s interference because I needed to find out her endgame.
“You’ve seen how the crowd is drawn to you like flies to raw honey,” I added. “It’s practical I stay at your side to keep them away.”
“Well, your charm will certainly keep everyone away,” she said, looking out the window. “I heard the king’s library has a vast collection of war spoils besides books from other conquered worlds. I guess no one can be a better guide than you, except His Majesty.”
“My brother is only a temporary keeper of the riches,” I said, “so it’s better to go see them before they’re gone.”
