dress.”
He had his breeches already pulled on and was working on his boots.
“I’ll fly us down. Come here.”
Ari wrapped her arms around his neck at his bidding and he glided
them toward the floor.
51
Michelle M Pillow
“One day and already someone challenges the throne,” he said wryly
as he set her down.
Ari wanted to say something to him, wanted to ask him if he could
possibly be happy as her king, but the words wouldn’t come. She opened
her mouth, but she felt like a young, tongue-tied girl and all the
insecurities that came with such an age rushed over her.
“Did you want to say something?” His eyes narrowed. He looked like
the hunter. Would the hunter be happy out of the hunt, or would he
resent her for keeping him?
She knew her answer. A man like Rurik wouldn’t want to be caged,
even if the bars were gilded. She’d felt the freedom of his arms, but knew
that was only a dance, one moment out of a lifetime of serving her
people. She looked at his wings, knowing they’d only remind them both
of what he had to give up against his will.
“You’re free,” she whispered, leaning to pick up her undergown. She
slipped it over her head, trembling.
“What are you saying?”
“You’re free, Rurik. This is your chance to get out of this. No
repercussions will come of it. In fact, Lord Viceious will be stepping down
soon as Supreme General. The job will be yours if you want it. As
Commander of the Fifth, you and your men have more than earned the
honor. None will protest.”
“You mean you’ll be free,” he said, a severe frown crossing his face.
“The life of a queen is hardly freeing.” She pulled her gown over her
head, before working her hair out of the back.
Walking to the water wall, she looked at her reflection. Her cheeks
were flushed with sleep and her hair was a mess. Running her fingers
through the locks, she sighed. It was no use. She needed a brush and
52
Talons: Seize the Hunter
her belongings were elsewhere in the palace. Regardless, she did the best
she could with it before turning back to him.
“Your motives in this are hardly pure. You wish to buy me off with
your offer of Supreme General, don’t you?”
Ari swallowed nervously, avoiding his eyes. It wasn’t a complete lie,
though she wouldn’t have used the phrase “buy him off”. True, as
Supreme General he would come to the palace and be her liaison to the
troops. The offer was selfish of her. She wanted him close. Now that their
bodies had joined, she knew she needed more of him. If it was decided
that she remain unmarried or even in the unlikely occurrence that she
took another husband, she knew in her heart that she’d take Rurik back
into her bed—scandal or not.
“You haven’t changed, have you? You’re still the spoiled little princess
who is too good for us soldiers.” His wings stretched, his whole form
tense with anger.
“What?” she gasped, ready to defend herself.
“Don’t bother, my queen.” The words were tight. “You’ve made your
point.” Then, stepping closer, he growled, “But just remember, this pure
blood’s hands were all over your body and you begged for me to touch
you.”
Ari blinked in confusion. Why would she ever want to deny it?
Rurik’s body shifted. His eyes narrowed and his nose and mouth
molded into a beak. Feathers sprouted over his body and his wings beat
against the air. Soon he hovered in the air before her, his body
compacted into a large bird of prey. With a fierce speed, he turned and
flew out of the chambers toward the hall. She was still staring after him,
long after he was gone.
XW
53
Michelle M Pillow
Rurik was livid. Did their time together mean nothing? Was she so
ready to throw him back at the first chance that presented itself? Oh,
and offering him the position of Supreme General. That was a nice touch.
It was the highest honor for a man like him. Or, it had been until he’d
become king.
Coming to the hall, he instantly saw Lord Cyril and his simpering
son, Lynus. It was no secret that Ari spent time with the young man. He
hadn’t wanted to listen to rumors, but her name was spoken and he
couldn’t help but hear whatever was said about her.
Swooping past the nobleman’s head, he glided up toward the throne.
He didn’t bother to shift as he perched on the back of the high chair. It
was early in the morning and he realized they’d slept all night in each
other’s arms. What was odd was he never lost track of time like that. Ari
just did something to him. She always had.