Page 70 of Vicious Kings
Back row, corner seats. Tallon and Prince Corvinus, sitting side by side like they own the fucking place. And Corvinus actually does.
Tallon gives me an encouraging smile. Corvinus just watches, those winter-sky eyes holding something that might be amusement. Or hunger. Hard to tell with the Fae.
Of course they're here. Of course my new schedule puts me in a class with the entire Golden Triad. Because the universe hates me and wants me to suffer. Or at least the Registrar's office does.
I make my way to an empty seat in the middle, refusing to sit near them. The alphas I pass lean back, giving me space like I might explode if they get too close. One shifter actually growlslow in his throat, a sound that makes my inner omega want to roll over and show her belly.
Fuck. That.
I drop into the seat, pulling out my notebook with hands that shake slightly. The desk is scarred with decades of use, names and symbols carved into the wood by students long gone.
"Now that we're all here," Professor Drakiss says, and there's definitely an emphasis on 'all,' "let's begin."
He moves around the podium with that grace I'm starting to associate with shifters of a more dangerous species.What, is the question. "This class focuses on practical combat application. Theory is useless without execution."
A Fae near the front raises his hand. "Professor, with all due respect, why is an omega in this class?"
The question I've been dreading. Every eye swivels back to me, and I resist the urge to sink lower in my seat.
"An excellent question, Mr. Kalwin," Drakiss's smile is sharp enough to draw blood. "Miss Moreau's placement was specially requested by a benefactor who believes heruniquebackground warrants exposure to combat training."
Requested by a benefactor. Right. More like ordered by a prince who doesn't take rejection well.
I chance a glance at Corvinus. He's watching me with that same curiosity from the party. Our eyes meet, and his lips curve into a smile that makes my stomach drop.
He did this. The smug bastard actually changed my schedule.
"Of course," Drakiss continues, "should Miss Moreau find the material too challenging, accommodations can be made."
The condescension in his tone makes my blood boil. Too challenging. Like I haven't spent twenty years training to kill these fuckers.
"I'm sure I'll manage," I say, proud of how steady my voice sounds.
"We shall see." He turns to the board, and symbols appear in midair, glowing faintly. "Today we'll be discussing defensive wards and how to break them. Who can tell me the three primary types of magical barriers?"
The lecture that follows is actually interesting, which pisses me off. I take notes despite myself, memorizing information that might be useful. How to identify ward signatures. Weak points in common defensive spells. The specific frequency needed to shatter most Fae enchantments.
All things that could help me kill a prince.
Surely he knows this. Surely he's fucking with me.
Halfway through, Corvinus raises his hand. "Professor, what about omega-specific protections? Surely they warrant discussion?"
Drakiss's jaw tightens slightly. "Omega protections are covered in a different course, Your Highness."
"But we have an omega present." Corvinus gestures toward me, wearing a tone of false innocence. "Seems like an excellent opportunity for practical demonstration."
Every alpha in the room perks up. I can feel their attention shift, their focus narrowing on me like I'm suddenly the most interesting thing in the room.
"I don't think—" Drakiss starts.
"Come now, Professor." Corvinus stands to his full impressive height. "Miss Moreau expressed such confidence in her abilities. Surely she wouldn't mind demonstrating how an omega defends against a determined alpha?"
This motherfucker.
He's doing this on purpose. Putting me on the spot, forcing me to either back down and look weak, or stand my ground and blow my cover as the harmless omega playing dress-up.
"I'm not sure that's appropriate," I say, aiming for uncertain and probably landing somewhere around murderous.
