Page 19 of Vicious Kings
The laugh that comes out of me sounds like broken glass. "You think that was mercy?"
He studies me for a long moment, and I can practically see the gears turning behind those ancient eyes. Whatever he's looking for, he seems to find it, because he nods slowly.
"I imagine you've been taught all manner of things about our nature," he says, resuming our walk. His tone is gentler now, which somehow makes it worse. "But you needn't fear. As an omega, you will receive the utmost care and consideration while under our protection, regardless of your origins."
Under their protection. Right. More like under their possession, but I bite my tongue. The role I'm playing doesn't allow forthatkind of honesty.
"That's very reassuring," I say dryly. "So what's the plan? You can't keep me in that hospital room forever, right? Even the Fae must have better things to do than babysit one wayward omega."
His pace slows as if he's aware he needs to limit himself to keep up with my inferior human stature. "Are you familiar with Valemyre University?"
I pretend like the question catches me off guard. Of course I know about it. I'm counting on it.
"I've heard of it," I admit carefully. "Hard not to when you're raised by people who consider it a symbol of everything wrong with the world."
His lips quirk. "Yes, I imagine the hunters have quite strong opinions about our educational system. Nevertheless, despite your unusual circumstances, arrangements must be made for your admission to the university as soon as possible."
"After a brief period of assimilation training, of course," he adds, like that's supposed to mean something to me.
I have no fucking idea what "assimilation training" entails, and I'm pretty sure I don't want to find out. But I need to play along. Need to seem like the lost little omega who has nowhere else to go and desperately needs guidance.
"You're sending me tocollege?" I laugh. "That's your grand solution? Put me in a classroom with a bunch of other omegas and hope I learn to play nice?"
He smirks, and it transforms his face from merely beautiful to genuinely unsettling. "You're an omega. You must be properly educated."
Translation, taught to be a good little pet who spreads her legs on command and pops out supernatural babies like a vending machine. The thought makes bile rise in my throat, but I swallow it down along with my pride.
This is what I wanted, I remind myself. Get into the university, get close to the prince, complete the mission. Simpleand clean. Just like slicing a knife clean through his spinal column will be.
"When?" I ask, proud of how steady my voice sounds.
"Soon. There are matters to arrange, paperwork to file. Your lack of proper registration complicates things, but not insurmountably so." He pauses by a fountain where the water flows in impossible spirals. "A high-ranking individual has already taken an interest in becoming your benefactor."
"Benefactor?" I echo. "What the hell does that mean?"
"Nothing that should concern you," is his clipped answer, making it clear he has no intention of clarifying. "You'll remain here for the time being, under medical supervision. Dr. Helwood wants to ensure you're fully recovered before we proceed."
"And this assimilation training?"
"Will help you adjust to your new life," he says smoothly. "Think of it as freshman orientation."
Orientation for being a broodmare. Fantastic.
We complete our circuit of the gardens in relative silence, my mind chaotic with possibilities. The university is perfect. Better than perfect. It's exactly where I need to be. The thought of enduring whatever humiliations they have planned before they ship me there makes my skin crawl, but I've endured worse. Twenty years of training taught me that pain is temporary, but death? Death is permanent.
And Prince Corvinus's death is all that matters.
As we approach the hospital entrance, Lefrent pauses. "One more thing. Your honesty today has been refreshing. But I would caution you against attempting any of the skills your former life may have taught you. The university has ways of dealing with troublesome omegas, and I would hate to see you suffer unnecessarily any more than you already have."
The threat is delivered with the same gentle tone he's used throughout our conversation, but I hear it for what it is. Awarning. A reminder that no matter how special they think omegas are, we're still property. Still things to be controlled.
"Wouldn't dream of it," I lie smoothly.
His smile says he doesn't believe me for a second, but he inclines his head politely. "Indeed. Dr. Helwood will see you back to your room. I'll be in touch regarding your placement shortly."
And just like that, he's gone, gliding away with that inhuman grace all Fae seem to possess. Dr. Helwood appears at my elbow like he was summoned, which he probably was.
"Shall we?" he asks, gesturing toward the entrance.
