Page 33 of Venom Sweeter than Honey
The words he whispers against my shoulder are a balm to my frayed soul. “It’s you and me, always, sweetling.”
RAIA
“Oh, Lucen... I’ve never been anywhere so beautiful.” I pause to gape up at the palace Lucen justfoldedus to. Discomfort and the distinct sensation ofnot belongingtighten in my chest. I grew up in a slum, and an utterly illogical scene plays out in my mind where somehow, some way, someone in this palatial restaurant will surely recognize that I am a mere pauper masquerading in a fancy dress. Surely, they will throw me back out into the street from whence I came.
Lucen, entirely unaware of my internal battle, wears a grin as though pleased with himself. “Well, there’s plenty more of that to come, sweetling. My family and I frequent The Basileion, but truly, this is only the beginning.”
My eyes slip shut as I draw in a deep breath of cool night air.
I belong here.
I am the daughter of a god.
I am a goddess, for Akash’s sake. If anyone belongs here, it is I.
Facts work no magic over my illogical imagination.
I also can’t help but feel a pang of guilt. This kind of lifestyle was everything that my mother and I could have ever hoped for.Everything thatshedeserved, considering hersoulboundwas a god and a king.
I wish so badly you could be here.
My thoughts are interrupted by a soft voice.
“Lucen.”
Lucen goes rigid beside me. We both turn, and Lucen attempts to guide me behind him, but my eyes lock with...
Jealousy fists my heart the moment I lay eyes on her. She’s easily the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Her dark skin somehow glows beneath the moonlight, coupled with dark crimson eyes that—somehow—aren’t even remotely off-putting, but instead radiate warmth; feline in shape and framed by exquisite cheekbones. Full lips are painted red and set within a sharp yet elegant jawline. Her head is shaved—the sleek look only adding to her ethereal beauty.
A gilded collar decorates her long neck, pointing towards petite breasts that suit her lithe frame.
The only thing that reassures me is that there is no jealousy onherface. Lucen’s expression, however, is more displeased than I’ve ever seen it. “Widow.”
“I’m sorry to bother you, but we have a problem.” She pauses, her long-lashed eyes meeting mine. “Hello. I apologize for the intrusion. I’m Widow.”
I bow my head in greeting, awkwardly, because I’m unsure how people of this caliber greet one another. A corner of her mouth tilts in amusement, but it isn’t mocking. “I’m Raia. Lovely to meet you.”
Lucen clears his throat. “I apologize, sweetling. Widow is a colleague of mine... Would you mind if I have the maitre’d seat you while I have a word with her in private?”
If they don’t cast me out first.
A nearbycoocatches my attention, and my eyes briefly scan the vicinity before landing on Horus, perched at the edge of analcove a few dozen yards away. Along with his sheer size, the collar of white at his neck makes him stand out in the dark, and distinguishes him from the few other ravens loitering nearby.
My precious shadow of solidarity.
His presence emboldens me to straighten. Soothes the panic rising. I manage a nod. “Yes... Sure. Whatever you need.”
By some miracle,no one seems to detect my former poverty. The waiter is unnervingly polite. He’s only just delivered a much-needed bottle of red wine when Lucen returns. A smile that doesn’t reach his eyes is pasted on his face as if it’s supposed to be reassuring.
I force myself to swallow back my fear and discomfort.
Shove away the urgent whisperings of my intuition.
Still, the fragile hope that had only just blossomed in my chest is already wilting like a potted plant in some forgotten corner.
Every question I ask Lucen is met with short, vague responses followed by a deflecting question. I don’t want to argue or ruin the evening—and certainly not in front of the numerous people who stop by to shake Lucen’s hand, or the numerous patrons that sneak glances from behind the rim of their champagne flutes as they watch us from their tables.
“Lucen, I see you’ve finally decided to bring along some charming company.”
