Chapter 43: Chapter 43

Raven

The harsh sound of metal clashing against metal jolted her awake. It did nothing to soothe the migraine that had been her constant companion since dawn. She’d hoped the woman would take a hint.

Raven had been living in the dorms for three months now, and she hadn’t attended a single class. The only times she left her bed were for parties and her late-night baths.

“You have ten minutes,” the woman said.

“I don’t need lessons on how to fuck and suck. I’ve got that covered,” Raven retorted.

Sleep was out of the question now. She sat up and reached for her nightstand. There should be enough left in her bottle to last her until tonight’s party.

“Considering you haven’t been requested, I’d say you do,” the woman said, snatching the bottle away. “How do you expect the king to want you if you’re always stumbling around drunk?”

“Who said I wanted the king?”

“If you keep this up, you’ll be thrown to the lower ranks, passed around, and taking on groups at a time.” The woman gestured wildly, spilling Raven’s breakfast.

“This is too much noise for this early in the morning,” Captain Oito said, strolling down the row of beds.

“Good morning, sir. My apologies. I’m just trying to get this one on track.”

“Graduation is approaching. Do you have a special skill to perform?” he asked, pulling her up from the bed.

“I was about to practice, but she took my bottle,” Raven said, swaying slightly.

“I don’t think comedy is your strong suit,” he said.

“Wake me up for the party,” Raven said, flopping back onto the bed.

He pulled her back up. “The king has requested you. You smell like a bar. Bathe and meet me in the hall. Five minutes.”

“He wants me? Even though I’m always drunk?” Raven said, pressing her hands to her cheeks in mock surprise. “I’ll need more than five—”

“So you can disappear and sleep while I search for you? No, let’s go.”

She didn’t bother trying to retrieve her bottle; the woman would probably trade the rest with one of the other girls.

As they walked down the chilly hallway, other women passed them, whispering. It felt like being back in high school.

“Captain Oito.” The grating voice made her head throb.

“Jaji, lower your voice,” he said, not breaking his stride.

“You didn’t call on me last night again,” Jaji said.

She was really laying it on thick, complete with a pouty lip.

“I’ve got my hands full,” he said.

Jaji huffed.

“Why can’t you just do as you’re told?”

Raven rubbed her forehead. “Maybe he’s avoiding you. Have you ever considered that?”

“What did you—”

Captain Oito stepped between them. “Five minutes or—”

“You’re dragging me, I get it.” Raven shuffled into the steamy room.

The enormous in-ground tub could rival those of the Romans. The pillars were intricately carved. The dark tiled floor was always polished and slippery, a tripping hazard in her opinion.

She submerged herself in the flower-petal-infused water and swam to the other side where the soap station was.

Raven sat on the step and began to wash. As her rag moved over her stomach, tears streamed down her cheeks. The image of General Fleu’s face flashed in her mind. Raven punched the water beneath her.

***

She failed to ditch the captain. She’d hoped Jaji would distract him with her whining. Instead, he was waiting for her at the back exit.

Raven chewed her nails during the elevator ride. She’d broken every rule and acted like a total jerk to make the king overlook her. She’d thought it was working.

He’d called almost every other woman up here, and most didn’t return. Her heart pounded as the doors opened.

Captain Oito nudged her into the room. It was the same size as the dorm room. The decor was modest and simple. The fresh breeze made her hairs stand on end.

She practically sprinted to the balcony. How long had it been since she’d seen the sky? Before she could reach the sliding door, a rough hand grabbed her wrist.

“It’s a long way down.” The voice was gruff.

“Five months. I just want to stand outside for a while.”

“Do you think you deserve to go outside? Your behavior suggests otherwise,” he said, closing the door. “Sit.”

Raven stood at the sliding door, taking in as much as she could before sinking into the soft seat. She finally looked at him, and her eyes widened.

He had a large diagonal scar across his face, and it had healed poorly. His eyes were violet, and his black hair was casually piled on top of his head. He smiled, revealing gold fangs.

“It’s rude to stare.”

Raven cleared her throat. “What do you want from me?”

“To ensure we’re on the same page for the graduation ceremony.”

“And what page is that?”

“Not to embarrass me or this kingdom. It’s a big event, and people come from all over to showcase their females. We always have the best, and this year won’t be any different. What talent or skill will you be showcasing?”

“I was going to tell jokes, but the captain thinks I should do something different.” Raven smirked.

The King frowned. “You’ve skipped every class offered. You will start attending tomorrow.”

“I don’t—”

“How should you dress when I call on you? What’s my favorite position?”

Raven leaned back. “How does any of that concern me? We won’t be—”

“Those classes are designed to teach you all that. They’ll show you how to fit in, and what happens if you don’t. Your free pass expires on graduation day. So, make sure you learn all this, or you’re in for a rough ride. You can go now,” he said, waving her off.

“Excuse me?” Anger surged through her. His smug demeanor made her itch to add another mark to his scar collection.

“Out,” he commanded, making her jump.

But Raven didn’t budge. She met his gaze head-on. Just as the king rose from his seat, Captain Oito scooped her up from her chair and whisked her off to the elevator.