Chapter 59: Chapter 59

Raven

“You want me to do what?”

Raven’s eggs slid off her fork as Soi-Ji picked up his own utensil, a strange handle without a blade. He hovered it over the meat, and a hot beam shot out, slicing through it.

He cut the pieces small, bite-sized. She wouldn’t have to chew much.

“I need you to showcase one of your more feminine talents at tonight’s meeting,” he said, settling into his chair.

“You mean the party,” she corrected him. “Didn’t you like my performance at the last one?”

He just took a bite of his meal and looked at her. His eyes were hot and hungry, but not for food. Raven shifted her gaze to her plate.

“It’s a meeting. And your performance was entertaining, even though you struggled to blend the two styles. You were more fighting for your life,” he said, leaning back in his chair.

Raven shot him a glare. “I still won.”

“Yes, you did. By using your feminine charm,” he said. “Let’s not make this a big deal. It’s not too much to ask. You have many talents besides fighting.”

“Why? I don’t want to,” she said, standing up from the table.

She couldn’t figure out what he stood to gain from it. Raven headed to the bathroom and started the bath.

“It would mean a lot to me if you did,” he said, pausing in the doorway.

She looked back at him. He had that look on his face, one she was starting to recognize. His left eyebrow would lift slightly, and his eyes would brighten.

He tried to look intimidating, almost threatening, but in reality, he was just unsure of how to get what he wanted.

“What’s in it for me?” she asked.

He chuckled. “You could—”

“Giving you a blowjob is not a reward. If you did it to me, then we’d be talking,” she said.

“Men don’t do that here,” he said, his eyes wide.

She laughed. “Yes, they do.”

Raven remembered Dhol and how insistent he was about doing it. She slipped into the bath, and heavy footsteps echoed behind her.

“Who did that to you?” he asked.

She cleared her throat. “Just something I’ve heard.”

“Mhm. Sure,” he said, sliding in behind her. “Can I count on you?”

“Fine, but I want a night out in town.”

Raven needed to get to that club and meet up with Callum. She needed to get to the communications department. Soi-Ji pressed a soft sponge to her back, making her jump.

“I don’t see why not, as long as you behave. Just be your sweet, clever self,” he said.

“I’m always good.”

“My top officials and their mates will be there,” he said, pouring water over her head.

“Shouldn’t you ask someone else to accompany you? Someone who knows how to behave at these private events?” she asked.

“This will be a good chance for you to learn and to keep me company,” he said, running his fingers through her hair.

***

Raven changed her dress for the fifth time and was still unsure about what to wear. As she started to pull it off, Soi-Ji sighed. His feet were propped up as he lay against the headboard.

“I guess it doesn’t matter what planet. All women take forever to get ready,” he said.

“Well, help me then,” she said, holding up two options.

“I’d prefer you wore nothing, but I’m not opposed to the one you’re wearing. Red looks good on you,” he said.

“Red it is. Let’s go,” she said.

As he headed to the elevator, she quickly went to the vent and pulled out a vial of daki venom. Raven tucked it into the top of her dress, just in case.

They were silent on the way down. This was new for her, them arriving together. It was new for everyone else too. The looks they got alone made her uneasy. Soi-Ji, on the other hand, seemed unfazed.

His face was as stoic as ever. The guards held the doors open for them. The voices and clinking glasses fell silent.

“Presenting King Soi-Ji,” one guard announced.

So many glowing eyes were on them as they walked through the crowd. When they reached his throne, she stopped at the stairs. He sat and glanced down at her.

“Here,” he said, pointing to a pillow next to his seat.

Raven didn’t know whether to feel honored or insulted that he wanted her to sit at his feet. She would have preferred a chair.

Any other time, Raven would have had something to say, but tonight, she needed to play nice. She had to get to town. Swallowing her pride, she climbed the stairs and knelt on the pillow.

After they were seated, the crowd went back to their conversations. A few came up to flatter him and ask for favors. She was, however, surprised at the next person who approached.

“I’m glad to see you’re well, Rize-Ji,” the prince of Nadia said.

His right eye was bruised. Raven glanced at Soi-Ji, who kept his eyes forward.

“Thank you. It wasn’t anything serious,” she said.

“Perhaps we could try our trip again. We still have much to discuss,” he said.

Raven almost forgot the prince was trying to convince her to visit his country. He wanted information, to be the first to contact humans, but she couldn’t be sure of his intentions.

“That sounds—”

“She’ll be busy for the foreseeable future,” Soi-Ji interrupted.

The prince smiled and took the hint. After making a quick exit, another person stepped forward. Everything went quiet except for the loud thud of his feet and her pounding heart.

His red eyes were as intimidating as the first day she saw them. Raven clasped her hands together, her nails digging into her skin.

“I am honored to be here tonight, sir. Thank you for inviting me,” General Fleu said.

“Of course. You have been quite helpful recently,” Soi-Ji said.

General Fleu locked eyes with Raven, his gaze unyielding. “You've got a new—”

“Her name is Rize-Ji,” Soi-Ji cut in, her voice firm.

“A fitting name indeed.” A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.