“Where would you like me to put it.”
“On the edge of the bed would be perfect.”
I walk over, ignoring t
he pain in my feet, and bend over, placing the platter on the bed. His eyes flick between my face and my breasts, lingering a bit too long. I know his entire motive is to rattle me. It’s going to take more than a bit of ogling to knock me off my game.
I reach for the box of incense and pull out a small cone and a matchbook. I strike the match and light the tip. It sizzles and catches, giving off an instant, strong scent.
He plucks a grape off the plate and pops it in his mouth. I stand back, waiting for directions.
“When I agreed to come to the Academy, I didn’t anticipate it being like this.” He dabs his finger in a bit of creamy cheese and licks it off his pinky. “I thought all my brothers would cave quickly, not just Marshal. I figured they’d be tired of you by now and realize how absolutely unqualified you are to lead them.” He pauses to stuff another few pieces of food in his mouth, chewing slow and deliberately. “But you’d gotten to them. Used your body and influence to gain allegiance. I was pissed at first, and completely on board with Victorine’s punishments. I mean, you were openly defying, but the way you’ve handled it…that takes a certain level of determination I haven’t seen in many years.”
He looks at me like he’s expecting a reply. “Uh, thank you?”
“My brothers may be onto something.” He shifts his leg, giving me a view of his inner thigh. “Victorine has unilateral control, but I do carry some influence. Maybe there’s another way you can work off your punishment.”
He slowly picks up a strawberry and takes a bite.
Nope.
“That’s going to be a hard pass,” I say, controlling a shudder. “I’m fine with the consequences for my choices.”
He frowns, displeased at my rejection. “I hear what you’re saying; you’re strong. Prideful. As most of Odin’s warriors are. I mean, look at Thor? Biggest head I’ve ever encountered.”
I frown. He’d encountered Thor? In what realm?
“Victorine isn’t as patient as I am. She’s growing restless, Valkyrie. She wants the key.”
“Sorry. That’s not going to happen.”
“You’ll force her hand.” He licks his lips. “Unless you want to bargain.”
“I’m prepared for whatever she’s got planned.” Thank the gods Agis isn’t here. I’d be covered in black.
He smiles and shrugs as though it doesn’t matter to him.
“If you’re not getting into bed with me, go, I’ve got things to do.”
I leave through the main door, not the stairwell, because I’m not a servant. One thing I know for certain, Roland is not part of the balance. I’m still not sure about Marshal, but there’s none of the push-pull that exists between us whenever we cross paths. The heat, the confusion, the fight for control. Same with Agis, who I know in my heart is mine, he just has to get past whatever trauma is holding him back.
Roland is our enemy.
His heart is black.
His soul is empty.
And he needs to be eliminated.
22
Rupert
All day.
That’s how long I’ve been hard.
It started in the middle of the night, with a gentle breeze on my neck and ending with a ball-shattering orgasm. I don’t know who Hildi was screwing, but it was good.