CHAPTER 100: TO THE DEVIL’S LAIR

I took a step back. "Then Drevon’s attack on Damon means..."

Ravyn gave me a sad look and nodded. "Alpha showed violence towards his brother, who’s now the crown prince. It’s a threat to the line of succession."

A sinking feeling found my body. In the eyes of those almighty nobles, Drevon’s wild behaviour means a monarch turning on the future of the empire. It makes him a threat.

I turned away, my chest burning. My fists clenched tightly at my sides, and I fumed. Damon wanted me to come to the ball. If I hadn’t, Drevon wouldn’t be in this position.

"Princess?"

I’ll not let this slide.

"Come, Ravyn, Osha. We’re going to Prince Damon."

"What?"

"You’re sworn to me, are you not?" I turned sharply to her.

"Yes. Not just as an ally but as your protector. My life is yours."

I was touched by her devotion. It gave me the strength I needed to do this, knowing that even if I walked through fire, she’d be there to ward off the flame.

I took her hand and held it tightly. "Then, as my protector, I order you to follow me."

A look of hesitation crossed her face.

~•~

Ravyn had every power to drag me back to my chambers against my wish, but I ended up exercising the authority I had over her. I never meant to, but I had to.

I clutched the sides of my gown as I walked up the imperial staircase.

"Your Grace, please! Reconsider this. Think—" She paused her words.

I knew what she wanted to say. The last thing I should be doing is going to Damon after the encounters I have had with him. The piece of trash was a lurking shadow ever since I met him at the gardens.

I know I was deliberating stepping into the devil’s lair. But I would do this for Drevon. Damon used me to turn the empire against him. I’ll do what I can to rectify this.

I’m going in with nothing, but I hope to come out with something. Besides, what is the best surprise to give to the devil? Challenge him in his domain.

"Your Grace—"

"Enough, Osha," I cut her off.

I felt Ravyn’s calm eyes on me, but she didn’t oppose me anymore.

We heard giggles when we rounded the grand corridors, and then loud moans echoing throughout the place.

Making a turn, we found ourselves in the courtyard and a very explicit scene straight out of a graphic book. Naked whores, about six of them, were flocking around as if they were having some picnic, and Damon, who sat under the tree, was having his cock sucked by one of them.

By the gods! I turned away.

"Ladies, we have company," I heard him say in a raspy breath.

"The Princess has come to see you, Prince Damon. Perhaps you should halt this activity and receive her properly," Ravyn said.

"Receive? She is the one who came uninvited." He grunted. "Can’t blame me for the lovely view. Why don’t you join us?"

Irritation crawled through me, but I found it in me to speak. "Forgive my intrusion, Your Highness. Could you receive me properly?"

The sucking sounds stopped, and it was a relief because it made everything uncomfortable. I cannot fathom how Ravyn could watch without the hint of shame, even Osha, too.

Were all Lycans shameless when it came to intimacy?

"Alright, ladies, off you go."

I heard rustling, followed by feet tapping against the pavement as the naked women stepped out.

"Don’t keep us waiting, my prince."

"We’ve got to finish that game."

"Don’t take too long."

They might very well be climaxing with the way they spoke with desirable promises laced in their tone.

A zipper sound was heard, along with the buckles.

I cautiously turned and found Damon wearing pants, but he remained bare-chested. He picked a crystal goblet of wine and turned.

I hated how much their goddess created men. Even the worst ones were perfect, every line and muscle sculptured with godly details.

I caught a glimpse of a black tattoo, smooth wave-like lines mixed with sharp edges like shadows moving in the wind. It was identical to Drevon’s, but Damon’s had his covering his entire left hand, flowing to his chest.

"The universe must shine upon me. The human came to me. Not forced but willing," he spoke amusedly, eyeing me with those oxblood eyes of his. I could barely see any hint of color, almost like they were sapped.

I noticed how he took his time to eye me from head to toe, wetting his lips, and lingered on my face. A shift in his expression and narrowed eyes next.

When he walked toward me in long strides like a thread following the needle, Ravyn came between us and cut the thread.

Damon didn’t look too pleased by Ravyn’s interference, but I, for one, was far grateful for her intrusion.

"I’m getting irritated seeing your face more often."

"I’m glad you do not remember me, it makes me keen to make you remember."

"Oh? Please do."

One second, Ravyn was standing in front of me, and the next, she was behind Damon with her arm tightly around Damon’s neck.

"You were never quick, even for an Alpha," she murmured to his ear with a smug smirk.

"Of course, Ravyn...Ravyn Ravyn Ravyn," Damon drawled, unfazed, but I could feel the coercion rolling off him like heat.

Ravyn released him and bowed. "Your highness."

Damon pinned her with a lethal gaze, the bloodlust screamed in his face, but all he did was crack his neck to release a hard muscle.

"Still as wild as ever."

Ravyn sneered in satisfaction.

Damon moved his eyes to me, his oxblood gaze drowned in darkness, but strangely, I wasn’t affected by it like I was before.

With my chin lifted, I spoke. "Once again, excuse my abrupt visit. I should have sent word that I was coming, it’d have been far more formal."