Page 77 of The Omega Thief

And he had. The skirmishes on the northern plains, the war with Rajpur that had taken so many lives, and the increasing problems at home. Not that Benta had ever told the six-year-old. Benta had said he had enough conceit for the whole kingdom. But on the day when Raz, arrogant with youth as so many are, had escaped his mandated guards on his fifteenth birthday and snuck into Cadmeera with three friends, all just as stupid, Benta had seen them go and followed.

And saved his life.

Because they hadn’t just gone to one of the local taverns. Convinced they would be seen and recognized, they’d gone to the docks and flashed enough coin so the landlord deliberately spiked their drinks. They’d been set upon as soon as they stumbled outside.

Benta had even been willing to watch them get their asses handed to them to teach them some humility until the knives had come out and realized this was more than a robbery.

And then six years after that, on the front line, Raz had saved Benta’s life and taken an arrow that would have killed the human.

Raz almost wished he were here, but that would be cruel. He knew he was here for punishment, a lesson of some sort. And if they were willing to beat the crown prince, what would they do to one of his trusted guards?

“We have your bonded below. If that isn’t enough of a threat, Her Highness is also a captive.”

Raz wondered if they knew what they’d done. If Raz didn’t escape, they would surely wish Grandmother had. Legend in his family had it that Grandmother was once captured as a young girl. The rebel leader on the northern plains had crowed his victory and thought to ransom her. Barely four weeks later, he’d let her go and disappeared, never to be heard of again.

And she never confessed why. There had been other things to sway his capitulation, but his father had always told him that Grandmother was Cadmeera’s greatest weapon.

Raz stood while Markell paced. He wasn’t sure what Markell was trying to prove, but he wouldn’t cower. Then, with barely any warning, Markell lunged and caught one of Raz’s arms with his blade. It took four humans to hold Raz still, and even then, they barely held onto him. The cut healed in seconds, though, and Raz hadn’t even had to shift.

He eyed Markell, the smirk obvious, but he didn’t see the point. Markell had a Fenrir, as well. He knew Raz’s wolf would have healed it instantly.

“Interesting,” he said, and Raz almost rolled his eyes.

“Why don’t you stop playing and tell me what you’re hoping to prove?”

Markell ignored him and turned to one of his men. “Bring the prisoners.”

Raz tried not to react, knowing who he would see. Was this how they taunted him? He’d already surrendered. But as five of his soldiers and another five prisoners who looked to be farm laborers were led in, he glanced back at Markell. What was he up to?

“Chain him.”

Raz had no choice but to stand as large chains tied his wrists and ankles. He recognized three of the soldiers and two of the others. They worked on the cottage farm closest to the palace.

Then Carter was dragged over, beaten so badly he could barely stand. Raz yanked at the chains holding him and guessed this was why he’d been chained up.

“Your chamberlain refused to read the royal decree surrendering your title.” He waved it off. “Not that it matters, but because of that, I want him to see what defiance causes.” And without stopping to take a breath, he lifted his sword and swung. It was so fast, none but the soldiers reacted quickly enough, and the closest farm laborer’s head hit the floor before his body followed it. The other four weren’t given so much time to gasp before blood sprayed them, as he ran those through, as well.

Raz locked his jaw. He couldn’t give him the satisfaction of a reaction, but it wouldn’t have mattered because Markell stepped behind the line of his men and quickly stabbed all four of the soldiers. The last one, Garret, one he recognized, locked eyes with Raz but kept his chin firmly up and didn’t struggle.

Raz caught the cruel gleam in Markell’s eyes, and he opened his mouth to beg for any sort of clemency for Garret, but the soldier shook his head slightly.

Markell must have noticed because he came to stand in front of him. “I have a question for you,” he said silkily. “You know your prince has cheated and has been forced to surrender.” Garret didn’t respond, and Raz could barely find the spit to swallow. He knew what was going to happen.

“So tell me, do you yield to Emperor Johannas?”

“Never,” Garret spat out. “He—” But whatever else he would have said was lost when Markell stabbed him through the throat. The guards holding him let him drop to the floor.

Raz’s wolf snarled in his head, and his claws erupted.

Markell turned and saw. “Bring his servant.”

“Carter is invaluable,” Raz said. “He knows the history—”

“Yes, yes,” Markell said, cutting him off again. “I actually agree for now, but this was a simple demonstration. You know who we keep downstairs. You’re going to be displayed in front of the palace for all Cadmeera to see their worthless prince, and I will make sure the thief stays alive, and that Her Highness dies eventually of old age.” He paused. “On one condition.”

“I surrendered,” Raz said. What more could he do?

“Indeed, but you still look a little too, well…prince-like, at the moment, so I’m going to get my guards to ruffle you up a little, dirty those breeches before we display you.”

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