Page 41 of Song of Her Siren

I heaved a frustrated breath. “Very well.” I didn’t want to upset the servant for doing her job, but I would insist Daminica attended to us tomorrow. When servants approached me with a pallet of paints and powders, I waved them away. “No face paints and no wigs for me.”

“Me too,” Tari said.

The servant motioned to the rack of cream-colored gowns, the color meant to signify our pale magic. “That leaves just the gowns.”

I turned up my chin. “Exactly.”

Sandria wrung her fingers together. “The queen won’t—"

Tari held up a silencing hand. “We don’t give a damn.”

Trembling servants shared nervous looks, and I knew they feared retribution from my aunt for our behavior. I would have to speak to Malvolia about her ridiculous court attire.

Two servants approached us, carrying what looked like lace-up bodices. “Leave off the corset too,” Tari said, rubbing her stomach.

“B-but it shapes your waist,” the servant stammered.

“And crushes my unborn child.” Tari waved the servant away. “Leave it off.”

I was very aware of the servants going eerily silent while sharing sly looks. I could only imagine them running to Malvolia with glee at that little piece of information.

Now everyone will know you’re with child, I projected to my sister.They’re spies for Malvolia.

Tari chuckled before saying aloud, “I don’t give a damn.” Then, while rubbing her abdomen, she said, “Mother has already seen the babe in my womb. I’m having Helian’s son.”

I shook my head when the servants’ eyes widened before they continued to dress us, acting as though my sister hadn’t just revealed a juicy secret. I feared what our aunt would do with that information. No doubt, she’d find a way to use it against Tari. Elements, I hated it here.

* * *

Tari

MALVOLIA’S COURT LOOKEDnothing like what Shiri had described. In fact, the wicked bitch’s court was made up of nothing but our dysfunctional family, minus our mother and fathers. My mates’ mother, Casandra, and her lover, Gadea, were also there, appearing more awkward than I felt, for they wore hideous silver wigs that resembled painted pines.

We sat at a large circular table, with Malvolia sitting between us in a tall, dark chair that looked more regal than her pathetic floral throne. I hated that the servants had seated Helian on Malvolia’s left. When we’d protested, the servants had insisted we sit by rank. A power play, for if that was the case, Shiri and I should’ve sat at the head of the table, since our magic was strongest.

Shiri sat to Malvolia’s right, leaving me on Helian’s other side with the girls between me and Ash. Drae sat next to Shiri, with Casandra and Gadea beside him.

Ember glanced around the room as if she was seeing it for the first time, her gaze focusing on something on the ceiling. I swallowed back a knot in my throat when I realized she was probably staring at spirits.

Aurora squirmed in her seat, swinging her legs beneath her. “Where is everybody?”

Malvolia waved her wine goblet, sloshing red liquid on the table. “I dismissed them.”

“That’s weird!” Aurora blurted.

I hid a smile behind my hand.

Malvolia narrowed her eyes on Aurora. “And you, child, have just illustrated why I don’t normally allow children at court.” She pointed a blackened finger at Aurora’s chest. “If you’re going to remain, then be seen andnotheard.”

Sniffling loudly, Aurora frowned down at her lap.

I wrapped my arm protectively around her while glaring at my aunt. She had no right to scold my child.

Malvolia ignored me, her gaze slowly drifting to Helian as she broke into a wide grin. “So do you go by Prince Helian or King Helian?”

His cheeks colored as he kept his gaze forward, refusing to look at the evil bitch. “Just Helian.”

“Well,Just Helian,” she cooed, leering like he was a young, succulent lamb and she was a hungry dragoness, “why don’t you drink wine?”

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