Ruffled Feathers (Once Upon a Harem Book 5) by Stephanie West

Author:Stephanie West [West, Stephanie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: After Glows Publishing
Published: 2018-06-11T16:00:00+00:00

13

The Inquisition

“How little do the wisest among us know of that which is so important to us all.” Hans Christian Andersen

* * *

“Thank you for helping me calm down, and doing my hair and face, Anitra,” Cygne said as they walked down a long hall.

Besides the broodmates, no one had ever pampered her like that. It was very relaxing.

“I can’t believe you never played with coloring your lips and eyes as a fledgling.” Anitra shook her head in disbelief.

“I had a weird upbringing.” That was the only simple explanation.

They reached a set of doors flanked by a pair of dark-uniformed guards and Cygne stiffened up.

“Don’t worry,” Anitra whispered as the guards opened the doors.

That’s easier said than done.

“Greetings.” Cygne nodded and cast the guards the bravest smile she could muster as she stepped into the room.

The chatter of voices instantly ceased. Cygne panned the quiet crowd then stopped when she saw Kaede’s approaching fathers. Beyond them stood her broodmates. Her heart leapt, then instantly remembered she was supposed to pretend they didn’t know each other.

“Who is this, Nicht?” inquired a female with pale brown hair and streaks of yellow snaking through her pinions.

“We had a candidate arrive late, Calesse,” Kaede’s blue-winged father replied. “May I introduce Cygne.”

“This is rather unorthodox, considering the Courting Ceremonies begin in the morning.” Calesse frowned.

“I think we can make an exception,” commented a young iridescent-winged male, flanked by equally colorful friends.

The way they looked her up and down made Cygne take a step back.

“Hush, Velifico. You know you’re not supposed to meet the candidates before tomorrow. Go stand with your cousin and his broodmates.”

“Of course, Mother.”

So, this is the aunt and cousin I heard about.

Velifico, walked away with his broodmates. They didn’t join Kaede, but Calesse seemed appeased.

“I realize it’s late, but I have it on good authority this female is an exceptional candidate.”

Cygne glanced at Nicht in surprise, then smiled. The broodmates must have shared that. It sounded like something they’d say.

“She is rather stunning when she smiles and stops looking like a lost fledgling. I’ll allow it.” Calesse waved imperiously and walked toward a gathering of older females.

“It is a pleasure to formally meet you, Cygne. I am Nicht, however, you must remember to refer to me as Drake in public.”

“I am Ehren,” Kaede’s red-winged father introduced himself. “That’s Lagois and Flanke.” Ehren gestured to the males over his shoulder, who nodded. “We’ve been briefly apprised of your unique situation, but please understand, as much as we’d like to circumvent this process, we are honor bound to abide by our traditions.”

“I understand and appreciate your help.” Cygne nodded. Kaede’s fathers were kind enough to manipulate circumstances, so she was included as one of the candidates, but that was all the help they could offer.

“I’m Regen,” the rainbow-winged father added, as they approached the group of females. “And this is the council of Legion Matrons.”

“Greetings.” Cygne bowed.

“That is an unconventional bow, with the way you crossed your wings,” one female noted.

So, the critique begins. This was her worst nightmare come to life.

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