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The rebels are becoming a greater nuisance as each day passes. “So still no idea what he wanted or what he was looking for?”

“No.”

“Do you think it was their leader? Janik, if your sources are correct?” It’s not a question I truly need to ask, because I know for a fact he’s in charge of the rebellion. Horek may be my cousin and heir to my throne, but I still hold a few secrets I am unable to share with him. Not the least of which is that I have a spy who works solely for me deep within the rebellion ranks.

Carrik has been the royal spy for me—and my father before me—since the death of his own father who had filled the role prior. I trust him implicitly to do whatever needs to be done in whatever amount of time that takes. The biggest challenge we’ve had to navigate is the fact that his twin is a guard under Horek’s command and has no idea Carrik works for me. The two brothers have been at odds for anums, a rift cultivated—and encouraged—by their father. “I do. There was something infinitely cocky about him that only comes from a person who’s in charge and knows how smart they are. He acted far too smug to have been a lowly scout. If it wasn’t this Janik, then it was someone close to him. A second-in-command, perhaps.”

“And there’s been no mutterings from them since he got away?”

“Nothing. Like I said, quiet. There aren’t even any whispers of them knowing the humans arrived.”

I chuckle, but without amusement. With all the trade lines, word has to have spread far and wide. Which means there’s not a chance the rebels don’t know. “Every citizen of Preska and its outer cities knows they arrived yesterday. It’s all anyone has been talking about. The chances of our males finding their mate and producing progeny is too big of news for it to remain quiet for long. I suspect the entire planet knows they’re here.”

Horek sighs, because he knows I’m right. “Regardless of the silence from the rebels, we’ll flush them out. Somehow.”

If anyone can find and arrest every last one, it’s my cousin. “I trust you.”

The moment the words leave my lips, the mating fever hits me out of nowhere. I double over with pain and my vision goes dark.

Fight.

Kill.

Destroy.

The beast controls me. I fight back, but it grows stronger. It senses movement and our head jerks up with a vicious growl, ready to tear apart the threat that approaches. A voice speaks softly, and our fists clench forcing our claws to dig into our flesh and draw blood. The beast snarls. I fight to understand what’s being said.

“Alik, you need to take this. Breathe, cousin. Everything’s going to be fine. It’s Horek. I need you to breathe.”

I focus on my cousin’s voice and battle the beast.

His movements are slow as he carefully unscrews the cap on what I already know is his vial of kanet powder. I wish I could tell him I’m not sure it’s going to work. Horek approaches with great caution, his hands outstretched in front of him in what I assume is supposed to be a soothing gesture.

My chest heaves with every breath I take and the beast continues its warning rumble my cousin doesn’t heed. Instead he keeps moving forward, only stopping when he’s within arm’s length. The beast is wary. I try to convey we’re not in danger from Horek, but it doesn’t trust me.

“Easy. Just breathe.” He places the cap under my nose. “That’s it. Breathe it in.”

My first inhalation is slow, the second faster. A cool sensation runs through me and the beast shudders. I can feel myself gaining more control, but in the tiniest of increments. Finally, I take in a sharp breath and the powder disappears. Horek’s breathing is even. At long last the beast within calms. The tension bleeds from me, and I straighten. A quick glance down confirms my darkening skin tone lightens, but only by a small degree. The signs of the mating fever are still present.

“Fuck.”

Now that the fever’s abated enough to leash the beast within, Horek steps back, but meets my gaze. Thankfully, whatever he was going to stay remains unspoken, because we both know it changes nothing.

“You should hurry and finish dressing before your mother comes searching for you. I’ll let her know you’re on your way.” He recaps his supply of kanet powder and tosses it on my bed. “You need this more than I do right now.”

I clench my jaw and give Horek a sharp nod. He studies me for another tick before leaving. Considering I have no wish for any of the staff to see me like this, I finish getting myself ready. It takes far longer than it should, but I’m methodical and focused. I have no desire for another attack of mating fever to sneak up on me. They’re becoming unpredictable and harder to control.

Once I’m satisfied with my appearance, I exit my rooms and make my way to the banquet hall. No doubt, my mother is questioning my absence. I’m surprised she hasn’t already sent out a search party despite whatever assurances Horek has given her that I’m on my way.

Far too soon, I reach my destination and pause to scan the occupants. More than half of all the eligible males who were able to attend this evening slowly fill the tables laid out. It’s clear each chooses the seat he thinks will give him the best view of the long, single table set up on the raised level where the potential brides will eat.

I move to stand beside Horek who is stationed at the royal table. “They’re like starving animals waiting to pounce on their prey.”

“It’s merely excitement,” he replies with a sideways glance.

“They’re nearly salivating.”

Although he is accused of being severe, my cousin can’t hide his grin. “Perhaps I do see a hint of rabidness in their gazes.”