Excerpt reprinted with permission

The Swan King's personal quarters were a display of hedonistic sensuality. Velvet draped the windows and formed a canopy over the bed, fur rugs lay haphazardly across the thick carpet, and everywhere you looked there was a spot to lounge. The colors were black—in honor of the King's swan form—and gold, with splashes of red. Everything was padded or solid so that nothing creaked. The king liked to hear evidence of his prowess from his lovers, not the furniture.

“Please, have a seat, Konstantin.” Nikolay waved toward the sitting area before the fireplace.

Konstantin chose an armchair, one of those red splashes, while the King went to the couch. He sat down, removed his crown, set it on a side table, and motioned me over. I started to sit down beside Nikolay, but he stopped me.

“Take off your jacket and shirt, Misha,” Nikolay said, his tone casual.

A zing of anxiety lightninged through me. So, this was to be the game tonight. I was to be shown off to the man he believed wanted me. Oh, do you like my jewelry? Have a closer look. Notice the facets of the stone. The rich color. Yes, it's valuable. Imagine wearing it. But don't you dare touch.Niko loved lording, or in his case kinging, his power and possessions over people. Showing me off to the Kaplan accomplished both. I should have seen this coming.

With a sense of dread and my stare locked on Niko, I obeyed, shrugging out of my jacket and then removing my shirt. They both got folded over the back of the couch and then I stood there, waiting for his next order.

The Swan King's hand slid up my stomach. “My Misha has a beautiful body, don't you think, Konstantin?” He slid his eyes to the Kaplan as he pinched my nipple.

I lifted my chin and stared straight ahead, between the two men. Maybe if I didn't react, didn't add to the tiger's fire, Niko wouldn't make me give another performance tonight. Oh, who was I kidding? I was f*cked. The only question was, would it only be physically or would it be figuratively too?

“I don't know what game you're playing, but it ends here, Your Majesty.” Konstantin started to stand.

“Then you don't want my consort? What a shame. I was about to offer him to you.”

The Kaplan fell back into his seat as if he'd been pushed. Or punched. “What are you saying?”

Hold on, what was he saying?I finally looked at Nikolay.

“Sit down, Misha.” Nikolay patted the couch beside him. “But first, take off your pants.”

“Hold on a second,” Konstantin growled. “What are you doing?”

“I have a proposition for you, tiger, and I advise you to listen because it has never been offered before,” the King's voice turned to stone. He flicked his gaze at me and nodded.

I unbuckled my belt, a flush rising to my cheeks, and then pulled it free.