“Thank you,” I grumble.
“I mean, you look tired. Which makes sense.” She starts arranging pillows behind my back. “You need to eat everything on this tray. Build your strength back, my lord.”
“I’m fine.”
“You’re not fine. Lady Belle said you almost fell trying to stand.”
“She’s exaggerating.”
“She’s worried about you. We all are.” She pours my tea. “Now eat, please. I made your favorites.”
The food is amazing, but eating is not what I want to be doing right now.
What I want is my mate. Naked under me. Or on top of me… I’m not picky. I chuckle to myself before smothering my laughter.
“Where is Belle?” I ask Louise between bites.
“The mistress is exploring the castle with Rosalie. She wants to see how everything’s changed now that the curse is broken.” Louise smiles. “She’s delightful, sire. You chose well.”
“She chose me,” I reply, feeling my expression relax into a smile.
Louise grins back at me. “I’ll check on you in a few hours, my lord. Please get some rest!”
Then she’s gone.
When I try to get up, the world spins again, and I have to sit back down with a growl of frustration.
Fine, maybe I’m a little weak. But that doesn’t mean I can’t…
The door opens, and Belle peeks in.
“Just checking on you,” she singsongs with a bright smile on her lovely face.
“I’m fine.”
“Oh, you’re pouting,” she teases me, framing my face with her delicate hands.
“I don’t pout,” I mumble through clenched teeth, crossing my arms again.
“Definitely pouting.” She giggles. “The castle is amazing, Pierre. Everything is so beautiful. The forest is full of animals again. There are even deer in the rose garden!”
“That’s nice.” I can’t help but smile at her happiness. I reach for her. “Come here, sweet.”
“No.”
“Belle…”
“You need to rest.”
She laughs and kisses my cheek. My fuckingcheek. Like I’m a child or a pet.
“I’ll be back later,” she promises. “Behave.”
Then she’s gone again. I last about ten minutes before I try to get up and go find her. I make it three steps before Gideon appears in the doorway.
“Going somewhere, sire?”
“Out.”
