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“Is this the happily ever after?” she murmurs against my mouth.
I don’t know what she’s talking about, but if that’s what she wants, I’ll find a way to give it to her. I refuse to be like my father and take my mate for granted. He may have trained me to become a vicious warrior, but I’m not him.
With Daisy by my side, I know I can be good.
I have to be.
THIRTY-SEVEN
Kings and their threats
DAISY
The weeks leading up to the ceremony fly by. Between all the horizontal time I’ve been spending with Orcus—and sometimes vertical—the planning with his family, and nightly dinners with my friends in our private dining rooms, I’ve managed to avoid Orcus’ father. The protection spell Zyla placed on me buzzes over my skin for the first time as I’m wandering through the royal library.
Orcus was called away to talk about another incident with the vampires. Instead of going to find his sisters or seeking out Zyla, I decided to take some much-needed time alone. But now, as I turn around and tip my head back to meet the king’s narrowed gaze, I can’t help but regret that decision.
The king—oh shit, he’s a king. I give a hasty and sloppy bow.Please don’t kill me for not bowing. My pulse races. I clench my trembling hands behind my back and stand as tall as my five-foot-five frame will allow.
“No one ever taught you how to bow?”
“No.” I quickly add, “Your majesty.”
His eyebrows notch up his forehead. “I’ve been hoping to spend some time with you. It seems everyone in my family has had the opportunity and they all sing your praises.” He frowns. “I’m curious how such a small thing could ever be so fascinating.”
Is he really pulling the size matters card? There are a hundred responses on the tip of my tongue, but I’m not so reckless as to say any of them to a king.
The king stares.
I swallow. Right. He wants a response. “I’m not sure I’m fascinating, but their kindness means a lot to me.”
He hums. “How long have you known my son?”
“Um, maybe around a month and a half?” Or is it two? I’m not entirely sure.
“And yet you’re ready to tie your life to his? He’s a monster.” His father leans casually against the book cases that run all the way up to the ceiling.
I had been enjoying myself in this space. It’s cozy with the oversized leather chairs and grand fireplace. “He is an ogre, but I don’t think he’s a monster. He’s also my mate.”
If condescension is bad on Earth, try being looked down on by a giant monster. “I’m curious who put you up to snaring my son.”
It’s almost laughable how much his suspicion sounds like Orcus’ when I landed in his lap, only then he thought his father was to blame. Who else would benefit? Unless… the king has enemies. The dude is sneering at me like I smell like dog crap. He definitely has enemies.
“Would you have chosen another ogre?”
“Yes.”
“He told me you tried to force him to mate, but he also told me Hecate’s blessing doesn’t work that way.”
The king ignores my goading. “A prince needs a mate. Heirs are important. How will you give him heirs?”
My stomach churns. I don’t want kids, but I don’t tell the king that. “I may have only known your son for a little while, but you of all people should know Orcus can’t be forced into taking a mate.”
“He can be forced into quite a bit given the right motivation.” His eyes bore into mine.
The protection spell rumbles over my skin. That was definitely a threat. “If you have any love for your son, you’ll think twice about threatening me.”
His lips curl into a cruel smile. “Oh, you’re cute. You think your witch and little trull scare me?”
