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She releases a puff of air. “Oh, thank god.”
“That name,” I growl.
“I can’t say:Oh, thank Orcus. That’s weird.” She rolls her eyes.
I bury my fingers into her hair and draw her up for a rough kiss. “I think it sounds great,” I say once we break apart.
“Of course you do. You’re a prince and the only boy. Geez. Five kids? Your poor mom,” Daisy says with a strained laugh.
“Nah, she loves it. I’ve never seen a woman so happy as when all her kids are running around. It’s settled down some now that we’re getting older, but she’s always so excited when we’re together.”
“She sounds great…” Daisy trails off.
“But?”
“No but, more of a how?”
“Okay. How what?”
“How did she end up with your dad?”
My mood darkens. I wish I had a romantic story for her. My parents are mates, but that doesn’t mean they love each other, at least not in the way most people think. After so many years together, there’s a natural sort of loyalty that develops. When we were younger, I never saw my father kiss my mother. I never saw him make her laugh. All I saw was my mother desperately seeking his attention and constantly being denied. In a way, I think having so many kids with him was part of her yearning for his love and partly so she’d be able to surround herself with people who gave a shit about her.
Now that I have a mate, I don’t know how my father could be so cold. Daisy’s pain is unbearable. You’d have to be heartless to ignore those feelings from your mate.
Daisy sits up. “I need something to wear.”
Bless her for changing the subject to spare my feelings, but I won’t be the type of ogre that denies my mate anything. “I’m not sure how they ended up together, all I know is she’s too good for him.”
Daisy glances at me over her shoulder. “Then let’s not keep her waiting.”
* * *
The king is noticeablyabsent from the dinner my mother planned. Heady relief sweeps through my system. I already know I’ll be on high alert trying to protect Daisy from the women in my family, I don’t need to worry about my father as well.
The private dining room is bustling with workers who are busy filling drinks for my family. My sister Oraya notices us first, but I’m not surprised by that. She’s an observer. Her lips tip up when our eyes meet and then her gaze slides down to Daisy, widening as she studies her.
“She’s so little,” Oraya murmurs, though I don’t think she meant to say it out loud.
The rest of my family turns to stare, and I bristle, half tempted to step in front of Daisy, but she places her palm on my thigh, keeping me at bay. There’s no real threat here. Still, I get overwhelmed with my family. I can’t imagine how Daisy must feel as they all silently take her in.
My mother rises from the table, her salt and pepper hair swept back into an elegant updo, ever the queen, and gestures to the open seats. “Daisy, is it? Please, come eat with us.”
“Thank you,” Daisy says, marching toward one of the oversize chairs.
I reach over her head and scoot it out. Daisy climbs into the chair with a slight struggle. I don’t pick her up because I don’t want to embarrass her. The seat is large, but not large enough that she can’t get into it alone. I also don’t want to make her seem weak.
Once Daisy is settled in the seat, sitting on her heels, I push the chair in. Her head barely reaches over the table and her pretty green eyes fill with panic.
“Will you please fetch Daisy a booster?” my mother asks one of the centaur servers waiting near the door to the private kitchen.
“I’m okay—” Daisy begins, but my mother shushes her.
“We’re giant ogres and you, my dear, are a cute little folk. There’s no shame in needing a booster. Orcus used one for years.”
“Mom,” I warn, but she sends me her signatureshut upglare. My mouth snaps shut.
I take my seat beside Daisy and the centaur returns a moment later. Daisy shifts to the side so the booster can be placed in the seat and then she hops onto that, shooting me a nervous look.
