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“Better?” I ask.
She nods and tucks her hands into her lap, glancing around the table. Her pulse jumps in her neck. Trepidation seeps through the bond. I send as much reassurance to her as I can. I’m not worried about the fear. It’s natural for her to be a little afraid of being surrounded by so many monsters, especially ones that are much, much bigger than her. I’d be more concerned if she wasn’t a little nervous.
“Now, let me get a proper look at you,” my mother says, leaning forward to peer at Daisy. “My, youarea beauty. Such soft skin and pretty hair. Those eyes… almost doe like, wouldn’t you say?”
I groan.
“Uh.” Daisy shrugs. “I guess?”
“And that nose! Cute as a button,” my mother continues her appraisal.
“Wow, Mom. Let’s just examine everything about her to make her feel welcome,” Oretta drawls. “Sorry about her, she’s never had a daughter-in-law before.” Oretta’s pink dress is over the top with frills, lace, and an unholy number of gems. It’s a miracle the chair hasn’t collapsed beneath the weight of that garment.
“Let me guess. You’re Oretta?” Daisy asks.
Delight flashes over Oretta’s face. “Yes! He’s talked about me? Don’t believe a thing he says, I’m the best sister.”
Orlena elbows her, hard. “I’m the best and you know it.”
“Ow.” Oretta rubs her side. “Orlena, that hurt.”
“Sorry,Princess,” Orlena says with a smirk before focusing on Daisy. “Do you fight?”
Daisy shakes her head. “No.”
Orlena hums. “Well, it’s never too late to learn.”
“You’re not teaching her how to fight,” I say.
“And why not? Everyone should know how to properly defend themselves. You’d deny her the chance to learn?” Orlena leans toward me. “Or is that how you like your mate? Fragile and defenseless.”
Ire licks up my spine. “Watch your mouth, sister. I can still kick your ass.”
“I’d like to see you try. Heard you’ve been wasting away up there in the cave, hiding. Maybe that’s why the vampires got the drop on you,” she taunts me with a twinkle in her eye. Orlena is itching to spar, probably tired of being told she has no place in real battle, and it seems she’s decided to take it out on me.
“He almost died to save everyone else,” Daisy inserts herself into our conversation. “Are you really going to give him crap for that?”
Orlena sits back and rolls her lips together, properly censured. My mother beams at Daisy and Oretta tries not to giggle.
“Are you going to have babies?” Orana asks.
“Orana.” My mother releases an exasperated breath. “Honestly, all of you. Let’s give Daisy a chance to breathe and eat. My son’s kept her locked in his room all day and I’m sure she’s famished.” The glare sent in my direction makes my ear ache.
Never keep your mate hungry.
That’s what she always used to tell me when preparing me for the moment I’d eventually find a partner. The first thing I did when I got Daisy alone was feed her, but I don’t bother defending myself.
“Where’s the king?”
“He said he had business to discuss.” Mother gives me a careful once over. “Is it true you’re demanding to take the throne?”
“I’m not demanding.” Maybe I am, but I was trying to buy time. “What business is he discussing?”
Mother shrugs. “You’d have to ask him.”
I frown. If there’s important matters related to the kingdom, I need to be a part of the conversation. I should go find him. I can’t leave Daisy to fend for herself. Already my sisters are proving to be insufferable.
“You should go,” Daisy says softly enough for only me to hear. “I’ll be okay.”
