He’s so fucking sexy. It’s not fair. I turn my back on him. It hurts to be this close to him and not in his arms. I want to be strong, but resisting him is so fucking hard.
“It needn’t be like this, little one.” He comes closer. There’s a slight purr in his voice.
I hold up a hand, ignoring the warmth that rushes through my belly. “Don’t. Did you send word to Ma?”
“You know I did. I instructed mywhispto show you proof, if you desired.”
So that’s why Rogue allowed me to see the orb. It was following orders.
“However, I did not instruct it to show you the gallery. It seems this particularwhisphas a sense of loyalty towards you, rather than to me, its master.” Bestian sounds stern.
Right now, saidwhispis cowering at my feet.
I whirl to face the king. “Please don’t hurt Rogue. It’s only trying to help me.”
“You named thewhisp?” He sounds incredulous.
I close the distance between us and reach out to touch him. My hand looks so tiny on his corded, muscular forearm. “Please, Bestian.” I couldn’t bear it if he ordered the littlewhispto go and never return. “Rogue is my only friend.”
“I am your friend,” he informs me.
I swallow and retract my hand. “I still don’t trust you. I barely know you.”And for some reason, you seem hell-bent on keeping me here when I’ve made it clear I want to leave.
He pins me with his gaze but after a moment, his shoulders soften. “Then you should have an ally. Thewhispmay stay by your side. But only if it abides by my will, as well.”
“Thank you.” Rogue twirls gently around my boots, then I can’t feel it anymore. I remain where I am, gazing up at Bestian. “You’re wearing a mask.”
He cocks his head. “My own creation. Do you like it?”
“Yes.” I want to deny it, but from the way it hugs his features, I can tell he has the bone-structure of a god. I still want to see his face, but he’s so damn sensitive about it. “It suits you.”
He shifts back a step and offers his arm to me. “Will you walk with me?”
I pause for a moment, considering. He didn’t demand. He didn’t just sweep me up into his arms like a doll. He asked. I have right of refusal. And now that I know Ma isn’t worried sick about me…
Let us come to an accord,he said last night.
Maybe I can’t escape right away. Maybe the king and I are at war, and with his superior strength and knowledge, he will win. But he wants my agreement, my acceptance.
Maybe I can negotiate with him.
Maybe I’m here for a reason.
“A truce,” I agree, and put my hand on his arm.
FOURTEEN
Rose
“I want to speak to Ma,”I tell Bestian as he leads me through the dazzling palace.
“That can be arranged.”
“Really? You’ll let me—”
“You won’t be leaving the castle, but you can still talk to her. Is this acceptable?”
“Yes.”For now.
