Lord Pippin cleared his throat as he stopped beside my unmoving form. He evaluated my face while I watched them in silence. He muttered, “I’m really happy I’m not you right now.”
“Fuck off,” I hissed.
None of this was pleasant. For anyone.
They knew that. Even if I cared what one thought more than I did the other. It was all part of the job.
Lord Xenon walked by and turned to saunter backward. He pointed a finger straight at me. “If you leave the room today, make sure you’re around people, your majesty. And do not leave the castle. You may have missed it during your little heart-to-heart with our candidate, but Devin and Ysander weren’t thrilled when they heard you’d slept with their long-time lover.”
I shook my head past my own worries. “Wait. The rumors are true? They’re a threesome?”
Lord Xenon nodded his head. “Yes, and you really need to watch your back—even more so now. They will be a threat to you.”
I nodded slowly and stood like a tree stump while they all started changing into clothes made for the outdoors. I chewed on my bottom lip, my eyes cast on one man. His actions were harsh enough that he ripped one of his socks, tossing it aside in anger, and pulling another pair out of his bag. He sat heavily on the edge of our bed to finish getting dressed.
I murmured softly, “Lord Belshazzar…”
His ice blue eyes flayed me. “Donotright now, Gwen. Don’t even say a fucking word to me.”
My nostrils flared. “Fine. Be an asshole.”
He shoved his left foot into his sock—without tearing it this time. But his eyes held fire. All aimed at me. He spewed, “Okay, let’s chat about this witheveryonelistening in, shall we?” His fangs bared in his rage. “Why the hell didn’t you tell me you’d had a goddamn crush on him when you were younger? Because, just a few minutes ago, you sure as shit fell under his ‘aw shucks, fuck-me-darling’ charm like a schoolgirl ready to have her cherry popped by a limp-dicked high school twit. I know you’re young, but you can’t be that goddamn young.”
My hands balled on my hips. I fumed so hard my face had to be a glorious shade of red. I gritted through my clenched teeth, “I really want to rip your balls off right now.”
His fangs glistened in the sunlight pouring in through the windows. He hissed, “Fucking try it. Give me one more reason to taste your sweet blood again, and I’ll have my fangs dripping in it.”
I flared my nostrils and tipped my head back to stare at the ceiling. I wiggled my fingers until they no longer cramped, and gradually lowered my hands down by my sides. I breathed in through my nose and out through my mouth for a full minute, regaining my inner calm.
Then I tipped my head back down and stared into his violent eyes. His wrath hadn’t subsided. I said the words that were on a repeating loop inside my head. “You arenotan easy lover.”
The Overlord shot to his feet and licked his teeth in annoyance. “If you can’t handle me, then move the fuck along. Come back when you’re older and wiser.”
And…he wasn’t done yet.
He flicked his hand at the door. “There’s a druid who would love to be inside you right now. And you apparently want his cock, too. Feel free to spread your legs for him right the fuck now. But make sure to tell the prick not to worry. You don’t want his concentration blown—since I’ve heard he’s a mediocre lover, at best. I wouldn’t want you getting a subpar ride.” His eyes flashed blood red. “Go ahead, your majesty. We’ll wait until you’re done to start his Challenge.”
I moved before I even knew it.
My open palm lashed through the air.
Smack.Right across his cheek.
Lord Belshazzar’s head whipped to the side.
The resulting silence was profound.
I slowly lowered my hand and stared hard at his frozen profile. I growled quietly, “Are you done now?”
The Overlord wiggled his jaw, not moving to face me yet. He lifted his right hand and rubbed over his stinging cheek, the lord unshaven this morning. Those frigid blue eyes finally turned to stare down at me. His cheek muscles flexed as he clenched his jaw, but the hardcore fire had abated somewhat. His fangs were put away.
The lord stated, “I may have gone too far.”
He knew that. I knew that.
It was why he hadn’t stopped my attack.
Cause he sure as hell could have.
