"First: Don't touch anything that doesn't belong to you. My domain is filled with objects that will kill mortals in ways I won't bother to heal."
"Second: Don't touch anyone without permission. My servants are bound by magic older than your civilization. Disrupting those bindings could free them. Or destroy them entirely."
He paused, letting both rules settle.
"And if you damage my property through ignorance or carelessness, I will ensure you regret it."
"And the third rule?" she asked when he didn't immediately continue.
Dante studied her. The unwavering gaze, the complete lack of deference, the way she stood in his throne room like she belonged there.
The way his shadows kept reaching for her despite his restraint.
"Don't touch me." His voice dropped, losing its theatrical edge and becoming something more honest. "Ever. For any reason. No matter what circumstances arise."
The words carried weight different from his previous threats.
She studied him for another long moment.
Then her chin dipped once in acknowledgment, like a soldier receiving orders rather than a prisoner accepting terms of captivity.
"Understood."
His servants shifted uneasily, waiting for him to punish such casual address.
He didn't.
Dante gestured to one of his bound spirits.
"Escort her to the west wing. Third floor. The purple rooms."
The spirit bowed before turning to the tribute.
"If you would follow me, my lady."
She turned to leave, boots echoing softly on the floor.
Dante watched her go. The straight line of her shoulders. The pace suggested she was still mapping exits.
A muscle ticked in his jaw.
When the doors closed, his court remained silent.
Finally, Nathaniel cleared his throat.
"My lord. The West Wing. The purple rooms. Those are..."
"I know what they are." Warning edged every word.
Nathaniel took a step back.
"Shall I inform the household staff of any special requirements?"
Dante considered the question, thinking of the woman who had just walked out of his throne room. Who had looked at him and seen the person beneath the power.
"Tell them to treat her as they would any other member of my inner court." He let the words carry weight. "And tell them that anyone who fails to show appropriate respect will answer to me personally."
Nathaniel bowed and hurried to carry out his orders, leaving Dante alone on his throne surrounded by melting frost and cracked bone.
