24
DAHLIA
My husband is a beast. That’s all I can think of as I stare at the thin red choker he’s laid out on our bed for me to wear tonight. Beside it is a piece of parchment, and written on that are two sentences – the ink black enough to suck the candlelight out of the room:
Wear this to dinner. Nothing else.
I scrunch up the note and toss it across the room, only to hurry over to it and smooth out the creases with my hands.
I don’t need another punishment. Not after last night.
My backside still stings from the way he took me to the stables again and whipped me. Afterwards, my traitorous body came again, of course. Then he carried me to bed and slept with his arms tight around my waist like he didn’t just strip me, tie me up, and whip my sore arse five times.
He was gentler than normal. He said it was because I’m still injured from the wolves and because my next punishment will take place in the dungeon. He didn’t want to overwhelm me, he’d said.
“Arsehole,” I mutter as I slip off my demon gown and remove my undergarments.
It’s been a week since I interrupted his meeting, and Tauren still hasn’t shared anything else about Maeve, let alone listened to my reasoning for why I should be the one to bring her home.
His soldiers haven’t found any openings in the wall, or at least that’s what I’ve gathered based on the hushed, angry conversations I overhear when Kennix comes to our tower.
It’s so ridiculous. I could’ve travelled to Elheart’s palace and found her myself by now. Instead, I’m fastening the collar around my neck and painting my lips a deep scarlet shade to match.
If Tauren insists on me staying here, then I’ll give him what he wants.
I’ll be so damned ‘good’ that this time, he’ll have to give me whatIwant.
After brushing out my hair, I pace quietly out of the bedroom. Tauren must’ve dismissed the servants because there’s no one here to see my naked body as I pass through his chambers to the dining room.
Pumpkin isn’t here either. Claren must’ve taken her for a walk around the castle grounds.
I would’ve taken her myself had Tauren not forbidden me from leaving the tower without him. Of course he’s been too busy with court duties to spare any time for a simple dog walk.
Thankfully, he hasn’t enchanted another collar around my neck, but I can’t help worrying if that will change based on what he put me in tonight.
He’s sitting at the dining table, reading a book when I walk in. A black shirt strains over his muscles while his gaze lifts from the book to sweep over me.
“Beautiful,” he breathes. My traitorous heart flutters.
We haven’t fucked since that time in the cave. I haven’t let him. Instead, he’s found other ways to get his fill, whipping me,spanking me, or taking me with his fingers. Every time I finish he tells me again that he loves me.
Such a gentleman, my husband is.
“You wished to see me, my lord.” I try my best to keep my voice sweet.
He quirks a brow. Rising from his chair, he leaves the book on the table to walk towards me.
It’s then I notice there’s only one chair – his. Strange.
“Are we choosing to be good tonight, my darling?” His deep voice rumbles through me.
I shudder as his fingers lift my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. “I always try to be good for you, Tauren.” I smile prettily.
“Hmm.” He brushes my lower lip with his thumb. “I’d ask why you’re trying harder than normal, but I like you like this too much to argue. Come.” Taking my hand, he leads me towards the lone chair.
“I thought my punishment was supposed to be in the dungeon,” I ask when he sits down.
“This is not your punishment, sweet princess.” He pushes me down until I’m kneeling beside him. His fingers tickle my scalp like someone would stroke their pet. “I’m training you.”
