“Training?” I spit.
“There’s my little monster,” he chuckles, before clicking his fingers and a young servant girl hurries in. There’s a tray in her hands, which she keeps her gaze fixed on as she lowers it to the table.
Something smells delicious, and there’s another smell – something sweeter – but I’m too low down to see it. I can only hear the clinking of tableware while the servant sets the table.
She disappears without sparing me a single glance. I’m guessing that was Tauren’s doing.
I’m also guessing he expects me to just sit here and watch while he eats whatever divine-smelling thing he’s currently bringing to his lips.
“Scowling doesn’t suit you, sweetheart,” he says after swallowing several mouthfuls.
“I’m hungry.”
He looks down at me, smiling. “Then ask nicely, and maybe I’ll feed you something.”
His tone makes warmth flutter through my body. But I’m doing this to help that sweet demon girl from the inn. That’s all.
“Please, Tauren,” I breathe.
“Please, Tauren, what?” He smirks.
“Please, Tauren, can I have some of your food?”
A satisfied growl rumbles through him. “Of course, dear wife.” Lifting his fork, he lowers it to my lips. “Open your mouth for me.”
I shouldn’t want him to feed me like this, but it smells good enough that my lips move anyway. Using his fingers to close my jaw, he slides the fork out slowly. Some kind of meat and rice in a creamy sauce fills my mouth. It tastes so divine I almost don’t care how it got in there. Almost.
“Nice?” He watches me.
Cheeks flushing, I nod.
“Good.” Returning the fork to his plate, he scoops up another mouthful. “It’s a popular rice dish here. You’ll see it a lot at banquets.” He brings the fork to my lips again.
“I can feed myself.” I try to grab the fork, but he catches my wrist.
“I know you can,” he murmurs, “but you’re going to let me feed you tonight.”
I can’t help it – I glare at him. “I’d really rather feed myself.”
“You will let me feed you, or I promise you will not like the alternative.”
“You said this wasn’t a punishment.” I cross my arms over my chest, trying to hide the way my nipples have peaked at his warning tone.
“It isn’t, sweetheart.” He pulls my arms away from my chest, chuckling. “But I think you might want it to be.” His fingers brush my nipple, and I shudder, turning away from him.
He tips me by my chin back to face him. “Behave, Dahlia or there will be consequences. Now, open your pretty mouth for me.”
“I’m not doing this. It’s embarrassing.” I try to stand, but he pushes me back down by my shoulder.
“Last chance,” he warns. Warmth pools between my thighs. “Open your mouth.”
I keep my lips sealed, heart racing.
Grinning, he clicks his fingers. The girl returns with a second tray. For a moment, I wonder if he’ll give up this stupid game and let me join him at the table. But there’s still only one chair, and it’s currently occupied by my wicked husband.
When she leaves, he takes the plate and lowers it to me. But he doesn’t let me take it. Instead, he places it on the floor, then slides it a little away with his boot.
“Eat,” he commands.
