Venna scowled at her but didn’t answer.
“What brings you to my estate, milady?” I asked, recapturing Venna’s attention.
Her stare was hot and angry when her eyes flashed to me. “I would prefer to discuss it in private.”
“I would be happy to have a chat with you in the garden,” I answered. “But I’m afraid my guest will be at my side.”
I didn’t think it was possible, but Venna’s eyes grew hotter, a deep ruby fire igniting in the center of the pitch orbs. “I see,” she murmured.
“Guldan, will you excuse us?” I said to my second-in-command.
He gave a short nod, reaching out a hand to take Leda’s arm.
“Just you,” I stated. It wasn’t quite a bark, but it was definitely a command.
Guldan shot me a look that clearly askedwhat in the gods’ names are you doing?
I pretended I didn’t see it and wrapped an arm around Leda’s waist, letting my hand cup her hip. I tried to ignore the waymy palm completely engulfed her flank, the clawed tips of my fingers resting just above her mound. I also ignored the way Leda’s body stiffened slightly against mine before she relaxed and allowed me to pull her deeper into my side.
“If you please, Lady Venna. My guest is still acclimating to our realm. I would like to take her inside so she may rest and refresh herself.”
Venna’s scowl reappeared as she stared at me. “I would like to know if you have considered my offer.”
“I did consider it when you proposed it. If I was not clear before, I am sorry. While I was flattered by it, I must decline.”
Venna’s hands fisted at her side. “Surely you have had a chance to reconsider.”
“I do not need one.” I stepped back, bringing Leda with me. “Now, if you will excuse us?—”
“You should reconsider,” Venna interrupted. “Or I may have to take my proposal to the king.”
My body locked down at her threat. And it was definitely a threat. Hundreds of years ago, daemon females outnumbered daemon males five to one. During that time, a daemoness of high standing could petition the king for a mating with the male of her choice. The king had instituted the petition because female daemons were beginning to fade and die for lack of mates. Their loneliness undermined their physical health. A male might have two or three mates. If male children were a result of those unions, the couple would receive a generous reward from the king.
Because of the petitions, the daemon population had exploded. Now, male daemons were in the majority, with one female daemon for every seven males. That was part of the reason human women were offered bargains from daemons, imps, and witches in this realm. Over the centuries, we had learned that humans were compatible with daemons and imps,and most who signed bargains knew what they were getting into. While a daemon male might not mate with a human, they would keep them as concubines.
Unfortunately, Leda was an exception to this. Her situation also made me wonder whether other human women I’d seen in Penumbra had been brought here against their will.
“The petitions are no longer in effect,” I stated, my eyes boring into Venna’s.
“They have never been revoked,” she pointed out.
“Lady Venna, you are titled, wealthy, and have prevailed in many battles. You have your pick of males. Males that would not decline your offer as I have.”
“I don’t want them,” she said, her jaw clenching as she stared at me.
“I am afraid that I am not available any longer.”
Venna’s eyes flicked to Leda again, and her body tensed. She opened her mouth as though she wanted to say something before shutting it again with a snap of fangs. Finally, she replied, “Very well. Have a pleasant day, General Bokkan.”
Her long red braid flared behind her as she turned on her heel and stalked back to her mount. The horse shifted nervously when she swung up in the saddle, sensing her ire. I only hoped she wouldn’t take her anger at me out on the poor animal.
“Good day, General. Lara,” she said, using the reins to guide her horse into a turn.
At her obvious intended use of the wrong name for Leda, my body tensed. I should have known that the human female would be able to hold her own, though.
“Nice to meet you, Nessa!” Leda called after her.
I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing, my irritation forgotten. Venna’s shoulders tightened at my human’s shouted words, but the daemoness didn’t turn around or look back. She didn’t even acknowledge Leda’s statement.
