I wanted to cross my arms over my chest, but the crossbow was still gripped in my hand. “Your realm fucking sucks, Guldan.”
Another heavy sigh was his only answer to my insult. Instead, he continued with our conversation. “If you accept Bokkan as a potential mate, his actions will be considered part of the mating instincts and rituals. Daemon males are very protective and possessive of their mates, even before a brand and bond are established.”
“I wouldn’t have to actually mate with him, right? Just say I’m considering it?”
“Yes.”
“Yes, I would mate with him or?—”
“Yes, you would only have to say you’re considering it.”
There was something about the tone of his voice that set off my inner alarm bells.
“If I don’t agree to this, what happens?”
“Bokkan is held in custody until he is tried. If found guilty, which is highly likely, he will be sent to a labor camp for a decade or two. He will be stripped of any titles or property, including this estate. You will be considered part of this estate and sold with the rest of his property.”
Fuck. I really had no other choice right now. Though my main motivation was not to be sold to someone who likely wouldn’t care what happened to me, I also didn’t want Bokkan to lose everything because he defended me. It wouldn’t be right. He’d put himself in a bad position to keep me safe.
“If I agree to your proposal, will you guarantee my safety until Bokkan is free?”
“What do you mean, human?”
“First, my name is Leda. Not human. Not female. Use it, or I will stab you in the ass cheek when you least expect it.” I waited a moment until I heard him grunt through the door. “Second, you have to promise that neither the males training here nor you will touch me in a sexual way.Ever.”
“I prefer daemon females, hu—” He stopped himself short. “Leda. You are safe from my attentions.”
“That’s reassuring,” I replied, making sure my sarcasm was clear. “But what about the males training here?”
“I will ensure they do not touch you again.”
This time, he was telling the truth. His sincerity rang in his voice. As much as I wanted to push him for more information, to clarify his lies, I really had no other options. Regardless of what he was omitting, I couldn’t risk being sold into slavery.
“Fine.”
“I will need a promise from you, hu… Leda.”
“What sort of promise?”
“That you won’t run away or try to escape before the general is cleared of any wrongdoing.”
“Won’t he be cleared of wrongdoing when he’s released?” I asked.
“Possibly, but there will likely be a cursory investigation into your relationship.”
“What will that entail?” I asked.
“Leda, Bokkan or I will answer all of your questions. Whatever they are, they will not change the fact that your choices are to help him or become the property of another daemon.”
Double fuck. He was right. We both knew it.
“Are we leaving right now?” I asked flatly.
“Yes.”
“Fine, but I’m not going anywhere without a weapon. Understood?”
“Understood.”
