For once, I did not correct him. Though I was angry, I made sure my hand was gentle when I wrapped my arm around Leda’s shoulder and tucked her against my side.
“Did you bring my mount?” I asked.
He nodded.
“Then let us return to the estate. I believe we have much to discuss.”
“Of course, General,” he replied.
Leda was silent as we left the building. I lifted her into the saddle before swinging up behind her and wrapping my arms around her waist to grasp the reins.
Guldan rode beside us, though slightly behind in a subtle attempt to watch my back. Anger simmered in my chest as we trotted the horses through town. I did not miss the curiousgazes of the daemons walking along the streets. Talk of my potential mate must have spread from the magistrate’s offices like wildfire.
When we reached the estate, I whistled for one of the younger boys from the stables to take care of the horses. Usually, I would insist upon doing the work myself, and Guldan doing the same, but the impending discussion was more important.
Guldan followed as I guided Leda into the house, his steps heavy and his expression dark.
I stopped in the hall in front of my office and looked down at Leda. “Have you eaten or had water since I left?”
She shook her head.
“Please go into the kitchen and have Masu make you something to eat and have something to drink.”
“I—”
“I am sorry, but I need to speak to Guldan alone,” I interrupted. “Please give me some time.”
Her eyes narrowed, but she nodded in agreement.
As soon as she was in the kitchen and I heard Masu greet her, I turned toward Guldan and growled out, “Get. Inside.”
My second-in-command looked annoyed rather than frightened, but did as I instructed.
It took every ounce of willpower I had not to slam the door behind me when I followed him.
A growl rumbled in my chest as I stomped toward him. “What in the name of the gods did you think you were doing bringing her to the magistrate’s office?” I asked.
The rage in my blood twisted with my magic, making my skin hot and my eyes ache. I knew they were turning red. I inhaled deeply, trying to control myself. If I didn’t, I would lose myself to the mating rage again.
I hated that Leda saw it yesterday. Now that I had explained what she saw, I didn’t want her to see me like this again so soon.
“Saving her life,” he answered, his voice oddly flat.
I stopped a few feet away, my hands clenched into tight fists. The claws of my left hand dug into my palm, drawing blood. The claws on my right would have done the same, but they were still blunted.
“You put her in danger,” I shot back, suppressing the desire to roar the accusation at him.
“Your defense was not going to work. We both know that. As a human, she cannot be your honored guest. When they tried you, the king would have no choice but to strip you of your lands and title. You would have lost all your property. They would have considered Leda part of that property.”
I shook my head. “I had a way to get her out. She would have been safe.”
“What about you?” Guldan asked me.
“What about me?” I asked.
“You were going to sacrifice your life for a human female?”
I stalked forward, not stopping until my face was inches from his. “I would sacrifice everything I have and everything I am for her. Without reservation or hesitation.”
