Page 109 of Her Ivory Flame

For the third time in the last hour, there was a banging on the door and both jumped. His body slammed into her, protectively encasing her against the wall and she squealed in surprise.

“I hate this place already." He growled and walked to the door, throwing it open with such force she thought he was going to break it off the hinges.

She could see Oak standing outside the door, her stomach instantly getting nauseous and she stayed slightly hidden against the wall.

“Kaden, correct?” Oak asked, his eyes looking around the room, she assumed for her.

“Yes.” Kaden said back with gritted teeth.

“I wanted to ask if I may escort Lady Alyra around the grounds one of the days you are here. She would be safe with me and my guards as I would like to show her a few things I modeled after her people.” Oak’s tone was more of a demand than a request and she saw Kaden’s back flex.

“She doesn’t go anywhere without me, or my men.” Kaden said with an annoyed tone.

“Do you not trust she is safe with me?” Oak asked with an annoyed tone.

“She is mine to protect and she will not go anywhere without me in a place she is unfamiliar with.” Kaden’s voice growled. “Ifyou decide otherwise and force her then I will make sure you know exactly why I’m the King’s choice to protect her.”

She could see Oak eyeing him curiously but she didn’t see him flinch at Kaden’s words. “Why don’t we let her decide.” Oak smirked and leaned his head over enough to fully see her. “Lady Alyra?”

Kaden glanced over his shoulder towards her, tension rising and she stepped next to him, wrapping her arm around his waist. She pulled herself up against him, her free hand resting on his chest and casually tilted her head to the side.

“I would love to see the grounds, however King Emris has ordered Kaden to stay by my side. If something did happen, I’m sure you wouldn’t want the wrath of the King for ignoring his orders.” She plastered on a fake smile, acting innocent to the creepy man standing in their doorway.

Oak obviously noticed her up against Kaden’s half naked body, and his eyes narrowed on her with annoyance. That gesture itself confirmed her suspicions and made a mental note to never be alone with him.

“I would never want to upset my king.” Oak said bluntly. “Maybe we can just talk in my office, Kaden could wait outside.”

She made sure not to let her face falter, even though the thought of her being in his office alone made her want to puke. “We will see how it goes, I do have to train and that can takemost of the day.”

Oak’s eyes darkened and she felt Kaden’s arm wrap around her, his hand squeezing her hip.

“We were just about to eat and we are both exhausted. Can we finish this conversation tomorrow? It’s been a long day.” Kaden’s hardened voice cut through the tension and even she flinched.

“Of course.” Oak smiled, noticeably irked by their answers and bowed his head before heading back down the hall.

Kaden slammed the door and she instantly pulled herself into his chest, her body shaking from the revolting thoughts going through her mind. This man wanted her alone but she couldn’t figure out what his angle was.

As she leaned her head against him, she felt his arms tighten around her and he rested his head against her.

“Don’t worry princess, I’ll rip his head off if he tries to harm you. No one will ever take you away from me.”

Her heart stopped beating for a single second, his words sinking into her and a genuine smile formed on her face.

Chapter 41

“We should eat,” he whispered a few minutes later as they stood in silence.

They had not parted from each other, his warmth too addicting and she knew if she asked, he would stay like this forever. He would do whatever she asked not just because she was the princess, but because he cared.

All she could do was nod and pull away from him, his arms falling from her slowly. Her stomach was still in knots but she smiled when his hand grabbed her and pulled her towards the bed.

He motioned for her to get on the bed, her eyes giving him a curious look but did as he asked. Pressing her back against the headboard, she watched him walk back across the room to grab their food.

“You didn’t have to do that.” She smiled as he handed her a plate of food.

“I know.” He shrugged.

She set the plate on her lap and started to dig into the chicken and green beans that had since gone cold. The bed dipped next to her and she felt his arm press against hers, his warmth welcoming.