Page 21 of A Fate of Wings

I rolled my eyes and settled in the wingback chair across from him. It was strange having a man in my bedchambers, my inner sanctum. I only allowed my sister and my handmaiden in here. I’d taken lovers, but never in my room.

“A little decorum, if you please.”

“And if it doesn’t please me?” He threw his arms wide and placed his palms on the back of his head.

I rubbed my brow to ease the tension he created in me with such ease. It was almost like he enjoyed my displeasure. I angled my head, studying the demon.

A gentle rap of knuckles sounded on the door, alerting me to my handmaiden.

“Enter,” I commanded.

Raelin cracked open the door enough to slip inside. She walked on her silent feet to the table between our chairs. The Beast observed my handmaiden with a critical eye. I sensed himsizing her up, evaluating if she was a threat. Raelin was my most trusted siren in this castle, but I’d let him come to his own conclusion. It would be another test for him. She ducked her head, her blonde braid not moving one inch with how tight she’d woven the strands. She backed out of the room. I rose and walked to the door, turning the key in the brass lock before returning to my seat.

The Beast had already helped himself to a mug of mead and he chewed a strip of cured meat.

“Your manners are atrocious.” I crossed my legs and placed my hands on my knee.

He shoved the rest of the meat in his mouth and chewed.

“Let’s set some things straight. You will address me with respect. You will show everyone I am your superior in every way.”

He threw back the cup of mead and wiped his chin. “It that right, my little queen.”

“See that right there. You can’t talk to me like that in front of my subjects.”

“I’m not an imbecile. There are none of your subjects here right now. What’s with your handmaiden?”

“Raelin? What do you mean?”

“She’s quiet and sneaks up without me hearing. Will she decapitate me in my sleep tonight?”

I laughed. “Not unless I gave her the order to slice off your head.”

“Will you?”

I fought the smile wanting to form on my lips, but I couldn’t hold it back from the Beast’s question. “No.”

“Good. I’m quite fond of my head. It’d grow back, but that’s not the point.”

“The point is?”

“Do you trust her to be in your bedchambers when you don’t know where the threat is coming from?”

“Raelin is worthy of my trust.”

“I’ll make sure of it. As your mate, I must protect you.”

I ran my gaze over his massive form. He was more than capable of protecting me. He’d proven his skills during the trials.

“I have no doubt you’ll defend me.”

“So in front of your subjects, you want me to appear the obedient mate?” He threw the rug off his lap and slid to his knees at my feet. “Is this better?”

“It’s a start.”

He poured me a mug of mead and held it out. “My queen.”

“Better.” I fought against smiling.