Page 23 of Storm of Secrets and Sorrow

Her brows creased. “So you are upset about the amount of clothing I have here? That doesn’t make sense.”

“By the gods,” he muttered, stalking back into the walk-in closet and grabbing the same kind of long-sleeve shirt Theon always gave to Tessa and the smallest pair of pants he could find. He’d considered going to get some of Tessa’s clothing, but Kat had those delightful soft curves that Tessa didn’t. His own clothing would have to do until hers were delivered tomorrow.

He took the items back to Kat, sending her into the bathroom to get dressed, and while she was in there, he called Ford and got his ass out of bed, ordering him to prepare a variety of food and bring it to his room.

When he hung up the phone, he turned to find Katya standing in the same spot, hands clasped and waiting, and Axel pushed out a heavy breath. “We need to discuss some things.”

Still she stood and waited.

“Sit down, Kat.”

She moved immediately, lowering primly onto the edge of the sofa, and Axel fisted his hand at his side.

“Tell me about the Falein Estate.”

Her head snapped in his direction. “What?”

“I want to know about it.”

“Why?”

“Call it curiosity,” Axel said, dropping onto the other end of the sofa.

“It doesn’t make sense.”

“Then let me ask you questions about it.”

She nodded slowly, stray curls falling forward.

“I understand you were taught to behave a certain way in the presence of Legacy.” She nodded. “Like not speaking unless asked a direct question.” She remained silent. “And being instructed to…service Legacy.”

Katya shifted. It was a small movement, but it was there. A mere motion of repositioning herself; nothing that told him she was uncomfortable with what he was saying. And gods, he hated that this was sonormalfor her. He hated that she simply accepted this was her role in life. Speak when spoken to. Eat when given food. Drop to your knees when commanded. Spread your legs when told.

“Did you ever leave the Falein Estate? Before you went to the Celeste Estate, I mean,” he clarified.

“At times, yes.”

“Where did you go?”

“Where I was told to go.”

He choked down his frustration. This was like talking in circles. After the Emerging Ceremony, she’d been more vocal, asked more questions. Maybe she’d just been shocked at being claimed so early.

Or maybe he’d just irritated her enough.

There was a knock on the door, and Katya moved to rise, but Axel said, “No. I’ll get it.”

Her brow creased at the command, but Axel was already striding for the door, pulling it open to find Ford with a tray of food.

“The coffee table,” was all Axel said, turning his back on him and going back to the sofa. And as Ford was leaving the room after depositing the tray, Axel added, “So we are clear, I expect food prepared for Katya in the evenings from now on. And not shit food like sandwiches. Proper food. If we are here, she will dine with us.”

The Fae gave a curt nod, and Axel knew he was already making a note to mention this to his father.

“Eat,” Axel said when the door clicked shut.

Kat looked at the food, then back at him. “You’re not eating?”

“I had dinner. You’ve had peanut butter.”

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