Page 43 of Married to the Devil

“Should we do that meeting somewhere more…private?” I ask. I can’t believe I’m agreeing to this, but I wish to be an asset to Stoneheart. As I told Ben, this is my job now, and I want to be good at it.

Ariel raises an amused brow.

“Shifters make up the majority of the magical population in this territory. We have no boundaries and are incredibly nosey. Secrets don’t stay that way for long.” Her eyes glance over to Ben for a moment with meaning before continuing, “But if you would prefer meeting somewhere private, I’m happy to accommodate.”

“Do you have any current concerns you’d like me to consider?” I ask. The missing families come to mind. Silas had detailed the dead ends they were facing in trying to get solid numbers on who is missing in the morning meeting. It had been grim.

“People are scared,” Ariel says. “My brother ruled this territory with blood and pain. The people fear that possibility with their new leader.”

“Stoneheart isn’t like him.” I’ve spent more time in our marriage upset with the gargoyle than not, but he has a code of conduct. The details I’ve gleaned from rumors over the years attest to that.

“He’s not one of us,” she says.

I scoff. “Neither am I.”

“That’s not true. Everyone has always known that you are a Leonid. Your scent identifies you as family.”

I’m momentarily speechless. “Then why?—”

“There was no protecting you from Lorenzo when he decided he didn’t want you. If it wasn’t because you were a witch, it would have been something else. The safest thing for you was to be out of sight and out of mind.” Ariel clears her throat. “Either way, dominance fights are not the way to win over the populace.”

Ah, the pit fighting.

“Stoneheart has won over more territories than the either of us. He knows what he’s doing,” I say.

“But he hasn’t won over this one. The people need a reason to hope. They see you as that hope. The rightful heir returned after years of suffering under Lorenzo.”

My eyes widen.No pressure, Stella.

Ariel continues, “And the best way to reassure the people would be for them to see that your relationship with Stoneheart is solid. That you have the influence to sway him away from the violence that comes with his reputation.”

I open my mouth to object. Stoneheart doesn’t need me togentlehim, but Ariel goes on, not meeting my eyes. “They need to be able to scent you on each other.”

My mouth snaps shut, and my cheeks burn. So, everyone knows that I haven’t fucked my husband. Great.

“And that would solve everything?” My disbelief is clear, but so is my frustration. “Stoneheart is out there right now making the territory a safer place, but he is struggling to do that because people won’tspeakto him.”

Ben squeezes my hidden hand in support.

Ariel’s shoulders droop. “Speaking out hasn’t resulted in good things in the past. The habit of silence has been carved so deeply that verbal promises of peace will hardly help. The scent mixing will instinctually provide comfort. Your mate will find people more forthcoming if they scent you on him.”

I take a sip of water to allow myself time to think about that. This is what Silas mentioned and pushed for, just not in such plain terms. He recommendations were softer, like sleeping in the same bed, compared to my aunt telling us to raw dog it.

Ariel nods like she’s said her piece before adding an afterthought. “The possibility of an heir would also do much for the stability of the area.”

I choke on my water. “What?”

Ariel purses her lips primly. “People want to know that you’re both committed here. That you’re staying, and this is your home. It may be traditional advice, but it is time tested.”

My eyebrows can’t get any higher, but somehow, I can still speak. “I struggle to believe that me getting pregnant will help with anything.”

She shrugs, as if sensing that pushing this issue will cause me to crack.

“I see that I may have startled you with these observations. I’ll leave you to consider my words. Please call me if you have any questions. I would like for us to be on friendly terms.”

“What the fuck?” I whisper as Ariel leaves us with a respectful nod.

The rest of the restaurant goes back to the usual volume since they’re done eavesdropping. I’m too stunned to roll my eyes.

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