Page 19 of A Bond in Blood

Chapter 5

“Get up,” a rough voice growled over me, moments before freezing water was dumped on my body.

I shrieked in shock, pulling myself upward. My eyes scanned the cell, finding Olen in his beastly form. He stood on all fours, glaring at me with a small Unseelie creature beside him. A creature who held the bucket I assumed the water had come from.

At least I hoped it had been water.

“I said get up,” Olen growled again.

I glared back at him. “No.”

“Now.”

“No. If I’m going to be his prisoner then I will spend my days in the cell he’s assigned me to,” I replied.

Olen’s laugh bounced off the gray stone walls, chilling my blood. “The king has made you my duty while he runs this court. I have things to do and you’re coming with me.”

“Why are you in your beast form?” I asked, trying to distract him.

The creature beside Olen gulped loudly. Olen’s head snapped down at the little being. “You are excused. Run to the king. See if he has any tasks for you.”

The creature, keeping its eyes on me, nodded before rushing out the open cell.

“Are we going to do this the fun way or the easy way?” Olen asked again.

I watched while he spoke, realizing his lips weren’t moving. Instead, the sound of his voice vibrated from his chest.

“The fun way?” I asked.

That was a stupid question.

I screamed, flailing my arms when his elongated snout gripped the hem of my now-filthy nightgown, dragging me across the cell. Right through the rot and slime that layered over the disgusting surface.

I choked down my gag, yelling curses as he dragged me through the long corridor. I was amazed my gown wasn’t ripped, but irritated as it pulled down the further he dragged, almost exposing my breasts to the unsanitary surface.

“Stop it!” I yelled, kicking my legs.

To my shock, one foot slammed into something warm—his face.

The dragging stopped, giving me enough time to scramble to my feet. I groaned as I stood from the pain still vibrating in my tailbone.

Olen whipped around slowly, his body heaving with the slow breaths he took.

“You kicked me,” he snarled.

“You dragged me through filth!” I countered.

He stalked closer and his menacing paws dragged against the stone. “Do you not wish to be?”

My head shook with annoyance. “What makes you believe anyone would enjoy that?”

“The mortal lands must not be any fun,” he replied.

His creature form twisted away from me. “Well, follow me. You’re not decent enough to go out while I complete my duties.”

“I’m not going back to that room,” I said, crossing my arms.

He twisted to meet my eyes, and a canine peeked through his lips. “Yes you are. It’s where you’re staying, princess. Your trunks are waiting for you.”

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