Page 81 of A Bond in Blood

I screamed out my rage again, rushing to the bathing room and slamming the door shut as I went.

I placed my back against it, gripping my head in an attempt to block out my senses.

“Leave me alone!” I shouted.

“Can’t do that,” Olen repeated.

I hit my head against the door and repeated my plea to the silent Gods above me. Begging them to end the lives of my tormentors.

“Being interested in sexual release is not a sin,” Ulrich finally said.

The amusement in his tone turned my body cold. I threw the door open, glaring at him with all of my might.

“I am a woman, Ulrich. A woman who has lived a very long time. I hope you realize I am not an innocent, inexperiencedvirgin.”

“I’d be very disappointed to hear if you were,” Ulrich grinned.

“Get out,” I demanded, pointing to the three different exits out of the room.

Ulrich stepped back, that grin still a mocking image across his face. He turned back to glance at Olen lounging on the bed with one leg up and one hand behind his head.

“That bed is large enough for all three of us,” Ulrich said.

“Get out!” I screamed.

Ulrich rushed to me, pinning me against the door frame. “Olen will escort you to the library. You have mere minutes to get some proper clothes on.”

The bedroom door had opened and closed before I could let out my breath. I snapped my head to Olen, who had turned onto his side, offering me a wild grin.

“That was fun.”

“Get out.”

“You heard what he said,” Olen sighed as he hopped to his feet.

“Yes and I will get dressed in private. You stay outside that door for all I care.” I pointed to the door Ulrich had closed behind him.

“I’ve seeneverythingyou have to offer now, princess.” Olen smiled. “No need to be shy.”

“Olen,” I replied calmly. “If you do not give me privacy I will sneak into your room one of these evenings and cut you from your balls to the top of your head.”

His eyes went wide, and he let out a booming laugh. “Gods, Brenna, you may just be spending too much time with Ulrich.” His hands rose in relent as he went back toward the door. “Get dressed quickly.”

I slipped on my most basic gown and threw the bedroom door open, groaning when I found Ulrich leaning against the wall beside the door.

His hand moved upward, and I flinched.

“What was that?” he asked, the light in his eyes dimming.

I shook my head. “Your attacks have created an involuntary reaction, your grace. What did you expect?” I placed myself two arms-lengths from him. “Why the library?” I asked.

Something clattered at my feet, pulling my gaze away from him.

A mask. Another fucking mask.

“Every evening, Brenna. You have been given too many leniencies,” Ulrich said coldly.

I tied the ribbons at my head, staring the king down once more. “You did not answer my question.”

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