Page 84 of A Bond in Blood

Olen fell back into the chair, holding his chest while he laughed. “You’re a fool, princess. A godsdamn fool.”

My hands balled at my side while I watched the king saunter away. His muscled back was stiff with his hair just brushing his shoulders. Even turned away from me, I could see the triumph on his face.

He’d tricked me, allowing my desperation for freedom to loosen my tongue and agree to something before asking more questions.

Leaving him the victor of our most recent battle.

Chapter 19

Imet Ulrich in the library the next day. My hands trembled when I met his eyes.

“The princess and the beast alone,” he snarled. “I’m sure there are countless tales recounting this story.”

“Usually that princess is killed,” I snapped back with a glare.

He stepped forward, his horned mask making him appear even more like the demon he was. “I believe I’ve read the opposite. Usually, they fuck and fall in love by the end.”

“Likely a story written by a man,” I countered, stepping away from his hand reaching toward me.

He smiled, pulling his hand back to his side then gestured to the table with my ink and parchment. “Grab blank parchment, Brenna. Then we’ll begin.”

I shook my head. “I need koal. Something I can wipe away if I make a mistake. The ink is what’s been available to me.”

Ulrich’s smile dropped. “You said nothing about this yesterday.”

I crossed my arms over my chest. “And you failed to mention you’d be giving me personal tours of your home.”

“Fair,” he replied, then sat on the chair, his eyes traveling out the window where the red moon sat high in the sky.

“I’ll have mytrollgather koal and whatever you need. We can begin the mapping tomorrow.”

I nodded my head, stepping back slowly.

His head turned in my direction. “Where are you going?”

My heart sank. “Am I required to keep you company, your grace?”

“Drop the formalities, Brenna. Call me whatever you wish. We’re alone.”

“Alright,” I grinned. “Demented Demon, am I required to stay with you?”

Ulrich’s face cracked with a large smile and his hand slammed against the table. “What did you just call me?”

My cheeks warmed with embarrassment. “The first insult that came to my mind,” I admitted.

“Do it again,” Ulrich laughed. “Gods, that was hilarious.”

“I’m not your personal jester,” I grumbled.

He leaned back in his chair. “Maybe I should make you one.”

“Ulrich,” I sighed. “May I please go?”

“No,” he replied. “Sit.”

His hand pointed to the bench against the wall. With a frown, I did as I was told. I leaned my back against the wall while my eyes traveled around the red moon lit room.

“This is the saddest library I’ve ever seen,” I whispered.

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