Page 21 of Queen's Griffon

“Put something on,” she ordered. Although, it was too late. The sight of his muscles—and his manhood—remained engraved in her mind.

“Is the sight of me that hideous?” he asked, followed by the sound of steps as he crossed to the wardrobe.

“It’s improper,” was her pert reply.

“Says someone not used to living in close quarters. Privacy can be hard to achieve on a ship.” A cabinet door creaked, and she heard fabric being shaken out.

“I’ve been on board for days and you’re the first person in deshabille I’ve encountered.”

“Only because you got one of the rare cabins to yourself. If you were in the general crew quarters, you’d notice the difference.”

“I appreciate then that you gave me a room.”

“I did that mostly to spare my crew having to listen to you whining and puking.”

“I do not whine.”

“Why won’t you take me to Verlora to be killed? Wah,” he mocked.

“Why do you care if I die or not?”

“Because you’re worthless to me dead. You can turn around now.”

She whirled to see him wearing a shirt similar to her own as well as breeches. His feet remained bare, though. “You are callous.”

“Pragmatic.”

“Annoying.”

“Only because I won’t give in to your arrogant demands.”

“It’s not arrogant to want to do something to help my country.”

“No, it’s dumb because there’s nothing in Verlora for you or anyone,” was his harsh rebuttal.

“So you keep saying. I’d rather confirm that for myself.”

He sighed. “You just don’t give up.”

“You seem to have forgotten I have nothing to lose. A murderer stole my throne, influenced by an evil that’s trying to escape. My family is dead. My friends are now gone because of you. As is my horse. And all I have left is hope. Hope that I can still make a difference.”

“I envy you that. I lost mine a long time ago,” he said somberly.

“How long until we reach Saarpira?”

“Given the storm actually pushed us closer, a few days. But I don’t see why you care. You’ll still be my prisoner.”

“We’ll see about that. Now, pants, please, and a coat.”

“You want my clothes?” He arched a brow.

“I don’t see mine anywhere and I don’t have any spares thanks to your abduction.”

“My garments are much too large.”

“Obviously. I’ll need a belt or something.”

“I have a better idea.” He left and she stared in consternation at the door. She couldn’t exactly follow, not dressed in practically nothing.

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