Page 77 of Valpar

Chapter Twenty-Four

Calliope

The fairy, known asIvy, was escorted out by the guards, while I was trying to hold in my laughter, but, failing. Aunt Melina was trying to hold in her laughter as well. As the queen, she should, but I’m no princess and my face is absolutely red from holding in my giddiness.

That fairy had what was coming to her. How dare she try and steal my orc when she had no claim on him whatsoever? She was jealous, and what made it worse was that Karma had gotten in her ear. How many other fairies and pixies has Karma talked to?

Is he spreading rumors about me?

I’m not one to get overly angry about things, but being with Valpar has struck new feelings within me. I’m very much in tune with my angry side now. It must be because of the bond we share and the possessiveness I have over him.

We haven’t claimed each other in the traditional sense yet. There was no attempt to rail me. He treated me like I was a doll. I don’t know if my little display earlier was enough to show him I was willing to scratch a bish to anyone who tried to question our bond. I was tough too! I just wanted him to throw me on the floor and take me right there.

No such luck.

I felt my temper rising once again until Simon bumped me in the thigh with his horns.

“Great job, bestie, gimmie noggin!” I leaned down and he tapped his horns on my head. I rubbed my hair and gave him a thumbs up, while I watched the guard clean up the puddle he left behind where he peed on Ivy.

Classic!

Uncle Osirus rubbed his hand up and down his face, while Melina threw out her fit of giggles after Ivy had left the room.

“What am I going to do with the three of you?” Osirus groaned.

I pointed to myself and to Valpar, but Osirus shook his head and pointed to Melina, Simon and me instead.

Melina gasped mockingly.

“I didn’t do anything!” I let my hands go, slapping at my sides. “She started it, saying we weren’t mated. I don’t see how it’s any of her business, anyway. Valpar told me she was trying to get up all in his junk before he arrived at the palace, so, I was staking my claim since he won’t stake his on me.” I narrowed my eyes at Valpar and crossed my arms.

I swore I saw a flash of guilt gloss over his face before his hard, stoic expression returned. “You are mine! I claimed you in frontof the entire kingdom.” His hand gripped the leather lead that tied me to him, and he pulled me toward him.

There wasn’t a point in pulling away from him, he was far too strong. So I weakly went to him as he wrapped his arm around me and tilted my head up to him. “You are mine. It makes no difference in time when I bond us.”

I hummed, because I would not fight in front of my aunt and uncle. Not in the palace, not with people around. I had enough of everyone watching me.

Valpar’s arm tightened around me again and he squeezed, like he was trying to pull me into his body.

“Valpar, we need to speak with you in private,” my uncle finally spoke.

I took a quick glance at Uncle Osirus and he sent me a smile. “Calliope, why don’t you head to the kitchen? We’ve set your favorites out.”

My excitement soared at that. Despite being brought a basket every day with sweets such as muffins and cupcakes, Valpar wouldn’t let me eat them unless I ate the vegetables and meat he prepared.

He was a rather good cook, considering he was a male. Not that I should stereotype him at all for being a guy and being a good cook. Males can be good cooks, but he was an orc and I didn’t think orcs really cooked. They just threw meat on the fire and bit into it and banged on their chest, from what I saw those first few nights when I looked over my balcony.

“Kay! See ya later, biscuits!” I slapped my mate’s butt and pulled the leash that was tied to his wrist as I began walking away, until his arm wrapped around my waist and pulled me back to his side.

“No, she won’t leave me.” Valpar grunted, smashing me to his chest. “She’s my charge, my miresa, and I will not have her running around the palace unattended.”

Osirus took a confident stride, the hem of his long cape gracefully trailing behind him. The rich fabric whispered against the marble floor as he moved. Adorned in his fancy, embellished robes, he exuded that regal look, fit for Assisting Day. It was rare that Osirus would don such attire, only for special occasions such as today and mating balls.

“I assure you, Calliope will be just fine. If you prefer, I can have two of my most trusted guards take care of her. They are mated and know Calliope’s personality, so she won’t pull one over on them.” Osirus’ smirked and I rolled my eyes.

“I don’t know what you are talking about, Uncle Osirus. I’m never naughty.”

Valpar grunted and squeezed my ass in response.

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