Page 41 of Christa's Obsession

Offer him a drink.

You think that’s wise?

Yes.

Listening to the trees, she bravely took a step towards the giant. “Would you like a glass of peach juice?”

The king’s gaze shifted to her trees, and Wanda heard them waving as branches clicked together, witnessing the king’s amusement. “Your trees are…”

“Saying hello. My girls are friendly.” They were with those they trusted. And Wanda took solace from that. She trusted Christa implicitly, but her bond with her trees had formed many years ago.

He didn’t reply, and he wore an intrigued expression as he walked past Wanda. Christa clutched her a little tighter as they turned to watch the king stop at the closest tree. He easily reached up and plucked one of the peaches he was offered. He brought it to his nose, but Wanda couldn’t see his face to figure out what he thought about the gift.

Seconds ticked by and Wanda wasn’t sure what to make of the fact her trees had shut her out or that Christa chuckled and the king continued to stand looking up at her girls. Was he talking with them?

A moment later, he swung around, holding a glass of juice in his other hand. “Would you like to take a seat?” Wanda enquired like a good host.

He motioned for Christa and Wanda to lead the way. Wanda walked to the old fallen tree they used as a seat. One look at it and Wanda could see it would not accommodate the king’s bulk.Then a large wooden seat appeared, and Wanda wasn’t sure if it was Christa or the king who had materialized it. He took it and Christa guided Wanda to the log.

Sitting, Christa reached for Wanda’s clammy hand and squeezed it gently, giving her a reassuring smile.

“Leave us Christa.”

Wanda started at the command, her fingers tightening around Christa’s.

Chapter Twenty

Christa

Christa felt that hateful wave of fear from her blissful one once more. It was strong enough to make her shake her head and defy the king, despite the possible consequences.

“I’m not leaving Wanda.” She added as much force to make her point without being rude.

His eyes revealed exactly what he thought of her denial as she held his gaze, never wavering. She ignored the clutch in her belly, having promised Wanda to protect her no matter what.

“Is that so?” There was zero infliction in the king’s voice, giving nothing away, but it still caused a shiver to run through her.

She swallowed hard, her throat clicking. “Wanda does not cope with being left alone in a demon's companyafter the attack and kidnapping.” She gave him her best winning smile, pushed on by her human side. “I’m sure you understand that causing my blissful one distress is something I would never do intentionally. Leaving her would be an intentional act.”

A flicker of what looked like pain came and went over his stern features. Confused, Christa searched his expression, going over what she said, looking for what could cause such a reaction.

She came up blank as his lips thinned in obvious displeasure. She felt the atmosphere crackle with the strain of not bowing to his wish, but not once did she shift her attention to Wanda like she wanted to.

“I’ll be—”

The king held up the hand still holding the peach and stopped Wanda from whatever she’d been about to say. “She can stay.”

“Thank you,” Wanda murmured, her grip finally relaxing, though the tension in the body pressed close to Christa’s never eased.

Christa knew this was a big win, given the king’s reputation and lack of tolerance for those disobeying his orders, so she acknowledged it.

Bowing her head, she said, “King Asmodeus, I’m grateful for your understanding.”

He never acknowledged Christa and kept staring at Wanda. “When did you know Christa belonged to you? How did you feel?”

Huh?

What kind of questions were these? They taught a demon to recognize their blissful one in their soul.

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