Page 32 of Chosen
“My Lord, I am not sure what you mean. What would you like for me to explain?”
There it was again, that arrogance. It was the same look I’d experience growing up among the elite as the son of a discarded mistress.
I notice Johra shake his head at him as if warning him, but Lawreynce doesn’t seem to understand how close he is to being disemboweled and continues to speak as I remain silent.
“Lord Draken, I’m sure you have better things to do with your time then play word games with me and the other servants who would better serve by getting back to the jobs they’re paid to do.”
I barely give him a chance to finish before I spring to my feet and leap across my desk. I pounce on him before he realizes his error.
I’ve prided myself in keeping my temper in check around the staff, being mindful of my reputation, but something about the way he speaks to me, brings back memories of my past.
With my now morphed hand, I slash my claws across his face.
He releases a high-pitched scream that almost sounded feminine. “What would better serve me is to answer the questions that I ask.” I raise my hand again ready to strike as he raises his hands over his face to protect himself.
My office door opens and Braeden, the only one who would dare to enter without first announcing themselves enters.
“What is going on? Lord Draken!”
Braeden places a hand on my shoulder and I’m reminded of my vow to not lose control with my staff yet that is exactly what I’ve done. Shame fills me and makes me question my leadership skills yet again.
I stare down at the steward’s bloodied face. He has passed out either from the pain or the shock. Though he carriessuperiousblood, he is no fighter. I pull myself away from him and stand.
“Johra, take him to the infirmary and once he’s given treatment, see that he’s held in his quarters for questioning.
Johra lifts the unconscious steward and exits my office, leaving me and Braeden, and the two homo sapien maids who are now cowering in the corner. The one with muddy brown hair has pissed herself as demonstrated by the puddle of urine pooled at her feet.
And the chef, asuperiouswho had been recommended for one of the elite households from out west. His head was down not daring to make eye contact.
“What is happening here?” Braeden asks. “Why did you attack Lawreynce?”
“Attack…” I repeat that word slowly. “Perhaps you should be asking why he thought he could disrespect me to my face.”
“Fine, if that was the case, you could have come to me. I would have handled it. We both know your temper can get the better of you. The sign of a good leader is to know when to control yourself, cousin.” The words though spoken gently is a cutting reminder of my shortcomings.
But I’m then reminded of the condition Jamie had been living in this past week in my absence.
“Come to you for what, Braeden? If the disrespect is directed toward me, I am the one responsible for handling the repercussions.”
Braeden nods. “Of course. But word spreads if you understand my meaning.”
“If your only reason for coming to my office is to criticize my conduct then perhaps we can save this conversation for a later time.”
Braeden’s eyes widen. “Must we have this conversation in front of the servants?” He shoots a look in the direction of the three others in the room.
“Need I remind you that you’re the one who inserted yourself into this situation?”
“Clearly I needed to, judging by the state of our steward.”
I raise a brow.Our? It was on the tip of my tongue to remind him that every servant under this roof fell under my rule but I held back and reminded myself that he has been by my side from the beginning.
I take a deep calming breath before I reply.
“I left instructions to be followed before I was called away on my emergency trip and they weren’t followed. In fact, it seems that the ones in charge of my breeders care had gone out of their way to make her stay uncomfortable.”
Braeden frowns. “Make her uncomfortable? I don’t understand. Has she not been given the accommodations suited for someone in her position. I understand there had been a slight mix up with her rooms but after that, as far as I know she’s been taken care of by her maids.”
While I was away for the week, Braeden was in charge of the fortress. He’d given me no indication that he was aware of the situation with Jamie.”
