Page 45 of Quest for her Knights
“If she continues to disobey you, locking her in a small space such as a closet is a good reminder of who runs the household.”
I almost drop the book in shock, but Draven grabs it from me and tosses it over the other men’s heads to Ranger, who promptly throws it into the fireplace behind him.
“Princess, we’re leaving,” Draven growls, gently grabbing my hand and turning me toward the door.
“Wait! We’ve never read that! I swear!” Jonathan exclaims, taking a step toward me, but Draven pulls me behind him just as Arrow draws his sword and holds it up, halting Jonathan’s advance.
“No? Well, what about this one?” Blaze asks, bending to pull another book off a lower shelf. He reads the title aloud: “CorporalPunishment: AGuidetoDisciplining Your Wife.” He tosses it to Ranger, who again throws it into the fire.
I mean, I’m totally here for some BDSM in the bedroom. Justthinkingabout one of my knights spanking me makes my core tighten. But that book? That was something much darker. Physical punishment tocontrola woman? That’s fifty shades of no.
“Someone must have planted those to make us look bad,” Aaric says, stepping forward.
I raise an incredulous eyebrow. Really? Who would even have access to do that? And the other titles were just as bad, if they weren’t about training women, they were about gaining power and wealth. These men clearly just wanted me for my title, and maybe my body. I hadzerointerest in men like that.
“This isn’t going to work out. I think we should leave,” I say, pleased my voice is steady.
Aaric’s expression shifts, from worried and pleading to angry and disgusted.
“You think you’re too good for us, is that it? Us lowly lords not good enough for thecruelPrincess of the North? We’veheard the rumors. We know you need a firm hand. Wecouldhave given you what you needed. Someone needs to control you. You’re a wreck.”
I almost laugh. Because yeah, I am a wreck. Just not the kind he thinks. I’m not some tyrant who needs knocking down a peg and leashing. I’m a free-spirited, love-drunk wreck who just needs someone, or someones, to keep mesafeandloved.
I narrow my eyes and step up beside Draven.
“Look, you jackass, I’m all for a little spanking and bondage in the bedroom, and lord knows I’dloveme a good dom. But if you think I’m going to let you lock me in a closet and whip me, you’ve got another thing coming.”
I turn on my heel and slam the parlor door open so hard it hits the wall. I stomp into the hall, my heart racing. When I hear the door slam shut again behind me, I glance over my shoulder. It’s just me and my four knights.
The moment I turn to Arrow, I collapse into his chest, and of course, he catches me.
He lifts me easily, letting me bury my face against him as he silently storms through the castle toward our suite. Once there, I feel him sit down, and I lift my head, realizing we’re on the sofa. I’m not crying, but I’m definitely emotionally charged. I’d thought the lords were interesting, fun. Now I see, it was all a mask.
“Can we leave?” I ask, looking up at Arrow’s concerned eyes.
“It’s too late. The sun has set, and it’s too dangerous to travel at night,” Ranger says as he paces. “We’ll leave at first light. You won’t have to see them again.”
“Are you okay?” Arrow asks softly, his thumb stroking my cheek. He’s so handsome. The concern on his face makes him even more irresistible.
“Why are you so perfect?” I blurt out. His eyes widen in surprise, his body freezing.
Ranger steps in before Arrow can respond, guiding me off Arrow’s lap and into the empty cushion beside him. “Princess, answer the question, are you okay?”
I scrunch my nose. I’d rather sit on Arrow. Did that make me weak?
“I’m fine. Just… annoyed.”
Ranger nods as Blaze speaks. “You liked them.”
It’s not a question, but I feel compelled to answer. “Theyseemedinterested. That was nice.”
“Princess, you can’t choose someone just because they’re interested. Everyone will be interested in you,” Ranger says, running a hand through his hair.
“Because I’m a Princess,” I reply, trying not to frown.
“Because you’reyou,” Blaze says softly.
I glance up at him and hold his gaze. I remember that conversation in the washroom, weeks ago, when he told me he wasn’t worthy of love because he was an only child. It had been the craziest thing I’d ever heard… but it made me realize these guys were just like me. We were all being judged by the roles society forced us into. Opposite ends of the spectrum, same aching problem.
