Page 30 of The Demon Court

He planted his hands on the arms of his throne, then froze when her voice snapped out again.

“Don’t get up.” Selene curled her lip in disgust. “I have no desire for your presence.”

And with that still echoing throughout the hall, she turned and made her way back to the door that would lead to her quarters. She held her head up high, a foreigner in this strange world where people performed public acts that should remain private. She wore a gown that wasn’t hers. She was engaged to a man who would never truly desire or love her.

She didn’t let a single tear drip down her cheek for even a moment. No one would walk away from that party saying that the would be queen of Lust’s kingdom was weak.

But she heard their words before she closed the door. Strange. Odd.

Unnatural.

It was the last word that broke through the layers of her armor. That frigid lake inside her crackled, popped, and then released a deluge of emotions that flooded out the moment she reached her bedroom.

She’d thought what would come out would be a massive amount of lust, desire, and sexual frustration. But instead, it was only loneliness. A bitter, bone deep loneliness that made her skin feel icy cold and her heart brittle.

ChapterTen

He’d known this would shock her. In fact, Lust would admit he’d been counting on it.

His people enjoyed the way he ruled them. No matter what the sorceresses said, there were plenty of people in this kingdom who were grateful for his rule. Even enjoyed it. The nobles certainly did, and he knew for a fact that no one in the room was complaining right now.

Lust gave them a time and a place to indulge in their senses. They didn’t have to feel guilty about their desires for each other or in a single night of indulgence. They could do what they wanted and he wouldn’t judge them for it.

But Selene?

She walked into the room with her nose held high, disgust on her features as she walked past people who had been performing these acts since before she was born. Past high born nobility who had come here in safety, knowing they could do whatever they wanted.

And she’d judged them. Harshly.

He found that infuriating. His people were here because they knew they were safe and cared for. She’d taken that thought and dashed it onto the ground.

Rage already bubbling in his chest, he’d watched her look down her nose at him and then dismiss him. In his own house. In his own court! She’d made it very clear to all the nobility in the room that she didn’t want to be his bride, that he’d taken her by force, and that he’d gone against his own rules. No one was here without wanting to be. No one was forced to partake in any action without desiring to participate.

She’d made a liar out of him in all but a few moments before she walked out with her head held high. Like the hero she clearly thought herself to be.

He wasn’t proud of the anger that coursed through his veins. It made him sick to think he’d thought about hurting her for even a moment. He had, though. The thought ran through his mind of turning her over his knees and spanking her until tears ran down her cheeks.

But then the woman at his feet rubbed her hand over his thigh. “It’s all right, my lord. She’s new. She’ll... learn.”

The hesitancy in her voice made him pause. Lara had been with him for years now. A faithful servant, a lively bed partner, a kind woman who had a child somewhere, maybe working in his kitchens. Not his, but well cared for now that she was in his employment.

Who was Selene to cast her doubts upon a woman like this?

Gently threading his fingers through her hair, a dastardly plan bloomed in his mind. One he’d never have entertained if he wasn’t so embarrassed and angry.

“Will you help me with something?” he asked, his voice gentle. “You do not need to if you have other plans.”

“My nights are yours.”

As they always had been.

He patted the top of her head, then stood and helped her up. “My new bride has proven... difficult.”

“I saw.” Lara furrowed her brow and glanced toward the door. “Almost as if she was unaffected.”

“That is what she would like me to believe. But I have to admit, I wonder if it is because she’s not interested in men.” He scraped a hand down his jaw. “There was a time when you—”

She lifted a hand to interrupt him and gave him a soft smile. “It would be my honor to bring pleasure to the woman who will be our queen. You needn’t ask twice, Lust.”

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