Page 9 of Abel

“He said to save his daughter.Do not let her be taken by the Red Beast.”

“Carsidious?”Abel growled the name.“I’ll make sure she’s safe.”

The young man held up his hand.“There are other threats as well.”

Abel rolled his eyes.“Surprise, surprise.”

“Other houses will likely try to assassinate princess Esmeralda before the wedding, to keep Mr.Carsidious from gaining more territory and control.”

He clasped the servant on the shoulder and then made his way to the door to his room, “You and the king have my word, I will protect her.”

“Thank you.If you need anything, just ring for me, I’m at your disposal.”He bowed to Abel, who bristled at the formality.“I’m Degan.”

“Nice to meet you kid, I’ll let you know if I need any help.”Abel shut the door between them and shook his head.He knew the staff here had to play these formal roles, but it still ate at him.But the kid’s station and servitude weren’t his concern.Right now, he needed to go face Esme and prepare for her wrath.

CHAPTER5

“Abel?”An angry voice called out as he stood in front of Esme’s bedroom door.“What the hell—”

He threw the heavy wooden door open and pushed past her ladies, approaching her like a wolf stalking its prey.He looked her over and snarled.“What is this?”

Pointing to the lavender dress with diamonds creating a swell of flowers over the fabric.The women behind him rushed forward and surrounded Esme as if they’d protect her from him.He laughed and rolled his eyes.

“Take it off.”He stated flatly.

Esme’s mouth fell open for a moment.“Excuse me?”

“You heard me, take it off.That’s not your color.”

“It’s what Remus requested I wear for today’s photographs.”She glanced around.“Wait, where is Nyctimus?He’s supposed to be my escort.”

Abel shook his head.“I’m your escort now.And we are not taking photographs with you dressed like that.”He made a B-Line to her closet, throwing open the doors, and started rummaging through the contents until he found what he was looking for.Pulling the dress out, he flung it at one of the women and growled.“She wears this.”

The green dress decorated with diamond and emeralds shimmered as the sunlight poured in through the windows.Esme’s face drained of color.“Abel, no.I can’t wear that.It’s our… I’m supposed to wear this for Remus.”

He advanced on her, his wolf ready to jump out and pin his mate to the ground.Internally he chuckled, as if she would ever submit to him, even when they were together she held her own and never bowed to anyone but her father.He loved that about her, no matter how hard he would push, she would push back just as hard.

“I don’t care what Remus wants, and neither do you.So put on the damn dress you know you want to wear and let’s get going.”

“Remus is going to be pissed if you are in the photos with me.”

“Again, I don’t care.These are pictures of you and your royal escort, that’s me.”

Esme wrinkled her nose and looked him up and down.“Well, you’re not wearing a t-shirt and jeans for these pictures.”She cleared her throat and clapped her hands.“Ladies, please go into the room next door and retrieve a proper suit for Mr.Primis to escort me today.”

He grinned, there it was.She’d go along with this, but she was going to make her own demands, and he couldn’t help but love it.

* * *

The women hurried backinto the room after a few minutes, holding in their arms the black-on-black suit with an emerald green tie, kerchief, and emerald cufflinks.Esme quickly shooed her maids out the door a few seconds later, leaving them alone in the room.He breathed in slowly as he took in the sight of her.

“Take it off before I rip it off.”He growled.

Esme smirked.“I didn’t know you were so big on fashion these days.”Another low growl rumbled in his chest, and he reached for the dress she was wearing.He’d almost gotten a hand on it, but Esme reacted before he could catch her.She jumped back and laughed, wiggling her finger at him.“I’m capable of undressing myself, Mr.Primis.”

“As I recall, you quite liked when I’d rip your clothes off of you.”

She narrowed her eyes, and damn if it didn’t set his blood on fire.“As I recall, you dumped me.”

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