Page 4 of The King's Mate

Bored and cold, she stayed in her cell for nearly an hour before Keenan appeared. He unlocked the cage and opened the door.

“The king wants to see you.”

She glanced around and shrugged. “He knows where I am. He put me here.”

The guard narrowed his eyes. “Do you want out, or not?”

“I’m fine where I am.” She pulled her leg beneath her. “Go bug someone else.”

Keenan cursed and slammed the door shut. She watched him walk away in frustration knowing that Aleo wouldn’t be happy. She was probably the only woman he’d ever met that didn’t cater to his demands. Hell, she came so damn close that one night, but fortunately, his father had knocked some reason in to her. Aleo showed her who he truly was, and that was something she needed to stay away from.

A few moments later, Aleo came around the corner, stopping at her cage. “I trust your accommodations meet your high standards.”

Piper arched an eyebrow at him. “The king does know where he puts the lowly humans. Shocker.”

“Your father’s been released.” He cleared his throat. “It was a misunderstanding, and it’s been taken care of. You, however, have some serious offenses. Threatening the king. Attacking the king.”

“They were nothing you didn’t deserve.”

He smiled. “I’m going to let you make it up to me.”

“Really?” She glanced around. “I’d rather stay in the dungeon.”

He motioned for the guard to unlock the door. Piper felt an immediate change in power when he stepped inside the small cell with her. If he wanted, he could hurt her really bad. Nobody would protect her. Nobody would save her. He was a fucking lion shifter, for crying out loud. Nobody went against the king. Some rumors floated around the town about his temper. The beast inside him was far from tame, and she was fairly sure she didn’t want to see it in full effect.

“It’s not an option.” He stared at her. His dark hair was spiked from his fingers. She had noticed he ran his fingers through his short hair when he was frustrated or annoyed. He wore a white button-down shirt with black pants that highlighted his thick muscles and powerful body. He did have a great body.

“What exactly do you want me to do?”

“You’re going to be my personal servant. You will attend to all my private matters such as bathing and my nighttime routine. You will also make sure my bed is to my specifications.”

Piper snorted. “And if I don’t?”

“You will.” He said it with an air of authority she didn’t question. “Starting now. It’s been a long day. We have the matching ceremony tomorrow. I need a bath and a good night’s sleep.”

He stepped to the side and motioned for her to leave the cage. Being the king’s servant couldn’t be that bad. She’d rather spend her time in the dungeon, but as long as her father was out of that dreaded place, then she really didn’t care. She’d be Aleo’s servant until he found his mate, and then she could go home like the normal human that she was.

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