Page 19 of To Dwell in Shadows
“No.”
Lamia made an incredulous sound. “For what reason? Do you not wish to properly join our family?”
“It’s not that! I’m thrilled to join your family. It’s just that I want to stay… well, myself,” Selene said.
“A mortal,” Lamia said, the word laced with disdain. “A human.” She began tapping her fingers against the table. “Do you even have any magick?”
“Magick? Uh… no,” Selene replied.
King Asmodeus’s eyebrows rose. “Truly? No training in enchantments or spellwork? I would have thought you were at least fluent in necromancy to attract a demon.”
“Nope, I’m just a regular human,” Selene said.
Lamia lifted her chin. “Which is precisely why you should take advantage of this opportunity to transform as I did. To elevate your station.”
“Selene doesn’t need to elevate herself,” Sam said quickly, a knot of dread forming in his stomach. He took a breath, bracing himself. “Mother, you must understand, we’re not planning to make the Underworld our permanent home. We’re only here to visit.”
Queen Lamia recoiled slightly, her eyes wide. “What do you mean?”
“This is only the first of many return visits, I assure you. Selene and I have plans for our life back in Aurelia. But we will visit often.”
“Plans?” Queen Lamia asked. “What about your obligations to your kingdom and people? You’re their prince!”
“I don’t wish to rule,” Sam said, quieter this time, but firm.
King Asmodeus leaned forward. “For what reason?”
“It doesn’t interest me. Since I wasn’t trained for it, I wouldn’t feel properly prepared for such duties.”
“It is your birthright and destiny!” the king said incredulously. “We can start your instruction tomorrow.”
“No. I want to build a life with Selene, and Aurelia is where we are most comfortable. We plan to open a bookshop and live a quiet life.” Sam glanced over at Selene, who was staring into her lap. He hated how their plans caused his parents pain, but he wanted no misunderstandings about their intentions.
“That’s not going to work for us,” Queen Lamia declared. She touched Asmodeus’s arm. “Do you want to tell him?”
“Later,” the king said tightly.
Queen Lamia pursed her lips and looked up at the ceiling. Then she leaned back in her chair and crossed her legs. “I have an idea.” A calculating look fell across her eyes. “Sam, what if Selene leaves you here in the Underworld, returns to Aurelia with her little stone, and then comes back here to visit when you crave a human bedmate?”
The shocked gasp that escaped Selene’s lips at his mother’s words ignited the tension building in Sam’s chest. “Absolutely not. She is my fated mate, and I will not be parted from her.”
Lamia’s face flushed with anger. “But how can you?—”
“Enough!” Queen Thema cut through the tension like a whip. “Sister, you’re being catastrophic. Samael has a right to live the way he chooses.”
“This is a family matter. We don’t need you butting in with your opinion,” Lamia shot back.
“Iamfamily!” Thema retorted. “Why, this is no different than if you were in Aurelia ruling the Goblyns and Samael lived a great distance away in Vowa lands.”
“He must fulfill his duty. His attachment to Selene is holding him back,” Asmodeus said.
Queen Thema shook her head. “Nonsense. You both should be filled with gratitude that your son’s mate controls a traveler’s stone! How else could he visit this realm except in death?”
“Why are you berating me so? I only want to spend more time with my son!” Lamia replied, her voice shaking with emotion.
Sam watched as Selene’s eyes nervously flicked between Lamia and Thema. The anger burning in him—the disregard for his feelings and the disrespect toward his mate—was making him feel unbalanced. His claws extended beneath his fingernails, and his horns pulsed with rising emotion.
Queen Thema glanced at him, seeming to notice his turmoil. Pinning him with her gaze, she gave a nearly imperceptible shake of her head.
