Page 48 of Royal Bite
“Yeah, I heard.” Again, his eyes cast down at their feet.
Stormey’s cheeks warmed at his response. She was sure anyone within ten miles had probably heard what was going on in the sparring room. There shouldn’t be any feelings of embarrassment on her part. She was the mate of the princess. Whether the princess wanted to admit it or not, it was the truth.
And as the princess had reminded her before she’d left, Stormey’s pussy belonged to her.
Stormey’s heart skipped a beat at the memory. It was a step in the right direction. She just had to be patient, and after seeing the turmoil in Hegna’s eyes, it gave Stormey something to hold on to.
“Was there something else you wanted?” she asked.
Movement down the hallway caught her attention. Desmond was making his way to her.
“May I escort you back to the castle?” Zeke offered. He flashed her another smile, this one showcasing his fangs.
“That won’t be necessary, warrior,” Desmond said, arriving at their side. Her guard stood a few inches taller than Zeke. He shot him a glare that caused Zeke’s smile to disappear. “I’m sure you are needed elsewhere.”
“Yes, sir.” Zeke stepped back slightly. He glanced back at Stormey and bowed his head to her. “Until our next lesson, my lady.”
“I’ll see you later.” Stormey replied. She didn’t know what had passed between the two of them, but it was something.
Zeke hesitated slightly before he walked away. Desmond turned to her and bowed.
“My lady. Are you ready to return to the castle?” he asked.
“Yes, I need to shower before I go to the kitchen. I’d hate to show up looking the way I do.” She motioned to herself. She was sweaty and could scent herself. Her workout had been intense. Before they’d sparred, Zeke had her going through some strength training.
Desmond motioned to the hall that led them toward the front of the building. They strolled along in silence. Stormey’s brain was racing. There were so many thoughts and questions filling her mind. She didn’t know what had just happened between her and Hegna. There was an internal struggle going on inside the princess. Stormey could see that in the moment Hegna had stared at her before she’d left the room. The darkening in her eyes, the gentle touch, the kiss, and the hope inside her blossomed.
Was Hegna coming round to the notion that they were mates?
“Can I ask you a question, Desmond?” Stormey zipped her coat up as they came upon the main entrance of the facility. She flipped her hood on and slid her hands into her pockets.
Desmond pushed open the door and stepped out first. The guard scanned the area, motioning for her to follow him.
“Yes, mistress.” He grunted.
Their conversations were usually at a minimum. She knew the employees, human and vampire, gossiped. When she was around, some conversations were hushed, and quick gazes flicked to her before glancing away quickly when they saw she’d caught them staring.
“Do people talk about me behind my back? Or why Hegna hasn’t claimed me?” she asked. She refused to look at him. It was embarrassing enough to ask her guard, but she was sure he heard things moving along through the castle.
“My lady…” He hesitated.
“Please. Be honest.” She peered over at him. It was something she needed to know. Zeke admitting that people were talking had her worried. Did they laugh at her? Did they pity her? Stormey tried so hard to not fall into a pity party when she thought about how Hegna had pushed her away, but then she’d showed up today and rocked her world.
He sighed, and for a moment, she didn’t think he would answer her.
“There is a concern on why the princess has not completed the mating bond with you. We were all confused about why she moved you to your new quarters.”
“I see.” A powerful gust of wind blew, and she stumbled slightly.
Desmond caught her and helped her right herself. They were walking along a path that led to the castle. Even though it was cold outside, she didn’t mind the walk. With the way her body had overheated in the sparring room, she welcomed the drop in temperature. The sky was clear with only scattered stars spreading across the dark canvas. The half-moon was visible and shared its light with them.
There wasn’t much illumination outside to highlight the walkway. It reminded her that she was going to talk with Edward about having more lamps installed along the many paths that led away from the main house. The vampires may be able to see perfectly in the dark, but the humans couldn’t.
“I don’t want the princess cutting out my tongue for sharing gossip—”
“You don’t have to worry,” she rushed to assure him. She had asked for herself, not that she would ever tell Hegna of what she’d learned. He was right. Stormey wouldn’t put it past Hegna to cut out someone’s tongue if she thought they were spreading lies.
“No one would ever speak ill of you, my lady,” Desmond added. He glanced down at her, a small smile on his lips. “You are loved by all who meet you.”
