Page 79 of Hell Fae Warden
Sure, that robe was sexy and short and probably revealing her tight ass right now as she attempted to remain in her strange position, but the lack of elegance and grace left a lot to be desired here.
“What the fuck are you doing?” I demanded.
“I think she’s trying to formally greet you,” Ajax said, sounding amused. “Instead, she looks like a demented flamingo.”
Camillia snapped right back up and glared at him. “How am I supposed to know how to greet the Hell Fae King? It’s not like you or Melek have taught me much.”
“No, but I hear my book has taught you plenty,” I drawled before Ajax could reply. “And he should be addressed asPrinceMelek, especially when speaking to his kinglymate.”
She swallowed, the fire she’d just displayed in front of Ajax disappearing in a second. “My apologies, my… uh… sir.”
Ajax snorted at her failed address.
I merely stared at her. “Your father obviously didn’t introduce you to this world.” It wasn’t a question but a statement.
However, it made her scoff. “Myfatherdidn’t do a lot of things he probably should have, including warning me that he’d sold my soul to the literal devil.”
“Cami,” Ajax whispered.
But she ignored him, her gray eyes flaring with renewed flames as she boldly met my gaze.
“I know you’re here to talk about the source, or maybe to just outright kill me. However, I only started reading that book to learn about loopholes in the agreement you made with my bastard father. Then the book started showing me things. And…” She trailed off with a shrug. “I’m not sure what else to say.”
Hmm. Maybe I could see a bit of the draw now. She sort of resembled a drowned cat with her wet hair and narrowed eyes, but she definitely had courage.
And she was also covered in Melek’s angel dust, something I hadn’t noticed until just now as the light glittered across her skin.
You sneaky prince,I said to him.She’s covered in your feathers.
Only one feather,he corrected.But I’d hoped that would be enough to persuade you not to hurt her.
I nearly rolled my eyes.I can easily override your protection, Melek.
You could,he agreed.However, I hope you won’t.
I didn’t reply. Because he knew I wouldn’t dare touch his protective cloak. That feather was just as much a part of him as it was her now.
Which meant it would hurt him to dismantle the charm.
That absolutely qualifies as a tangible gift, little prince,I told him, my gaze going to her neck.Just like the charm you managed to steal back from me.
She’s no longer a candidate, my king. Therefore, the terms of our previous deal no longer apply. But if you want to renegotiate, I’m yours to play with.
I sighed, both outwardly and inwardly.You win this round, little prince.
His pleasure warmed my heart, considerably lightening my mood again. “Let’s start this again,” I said, locking gazes with Camillia. She didn’t even flinch, her spine set in a confident line that had me respecting her more by the second.
This was much better than her—what had Ajax called it? A demented penguin pose? Or was it some other awkward animal? Regardless, it was much better thanthat.
“I don’t believe we’ve officially met, but I’m Typhos Lucifer. Most refer to me as ‘my king’ or ‘my liege.’ However, you’ve developed certain relationships that bend the rules of normalcy.”
I wasn’t just referring to my men, but to something else.
Something that had been created by my very spirit.
“Vita. Ven ad me,” I said, calling the book to me.
Camillia’s gaze widened slightly as the leather-bound item appeared beneath my arm.
