Page 61 of The Beast King's Bride

“No.” He blinks. “Is that what you think?”

“I don’t know what to think.”

“Think about this,” he growls, his brows knitting. “There’s a curse on this land, there are monsters, and you go out for a stroll.”

“I was assured that the monsters are only awake at night. So why was this one up and about?”

“How should I know? They’re dead monsters. They died millennia ago. But the magic of the curse brings them back to life. You…” He sounds like he’s grinding his molars together. “Stay indoors from now on.”

“A prisoner. Again. What a surprise.” I’m being unreasonable and I know it, but I’m getting angry on top of my confusion and it’s not helping things.

“How am I to protect you,” he snarls, “when you wander outside without me?”

“Am I to be glued to your side day and night, then?”

“Maab.” He presses a fist to his brow. “Things are complicated here, Ash, if you hadn’t noticed. It’s not a peaceful little town where you can walk around for fun.”

“You think I hadn’t noticed?” Turning, gathering my skirts, I march toward the palace, my eyes inexplicably hot. “You’re the one who brought me here.”

“Promise,” he says more quietly, “promise you won’t go out alone again.”

“I’ve made enough promises to you tricksters,” I mutter and enter the silent palace.

Was that the best way to handle it? No. I’m annoyed at myself for those things I feel, for the childish way I used to push him away, for not being able to stay calm.

He saved my life.

And I threw a tantrum.

Gods. So stupid. There has to be a better way of putting that much-needed distance between us. The feelings are all mine, not his. I have to keep my distance, that is all.

Physically, too, perhaps, and I shouldn’t be disappointed he didn’t follow me—why did I have to ask if I need to be glued to his side? Gods, Ash—or that he didn’t call out after me.

Keep away from him. That’s what I need to do. It shouldn’t be that hard, right?

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