Cam didn’t seem to know how to respond to that and simply stared back at me. My eyes flicked to Tdem who had leaned forward and was watching me intently, his black eyes nearly glowing.
I pulled air in through my nose and dropped my knee as I leaned back against the tub and stared through narrowed eyes at Cam. “Pride, eh? And you are mine now, is that it?” I asked my voice barely above a husky whisper. I smiled grimly when he nodded his head warily. “You do not want to be here, do you? Stuck with a half breed who will never be Queen to the Seelie?” He inhaled sharply and I watched as agreement flickered in his eyes and was quickly quashed. “Yet you will lower yourself to accept a place in my bed out of spite, or is it revenge? Did you think it would matter to my Mother to see you with me? That she would care if I took you as a lover? Planned to show her, did you?” I demanded and the blood left his face while his nostrils flared.
“Get out of my bath,” I growled softly through gritted teeth. “You may go kneel over there,” I commanded him when he stared back at me in disbelief. I pointed my finger at the corner farthest from us. “Do it now and do not move until I tell you to do so.”
He hesitated and I felt my temper snap and focused my rage upon him, so that his body was dragged toward the opposite edge of the tub and he went under gulping water. “Go!” I hissed, and his pale green eyes widened and he forced himself to stand while I remained seated watching him. There was but a moment when I thought he might attack me and I smiled and actually purred, which caused him to hesitate and glance toward Tdem who was avidly watching both of us through narrowed eyes.
I ignored Tdem but couldn’t help feel my anger increase. That Cam would look to Tdem as if he was the one to worry about pissed me off even more. “I would not advise it. But should you wish to try, Lord Tdem and his men will not stop you,” I breathed up at him while he pulled himself up stiffly and glared back at me. I pointed to the corner once again. When he still failed to move, I cracked open my door and attacked him with my lust so that he let out a strangled cry and fell to his knees, his face going under while I sat calmly watching him swallow our bath water and struggle to breathe.
Stormy waters indeed, I thought, and reached out with my mind grabbing a fistful of his hair and yanked his head up. He let out another cry and coughed up water while I used the force of my will to drag him to the side of the tub up over the edge and up onto the floor. My metaphysical fist tightened in his hair forcing him to crawl upon his knees to the corner where I gave him one last yank then released him. The sudden lack of pressure caused him to drop onto the marble in an ungainly shocked heap. Sometimes my powers surprised even me. Good thing I’d been practicing before our little trip to the Sidhe.
Chapter 10
Tdem appeared excited when I blinked and released the breath I’d been holding. I glanced at him briefly then dropped my gaze to the water. My body was flooded with adrenaline and it took me a moment to bring my heartbeat back under control. Thank the stars for those years of martial arts practice I thought, feeling my pulse rate dip back into a somewhat steady rhythm.
“I never cared much for your mother,” Tedem told me in a carefully neutral voice. “She has always been much too cold for my taste. In fact I am pleased she seems to have finally found someone worthy of her.” He informed me with a straight face then raised his eyebrows and smiled slyly when I finally looked at him again and laughed sharply.
The door opened and Gareth walked in, his dark blue eyes locking on mine as I turned to him. He was carrying a cup of what I assumed was coffee and he looked concerned. “I thought you might need this.” He told me, handing me the mug and leaning down to kiss the crown of my head. His fingers slipped into my hair in a soothing motion and curled around an ear. I had been expecting Kit, but it was apparent that my anger had kept him from interceding, despite my intentional unleashing of lust on Cam. Gareth’s lips quirked knowingly and I took that to mean he’d been the only one willing to brave my wrath. Perhaps they thought I was suffering caffeine depravation and getting some into me quickly might appease my inner beast.
“Hmmm, I’d say you’re partially correct.” Gareth confirmed, his finger stroking my ear in a calming manner. “But I’ve always found it difficult to feel sorry for another when it is self-inflicted.”
“I am fine,” I told him while he continued to search my face with his eyes and I held my coffee without drinking it. I took another deep breath, grateful the small tremor in my hands had dissipated enough that the surface of my coffee no longer resembled our earlier bath water upheaval.
“Your anger is disturbing, to us all.” He admitted and I could detect no trace of a rebuke in his tone.
I could not help thinking how nice for a change, not to be the one in trouble. “Thank you.”
“I simply wished to ensure you were not in distress.” He continued.
Nodding once, I pursed my lips together then closed my eyes while I poked around inside for a second or two. No I did not sense anything out of the normal, except a slight irritation that my mother had once again caused me to lose my temper, albeit vicariously this time. I seemed to be doing that a lot lately. Perhaps when I had a moment I might consider why that was. With all the new and interesting distractions I’d had lately I needed to ensure I didn’t develop some kind of mommy anger complex.
“Truly I am fine,” I told him and pressed my lips to his wrist. His eyes moved to Cam who was upon his knees in the corner, his pale body nearly glowing in the soft lighting. Gareth glanced at Cam for several moments and then back at me. He offered no advice nor did his face show any emotion. I was left to wonder whether he approved or disapproved of my having placed him there, or the manner in which I’d done so.
“Will you drink that or simply hold it?” He finally asked.
I sighed and took my first sip and squeezed my eyes shut. I was not in the mood to see any reactions to my emoting, yet I couldn’t seem to prevent myself from doing it short of perhaps lifting both shields. After what I’d done to Cam I was certain raising my shields would bring everyone within range running. I wasn’t prepared to deal with that at the moment.
The coffee was hot and sweet just as I liked it and I did my customary rolling of it about on my tongue. Muffled sounds came from around the room and I grimaced and squeezed my eyes more tightly. Gareth’s fingers slid onto my shoulders and gently kneaded at the tension in my muscles while I drank the rest of my syrupy brew. When I was done, he reached for the empty mug, leaning down and softly kissing my temple before rising and moving away. I opened my eyes at the sound of him placing it on the counter and watched as he crossed to the other end of the room and the restroom.
“The others need to use the facilities.” He told me when he came back out. “And you are monopolizing the only bathtub. So unless you’d like to entertain us all in there…” he teased while giving me a look that made my blood run just a bit faster and caused me to purr low and deep in my throat. “You need to think about getting out soon.” He finished while he crossed back to the tub and proceeded to climb in next to me.
Tdem glanced first at Gareth, then at me and sighed when Gareth lifted me into his lap leaned around me and reached for what I could only assume was the shampoo. He lathered my hair, his strong fingers gently massaging my scalp. I closed my eyes and clung to his chest all the while making pleased noises for him in the back of my throat. I still had my eyes closed tightly when I felt the water level rise again and sensed Jace had also joined us. Gareth pinched my nose and dipped me under the water, his hands urging the suds out of my locks while I held my breath. When he pulled me up, his lips came down upon mine and I held his shoulders and kissed him deeply. Jace’s hands slid around me and I found myself being lathered thoroughly in between kisses and caresses.
The others filed in and out, each stopping to give me a kiss and a longing look at the water. Kit went so far as to prop his chin on the edge of the tub. “You think I’m perfect?” he teased, and I grinned and tweaked his n
ose playfully.
“I think I said nearly perfect for me, which is much different than my saying you are perfect!” I informed him pertly.
“Since you are mine and I am perfect for you, that is even better.” He assured me then growled indignantly when I splashed water in his oh-so-smug yet beautiful face.
As the men came and went, several glanced toward Cam and either shook their heads or moved away without saying anything. Their actions left me with the distinct impression that they unanimously blamed Cam and not me. Cursed however, seemed to be extremely bothered by Cam being in the corner. His dark eyes searched mine almost impatiently as he glanced first at Cam and then at me. I lifted an eyebrow at him and he pursed his lips and shook his head, giving me a look that fairly screamed censor. It was clear he was not happy with me, evident when he informed me rather bluntly, “He is what he is and you cannot deny that your Mother is a beautiful woman.” Cursed told me calmly, his tone of voice one a father might use on an unreasonable child, it fairly screamed disappointment while somehow managing to never rise above a polite volume.
I pressed my lips together and tilted my head to the side, staring back at him for several seconds from where I sat in Jace’s lap. “You think I placed him there because I am angry that he lusts after my Mother?” I asked, using what I liked to think of as my ‘inside voice’. I watched him and then frowned when he looked as if he might automatically agree but somehow managed to hesitate. I considered his lack of response before finally nodding to myself when I realized he wasn’t going to dignify my question with an answer. “Is it that you worry I am becoming consumed with Pride?”
Annoyance flashed in his black eyes while he thought my question over. “I worry that this jealousy over the Princess affects your decisions.” He finally admitted. It was clear our conversation was distasteful to him but he felt obligated to speak. Perhaps the fact that no one else seemed willing to call me to task, made him feel he had no choice but be the one to say something. His words hit me like a fist to the heart. The others in the room seemed to hold their breaths when I tensed. Jace’s hands, which had been gently stroking my hips suddenly stilled. It was clear everyone in the room was thinking Cursed’s comments might cause another eruption. The thought made me just a little sad. I had no desire to cause any of them angst. And while I may not like to admit it, there were times I was not always one hundred percent correct in either thought or deed. At the moment I felt certain I had done the right thing and very much wanted Cursed to understand the thoughts behind my actions.
“And is that the only reason you can devise for my actions?” I asked in a carefully neutral voice. After all I didn’t wish to jump to conclusions, unlike some other people who I thought it best not to mention at that time.
Cursed looked unsure, but finally agreed. “It is.”
I looked down at my clenched fingers and felt the sadness inside of me grow just a little. After a moment or two I lifted my gaze to his and said, “I am sorry that you would think so badly of me, Cursed,” in a quiet voice. At my words I watched as his expression change until he looked as if I’d kicked him in the stomach. “I admit his feelings for my mother irritate me,” I continued. “As you well know. However, I make no apologies for thinking as I do. In fact I doubt any other female in my situation would behave differently. But that is beside the point.” I added waving a hand toward Cam who was watching me with a cautious look from the corner. “And not at all the reason I set him in that corner, as far from me and still within my sight as I could get him. I did not send him there because of my jealousy, like you believe. I put him there to keep him safe.”
“My Lady?” Cursed replied, his dark eyes filled with confusion. I glanced from him to Cam, who had lowered his head a bit but was still watching me closely from beneath his lashes. I noticed his face had turned nearly ashen. He looked as if he might like to say something in his own defense, but was worried it could lead to worse consequences.
I stared back at him for a heartbeat, watching as indecision flickered and died under the weight of my stare. When he finally dropped his eyes in defeat I took a deep breath and glanced back toward Cursed. “Do you not realize that he is here for revenge? Did it escape your notice that he intends to use me to get it? That he hatched a plan to get close to me only because his pride is wounded.” I explained. Cursed’s suddenly didn’t look so self-assured at my words and I could tell he was having a problem trying to digest them. “And when he does not get the reaction he seeks? You yourself know how little the Princess cares for the feelings of others. What will he do then? I do not know him all that well, but even I can see that he is determined to gain his pound of flesh. I doubt it even matters from which of us he receives it. So shall I gamble the fate of the Dragon Race, and perhaps more, because I wasn’t strong enough to do my duty? Would you prefer I risk myself or one of you for the sake of one Seelie Prince’s wounded pride? Isn’t it better to help him understand now, in this manner, that I will not tolerate his machinations? Or would you prefer I allow one or more of us to be injured in his quest to feed his vanity? Think Cursed, the Queen has foisted him off on me. He has spent the night with us and I cannot now return him without causing a scandal. It seems we are stuck with him. Yet I’ll be dammed if I’ll allow anyone to force me to take an adder to my breast! Trust me when I say, I will kill him before I knowingly allow him to harm any of us. And Cursed I would think you, of all of my men, could appreciate the fact that I put him there to prevent myself from doing him bodily harm, or worse, for his planned treachery.”
When I finished speaking Cursed went to his knee and reached for the hand I held out to him. “Forgive me.” He choked out, his face filling with remorse.
I stroked his hair back from his face and carefully replied, “I think… it would be best if I now put him in your care.” I hesitated a moment weighing my words carefully. I didn’t wish to punish him, but strongly believe he was now the perfect person for this particular job. “You will be responsible for ensuring Cam does not cause dissension amongst us.” There was a moment when he looked pained but then his face smoothed out, a look of determination taking over. “Heed my words and keep him away from me, Cursed.” I warned. “Until or unless he can show change I dare not trust him. I would not wish to harm him but you know I will if necessary. I do not require his devotion. But I will have his respect. For him to think he could use me in such a manner….” And I was suddenly struggling to keep from vibrating in Jace’s lap. It took me a moment to curb the sudden surge of anger inside me. “Just keep him away from me,” I finished and sank back into Jace’s arms, suddenly feeling tired.
“As you say, My Lady.” Cursed replied rather meekly and quickly climbed back to his feet. His gaze shifted toward Cam in the corner and hardened with disgust.
I watched Cam flush under Cursed’s gaze, his body jerking slightly and tensing. Apparently it was one thing to be put in the corner by a woman who was Queen, especially if she put you there without even having to touch you. It seemed it was quite another to be judged by a peer. I imagined Cam would get on board quickly or find himself beaten to a bloody pulp…often. My men would not tolerate any threat to my health or well-being, and I had just tossed Cam upon their not so tender mercies. Sighing deeply I wondered if I had just made matters worse for both of us. What I needed here was emotional growth, not an entrenchment of a previous resentment.
“Get up, Cam.” I called to him and he arose slowly, his pale green eyes watching me while he was careful to keep his face blank. “From now on, you are forbidden to shield your thoughts from my men. Should I find you have disobeyed, it will not go well for you. Do I make myself clear?” I asked in a voice gone deadly serious.
From where I sat, I watched him swallow and nod. My gaze flicked to Cursed, who growled softly his eyes narrowing in a threatening manner. It was clear something passed between the two of them, something Cam didn’t much care for. From across the floor I could sense Cam’s roiling emotions and remar
ked to Cursed, “I trust you will ensure this does not become a problem.” He nodded once and motioned for Cam to precede him toward the door. The two of them left the room leaving behind frowns and thoughtful glances in their wake.
I sighed and buried my face in Jace’s neck while he made soothing noises and stroked my back.
“That was well done, Your Majesty. Your restraint is impressive, I am certain the Queen will appreciate you not eliminating one of her royal emissaries. There being so few of them in residence here in the Seelie Court.” Tdem stated from the other side of our tub. His voice sounded both surprised and impressed. Gee that was nice, I thought. I’d managed to punish the both of them and win the King’s approval, while doing Grandma proud. I’d dance for joy but just didn’t feel like it at the moment. Instead I groaned and held Jace all the tighter, reminding myself that sometimes there is a good choice and the right choice and that they rarely resemble each other.
We made it out of the tub finally and Owen was kind enough to provide us all with clothing. Though after looking at the dress he conjured up for me, I had to wonder yet again if Kit might have been the better designer choice. “Owen!” I growled. “It is morning, I think. Is there some reason I need to be dressed like a slattern?” Ending my inquiry with what sounded, even to my ears, like a somewhat desperate whine.
Owen sighed and shook his head. “You are dressed as is fitting, Lexi. Do not argue with me, I know what I’m doing. It is as you would say, ‘’the right choice.” And you do look lovely. Besides, orange is a friendly color. We would not wish the Court to think you inhospitable.” He assured me while the others nodded and tried not to laugh at my look of chagrin.
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