The Chosen Series Box Set: Books 1 - 3
Page 99
Esral looked down at her feet for a few seconds. She seemed sad. Then she looked up and nodded, giving him a small smile that made him feel like a dirty pig for thinking half the thoughts he had daily about what he wanted to do to her.
“Let’s go, princess.”
“I told you to call me Esral.” She moved in next to him, her eyes firmly on the forest ahead.
“I prefer princess.”
“Why?” They began to move in the direction of the castle.
“I just do.” He sighed again as she darted up ahead. “Don’t go too far ahead.” He growled after her, his heart rate picking up against his will. It had nothing to do with the exertion though.
Zane and Brant sat across from Esral. They had barely made it back to the castle and they were summoned to the boardroom for a meeting. Xavier hoped he wouldn’t be made to stand outside the door like the last time. It fucking infuriated him when his kings felt the need to discuss matters with the princess without him there. He just knew that they were trying to get her mated. There were things brewing with those blasted elves and the best way to secure a partnership with the pointy shoe wearing fuckers was a vampire/elf union. He had made it clear that he wasn’t the male for the job, yet he’d be damned if he’d allow any of the others to have her.
“Are you sure we can’t get you some fruit juice?” Brant asked.
“Something else maybe?” Zane added.
She shook her head. “Why did you call me here?” Esral asked, sitting more upright in her seat and clasping her hands over her lap.
“It’s not good news.” Brant glanced at the table for half a beat. “Your father is ill.”
Esral shook her head, he could scent her fear. Could hear how her heart rate picked up. Xavier had to clench his fists at his sides to prevent himself from touching her. From giving her some degree of comfort.
“He has wasting sickness.” Zane’s eyes softened as he said the words.
A small, agonized noise escaped her. Her breathing turned a little choppy. Her heart rate sky rocketed.
“It was calves’ liver that they were after.” She muttered, her head bowed.
Brant nodded. “Yes, I’m afraid so.”
“You said meat. You never mentioned that it was liver.” She looked up, her gaze moving from Brant to Zane.
Zane shrugged. “We weren’t aware there was a difference.”
“I need to go and see him.” Rising to her feet, the chair scraped the floor behind her. She sniffed once, squaring her shoulders.
“Of course.” Brant locked eyes with Xavier. “You cannot attend with the princess. We will be sending another male in your place.”
“Why?” Xavier growled. There was no way in fucking hell that he was letting the princess out of his sight even for a second.
“The elven prince, Keto, has expressed his anger at both Zane and I as well as at you, brother.” Brant’s eyes stayed on him. “He feels that you should have acted with honor and taken the elven princess as your mate by now. He believes that you have slighted both Esral and the royal elven house by not taking her.”
“He was seriously fucking pissed.” Zane clearly didn’t like the male. “It would be better to keep the peace and send someone else. I’m sorry, princess, but your brother hates us. All three males in this room. Xavier can’t go with you.”
“I insist,” Xavier growled. “I will deal with the male. The princess is my responsibility and I do not take my duties lightly.” He knew he was being ridiculous. It would be more difficult for males to take advantage of her back on her own soil. The thought of not being at her side was unacceptable though.
“I agree.” She looked Brant in the eye. “My brother can be very difficult. The best way to appease him would be if I chose a male I am interested in to accompany me back to my home.”
Xavier managed to hold back a roar, but only just. Who the fuck was she interested in? He had to work to control his breathing. To stop himself from picking her up and putting her over his shoulder. The female was his.
His.
Only, he didn’t plan on claiming her or mating her. Or doing any of the honorable things that would come from rutting her, so that made her off limits. He bit down on the inside of his cheek to keep from saying anything. The metallic taste of his own blood filled his mouth.
“I would like York to accompany me. I can see myself with the male and would like to get to know him better.” She sounded sure of herself.
Brant nodded and smiled at her. Xavier could tell that his brother wasn’t happy. Whether it was with her choice of male or something else, Xavier did not know.
“I will arrange it right away. I am sure you and York will be very happy together.” Brant said, nodding as he spoke. In the end, no matter the cause, it gave him some measure of comfort to know that his brother did not seem to be on board with the plan.
The thought of York anywhere near the princess made his heart beat faster. His hands fisted at his sides. “The male is not permitted to touch you unless he plans on mating you.” Xavier tried hard to keep his voice even.
“I am sure that he is an honorable male.” She replied, not even bothering to look his way. It seemed that she couldn’t wait to be rid of him. “Anyway, my focus will be on my father.”
Honorable. Yeah right! Esral’s focus might be on her father but York’s would be on trying to help her to forget. Of easing any needs during her troubling times. Not a fuck! “I will have a talk with the male to make sure that he understands the rules. You are a princess after all and not just some easy fuck.”
Her eyes widened for a second or two before she schooled her emotions. “I wish you didn’t use such profanities.”
“I wish for a lot of things but we can’t always get what we want.” For a second he forgot himself and his eyes dipped to her full, moist lips. It took huge amounts of effort to look away, he focused on his brother instead. “I request permission to leave,” Xavier growled.
Brant nodded once. It was all Xavier needed. He would find that bastard York and put the fear of god into the male. If he so much as looked at Esral inappropriately, let alone touched her, the male was dead. He might just kill him anyway.
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