Page 78 of First Offense

My mother had warned me in the beginning that it was best not to question the courting rules, and just obey them.

I hadn’t fully understood. We were royals. Why didn’t I have more of a say in my future? When I’d asked my mother that, she’d merely replied, “Trust your father, sweetheart. He knows what’s best for us all.” Then she’d patted me on the head and left, but not before I’d witnessed the tears in her eyes.

“Food,” Novak said suddenly, causing me to frown.

Half a second later, the door opened, revealing a guard with two trays. Auric went to him. “Thanks, Jerin.”

“Yep,” the Nora replied, handing Auric the trays. “Sayir’s ensured quality food. It’s his way of apologizing for all the shit that happened. I suppose he’s also hoping well-cooked meals will keep the inmates happy while we renovate.”

“Renovate?” Auric repeated.

I glanced at Novak, but his focus was entirely on their exchange, his gaze calculating.

“Yeah, you saw the exterior, right? We can’t risk the inmates roaming around until this place is better secured. So you’re going to be in for at least a few days, maybe a week.”

Auric sighed. “Great.”

“Sorry,” Jerin said, then stepped back through the door. “I’ll bring more in the morning.” He locked us all in once more.

At least this door was solid with no windows.

Auric returned to the bed with the trays, bringing the aromas of cooked meat and vegetables with him.

My mouth watered in response, my stomach clenching with the desire to devour everything on those plates.

“How did you know the food was here?” Auric asked, arching a brow at Novak.

Novak gestured to where his pet, Clyde, was busy climbing up the legs of the table. The mouse-like creature sat down with an expectant look. I understood why a moment later when Novak tossed him a small morsel of meat.

The mouse’s mouth opened into a wide, dragon-like jaw littered with teeth and caught the chunk in the air. Then he crunched down on the savory bit and swallowed half a second later.

I gaped at it.

And gasped as Novak repeated the gesture, this time with a potato.

That little demon thing had some seriously sharp incisors.

Novak brought a fork to my lips, offering me a piece of meat next. My stomach growled in expectation, forcing me to accept his generosity. And then I groaned as the tender steak touched my tongue.

Ohhhh…

Novak grinned, while Auric growled. “Careful,” the Nora said.

It took me a moment to understand.

Then I caught Novak’s dilated pupils as he offered me another bite.

Right. No moaning when trapped with two compatible mates,I thought as I allowed his fork to enter my mouth.Dear heavens, that’s so, so good.

I nearly moaned again, but I managed to keep it in.

Auric handed me a fork with a pointed look. I accepted it and prepared my own mouthful this time while Novak started feeding himself. He tossed a few more bites to Clyde, then stopped when the little mouse lay on its back with a satisfied snore.

Novak grinned at the sight, then winked at me before taking another bite of his steak.

We continued in silence, then Auric glanced at the bathroom and back at me. “I assume you want a proper shower. I saw hair products in there earlier, too.”

“And warm water?” I asked him, recalling what he’d said earlier. “Have we been transported to heaven?”