Page 4 of Mated to the Crown

“I-I don’t know. We were talking and I was reading to her and then when I got up to leave she didn’t move.” Her eyes well with tears again and soon they are flowing down her cheeks, dripping onto the carpet. Her body is shaking and she shrinks against the wall. “I don’t know.”

“You didn’t do this to her?” I wave my hand, pointing to the seat.

“Why would I do this to her? I have been reading with her for years!” She quickly rubs her eyes, brushing the stray tears away but leaving her face red.

She stands up straighter, staring me right in the eyes.

“I’ve been with her more than you, Prince Malik.

” She spits out and suddenly I feel a pang in my chest.

This is her. My mate. The way she says my name sends a searing pain through me.

I clench my teeth, closing my eyes and leaning against the wall for support.

My head pounds as the memories of my dream flash through it.

Us in the stables. Us in bed. Her running.

Me marrying her. I open my eyes, stepping forward toward her.

It’s so dark in here, I can’t get a good view.

I whip around, pushing through the pounding in my head and open the window, suddenly flooding the room with light.

When I turned around I didn't know what I was about to see. I expected some servant, claiming she didn’t know what happened.

I expected someone to be scared of me, worried about how what they did would get them fired or sent to court.

What I see before me is my beautiful mate, arms crossed against her chest, breath still heaving and tears falling.

But that look in her eyes… She is furious.

She is angry and she will not step down to me simply because I am a Prince. She is perfect.

“Excuse me?” I question, wondering if this is something she is putting on as a front, or if this is truly how she responds to me.

“I have been here for years. If you don’t believe me then send me to a mage and have my mind looked at. I did not hurt her in any way.” She straightens taller.

Fuck no, I would not send her to a mage.

That would reveal the bond right away. A mage will get slammed in the face with it and then reveal it to her.

She doesn’t seem to know yet, so that is on my side.

I just have to keep my own emotions in check.

I sit down, letting out a deep breath as I rub my temples. This fucking headache.

“Okay. Let’s talk through this. I obviously can’t say you killed her. I want to believe you but it seems rather weird you just happened to be here alone with her.” I hear her scoff but my eyes are closed so I don’t see her expression.

“She is always alone in case you haven’t noticed.

She only ever sees me and some other servants.

I did not give her anything to eat or drink so how would I have hurt her?

” Her voice comes out as daggers, digging into my brain and all my sick mind can think about is punishing that brat and listening to her whimper against my hand on her ass.

Fuck!

“Okay, okay.” I stand up, trying to think of anything that won’t get my dick hard. “Let me find Morgan and I will take care of this. Please return to your normal duties and come find me later tonight so we can debrief.” I can’t help the smirk on my face when I hear her scoff. She is so fiery.

“You don’t even know who I am. And where the hell am I supposed to find you? I’m only allowed in certain areas. Not like you would know.” She mutters the last part but I hear it anyway.

“7pm. Stables. And what is your name? I do admit, I don’t remember seeing you much around here.” I ask.

She steps forward, snatching a blanket from the pile on the floor and gently placing it over my grandmother so she is covered. The way she is caring and respectful makes me believe she didn’t do anything but I watch her anyway, curious about her actions.

“She hates you fighting. And being an ass. I don’t want her to see that.” She speaks bluntly like she can hear my thoughts.

I click my tongue and stand up, feeling the headache finally soothing,

“Name, pumpkin?”

She pulls back again, “Don’t call me pumpkin, like ever. I don’t care who the hell you are, I’m not a big, fat pumpkin.”

I open my mouth, ready for a witty retort but close it, trying to take a breath.

“I didn’t mean it like that. I’m sorry. What is your name?” I kick myself in the balls for that one. I was trying to be genuine. I guess pumpkin was a stupid name.

She looks at me, squaring off her posture and crossing her arms once more.

I relax my own stance and cross my arms, matching her. I can see the gears turning in her head, trying to figure out if she wants to tell me or not. Inside everything is screaming at me to walk up to her, pull her close and tell her it’s okay, but I can’t. I have to figure this out, slowly.

“See you at 7.” She turns on her heel and opens the door.

“No name? How about Princess.” I smirk and she scoffs before leaving, shutting the door loudly behind her.