“How was your class, pet?” she asked me, as I took the menu from her.
“I sit next to Heidi now,” I told her. “Dr. Phears said I had to study independently next week because I’ll miss her classes.”
“That’s right, you will have dance lessons next week,” she agreed. “We will make time this weekend and during the evening next week for you to study,” she told me.
“Thank you,” I replied.
“You’re my good girl, pet,” she spoke quietly in my ear, though I was sure all at the table were watching our interaction. I blushed under her praise.
“Your pet is in a healing class, isn’t she?” Orion asked.
“Yes,” Selene answered, putting her arm around my shoulders, and I noticed my bracelet on her wrist.
“You must have some sway at Sanguis to get her a place in such a class,” he said,
“Our King is the largest patron of Sanguis Academy,” Lord Halvorsen told him.
“Why put her in a healing class? Did your pet have something to do with your amazing recovery Selene?” Orion pressed.
“My illness made me sensibly aware of the need for competent healing. My pet is with me almost always. I trust her,” Selene answered without hesitation.
“Orion,” Lord Halvorsen warned weakly, and I suspected he was as curious as his brother as to Selene’s recovery from Hades Delight.
She removed her arm from my shoulder as she placed my lunch order for me.
“I’m told you were seen shopping yesterday, my dear. Did you buy anything you like?” Lord Halvorsen asked. Every time he addressed her like she was his made me mad. She wasn’t his dear; she was dear to me.
“No, I was simply enjoying a shopping trip with Heidi of Coactus, becoming familiar with the heir of a powerful House,” she replied.
“A wise use of your free time; a Queen in the making indeed,” he complimented her. “But did you not purchase that, ah, new bracelet you wear today? I must say, it doesn’t seem your tastes, love.”
“A smidge gaudy,” Orion laughed.
I looked away from the table. I hadn’t thought my gift was tacky or unsuitable for a princess before. I hadn’t thought of more than it would remind her of me, a little bit of me with her forever. But now I was aware that it wasn’t anything fancy. It was dainty, not too large on her wrist, but brightly coloured and nothing special. It wasn’t gold or silver, and it didn’t contain any jewels, all other jewellery I had seen her wear was of better quality. Did I embarrass her with such a gift? Did she wear it simply to be polite?
“And you know my tastes Oskar?” she asked him, ignoring his brother’s comment.
“I think it’s cute,” Rebecca spoke up when an uneasy silence settled on the table.
“Yes, I agree. It’s simply not of the highest standards I associate with my Princess,” Lord Halvorsen said.
“It is the cheapest piece I own,” Selene said, and I felt stung by her admission, “Yet it is my favourite,” I looked back to her.
“Because it stinks of your whore?” Orion laughed loudly.
“Yes,” Selene replied, meeting his eyes in a challenge. He looked back excitedly, leaning past me to look at his brother.
“Brother, how does it feel to know you are no match to a tiny half-witch? This small blood slave is more capable of satisfying the woman you hope to engage. What is the problem? Does your dick become limp at the sight of a womanly body?” he taunted Lord Halvorsen.
Lord Halvorsen threw himself across the table at his laughing brother. Before I could react, I found myself in Selene’s arms as she carried me calmly but swiftly across the café. Many people were shouting, screaming, and running from their tables.
She sat me on my feet, and I was beside my friends, who all stood from their seats, watching the chaos across the room unfold.
“Viridis mutt, you claim to care for what’s mine; prove your worth and keep her safe,” she growled out to Dylan.
He nodded gravely.
I looked back to where I had been to see two unnaturally large bears crashing into each other. Both were brown, but one was considerably larger. The larger bear swung a clawed paw striking the smaller bear across the face, creating deep, red gouges. The smaller bear stumbled back, roaring in pain or maybe anger.