Chapter 24
DAHLIA
My husband is a beast. That’s all I can think of as I stare at the thin red choker he’s laid out on our bed for me to wear tonight. Beside it is a piece of parchment, and written on that are two sentences – the ink black enough to suck the candlelight out of the room:
Wear this to dinner. Nothing else.
I scrunch up the note and toss it across the room, only to hurry over to it and smooth out the creases with my hands.
I don’t need another punishment. Not after last night.
My backside still stings from the way he took me to the stables again and whipped me. Afterwards, my traitorous body came again, of course. Then he carried me to bed and slept with his arms tight around my waist like he didn’t just strip me, tie me up, and whip my sore arse five times.
He was gentler than normal. He said it was because I’m still injured from the wolves and because my next punishment will take place in the dungeon. He didn’t want to overwhelm me, he’d said.
“Arsehole,” I mutter as I slip off my demon gown and remove my undergarments.
It’s been a week since I interrupted his meeting, and Tauren still hasn’t shared anything else about Maeve, let alone listened to my reasoning for why I should be the one to bring her home.
His soldiers haven’t found any openings in the wall, or at least that’s what I’ve gathered based on the hushed, angry conversations I overhear when Kennix comes to our tower.
It’s so ridiculous. I could’ve travelled to Elheart’s palace and found her myself by now. Instead, I’m fastening the collar around my neck and painting my lips a deep scarlet shade to match.
If Tauren insists on me staying here, then I’ll give him what he wants.
I’ll be so damned ‘good’ that this time, he’ll have to give me what I want.
After brushing out my hair, I pace quietly out of the bedroom. Tauren must’ve dismissed the servants because there’s no one here to see my naked body as I pass through his chambers to the dining room.
Pumpkin isn’t here either. Claren must’ve taken her for a walk around the castle grounds.
I would’ve taken her myself had Tauren not forbidden me from leaving the tower without him. Of course he’s been too busy with court duties to spare any time for a simple dog walk.
Thankfully, he hasn’t enchanted another collar around my neck, but I can’t help worrying if that will change based on what he put me in tonight.
He’s sitting at the dining table, reading a book when I walk in. A black shirt strains over his muscles while his gaze lifts from the book to sweep over me.
“Beautiful,” he breathes. My traitorous heart flutters.
We haven’t fucked since that time in the cave. I haven’t let him. Instead, he’s found other ways to get his fill, whipping me, spanking me, or taking me with his fingers. Every time I finish he tells me again that he loves me.
Such a gentleman, my husband is.
“You wished to see me, my lord.” I try my best to keep my voice sweet.
He quirks a brow. Rising from his chair, he leaves the book on the table to walk towards me.
It’s then I notice there’s only one chair – his. Strange.
“Are we choosing to be good tonight, my darling?” His deep voice rumbles through me.
I shudder as his fingers lift my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. “I always try to be good for you, Tauren.” I smile prettily.
“Hmm.” He brushes my lower lip with his thumb. “I’d ask why you’re trying harder than normal, but I like you like this too much to argue. Come.” Taking my hand, he leads me towards the lone chair.
“I thought my punishment was supposed to be in the dungeon,” I ask when he sits down.
“This is not your punishment, sweet princess.” He pushes me down until I’m kneeling beside him. His fingers tickle my scalp like someone would stroke their pet. “I’m training you.”
“Training?” I spit.
“There’s my little monster,” he chuckles, before clicking his fingers and a young servant girl hurries in. There’s a tray in her hands, which she keeps her gaze fixed on as she lowers it to the table.
Something smells delicious, and there’s another smell – something sweeter – but I’m too low down to see it. I can only hear the clinking of tableware while the servant sets the table.
She disappears without sparing me a single glance. I’m guessing that was Tauren’s doing.
I’m also guessing he expects me to just sit here and watch while he eats whatever divine-smelling thing he’s currently bringing to his lips.
“Scowling doesn’t suit you, sweetheart,” he says after swallowing several mouthfuls.
“I’m hungry.”
He looks down at me, smiling. “Then ask nicely, and maybe I’ll feed you something.”
His tone makes warmth flutter through my body. But I’m doing this to help that sweet demon girl from the inn. That’s all.
“Please, Tauren,” I breathe.
“Please, Tauren, what?” He smirks.
“Please, Tauren, can I have some of your food?”
A satisfied growl rumbles through him. “Of course, dear wife.” Lifting his fork, he lowers it to my lips. “Open your mouth for me.”
I shouldn’t want him to feed me like this, but it smells good enough that my lips move anyway. Using his fingers to close my jaw, he slides the fork out slowly. Some kind of meat and rice in a creamy sauce fills my mouth. It tastes so divine I almost don’t care how it got in there. Almost.
“Nice?” He watches me.
Cheeks flushing, I nod.
“Good.” Returning the fork to his plate, he scoops up another mouthful. “It’s a popular rice dish here. You’ll see it a lot at banquets.” He brings the fork to my lips again.
“I can feed myself.” I try to grab the fork, but he catches my wrist.
“I know you can,” he murmurs, “but you’re going to let me feed you tonight.”
I can’t help it – I glare at him. “I’d really rather feed myself.”
“You will let me feed you, or I promise you will not like the alternative.”
“You said this wasn’t a punishment.” I cross my arms over my chest, trying to hide the way my nipples have peaked at his warning tone.
“It isn’t, sweetheart.” He pulls my arms away from my chest, chuckling. “But I think you might want it to be.” His fingers brush my nipple, and I shudder, turning away from him.
He tips me by my chin back to face him. “Behave, Dahlia or there will be consequences. Now, open your pretty mouth for me.”
“I’m not doing this. It’s embarrassing.” I try to stand, but he pushes me back down by my shoulder.
“Last chance,” he warns. Warmth pools between my thighs. “Open your mouth.”
I keep my lips sealed, heart racing.
Grinning, he clicks his fingers. The girl returns with a second tray. For a moment, I wonder if he’ll give up this stupid game and let me join him at the table. But there’s still only one chair, and it’s currently occupied by my wicked husband.
When she leaves, he takes the plate and lowers it to me. But he doesn’t let me take it. Instead, he places it on the floor, then slides it a little away with his boot.
“Eat,” he commands.
My gaze dances between him and the plate on the floor. The meal is made up of rice and meat stirred into a thick sauce. “There’s no cutlery or bread.” My lips part. “How do you expect me to eat this?”
Sighing, he reaches for something in his pocket. A long red ribbon appears in his hands.
I scoff, “I can’t eat with a—”
“Shh.” His hands are in my hair before I can stop him, tying my hair into what feels like a loose bun. “Now you won’t get food in your pretty hair.” He pats me on the shoulder.
My lips open, then close again. I glance at my plate on the floor, my stomach flipping. He actually expects me to—
“If you eat nicely, you will be rewarded. But any more bratty behaviour and you will be punished.” His eyes glitter from the starlight streaming in through the windows.
“The choice is yours, pet.” Before I can reply, he picks up his book and returns to his meal, his eyes focused on the pages as if he hasn’t just given me the most humiliating task.
Heat floods to my cheeks. I should pick up my plate and throw it in his face. My sisters would.
But I’m not them, and the desperate throbbing in my core is making it hard to think straight.
Breath shuddering, I tip myself onto all fours and lower my face to the food. It smells amazing. Tastes amazing, too. The first bite melts against my tongue.
I’ve eaten half of it when I feel his fingers sliding down my back, stroking my spine. “Such a good girl, Dahlia.”
It’s like pleasure ripples from his fingertips. I can’t help but sigh.
“Keep going,” he urges me, and I take another bite. “You’re doing so well.”
He continues stroking my back while I eat, humiliation burning inside me. But I don’t dare stop. I’m scared if I do, he’ll notice the fullness of my breasts and the liquid pooling between my thighs.
As I take my last mouthful, his hand slides down my spine again, but this time he doesn’t stop. My teeth clamp down on my lower lip as his fingers stroke past my rear, lower and lower, until he’s teasing my folds.
“Tauren…” I rasp. I want to move, but I can’t. I’m so close my thighs are shaking.
“You’re so fucking pretty when you’re submissive.” His fingers push inside me, and I whimper. “And you’re soaked too,” he chuckles. “You like it when I make you behave, don’t you?”
“No,” I rasp. But when his finger flick my clit, my walls clench. There’s nothing I can do. I come hard against his hand, rocking my hips shamelessly.
When he finally slides his fingers out, I can’t bring myself to look back at him. I just keep my gaze fixed on the empty plate in front of me. The worst part is, my entrance is still dripping with need.
“Come here, sweetheart.” He lifts me by my waist before I can refuse. Metal plates clatter to the floor as I’m placed on the edge of the table. My thighs part while he stands between them, nuzzling into my shoulder. “You did well.” He kisses my neck. “Would you like dessert now?”
“Dessert?” I manage.
He pulls away, smiling. “I have your favourite.” Reaching behind me, he retrieves something small and sweet-smelling.
“Chocolate…” I grin.