The Queen of Ash and Flame

Chapter Twenty Seven

I had freshened up, taking a bath and getting all the sweat of training off my skin. I had to rummage through my closet, packed with clothes. Until I found something.

I would have preferred to be dressed with more clothes covering my skin. But I wanted Lucian to regret winning that duel. I was going to show off my body and make him jealous.

Just the expression that would be on his face made my own lips curve.

I stepped in front of the mirror one last time before heading out.

I was dressed in a simple black dress, a plunging neckline, showing off my cleavage. And the hem of the dress ended just at the middle of my thighs. Exposing my long thicker legs.

I really didn't want to go, but I would stick to my word and I would, sadly, go. I groaned then headed to the dining hall.

People stopped and stared, even the maids. Who would usually look down as anyone passed, but now they marveled over me. The guards were worse, snickering and smirking. Ogling at my exposed flesh.

Bloody pricks.

I got to the huge doors, and slipped inside the room. Some of the mens' eyes went straight to me. Noticing me at once. Their eyes filled with lust.

But I didn't care about their stares, only about Lucian's.

As soon as I entered I felt his cold and dark glare.

My eyes locked with his, his face showed nothing. But his eyes revealed millions. Lust. Jealousy.

I stroked my hand along the backs of the wooden chairs, sliding my hands on each of the soldiers' shoulders. Making some shiver. Others just stare.

I saw Lucian's knuckles turn white, holding the chair with a death grip. I went to the side of him and leaned down.

"Hello," I whispered in his ear.

"Love, what are you wearing?" he mumbled back.

I chuckled in his ear, "Aw, you don't like it? I thought you'd love it the most. Your men seem to like it."

I turned to me, our faces mear whispers apart. "Come sit, I'm cold," he patted his thigh. I squinted my eyes and walked in front of him.

I gracefully sat down and draped my legs over his. I propped my back up with my elbow, placing it on the wooden armrest.

I felt a warm arm wrap around my waist, pulling me against him. I looked back to him and glared at him.

He leaned into my ear and whispered, "You lost the bet, you have to follow the consequences."

I rolled my eyes and looked back to the table, the men all staring.

Lucian noticed my disdain of all the men, he turned to them, "Look at her again and I'll peel your skin from your bones," he said, his voice drippingly calm. But full of venom.

All of them started talking to each other again. None ever risked a quick glance at me or him.

The doors to the kitchen swung open and a rush of maids and chefs came in. Putting down plates and refilling pints of beer.

Then as soon as they came, they were gone. The doors swinging shut.

"Darling?" Lucian said in my ear.

"Hm?" I grumbled, not meeting his eyes.

"Look at me," he mumbled. I turned my head in the opposite direction of him. I was not going to be some sort of pet, doing whatever he said.