Indebted

17

Atticus had never once felt such a peace in his heart as he felt right now, his mate, sprawled over his body. Skin to skin contact over so much of their bodies. Their combined scents heavy in the air. The rhythm of her breathing and heartbeat the most soothing lullaby he had ever heard.

This is the joy of a mate, she is ours. The dragon had never once been this at ease in Atticus's mind, in this moment there was perfect zen between them. No fight for what to do. Man and beast equally content exactly where they were for the first time in Atticus's memory.

I still want to tie her up and make her scream for me. Atticus told the dragon in his mind. He knew what he enjoyed, and there had always been a sub willing to be paid for the pleasure of serving him. Atticus was not about to give up his pleasures. The dragon laughed.

She is ours, as long as she is enjoying herself all will be well. Considering the Dragon and Atticus's firm fun is only fun when everyone is having a good time mentality, Atticus gave in, believed everything would work out. Feeling unusually optimistic about his situation right now. He just had to be patient, fortunes weren't built overnight. Soon enough he would have a decent enough hoard to live comfortably.

Esti started to stir on his chest. Her long silky hair tickling along the skin of his arm as she moved her head. Her nails were back to human, her teeth had returned to normal, her eyes the same unusual amber color she had since he first laid eyes on her.

"Hi." She whispered softly, blushing, feeling as good in her heart as he did. Looking over Atticus's chest, the claim mark was the only evidence left that Esti's beast existed. She might be in an even better mood than he was right now. The two were interrupted from starting another round when there was a knock on the door.

"Family Meeting kids, get dressed and get out here." Myrrh commanded. It was time to plot her battle plans. She had never had any children of her own, felt the time long since past. She hadn't played the castle society since she had been herself young. She was having the most fun she had enjoyed in decades. Had more invitations, visitors and events than she might have ever entertained in her prime. It was glorious. All the better that her pawns in this game were her asshole brother's idiot son, and now, a walking scandal Myrrh knew Magnus wanted dead or gone from court.

Myrrh did think she would look so good in black if Death should wish to call her to mourn in the near future. The court did love a good tragic love story. She would need to think carefully how to best enhance her status with the boon she had lucked into. Atticus being foolish enough to willingly come to court had been enough to jumpstart her social calendar more than any trick she had tried in near a century now. With the little traitor, the notoriety alone would be enough to warrant an invitation to most parties and events.

While Myrrh waited for Atticus and the slave to get dressed. She went and ensured that all the clothes the silly little Fowler girl's had brought over were folded well, looking new. A sweet gift she was going to bestow on the happy couple she had politely listened as they fucked for more than an hour straight under her roof.

Esti had been such a flighty thing, even for a highborn. It was amazing she had not died while exiled or during her time as a slave. A fact Myrrh was putting more to luck or other people taking pity on the girl. One more person foolishly underestimating Estella.

Meanwhile in the kitchens, Nigella and Norman were nearly beside themselves with worry. They had both been broken hearted when they heard that Little Esti was going to be executed. A sad and bitter end for a light that shone so bright. Only to be faced with more uncertainty now than ever before for Esti's prospects. Fearing the latest twist of fate would turn out to be worse than a quick death.