Chapter 18.

His shoulders went rigid and everyone drew a breath and held it captive in their lungs. He slowly turned around and I was begging that he didn't see the fear in my eyes.  His eyes were black as they locked on mine in a threatening glare.  “You growl at my men?” He asked ruggedly. I tried to straighten myself, to stand tall and too look strong and unbothered. “I am perfectly capable of walking by myself.” I said, surprised at the strength I heard in my voice. The strength was quickly shoved down when Darian took three steps and was standing in front of me, heaving as his cheeks flustered. “That can easily change.” He snarled. “You don't ever growl at my men, they pull rank.”  Over me? Just like that my question was answered and my future realized; I was prey, caught by the King and branded like an animal by a man who saw me as nothing more than an object he’d won.  How was this any different than being auctioned off?  “Whatever I tell them to do with you, you oblige. You step back with