Mad Dog

Chapter 6 - Dinner

In my last life, me going to the royal hunt would have been unheard of. Even leaving the grounds was met with disapproval then. I feel my mouth still agape and quickly shut it. It was too late to protest. We were at least a days ride in by now and I knew once his mind was set there was no changing it. I curse myself for not asking sooner. I knew going into town didn't take this long but mind had been so filled with him I hadn't noticed the time.

"I don't even have a dress." I snap back hoping this would at least delay us. "You expect me to go the hunt like this?" I gestured to my dress that I had chosen at random. You could tell it was several seasons old, the lace weathered in spots and the color starting to fade. But I had liked the feel of it. It was the perfect dress for a long ride. Its age had molded it to my shape. Clinging to my curves in ways no other should. Nothing would fit me like this did. He looked me over quietly at that comment his gaze lingering a bit to long making subconsciously blush. I scolded myself. I guess it would take longer for me to no longer feel heat from his gaze. "No, let's do that." I continue pushing away unwanted thoughts. "What better way to catch the crowds' attention like you want."

He threw a glare at me but didn't reply back. Just set his lips in a grim line, staring into my eyes a little to long, making my breath catch. I hated staring into his unreadable blue eyes. Like an ocean I could drown in. Finally he released mine prying his away to stare out at the window. The landscape a happy mirror we couldn't replicate.

The carriage ride dragged on for hours. There's nothing worse than a stale ride with unwanted company. Not to mention, the lack of movement was starting to really get to me. These dresses were never made with long travel in mind even if it was my best feeling one. Finally, when I thought I couldn't stand it any longer, he called a stop. We had made it to an inn. I was almost giddy thinking of a warm bath and soft bed. I open the door and go to get out, but Rohan beats me to it. He stands beside the stairs, holding his hand out for me to take, but I ignore it. The thought of touching him made me sick. He sighs but lets me be and goes inside to get our rooms. I could smell the kitchen from where I was outside, and my stomach grumbled. Not wanting to wait any longer, I walk in and sit down at a table. A guard I assume Rohan assigned to me followed close behind. Before long, a waitress came and gave me a menu. As I look it over, I hear a chair scrape. Looking up, I see rohan sprawled leisurely in front of me. I can't help it for second he's beautiful. His light brown hair falling leisurely over his brow. As if the devil himself had come down and chosen his form. I look away bile, filling my stomach. Like a poisonous frog deceptive in its beauty. I ignore him and try to think of what I want. If I was going to be forced to be in his presence, I was going to eat good, too. Might as well try and hurt his pockets if revenge was going to wait. When she came back for our order, I ordered the most expensive things on the menu and several bottles of wine. I waited for his protest, but it never came he just ordered his food. I guess a dinner like this was nothing to him. The thought made me want to do something to wipe that stoic face off. I pulled the waitress aside as she passed.

"Can you give the same meal I got to our men, please? They deserve it, right dear? After going so far with us." I say coyly. "Honestly, I thought we'd never get a break on the way here." I look at him hoping to see some reaction but he only said,

"Do what you want. But get our meals first."

I sat back disappointed letting the waitress leave to prepare our order. I wasn't allowed to see our finances, so I didn't know how rich we were. I had assumed that based on my wardrobe, we were on the decline, but him not batting an eye at this made me think differently. To think this fool and his wretch of a mother were living lavishly, I thought with disgust. As if they deserved any of it.

Suddenly, I smelled something heavenly. Looking up, I saw the waitress had brought what I ordered. I was so hungry I was practically salivating. I stabbed at my steak aggressively. I knew army guys didn't need to eat as much, but did any of them think about the civilians? No. Of course not because their commander didn't care to. It irritated me. The way that as my husband he could do as he pleased with me. Stuffing my mouth, I almost groaned. God, whoever cooked this is amazing. I don't know if it was the hours of uncomfortable riding or the tastiness of the meal. But as I neared the end of it, I started to get sleepy. I push back my plate and almost slump in my chair. The exhaustion from the days before threatening to take me.

"You ready for bed?" Rohan asked. He had finished a while ago. Why did he stay when I could get the room number from the owner? Who knew. What I did know was that he seemed to have an uncomfortable habit of analyzing me. I could feel his gaze burning into my skin as I polished my meal off. It didn't seem like he'd taken his eyes off me for a moment.

"Yes." I say, wanting nothing more than to crawl in my bed where I didn't have to see him. I follow him up the stairs to a room on the second floor. He unlocks it, and I go in, trying to shut the door behind me, but he grabs it, stepping inside.

I bristle. "What are you doing?" I demand. I was tired and not in the mood for his bullshit.

"This is my room too." He says coolly, then heads to the door, I'm assuming, is the bathroom. I'm too in shocked to stop him. He can't sleep here. I can't sleep next to him. I feel a numbness spread through me. Trapping my body in a cold shiver. What can I do? I really can't sleep with you.