Althea was startled by Gavriel’s sudden change of mood. It was moments like this that made her hate the fact she couldn’t read his mind. Just a while ago, he had looked soft, even concerned. Now his face was etched with annoyance.
“I don’t know what you truly feel, Your Majesty, but I wouldn’t dare assume you care for someone like me,” she said quickly, trying to steady her voice. “If you want my father, then I thought it best to keep me unharmed. I’ve presumed all your generosity was only for that reason. After all, I’m nothing more than a pawn… a bait.”
Her words tumbled out as she gripped the hand he had around her throat.
His eyes narrowed, and with a twisted smile he hummed, “Now you call me Your Majesty... yet when I claim you, you cry my name.”
Althea swallowed hard, her pulse q
