“You sound like my father.”
“It’s common sense. Stay away from her, Champion or no.”
“Don’t give me orders.”
“I’m only doing it for your safety.”
“Why would she kill me? I think she likes being pampered. If she hasn’t attempted to escape or kill anyone, then why would she do it now?” He patted his friend on the shoulder. “You worry too much.”
“It’s my occupation to worry.”
“Then you’ll have gray hair before you’re twenty-five, and Valerie certainly will not fall in love with you.”
“What nonsense are you talking?”
“Well, if she does try to escape, which she won’t, then she’ll break your heart. You’d be forced to throw her in the dungeons, hunt her down, or kill her.”
“Dorian, I don’t like her.”
Sensing his friend’s growing irritation, Dorian changed the subject. “What about that d
