ELYRA.
Radiel stood across from me with that same smug smile he always wore, like the world was a game and he already knew the ending. The sight of it instantly annoyed me.
I folded my arms over my chest and stared straight at him. I had tolerated a lot since signing that ridiculous contract marriage with him, but I was starting to feel like he thought I was some kind of maid, or some pawn on a chessboard he could move anytime he wished.
And I definitely wasn’t.
“You know,” I said slowly, keeping my voice calm, “you could try addressing me with a little respect.”
His eyebrows lifted slightly, but the smile stayed.
“I already do,” he replied casually.
I scoffed.
“No, you don’t. And don’t pretend like you don’t know what I mean.”
For a moment the room felt tense. His smile faded jus
