Chapter 9: A law
She blinked in disbelief. Ren wasn't prepared to answer such an unexpected question. She stared up at him like a complete fool, as though she couldn't understand his language. Her voice seemed trapped in her throat, and her mind was too numb to conjure any suitable response that wouldn't inadvertently provoke his resentment.
'Oh, my holy hell! Why does he care how I feel?'
Until now, no one had ever cared about her feelings or desires. Her stepmother had always forced her to prioritize the family's interests over her own. But that was a lie, a convenient excuse to manipulate her into following orders. In truth, her stepmother only commanded her to do things that wouldn't upset Ara, her daughter.
"Why don't you answer? Do you like me?"
His hoarse, sorrowful voice snapped her out of her reverie. She couldn't deny that her husband had enchanted her, for he had. Yet, his unpredictability made her feel insecure around him.
"I'm a logical person. I don't know much about you, and you've made it clear you don't want me to."
His expression shifted instantly, a bitter grin curling on his lips. Without a word, he slightly nodded as he leaned closer to her. Grabbing her waist, he pulled her onto his lap to close the gap between them.
"All right, sweet doe-eyes. Sleep here tonight; the forest floor is damp and will only cramp your muscles. Tomorrow, you'll find out how many people live in my castle."
He pulled her close to his chest. She could hear his smooth, steady heartbeat, a sign of his robust health, she thought.