Damien’s POV
Frustration coiled in my gut as I watched Freda. Why couldn’t she understand that I was doing this all for her? I was willing to give her everything yet she still didn’t appreciate my goodwill. Every singly lady in Valthrun would kill to be in her position and I assured her that she will be accepted yet she was stubborn.
“Freda.” I sighed. “There’s no need for all this. I simply wa…”
“Have you considered what I wanted for a change?” She glared at me.
“I have and it’s impossible to grant. I can’t let you leave me, you have to understand.” I pressed, determined to make her accept.
“Stop it Damien, I’m not a child that needs to be schooled. You’re just being selfish.” She scoffed.
“You aren’t a child but you’re my mate.”
“Mate? Last time I checked, mates didn’t held their mates captive in a castle.”
“I’m not holding you captive, you’re safe here with me.”
“Safe and trapped are two different things Damien.”
I sighed heavily. If anyone had dared to engage in an argument with me, I would have had them beheaded by now but I could only endure my mate’s sharp tongue as I tried to make her understand.
“Freda,” I took a deep breath. “My coronation is coming and I need a queen by my side. You are the queen I have chosen, you are my fated mate. Please don’t deny me.” I dropped all semblance of pride and pleaded.
Silence descended in the room as I waited for her response. Her eyes darted across the room as she pouted but eventually she sighed and nodded her head.
“Is that a yes?” I asked.
“It’s close to a yes. I still haven’t made up my mind.” She shook her head.
“Fair enough.” I grinned and stood up from the floor. “Try to focus on your lessons with Elara. She is a difficult woman but there is so much you could learn from her.”
“Fine.” She retorted.
“I have to go, my uncle is waiting for me.” I bent and kissed her forehead.
“You’re uncle?” She asked.
“Oh, I didn’t tell you. My uncle came over yesterday, he’s going to be staying with us for a period of time.”
“Hopefully he isn’t as violent as the rest of your people.” She rolled her eyes and flopped to the bed.
“He’s…good in a sense. Be good, I have to go now.” I walked towards the door but she whimpered, stopping me in my tracks.
“What’s wrong?” I turned around and asked her in concern.
“You see, I’ve been wearing this dress for two days now. And…well,” Her voice trailed off as her gaze flitted down to her dress. “I don’t exactly have any other clothes so I need…new ones.”
I had the urge to slap my forehead as I realized my oversight.
“You’re right, I apologize.” I admitted sheepishly.
“Apology accepted. So, how are we going to fix this?” A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
“You’re forgetting your mate is the king. Any problem you have, I’ll be able to fix it.” I grinned and walked towards the wardrobe.
