So enjoy this late chapter. I hope it's good. But, I'm just going to see what happens. Hope you're all be satisfied. 😈

I rush to give Julian the closest thing to a hug I can, before Maven grabs my arm and drags me away, to his side. He puts his hand around me and I suppress a shudder. Someday I think he'll never have me. Cameron props her head up.

"Well look who's here. His bloody majesty himself. To what do we owe this displeasure?" Cameron sarcastically says, her lip curling into a scowl. I hide a smirk. She never disappoints. Maven's lip curls.

"Mare, if I didn't know better I'd say you have been giving her lessons," Maven whispers. "And yes Julian, you will be accompanying my daughter to Delphie for the week after her betrothal. You can thank my wife for that." He goes to kiss me as Julian looks my way gratefully. I cringed when his lips meet mine, a horrible sensation I have still not gotten used to, but can't fight. Maven natters on for a bit before turning to leave. Before we leave I think I hear the faintest sound of an ocean wave crashing towards shore.

As we head up stairs Maven's grip tightens on my shoulder he directs me somewhere. I make note of the details. Just when I figure out where we're going, before I can even attempt to move, he shoves me into his room. Dread pools into my stomach, Not this Not again! He directs me toward his bed. I barely move as I think about how to get out of this. Could I invent a disaster fast enough to get out of this? Not likely, I think, as Maven takes matters in his own hands and shoves me in the bed, Maven wouldn't miss playtime with his pet for the worst crisis. Still, so long ago, was the first and only time this happened. Apparently he's got the guts to make me do it again.

"Mare, you wonder why I have never done this? Because I thought it would upset you. But I realize now that this will actually help you." I curse quietly under my breath. I truly have never hated anyone more. But I also hate how he might be right. Just before he goes to strip my clothes off, a senitial runs in.

"Your majesties, your children are leaving." Looks like that sential just saved me.