Then what is this between us R18

"Leave us," I ordered.

I didn't recognize the huskiness in my voice, but I didn't have to repeat myself. The

shuffling of feet echoed through the room as everyone filed out. Once the sound of the door shutting rang out, I spoke.

"You think I hate you?" I tightened my grip on Lydia's wrist. The princess couldn't be further from the truth.

I released one of her wrists and wiped a tear that fell from her eyes. Just because

I didn't want to mark her did not mean I disliked her that much.

"If you were a person I hated, you would feel the wrath of my hatred." That was for certain.

"Then why are you doing this? You send me away then have me relocated across the castle. Do you know how that made me feel? That there are whispers going around the castle, people are trying to figure out why you wouldn't want me—"

"Who is saying this about you?" I demanded.