"There is nothing I have seen or heard of you that is not extraordinary."
Laurel's face warmed with embarrassment and Alice settled down, almost preening, "Y-Your Majesty..."
"I knew you were my mate from the moment I saw you. No one can deny that, not even you."
Laurel's heart swooped at his words and she clenched her fist in frustration.
Though his voice was as sweet as honey and so very warm, his words carried all the force and insistence of a dictator.
Would he not give her even an inch to escape? She wouldn't be trapped again.
She lifted her gaze, defiant and angry, "So what? Are you going to take me back to the Imperial City, marry me, and make a country girl the luna of the kingdom?"
She scoffed, "Don't be--"
"Yes," Adolph said.
"We can leave within the hour if you are ready."
She sputtered. What a man! What a mate, Alice purred.
