Eliora's breath seized in her lung. She spun around in his arms, her eyes wide with panic.
"It is nothing," she said too quickly, her voice a little shaky.
Zarek didn't let her pull away. His hands stayed around her waist, holding her to his chest. He looked down at her in suspicion.
"I heard your maid. She said your father specifically asked that it be delivered directly to you. So it must be important."
She swallowed hard and forced her face to remain blank. She had forgotten he was a beast and he had heightened hearing.
"It is just for my skin. The weather here is cold and dry." She lied.
Zarek stared at her face and used his thumb to gently trace her cheek. "Your skin is perfect, Eliora." he whispered, his eyes dark. "And my palace lacks nothing you will ever need. If you need oils or lotions, you only have to ask the servants."
