Evander pov
Ember giggled. "No, he was actually really quiet. I think I was the one making noise."
"I doubt that," Kaelen laughed, nudging her shoulder with his. "He's just too polite to tell you."
"You're very funny." she replied still smiling.
"And you're very beautiful." he smile.
I felt a sharp, hot sting in my gut. My wolf let out a warning growl deep in my throat. I stepped forward, sliding right into the space between them, forcing Kaelen to lean back.
"She needs to get ready for the Council, Kaelen," I snapped. "She doesn't have time for your jokes."
Kaelen blinked at me, then a slow, wicked smirk spread across his face. He saw it. The way I was shielding her, the way my shoulders were tight and my jaw was locked.
"Whoa there, Our King Alpha," he drawled, holding up his hands. "I was just making sure the girl had a decent breakfast before you throw her to the Elders. No need to get your fur in a bunch."
"I'm not getting anything in a bunch," I hissed. "Eat your bread and go check the hall." I turned to ember.
"Your cousin is nice, I want to watch him." she replied with the honey bread choke in her mouth.
"What's so special about tossing a coin?" …I stepped closer to her. "That you want to such so bad." I added.
She looked at me confused as she chewed the bread in her mouth. "I don't know." She said starring at coin in Kaelen hand. "But he's fun to watch."
"Sure, sure," Kaelen winked at Ember.
"I didnt know you enjoyed watching other men." I muttered.
"Did you say something?" Ember asked.
"Forget about it." I replied. I walked out.
Kaelen followed me behind.
"Someone's a bit grumpy this morning, isn't he? Must be the lack of honey in his diet."
"Out!" I barked.
Kaelen chuckled, grabbing an extra piece of bread as he headed for the door. "I'm going! But hey, Evander? Your jealousy is leaking into the shadows. Might want to mop that up before the Princess sees it. It's not a very 'Kingly' look."
He shut the door behind him with a soft click.
I turned back to Ember. She was holding a piece of bread, looking at me with those wide, confused eyes.
"Why are you so mad at him?" she asked softly. "He was just being nice."
"He's a distraction," I said, though it sounded weak even to me. "And you... you shouldn't be so friendly with other men.
"But why?" he is a good person." She replied.
"Let's just say, "I don't want to share my personal belonging with anyone."
Ember set the bread down. The light went out of her face. "I know am your medicine, Your Majesty. You don't have to remind me."
She turned and walked back into the bedroom, closing the door. I stood there feeling like the biggest idiot in the Kingdom of Umbra. I wanted to go after her, to tell her I didn't mean it that way, but I couldn't find the words to.
I was brought her to the Council to save my throne. But as I looked at that closed door, I realized I was terrified of losing her to someone who could actually make her laugh.