Medieval Beast Shifters by CS Sax

Author:CS Sax [Sax, C.S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: CS Sax

Chapter Six

That eve, Lucinda sat at the head table, positioned between the two men she loved.

Her dear friend, Rivalin, sprawled in the seat to her right. That was his regular place.

Phoenix, her husband, was seated to her left in the chair reserved for the castle’s lord. He had wedged one of his large booted feet between her slippers. His leg touched hers.

Her husband had offered his arm as he walked her to the table. He had pulled out her seat, assisting her as she lowered. Before the serving began, he gave a toast, thanking his people for their hard work and loyalty, reinforcing that he would stay at Phoenix Castle. During the meal, he had cut her the most delicate pieces of meat and given her the choicest vegetables.

Her husband had been all that was courteous and gallant.

Lucinda glowed. She felt like a wife, like his lady.

“Do they not have pheasant at the royal court, Lord Phoenix?” Rivalin commented as Phoenix twisted another leg off a fowl.

The two men had been exchanging barbed remarks all night.

“They do not have pheasant like this.” Phoenix’s boyish grin enchanted her. “Everything tastes better when it is mine.” He winked at her.

Lucinda cheeks heated.

“You put the spices I sent you to good use, lady wife.” His compliment warmed her to her soul.

“I thank you, my lord.” She had cherished each shipment, had treated them as his personal gifts to her. “I –”

“Master Rivalin.” A soldier staggered into the banquet hall. His hair was matted with perspiration. His face was dirty. “I must speak with you.”

Lucinda’s stomach twisted. It must be another attack. She clutched Phoenix’s arm, needing the reassurance of his strength.

“Lord Phoenix will speak with you.” Rivalin’s face darkened as he deflected that responsibility.

“I will speak with you in private.” Phoenix stood. “I will return shortly, my lady wife.”

He brushed his lips over her forehead and stalked out of the hall.

Lucinda watched him leave, silently cursing the Ubel king. The man sought to harm all she loved.

“Will you have more wine, my lady?” Rivalin tilted the carafe toward her.

“I should not indulge.” If they were to go to war, she needed a clear head.

She would stand by her husband’s side, protecting him. Her jaw jutted. The Ubel devil would not harm him.

“Did you worry for me as you do now for him?” Rivalin filled his goblet.

The question startled Lucinda. Of course, she had worried for Rivalin but Phoenix was her husband. She wouldn’t survive his death.

“I thought not.” Her friend answered his own question. His mouth was set in a stern white line. “I wish you only happiness, Lucinda.” He sipped the wine. “And I will support your decision, painful though it may be, but know this…if he hurts you again, I will kill him.”

“He will not hurt me, friend.” Even she heard the doubt in her voice.

Rivalin eyed her yet said nothing.

There was nothing to say. They both knew her adventure-seeking husband might leave…again and that would tear her heart apart…again.

Lucinda stared unseeingly into her empty goblet.

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