Aubree's heart pounded in her chest, her breath uneven as she tried to make sense of the heat curling inside her.
She didn't understand why she couldn't refuse Claude's advances—why every time he got close, her body betrayed her, craving him just as much.
'Is it because he's a daemon?' she thought, her mind desperately grasping for reason.
'I heard they have a strong charm, a spell that can make men and women fall madly in love.'
Yet, no matter how much she tried to rationalize it, her body trembled with anticipation.
She turned her head away, avoiding his piercing gaze. "Your Majesty, I'm your concubine. You may do as you please."
Her voice was steady, but there was an underlying hesitance."But promise me—you will find my daughter."
Claude's expression darkened. He grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him, his crimson eyes gleaming with something unreadable.
"I don't like that tone," he said coolly. "As if you have no choice."
