– Pine and lingonberries. At least you have something in common with humans, so you won't die," Derek decided to explain his actions, tossing aside a strand of black hair. – If no one objects, I don't see the point in continuing this conversation.
– But I haven't given my consent yet! – Lamar was indignant, forgetting his position.
– So, maybe you don't need peace? – grinned the winner and, shifting his gaze to Sylvia's cleavage, continued: – I might reconsider my offer, after all. Why do I need a wife when I can have a new mistress? That must be a status your daughter would prefer, right?
– You… – hissed the demon queen, but, catching the displeased look of her spouse, did not speak further.
– I what? – The question sounded easy and relaxed, as if Derek no longer clung to Varma's words. – Perhaps the queen herself would like to brighten my evenings? – He laughed openly at Rossi. – Though, Varma, you're an old woman now, and I bet not even the last soldier in my army would want you.
– Cocksucker! – blazing with anger, Sylvia was indignant. – How dare you talk about my mother like that, even in the presence of her family? I agreed to your terms, what more do you want? You have humiliated us enough today! – The previously docile demoness seemed to have been replaced.
– Well, I like it! – laughed the King of Men. – I thought you were going to be boring! Well, I can see you're anxious to get married, so be it! Your father won't stand in the way of his daughter's happiness, will he? – His gaze fell on the cornered but indignant demon king, who could not utter a word and only expressed his agreement with his enemy with a nod of his head. – We leave tomorrow. Tonight I want to see my bride at the feast in honor of our engagement, and I hope that the princess has something more decent than brothel dresses. – And you, Princess, learn to keep your mouth shut, for I am not your father and I will not encourage your promiscuity. Know your place, woman. Take them away!
As Rossi was led out the door, Derek sat on the edge of the bed and realized that he was not in the servants' quarters, but in the princess's chambers, but his fatigue was so great that he had no energy to look for new quarters. And what did it matter where to sleep? Sylvia's room was not much different from the servants' quarters, which surprised the king, because he expected to see furs, expensive carpets, a lot of jewelry and gold. Only some of the furniture was gold, and the jewelry was kept in a small desk drawer, and surprisingly there was little of it. There were various outfits hanging in the huge closet, but most of them were floor length corseted dresses in bright colors, small heeled shoes and a few pairs of colorful silk gloves. Derek had expected to see short, revealing dresses, and this discovery made him chuckle good-naturedly. The furniture in the room was red oak, the marble countertops, narrow window sills, and dressing table were the only things that distinguished it from the neighboring servants' quarters. Light, light curtains fell in soft waves from the eaves. Even from the other end of the room one could see what was going on outside the window. Sylvia's chambers were so bright and clean that they seemed to Derek like a separate universe. It was as if they were part of another palace.
