Chapter Twenty Nine – A request.

Chapter Twenty Nine – A request.
“Eat from here.” Kaidon said, dragging her closer into his lap like she belonged there.

His voice was thick with possessiveness, like he was trying to behave but barely hanging on.

Taliya sighed inwardly, knowing full well there was no escape—not yet.

The idea of sitting on a separate chair, like a normal human being, was clearly off the table.

Literally.

Maids walked in and began placing plates down with nervous grace, their eyes flicking toward their master and the girl on his lap with barely hidden curiosity.

And then it started again.

As Taliya picked up a fork and tried to act sane, Kaidon leaned in, his nose brushing her neck.

He licked her skin softly, kissed the edge of her shoulder, and sniffed her like he was imprinting her scent deep into his soul.

Every time his lips grazed her skin, she’d shiver, cursing her body’s response.

Her cheeks were flushed, not from affection, but from absolute mortification.

And the worst part?

He barely even touched his food. His attention wasn’t on the golden plates or the roasted meat or the goblet of blood-red wine—it was all on her.

His hand never left her waist, his mouth never stayed far from her skin.

Taliya tried to eat. Tried to ignore the maids who were now openly giggling behind their hands.

She clenched her jaw, pushing the food around with her fork, pretending she didn’t notice how they whispered behind her back like she was some royal consort.

But she wasn’t. And Kaidon wasn’t a prince. He was a demon who was believed that she is his soulmateand a carrier.

Lunch went on like that—slow, suffocating, possessive.

Until she couldn’t take it anymore.

Her jaw tightened as she subtly shifted her leg under the table and stomped her heel right into Kaidon’s foot.

He hissed, low and dangerous, but before he could react—Taliya slipped off his lap and stood.

Finally. Breathing room.

But Kaidon wasn’t done. He stood, his face darkening as he reached out to grab her again. She saw it in his eyes—he wasn’t going to let her get far.

Then—

“Kaidon.”

Rylan’s voice cut through the tension.

Kaidon froze, snarling instantly like someone had ripped him out of a dream. His red eyes flicked toward the doorway.

“What?” he snapped, voice venomous.

Rylan stepped in, his eyes catching sight of Taliya—and he immediately looked away like he’d seen something he shouldn’t have.

Smart choice.

“There’s an emergency.” Rylan said, his tone sharp.

Kaidon didn’t budge. “Then fix it.” he spat, his hand still hovering near Taliya’s waist.

“I can’t. Your attention is needed. Now.”

That made Kaidon’s entire body go rigid. He turned, slowly, glaring at Rylan like he was two seconds away from ripping out his throat.

Taliya stood there silently, her breath shallow. She could feel the fury rolling off Kaidon like waves, his frustration obvious.

He hadn’t had enough of her. Not by a long shot.

Kaidon’s glowing red eyes shifted between Rylan and Taliya—once, twice, as if debating which one of them he’d rather deal with.

His jaw was clenched, irritation burning under his skin.

“Go back to my chamber.” he ordered coldly, his voice clipped and final, like he wasn’t expecting any argument.

But Taliya wasn’t giving in that easily.

“No…” she started, her voice shaking slightly. “I–I mean… can I… explore the castle?” Her words tumbled out awkwardly, too fast, too soft—but her meaning was clear.

“Ever since I got here, I didn’t really get the time to do that.”

She tried to sound casual, but her pulse was loud in her ears. She needed freedom, space—options.

Anything to start mapping an escape plan.

Kaidon’s brows furrowed deeply. His stare hardened.

“No ” he replied flatly.

Just that. No explanation. No room for negotiation. Just no.

But hell no was she letting that stop her. He wasn’t going to keep her caged like a prized possession. Not if she could help it.

So she did the one thing she hated—but knew might work.

Taliya walked up to him, slowly—her steps light, calculated.

Then she reached out and brushed her fingers along his hand, her touch feather-soft, almost teasing.

She tilted her head and gave him a coy smile, even as disgust twisted in her stomach.

She hated how natural it felt. She hated that her heart pounded at how close he was. And most of all, she hated that he froze.

Kaidon gulped.

The great, cursed, demon-blooded lord—gulped.

Even Rylan, who stood at the side awkwardly, noticed it and blinked.

He turned his face away and rubbed the back of his neck.

“Does she even know how seductive she is?” Rylan thought, shaking his head. “Gods, I need to find my own soulmate and fast.”

Kaidon let out a low breath, his eyes locked on Taliya like she’d enchanted him.

“Fine.” he said at last, voice gravelly.

Then without missing a beat, he snapped, “Lenora!”

Lenora rushed in and bowed slightly. “Yes, Master?”

“Look after your Queen.” he said, his voice darker now. “She may walk around. But keep a few guards nearby. And if any man dares to look at her—let me know.”

Taliya blinked.

“Excuse me?” she muttered under her breath, but Kaidon had already moved on.

“Yes, Master.” Lenora said softly.

Kaidon’s gaze returned to Taliya, softer now—possessive, but soft.

“I’ll miss you, Taliya.” he said, his voice dipping dangerously low. “I’ll join you soon.”

Before she could respond, he grabbed her waist and leaned in—fast.

His lips met hers in a hard, unexpected kiss. Her eyes widened, her body going stiff in shock. By the time she caught up with what just happened, he’d already pulled back and smirked.

“You taste better than lunch.” he said with a wink and turned away, his long coat billowing behind him as he strode off with Rylan.

Taliya stood frozen for a moment, blinking like the entire thing had short-circuited her brain.

Then she cleared her throat sharply and brushed her hair back, trying to regain composure.

Lenora smiled faintly. “This way, my lady.”

Taliya nodded, pushing her flustered thoughts aside. If this castle was the prison, she needed to learn every inch of it.

And fast.