Chapter 41

Darian's explanation was far from satisfying, leaving Althea in a state of anger and disbelief. She couldn't understand why he would use such brutal methods to "check" something. Althea glared at him, her wounded hand still throbbing.

"Check? By whipping me? That's abuse, Darian," she snapped, her tone filled with indignation.

Darian's response was far from remorseful. He chuckled at her outrage, remembering the dining incident. "I liked it when you were more scared of me, Althea. Like that day in the dining room; you were like a scaredy cat. It was funny," he confessed, his laughter echoing through the chamber.

Rolling her eyes at his amusement, Althea couldn't help but scoff. "I'm glad I provided you with some entertainment."

Darian's expression shifted, and he ran a hand through his hair as if contemplating his next words. "I needed to be sure I wasn't training you for nothing," he finally explained.