I GAVE A LIVE INTERVIEW AND AUTHOR Q & A about me and the BEAST. Check out Destiny Aitsuji channel on YouTube and watch it there!

*****

ELIA

That night after dinner they took the long way back to the cave, walking through the moonlit forest slowly. Elia knew guards shadowed them, but they were deep enough into the forest, and the men were skilled enough, that she couldn't see or hear them. It was easy to pretend they weren't there.

Reth had offered her his arm and she hugged his elbow as they walked, grateful for his warmth as the evening was much chillier than they'd been lately.

"I need to tell you I'm sorry, Reth,

" she said as they walked, stroking his arm. He looked down at her, concerned. But she noted he didn't argue with her, which made her stomach sink.

"I didn't realize that by… by showing my disapproval, or resisting you… I didn't realize what I was showing people. How they perceived that. In my world, when you know someone is strong, having the strength to challenge them is a good thing.

"

"It's a good thing here, too,

" he said quietly, staring into the trees ahead.

"Only we… choose the time and place, carefully.

"

She nodded.

"I want you to know, I never meant to undermine you. At all. I admire you so much, and I adore you. I wasn't wanting to make you seem weaker in front of the people.

"

"I know,

" he said gently and smiled down at her.

"So, I'm going to try to do better about… not doing that,

" she said.

"But I'll warn you, if I have to keep my mouth shut in front of people, you're going to get an earful when we're alone.

"

Reth chuckled.

"I wouldn't expect anything less, love. And I'm sorry, too. I'm also learning—you and your ways, and how they affect the people. I should have explained more to you. I forget the others don't know the things about you, and your world, that I know.

"

"You should have told me. I never want to embarrass you!

"

"I have not been embarrassed, Elia. I was going to speak to you because… because I know things are different for you and I wanted you to understand. But please, I have no desire to stifle your spirit, or to change how you think about me, or the world. I love your compassion and your defense of others. And I love that you aren't scared to challenge me. The only thing we need to work on is how and when we discuss those things. So they don't create insecurity for the people.

"

"I got some advice today—good advice, I think, from Gahrye. I… I'm going to try to communicate what I think much more clearly in the future.

"

Reth hummed his approval.

"If today's demonstration is what patience wins me, I'll happily keep waiting,

" he said with a wink.

"You liked that, huh?

"

"Liked it? I loved it. If that server had interrupted us later than she did, I would have treated her to a whole knew side of her King.

"

Elia snorted.

"Well, then I'm grateful she arrived when she did.

"

They talked for the length of their walk, but his eyes were more and more heated, the closer they got to the cave, until, as they reached the meadow, he was dropping a hand to stroke her ass while they walked, and making low growls in his throat when the guards broke from the trees.

"Are you tired, Elia?

" he asked when they made it into the cave, then their bedroom, and he finally shrugged off his vest, hanging it in the closet. Her stomach twirled at the sight of him in the lantern light.

She smiled.

"I am. It's been a big day. Why, what did you have in mind?

"

"A visit to the bathing pools.

"

Her smile got bigger.

"I've already bathed today,

" she said, in mock disappointment.

"So, I don't really need to visit them again.

"

Reth sidled up to her with a suggestive smile, putting his hands to her waist and pulling her in.

"Well, then, maybe it's just time for bed?

" She let her hands slide up his chest to his shoulders, stroking the lines of his muscles.

"Maybe,

" she said as their eyes locked.

He tipped up her chin with one finger, and kissed her, slow and deep, but when he let his hands trail down her arms, squeezing and stroking, she winced.

He pulled back quickly.

"What's wrong, are you hurt?

" He started to turn her, to look for bruises or cuts on her but she laughed him off.

"No, Reth, please. Stop being such a mother hen. I just worked hard today and my muscles are sore, that's all.

"

He stopped, looking at her face and measuring her for deceit, but she held his gaze until he frowned.

"Worked hard doing what? We have people who can help if there's a need—

"

"No, not like that. I was working out. Doing exercise. To get stronger. And fitter.

"

He frowned harder and looked so confused, Elia almost laughed.

"Working out?

"

"Yes, it's what we call exercising on purpose.

"

"Working out?

"

"Yes. Don't the Anima work out?

"

Reth blinked.

"I don't know. We just… work? I mean… why work to do nothing when you can work to do something?

"

"You train, though, right? For battle or for physical skill.

"

"Well, yes.

"

She nodded.

"It's like that. But for getting stronger.

"

He held her gaze a moment, then pulled her in—gently—again.

"I don't need you stronger, Elia. If you think I do, you can relax.

"

"No, I know. But I think, the people do need me stronger. And if I'm going to start challenging women who give you those seductive looks, at some point someone's going to challenge me back. I need to be able to fight, to show them I'll fight for you. That your mate isn't weak.

"

"Elia, you aren't weak.

"

"I'm not weak in my mind, Reth. But my body is very weak compared to the Anima. I know I'll never have your strength, but I can at least make the most of what strength I have. I might need it eventually. You can't be at my side every moment of every day to fight my battles for me.

"

He nodded slowly.

"I want to be, though,

" he said quietly.

"I know,

" she murmured, leaning into his chest.

"That's one of the reasons I love you.

"

He raised a single eyebrow and stared down at her.

"Oh? What are the others?

"

She grinned and stroked his chest again.

"They mainly have to do with that list,

" she said.

Reth grabbed her up and pretended to eat her neck and she sputtered laughter.