TYPHONE

  Two drinks. Three. I could tell that Avery was tipsy or rather -- drunk. She was swaying in her seat, giggling at every word that came out of my mouth. I drank my wine in one gulp, setting the glass on the table.

  "I want to see the--" She hiccupped and her words were slightly slurred, "The... The wolf. The big... white... wuff."

  "Sure, princess. Let's go see it next time we visit." I said, sighing as she finally laid on the couch.

  She was giggling while swirling the drink in her hand. Her eyes closed, still giggling.

  I'm quite surprised the drink is not spilling all over her.

  I got up and took the drink away from her. She whined. My hand twitched when her flushed face turned to look up at me. Her eyes were hazy and half-lidded, cheeks red, and pink lips pouting slightly.

  You are testing my patience here, princess.

  "That's enough wine for you, princess. You're drunk." I stated, placing her glass on the table.

  "I'm not drunk and 'm not a pwincess. 'M your wife. The... Queen." She huffed, sitting back up and crossing her arms over her chest.

  I chuckled in amusement, "Yes. Yes, you are. You are my wife."

  She whined even louder, stretching her arms out as if reaching for me. My eyes widened at how innocent she looked. I stood there, froze in my spot.

  "Take me choo my woom. Please?" Avery begged, words slurring and pouting slightly.

  This woman is going to be the death of me. I swear.

  **********

  Carrying her bridal style was a little frustrating. She wriggled from my hold at one point which almost made me drop her. When I reprimanded her, she just giggled and nuzzled against my chest.

  I walked slowly just to savor the feeling of Avery's body close to mine. I held her gently, secure. She was half asleep, random words came out of her mouth.

  Once we arrived in her room, I opened the door and shut it close with my foot. I strode towards her bed and gently laid her there. Her face scrunched as she whined.

  I grinned, "You sure are a handful when you're drunk, princess."

  I tucked her in, brushing away a few strands of hair away from her face. I smiled, soft. The affection and attraction I have been feeling towards her were getting stronger each day.

  I've never felt this much warmth in my life. It's strange.

  I watched her for a lingering moment before standing straight. Just as I was about to leave, I felt a tug on my robe. I looked back and saw Avery sitting up, her eyes half-lidded.

  "Aren't you going to stay with me, Your Majesty?" She asked, voice soft and words clearer than earlier.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  "I can't stay here, princess." I said firmly. I tried my best not to give in to her request.

  I might not hold myself back if I stayed here.

  "Why? You're my husband. You should be able to sleep with me, right?'" Her voice was pleading, asking. She wanted me on her bed. I swallowed thickly.

  "I can't. I shouldn't." I said, fists clenching on my side.

  "Is it because... I'm not pretty enough? Am I... not alluring enough for you?" Her voice cracked. She sounded hurt and I could not bear to hear her like that.

  I clenched my teeth and whirled around, pinning her down on her bed. I looked down at her. Lavender eyes stared up at me in surprise. Her soft cheeks were tinted red and lips parted ever so slightly. I knelt on one knee on her bed.

  "You are beautiful and so... so captivating, princess," I whispered softly, "But I just... can't."

  I watched her expression turned into one of disappointment. She looked away and pursed her lips.

  "I see." Was all she said. She wriggled out of my towering figure and turned her back on me.

  "Princess." I called out softly, but she just kept her back on me.

  I sighed and stood up. I walked to her door and before I left, I looked back at her curled up figure.

  Fuck. I just didn't want to hurt her.

  **********

  The next morning, I woke up to Grimore shaking me awake. I groaned and pulled the covers over my head. I felt my head pounding and the thought of getting out of bed exhausted me.

  "Your Majesty, please get up. We have papers to sign and documents to review." Grimore pulled away the covers and I growled.

  "I'm tired. Leave me alone." I hissed.

  "Don't be such a spoiled child, Your Majesty!" Grimore exclaimed. My left eye twitched and I sat up, glaring at him.

  "What did you just call me?" I asked, annoyed.

  Grimore flinched, dropping the covers he was holding, "It's just... uhm... Your Majesty is sulking like a child so I... I... I apologize, Your Majesty."

  I was about to lunge at Grimore when a knock on my door was heard. I glared at the door.

  "What?" I snapped.

  When the door opened, Leonis entered. He bowed as a greeting and raised a brow at me.

  "Your Majesty. It's time for you to get up. You have a busy day ahead." He said ever so casually.

  "A busy day, huh?" I mused, "Fine. I'm getting ready."

  I got out of bed. I heard Grimore sigh in relief as I walked past him and into my bathroom. I washed my face and stared at my reflection for a brief moment.

  How am I going to face Avery now?

  After I got ready, I walked to the dining room with Leonis and Grimore following behind. When the doors opened, the room was empty, save for some servants who were bringing in the food.

  I stopped one servant and asked her, "Where is Her Majesty?"

  "Her Majesty requested her breakfast in her room." The servant said.

  My eyes widened and realization dawned on me.

  She is clearly upset. No. She's obviously mad.

  I ate breakfast alone. My mind was filled with thoughts of Avery. I took a bite of my food and hummed.

  "Your Majesty? Is everything alright?" Grimore asked hesitantly.

  "I'm fine." A thought came to mind, "You're going to teach Avery later, aren't you?"

  Grimore looked at me in confusion, "Well, yes, Your Majesty."

  "I want you to subtly ask her things she like. Just... be subtle. I don't have enough time to attend to her right now." I said.

  "Are you and Her Majesty fighting right now, Your Majesty?"

  I glared at him and Grimore flinched, "I will cut off your tongue if you ask me that again."

  I sighed softly and stared down at my unfinished food. I groaned.

  Why is it that this woman is giving me a hard time?

  "Your Majesty. There's another monster lurking outside the forest of the kingdom." A knight barged in the room and my ears perked.

  I immediately stood up from my seat and grabbed my coat and sword from Grimore.

  "Send knights to distract it. Bring some nets and traps. This one is going to be a hard catch," I wore my coat and strapped my sword on my waist, "It's mating season, after all."

  I took long strides towards the back of the castle where Calagon was waiting for me. I approached my dragon and before I could mount him, Grimore called out.

  "Are you not going to tell Her Majesty?" He yelled out.

  "Just let her know where I went. This might take a couple of days. Don't worry. I'll make sure to send a letter." I said, mounting Calagon.

  I watched as my knights got ready. I had to be there before them. I whistled, signaling Calagon to fly. I looked out to the horizon and noticed where the monster was just as we reached the skies.

  This is going to be rough. It's a big one.