"Idiots," Belladonna muttered, annoyed.
Then she turned toward Leo, her eyes clouded with unmistakable guilt, "I am sorry," she said quickly, " I will make sure they learn proper manners."
Leo laughed, the sound light and unrestrained, his eyes curved with amusement rather than displeasure.
"Why apologize?" he said lazily.
"To the rest of the world, you are a blade unsheathed, cold and unstoppable." His gaze softened as it settled on her.
"But before me, you are a flustered little girl, trying far too hard to be gentle. If I didn't see this side of you, I would feel like I was missing out on something of my Belladonna."
Belladonna froze for half a breath.
Then warmth flooded her expression. The sharpness in her eyes melted away, replaced by a shy, radiant smile that made her look nothing like the fearsome queen the town whispered about.
She picked up a chicken leg, hesitated, then extended it toward him with careful, almost timid fingers.
Leo didn't take it.
