Respect. Forced?

Joye

"Do not refer to her as rejected, ever!" Kaelan warned, his dark eyes twinkling with rage.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and leaned in closer to Kaelan like a child seeking protection from her mother. I knew without a doubt that these men detested me now. They probably considered me trash and unworthy to be in their midst. That much was evident from their facial expressions and the earlier remark. And now they were being scolded because of an ordinary reject, their hatred towards me now knew no bounds.

"For someone who's barely considered an elder, you sure do run your mouth a lot, Homer." Kaelan taunted, his dark gaze focused on the elder whose lips were now sealed in both fear and embarrassment. "From now on you'll address her as Queen, she's my mate and wife-to-be, disrespect of any kind won't be tolerated. Now apologize and accord her the respect she deserves."

"Your majesty—"

"I said apologize!" Kaelan interjected. A heavy pressure descended upon the room and with it c