Cinder's blessing

Cinder circled Duke, and he could feel her withering glance on him.

"Hmm," she said, leaning in close and narrowing her eyes.

"Very well," she said. "You are acceptable. You may date Emerald."

"Just like that?" Duke asked.

Cinder nodded. "She seems to trust you, so I shall too."

She whispered in his ear. "But do anything to break her heart, and I'll break you in every sense of the word. Got it?"

"I got it," Duke said, holding up his hands.

"Now then," said Cinder, looking between Emerald and Duke. "Was that everything, or did you need something else?"