“From family allies,” Maria explains. “It’s traditional to send presents to welcome a new bride.”
I examine the boxes without opening them. Jewelry, probably. Expensive perfume. Silk scarves and other useless luxury items.
“Put them away,” I tell Maria. “I don’t need any of this rubbish.”
Her face falls slightly. “Ma’am, these are from very important families. It might be seen as rude?—”
“I said put them away.”
She nods and begins gathering the boxes. I walk to the bookshelf and select a novel at random. Might as well read while I wait for the husband to remember he has a wife.
The afternoon passes quietly. I read, take another bath in the ridiculous marble tub, and try not to think about how my body still thrums with memories of last night.
By evening, I’m dressed in a simple black dress and sitting in the main dining room when Alaric arrives. He’s wearing a different suit than yesterday, and there’s something tired in his green eyes that suggests his trip wasn’t purely recreational.
“Good evening,” he says, taking his seat at the head of the table.
I don’t respond.
The first course arrives in silence. I eat without looking at him, focusing on the silverware and crystal glasses instead.
“I trust you found your accommodations acceptable,” he says after several minutes.
Still nothing from me.
“Maria mentioned you toured the grounds today. Enjoyed the stables.”
I set down my spoon and look at him directly for the first time since he sat down. “The animals are better company than some humans.”
His jaw tightens slightly, but his voice remains level. “I see you’re in a mood.”
“I’m in exactly the mood you’d expect from someone who was abandoned in bed after her wedding night.”
“I had business to attend to.”
“How romantic.”
“Tomorrow we’ll need to sign documents. For the official transfer of Dante’s properties. The lawyers will be here at ten.”
“Fine.”
“There will also be media present. Photos for the society pages. We’ll need to appear…” He pauses, searching for the right word.
“Happy?” I suggest sweetly. “In love? Like a real married couple?”
“United.”
I laugh, the sound sharp in the elegant room. “United. That’s one way to put it.”
“Kasimira—”
“It’s Kasi. And don’t worry about tomorrow’s performance. I’m getting very good at pretending.”
He studies my face for a long moment. “What do you want from me?”
The question catches me off guard. What do I want? I want to go back to my little apartment and my simple job and my uncomplicated life. I want to forget the way he made me feel last night, the way my body still aches for his touch.
I want things I can never have.
