“I’ll keep the shard if you’re not,” I said. “Or I’ll return it to the Emperor himself, if I don’t see Jules. And you can try to compel me, order me to hand it over. But these are ancient artifacts, full of more magic than you can conceive of. I wouldn’t trust our contract to override such a thing.”
He scoffed. “Don’t be so sure. My part is simple. I have access, I have power. You don’t.” He shook his head. “I suppose if anything, you made yourself look frail and weak. Pathetic. Not a threat to the Emperor—not a threat to even the lowest of his servants.”
“As you commanded, Your Highness, I’ve been practicing appearing meek.” I gritted. “That should please you.”
He turned abruptly, leaning over the bed, slamming both fists into the mattress on either side of me, caging me in. His breath was too close, his aura was raging. “What will please me,” he roared, “is seeing you give a convincing performance tonight! And then getting me what I asked for.”
I rolled my shoulders back, affecting the posture of a noble, even while laying down. Even while trapped by His Highness. But I kept my chin low. “I know what to do. And I will succeed tonight.”
“I’ve been lenient with you these last few weeks,” he said, pulling back. “Perhaps too lenient. So lenient in fact, you decided to run off at the manor and let Rhyan follow you.”
I braced myself, expecting a hit, or more yelling. But his aura had shifted to something calm and almost happy. Serene. My heart thundered.
Rhyan had once told me that when his father was calm, when he was kind—that was when he was at his most dangerous.
Imperator Hart stood up, and tapped his chin, his eyes raking me over.
“Well, it seems he followed you. Not the other way around.” He shrugged. “He’s proven beyond a shadow of a doubt what a liability he can be. Unfortunately, he’s made it clear that when we return home, he can never be free of his bonds.”
I clenched my jaw, trying to hide the rage and sorrow bubbling inside of me at his words, trying to keep myself from giving him anything more to hold over me.
He made a disapproving sound with his tongue. “I don’t do all of this to punish you, you realize? We’re in the viper’s nest now, surrounded by those who wish you the most harm.”
One viper’s nest for another, I thought, but kept my mouth closed. I was too tired to fight. I’d save my strength for tomorrow.
“All eyes will be watching you tonight—you and Kane,” he said. “It’s especially important that everyone remembers that he is the one you are betrothed to. Tonight, you will appear before Imperator Kormac and Viktor, as well as Lord Tristan Grey. Quite a cadre of your previous romantic entanglements in the South. Despite all my efforts and goodwill, the rumors about you and my son still swirl. Do not run out of the room tonight unescorted. Do not give my bull-headed idiot excuse-for-a-son a reason to follow you from the ball. You are at risk here—especially now. Do you think there is anything that will stop Kormac from abducting you? From forcing you into any of his wolf’s beds? He can do it. With his uncle here, and my soturi stripped of weapons, you could find yourself on your back before you blink.”
My stomach hollowed. “Will you … will you force the same thing of me?”
“I should,” he said. “I should have had him fucking you the entire time. Should have had you myself.” He started toward me. But then suddenly, he stopped. Something almost like fear flashed in his eyes.
He wasn’t afraid of me. But he was afraid.
And all at once I knew. It had been Rhyan. Rhyan had done something. Saved me from worse. Just like he always did.
He cracked his knuckles, then stilled, like he was regaining control. “I’ve announced to my counterpart that a private wedding occurred between you and Kane. It happened just last night. You simply could not wait a moment longer. You snuck out to the Temple of Dawn, had Arkmage Connal officiate, and then,” he smiled, “I heard you shared Kane’s bed last night.”
I shook my head. Even the story made me feel nauseated. But a story was better than reality. “You told this to Imperator Kormac?” I asked.
“And everyone else who was within earshot. Oh, cheer up. Would you rather that I told him you’re not yet wed? Would you rather I leave room for Viktor Kormac to make you his own? Enough of his wolves lurk in the corners, drooling with anticipation. It’d be very easy for them to make their move, to grab you, to drag you before a mage.”
“No.”
He smirked. “Perhaps your little fainting spell earlier today was a result of a pregnancy.” His eyes narrowed into slits. “I know that normally such symptoms don’t start so soon, but,” he shrugged, “Kane is quite virile. And he’s had a whole month to bed you.”
I swallowed back the bile rising in my throat. It was just a story—not real. Not real.
And it never would be.
“What do you want from me?” I asked. “Tonight?”
“When Kane goes in for a kiss on your Godsdamned mouth—which he will because I have ordered him to—you will kiss him back. You will accept any and every touch of his body against yours. And you will love it. After all, he’s supposed to be your husband now.”
I could feel my blood heat. Feel the contract between us answering his command. My stomach twisted. I would have to obey. I’d have no choice. Tears burned behind my eyes.
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“I’ve selected a dress for you to wear,” he said jovially.
