That’s when Rix cornered him. “I need to speak with you.”
Before Carver could nod, his father was there. “We can speak outside.”
Rix’s brows drew together. “I want to speak with Carver privately.”
“That’s fine,” Carver said, cutting off his father’s protest.
His father exchanged a long look with Rix, but he didn’t attempt to follow as Carver led Amryn’s uncle from the room.
Opening the front door, Carver stepped out into the night. Light from the sitting room spilled onto the front lawn. Through the glass, Carver could see Amryn playing with his youngest siblings and Torin. The king of Ferradin smiled with surprising patience as Wren handed him the dice, her mouth moving rapidly as she gave him some form of instruction. Amryn watched with a small smile of her own.
“You don’t deserve her,” Rix said from behind him.
Carver twisted to face him. “I know.”
Surprise flickered in Rix’s eyes. Then his glare returned in full force. “Have you ever hurt her?”
“No.”
“Have you touched her against her will?”
His hands fisted at his sides. “No.”
“Have you intimidated or threatened her in any way?”
“For what purpose?”
Rix’s eyes narrowed. “To manipulate her or scare her into submission.”
Carver reminded himself that breaking Rix’s nose would not make Amryn happy. “No.”
The man’s stare hardened. “She told me that you saved her life in Esperance.”
And she saved mine.Carver didn’t say that. Or anything, in fact. He had no idea what Amryn had shared with her uncle, and he wasn’t about to give him any information Amryn hadn’t.
Rix’s lips thinned. He crossed his arms over his chest. “Amryn lived a sheltered life in Ferradin. She never should have been given to a man like you.”
“Then maybe you shouldn’t have given her away.”
The shadows on Rix’s face darkened.
So much for making peace.But defensiveness had risen, and he had things to say to Amryn’s uncle. “She’s stronger than you think. Maybe you sheltered her to protect her, but even living in the background in Ferradin’s court couldn’t diminish who she is. Amryn is beautiful, intelligent, resilient, and kind. She is everything I could have ever wanted in a wife.” His eyes narrowed. “And sheismy wife, Rix. Say what you need to say to me, but don’t ever forget that.”
Rix’s nostrils flared. “Amryn is the only family I have left.” He shoved a finger toward the townhouse. “Yourfamily helped make sure of that.”
“I’m sorry. But there’s nothing any of us can do to change the past.”
“You want me to just accept it, then?” Rix grated out. “Accept that your father killed my parents?”
“Do we have another choice?” Now it was Carver’s turn to point toward the glowing window. “Amryn is in there. She’s a part of my family now, whether you like it or not. And after the emperor’s ball, she’s coming to Westmont with me.”
Clearly, this was news to Rix. His entire face flushed. “She’s not going anywhere with you,” he hissed.
“My family accepted her with open arms,” Carver said, choosing to ignore Rix’s useless assertion. “I’m not saying you have to do the same with me, but for Amryn’s sake, we both need to at least try to get along.”
“How am I supposed to get along with the man who’s trying to steal my niece?”
“I’m not trying to take her from you. I’m just reminding you that she’s my wife, and there’s nothing you can do to change that fact.”
