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“Did you accept?”
She sniffs back her tears, confused. “Accept what?”
“Prince Ludwig’s proposal of marriage.”
Her cheeks turn a blistering red. “You offend me, heathen. I am not some harlot who needs a man to validate my existence. I have ruled without a man by my side as I intend for it to be this way until my end of days.”
“But you were able to be fooled by a man long enough to let your guard down? Perhaps you are no longer fit to rule.”
Yes, I said it, and yes, I know the repercussions for those claims. But I am hurt. And I am angry that she found it so easy to find solace in another man when I cannot stand to touch another woman without wanting to cut off my own hands.
Emeline blinks once.
Twice.
Gathering her thoughts, I assume.
“Mind your tongue, Viking, for although you are the father of my children, it does not mean I will have any qualms slicing it out for speaking to me in such a way.”
“Ooh, I am terrified, milady,” I mock, angering her further. “But have you forgotten who taught you how to fight?”
I block her punch, reading her moves instantly. She attempts to kick me in the knee, but again, she doesn’t get a chance, as it’s a technique I’ve mastered and taught her.
She screams in frustration and advances, primed to rip out my eyes and yank at my hair. I hold her out at arm’s length, tsking her.
“Are we not a little old for tantrums, princess?”
She is fighting in a blind rage, forgetting every lesson I schooled her in.
“How dare you judge me! You are the one who left me. You knew where I was. I did not know. Knowing your philandering history, however, I assume your bed was never cold, you coquetting bastard!”
She continues to writhe against me, but I have a firm hold and don’t intend to let her go ever again.
“This shade of jealousy suits you.”
“I am not jealous! Get over yourself, you stinking knave!”
A laugh erupts from me, which infuriates her further.
“Perchance I shall accept Prince Ludwig’s proposal then? He can fulfill my bedroom needs because you are no longer privy to such privileges. Honestly, I have forgotten your touch as it was that mediocre compared to?—”
Her words never materialize because I wrap my hand around her throat and squeeze hard.
“Continue, please…I dare you.”
Emeline’s eyes are locked on mine, and I recognize that look.
Oh, mercy to the gods because we are about to break every holy rule known to humankind.
“He tasted?—”
I squeeze harder as I force her head back at a painful angle, daring her to continue.
“Of the sweetest—” She wheezes, unable to breathe, but still, she won’t surrender.
I remove my hand from her throat, only to grip her cheeks between my fingers, pursing her lips.
Leveling her with brutality, I smirk. “You were saying?”
