Leave me alone, Samson.
Confessing she healed Sigvid Thordsson and then took his cock in her mouth seemed too much of a revelation to any other living soul.
Perhaps ever.
To think she once denied Rendel that very act, and, in retribution, he refused her meals for a week.
“Allow me to escort you to your chambers, Your Royal Highness.” He places a hand on her lower back, guiding her in the direction she has already been walking.
“Thank you.”But unneeded.
He tousles his bronze, naturally windswept hair. Most womenfound Samson’s general demeanor charming and handsome, especially with his chiseled features and lean form, but Avina found his personality unnerving. He is like a spider lying in wait to claim his next victim.
“There’s something I have meant to discuss with you, and now seems as good a time as any.”
Avina’s heart sinks. Those words never end well for anyone.
“Yes?” She answers, sarcasm lacing her tone.
“Your Highness, you are a Queen without a King.”
Her skin crawls with distaste.
“I notice your displeasure at dealing with the court, not to mention your insistence on eliminating palace traditions. You are ill-informed and have done little to cultivate our traditional ways in Timber.”
She steadies herself with a deep breath. “I am exhausted, Samson. If you cannot reach your point quickly, then please leave.”
They stop walking.
Samson focuses on her with a forced sentiment. “Wed me, Queen Avina. I will handle everything. The province’s progress has remained stagnant since your marriage to Rendel. But, unlike my cousin's failed attempt, I will correctly guide you.” He caresses her cheek. “Consider it a much-needed re-alliance.”
She bristles at his insinuation that she has done nothing in her two winters as Queen—one of those alone.
“I stopped Sigvid Thordsson.” She ignores his marriage proposal.
Samson waves her off with a chortle. “No one can control that beast.”
“My law permitting education for all women has already seen fruitful earnings in our lower class. I have run the country and fought the war against the Salt Province. I am actively working to protect the stray cats that are being fed alive to the hunting hounds. Not to mention the improper housing structure the nobility has been using to exploit the-”
Samson grips her arms, no doubt to cease her words. He never did like women thinking for themselves.
“Our Province needs a womb from its Queen. The last time a woman thought for herself, we had a necromancer. What we need aremale heirs to carry on the Manchineel family name. What use is a woman if not to give birth to children?”
Her fists squeeze so tightly that her nails bite into her palm. “I had never thought what use a man would have without his cock.” Sarcasm oozes from her pores.
“Avina, how inappropriate.” His eyes widen to saucers before abruptly softening as he remembers something crucial. “I forgot you spent much of the day in the dungeons with that despicable man. You must have heard terrible things spew from his wretched mouth.”
She felt alive in the torturer chamber. Prince Sigvid did not dismiss her just because she is a woman. He respected her mind and authority even if he is an asshole.
When Avina closes her eyes, she visualizes his soul-penetrating eyes. She can feel the coarseness of his curling chestnut beard against her fingertips.
“You are exhausted. Sigvid,” he rolls his eyes, “PrinceSigvid is a menace who shall soon meet his justified end.”
“Justified end?”
His expression is punchable. “Council has decided to deliberate his fate in about a week. Why do you think your father traveled south to ensure his sentence is nothing short of death? That beast has much to answer for between our two provinces.”
“He ismyprisoner.” Her fists shake at her sides. “No one else has a right to intervene.”
