“I don’t even know why we’re partnering up.”
“Because the Cauldron wants us to.”
I sigh. “I’ll take that bargain now.”
He cants his head. “You already accepted the partnership.” He must sense I’m one second away from flashing into my grandmother’s chamber and asking her to sort through Izolda’s mind, because he says, “Fine. One bargain. Play the part of my loving betrothed until the prophecy comes to pass, and I will owe?—”
“Drop the adjectiveloving.”
He works his jaw.
“And add that you’ll never flirt with other women whether I’m around or not.”
“I don’tflirt.” He emphasizes the word as though it were a filthier act than sex.
“Faerie kings aren’t exactly known for being paradigms of monogamy and fidelity.”
Anger swells that vein at his temple again. “Your mother’s people have harems!”
“Had.”
Though not officially abolished, ever since the advent of Serpent shifters, harems are rarer.
“But that’s beside the point since I’m a half-shifter. If you’re to play the part of my mate, all I ask is that you play it convincingly. In publicandin private.”
His nostrils flare.
“You did ask the same of me,” I remind him.
I’m expecting a retort, but what I get instead is the bargain, repeated with all the requested addendums.
“Does my wording suit you this time, or do you necessitate me to include yet another clause?”
I smile, unraveling the knot of my robe. “Just my name.”
“What are you doing?”
I let the robe settle in the crook of my elbows, then gather my hair in a twist to move it away from my shoulders. “I want nothing to hinder the sight of your promise sinking into my flesh.” When he remains silent, I glance his way. “Well, go on.”
His pupils are so huge they’ve gulped down his irises.
“Less ogling, more oathing, Vizosh.”
His lashes slam down. “I wasn’t ogling. I wasnot.” He raises his hand to his taut nape and massages it.
As he reiterates his oath and punctuates it with my name, I think of my parents again. I pray that obtaining another bargain to lord over their fellow monarch will erase some of their displeasure at my latest blunder.
The golden band appears, sparkling vividly before dimming.
“Let the ruse begin,” the Ice King murmurs.
I refasten my robe and start toward his door, impatient to get away, if only to sit down and process all that’s happened. “I’ll go get dressed and meet you at the gala.” When I catch his gaze dipping down my legs, I snort. “You didn’tactuallythink I’d attend in a silk chemise, now, did you?”
His steel eyes return to my face as he pockets his ring box and meets me at the door. “I’ll admit that I’m never quite certain what to think when it comes to you.”
I smile. “How many regrets are you having right now?”
Without even a beat of hesitation, he says, “None.” He unlocks the door and pulls it open. “After you.”
