‘I’m here to prove I’ve got some use in this world, not that this sham you’ve dragged me into is a proper marriage. If you think I’m about to sit on your lap, you’re incredibly mistaken.’
I huffed at the wicked light igniting in his gaze.
‘And here I thought I was pushing boundaries by holding your hand. In case we do need to put on a show’ – he flashed that damn smile – ‘I’ve no qualms whatsoever with you placing yourself in my lap.’
Gods, the flames ignited across my cheeks. ‘A marriage in name only.’ I scowled, breathing easier as the glint died. ‘Your words, Matthias.’
He inclined his chin a fraction, before taking my hand once more. ‘He was determined, Sorrow. If he suspects anything other than a true union of man and wife, he’ll take back his Tribute. I’d be powerless to stop him; but I promise you, they’ll have to drag you out of my stone cold fingers before I give you up.’
I pretended my heart didn’t hammer as I stared into his forest-green eyes.
‘Are you saying I need to be on my best behaviour?’
He tucked a stray lock of dark hair behind my ear, my pulse thundering a breath away from his fingers. He searched my face, his brows furrowed.
‘We’re fucked then, aren’t we?’
I huffed out a laugh. I gripped Pablo as we entered the chamber. Even the change of light and dapples swimming acrossmy eyes couldn’t hide how the air within changed as Matthias led me and the wolf through.
The chamber was a warm space, filled with freshly polished wooden panels, illuminated by the golden glow of oil lamps. I suspected they’d been filled with a mix of Vyrium and oil – an expensive act to keep them burning longer – but this was The Alliance. A lush carpet muffled the clip of my boots as I approached a curved seating area where the remaining leaders of The Alliance sat.
A number of chairs were empty – the absence of the empress and the three monarchies she’d displaced were clearly felt. Only six of the ten seats would be filled today. I peered at the hazy form of my stepfather who had somehow taken the centre spot, ensuring all eyes would be on him. My husband, the king of Asmar, the second largest Shuteran nation, held the second seat.
We were joined by the elegant Amala of Ostos, who by all rights should be in the centre. After all, the seat of The Alliance lay within her lands. The only other queen here was Sarus of Motresh, Asmar’s closest neighbour. I stifled a shiver as my gaze skimmed over rough King Cai of Trespia, the land where most of the lumber hailed from, and the snivelling, atrocious Seth of Itoras in the North.
Vyrus’s balls, my marriage could have been so much worse.
Most of the rulers stood as Matthias pulled out a plum velvet chair for me, inclining their heads. Romero lounged further into his seat. I don’t think he even lifted his gaze from the paper he read.
‘Ah, so you can’t bear to be apart from my sweet Sorrow, Matthias? This is no place for yourwifethough.’
‘Sorrow is my queen now,’ Matthias said as a clerk hastily placed some papers before us. ‘This is the perfect place for her.’
‘She’ll be a distraction.’
Matthias snorted. ‘We may be newlyweds, but I’m able to keep my hands off her for the duration of this meeting.’ He placed his fingers gently on my chin, turned my face towards him and winked. ‘At least I think I can.’
Pablo yipped as my fingers accidentally dug into his skin, a blush raging across my face. Vyrus damn him.
Romero regarded us, a whisper of a sneer on his face. I took a settling breath. I had plans, ideas. Ideas I’d need to bite back till exactly the right moment.
He sneered. ‘Asmar’swolfqueen. You realise you’ll spend half the meeting reading her those notes? You are aware of your new bride’s limitations?’
The other rulers stilled, and I became aware of the intense focus of their attention.
Matthias tensed beside me, a muscle ticking in his freshly shaved jaw. I placed my hand on his arm, shaking my head. As much as I’d adored Matthias as a child, he’d been quick to temper, especially when it came to anyone who’d ever wronged me. I opened my mouth ready to speak, when a hand settled on his shoulder.
‘I haven’t had the chance to congratulate you both.’
I spun around as Matthias stood, embracing the woman before us.
‘Sarus!’ he cried, stepping back as the queen of Motresh turned her gaze onto me.
‘Your Highness,’ I said, dipping my head.
‘None of that bowing business, Queen Sorrow.’ My breath caught at the sound of my title. I was as regal as a slice of dried toast.
Matthias grabbed my hand and tugged me up, and for a moment, as the light hit his eyes, I saw an echo of the boy I’d known.
