We wasteno time and are soon back at home in Belgravia, my errand for Malik in the bag, leaving me to arrange a meeting with him later this evening. I sent an invitation for him and Elizato join us here for dinner, where I hope to discover more about what he can tell me about the locks the keys fit.
I have no doubt that Malik knows something, and after delivering his request to Walter, I’ve carried out my part of the deal.
But first, there is business to attend to, and Mrs. Harrington nods when I glance in her direction.
I take Tiffany’s hand.
“Come.”
As I guide her toward the staircase, she whispers in a low voice, “Um, are we–?”
I say nothing, and as we pass the black room and head toward her staircase, she falters.
“Joseph, um, I’m not sure I’m ready?”
“For what, princess?”
I am being deliberately obtuse, and she gasps, “You know, um, the next part of our deal.”
Once again, I say nothing, and as we reach her attic room, I fling open the door, and she follows me with a gasp, “What’s this?”
“A double bed.”
“But why?”
She blinks as she stares at the iron bed that replaces the previous single one.
I sit on the edge and regard her with a blank expression.
“You told me you liked it here except for one thing. You are alone.”
She shifts nervously on her feet, and I state unemotionally, “So, as your husband, I will move in here with you.”
“But your room is downstairs. Why would you give that up to spend the night in here?”
“Because you expressed a desire not to be on your own. I take my duties as a husband seriously, Tiffany, and whatever you wish for will be yours, with a few exceptions of course.”
“What are the exceptions?”
“You cannot leave me.”
She stares in confusion as I add, “You go nowhere on your own. There will be no friends over unless previously authorized, and a guard will watch over you at all times. If you require anything, Mrs. Harrington will arrange it, or if you prefer to shop for yourself, I will accompany you.”
“You?”
She shakes her head.
“So, I’m a prisoner.”
“Of course.” I shrug. “Aren’t we all, princess? Haven’t you been a prisoner for your entire life, and it’s only the man with the key who has changed.”
“Perhaps that’s what the key unlocks then. The gate to my freedom.”
“You better hope that’s the case because I can’t see you ever getting out of this one.”
Her expression tightens and her chest rises as she hisses, “I’ve changed my mind. I would rather be alone in here, so thanks for the bed. I’ll appreciate the luxury of that—on—my—own!”
“Nice try, princess, but non-negotiable. You are my wife, and until you are pregnant, you sleep with me.”
