“But Stephanie was there for me when you weren’t,” he says, words he’s said a thousand times in an attempt to get me to understand.
Schooling my voice, trying to keep the desperation out so it doesn’t sound like judgement, I say flatly, “Like she was there for you at dinner tonight?”
He flinches.
I don’t know exactly what happened, but it was harsh enough for even my queen to realise he was being insulted. And she can’t even tell when the Court is threatening me. I take a step towards him, trying to bridge this gap. I might not understand what drives him back into her arms, but I know attacking him for it isn’t going to make him want to leave with me.
“Come with me,” I say, “and I’ll let the healer back in.”
I can see him playing with the idea of only stepping out temporarily, but if it gets him away from her even for a moment, I’ll take it.
He doesn’t say anything as he files out of the room. I toy with a knife, my eyes on his ex as I follow him. But I gave him my word I would not hurt her, and I will not take away his choices like she did.
The healer looks at me as we step into the hall. I nod at the door as I move out of her way. She heads back inside, but I’m pleased to see she doesn’t rush in. It seems she isn’t a fan of Stephanie either; she’s just a healer with a duty of care.
“The girls are playing some game,” I say. “We’re going to join them.”
“I need to –”
“Arienna is fucking traumatised,” I snap, using whatever I can to get him to listen. “She did thatfor you. I might not be worthy of your loyalty, but she is. So you will do this for her. She asked to see you.” The lie comes out so smoothly. “But I didn’t want her to see you here.”
He looks away in shame, and I work on making my voice less harsh. It isn’t easy when I’m so angry with the bitch on the other side of the door. And with myself. I should have remembered shewould be at dinner tonight, but I was so pissed at Evangeline for having attacked my wife that it slipped my mind.
“One game,” I say softly. “It’s a short one. And Fabia and Arienna have already started, so we’ll be joining half-way through.”
He glances back at me. “Can we join partway?”
I nod, more lies just falling out of my mouth. “We’ll have to team up though. Me and Arienna, you and Fabia.”
He nods, and with an outpouring of relief, I lead him back to my room. But I don’t miss the lingering look he casts at the door.
If only I could kill all my enemies…
Thirty
A queen does not have time to play.
We should have game night every week.
- King Richard
“Don’t kill him just yet!” Arienna shouts, easily heard from out in the hall. As we arrive back at the room, the guards all straighten, trying to look sharp despite the laughter pulling at their lips.
“But isn’t the game –” Jace asks as we enter.
“Why kill him when you can cut off his penis!” Fabia says, her eyes so full of malicious glee that I’m instantly grateful she wasn’t the one trying to kill me. If she’d been working with Arienna from the start, I don’t think I’d have got off so kindly, with just a last-minute poisoning.
My queen turns towards me as Fabia reaches forwards to snatch the figurine. She pulls its penis off with a cackle of delight.
“Nicholas!” Arienna squeals as she jumps to her feet and races towards him. Barreling into his chest, she hugs him tight. “I’m so happy to see you!”
He stands frozen for a second, his eyes wide as he looks at me. How long has it been since he’s had a hug?
Slowly, his arms come around her, and my heart nearly bursts with love for my wife. She’s healing our home one person at a time.
“I’m so sorry I didn’t realise she was kinkshaming you at the start,” she murmurs against his chest. “You know you have nothing to be ashamed of though, right?”
He stiffens. She hugs him tighter.
