The better to lure in unsuspecting prey.
No wonder the guards stared after him. “Anything else?”
“The people of Renvalle are to be cared for and not harassed by your soldiers. Tales have reached my ears about rapes, murders—”
“The perpetrators have been dealt with.”
“A talking-to and praise for their prowess?” The raised eyebrow and sneering did not suit Yarif’s face.
“No. They’ve been executed. We don’t allow our troops to terrorize civilians.”
Yarif’s eyes went wide. “You… killed a soldier for attacking our citizens?”
Draylon rested his elbows on the desk, showing himself open to the conversation instead of Yarif’s closed-off stance. “Yes. Seven, thus far. And I’d do so again if necessary. Any more demands?”
Yarif’s demeanor softened, though he didn’t stop hugging himself. “While I am fully aware this is not a love match, I expect to be treated respectfully.”
Draylon gave a curt nod. “That I can promise you now.”
“The twins cannot enter a betrothal contract without my consent.”
“Don’t you think their consent is more important?” How repugnant to force a man or woman to spend a lifetime with someone abusive and hateful. Many of Draylon’s acquaintances had suffered such a fate.
“The same thing, for I’d never give my consent without theirs,” Yarif snapped. Oh, feisty. Would Yarif apply such passion to other aspects of life?
“What if they give theirs without you when they’re of age? Is it not their choice?”
Yarif stayed silent for a few moments before giving a decisive nod. “Until they come of age, then.”
“I’ll bring that desire before the emperor too. Anything else?”
“A reasonable allowance for myself and the children.”
Draylon inclined his head. “Of course. Next request?”
Yarif lifted his chin. “Demand, not request.”
“I stand corrected.” Had Rufe not left the room, he’d be laughing his head off, muttering something like“You’ll have your hands full with this one!”
“Are you given to excessive drink?” Yarif liked wine in moderation, according to the household staff, but never in excess.
“No.” Draylon preferred a clear head unless out with trusted friends.
“Have you ever hit a romantic partner?” Interesting that Yarif should ask such a question.
“No.” Draylon wouldn’t count roughhousing with Rufe, who’d given as good as he’d gotten.
“I will not tolerate being beaten or you abusing the servants. If you ever touch the children, you won’t live to see daylight. I ask for the servants to retain their positions with the same wages. Or better yet, raise their pay. Father was a bit stingy. Furthermore, anything personal belonging to myself or the twins cannot be taken from us. Including our horses.”
“Done. Tell me which horses.”
“The stablemaster knows.” Yarif blinked hard. Had he really believed Draylon so arrogant as to deny reasonable requests? Well, yes, he had. “I expect you to be discreet with your lovers. I won’t have our rule tarnished by inappropriate behavior.”
Discreet? So, Yarif expected Draylon to have lovers. “I don’t foresee any problems there.”
Yarif continued his list without prompting, voice more confident now. “When we’re in public, I expect to be treated as a beloved consort.”
How, exactly, did one treat a beloved consort? Father gifted mother with jewelry. “What about you?”
