My chest tightens. “You do.”
He steps closer. “I do not. Explain it to me.”
The words lodge in my throat. I hadn’t planned on saying them out loud. Saying them makes them real.
“You smell likeher,” I whisper. “Another woman. I don’t want that in our bed.”
For a moment, he only watches me. Then he laughs softly, incredulous.
“That’s what this is about?”
I stare at him.
“Fastrada,” he says, exasperated now, “don’t be dramatic.It means nothing.”
Nothing.
The word lands harder than any insult.
“It means something tome,” I say. My voice cracks despite myself. “Youmean something to me.”
He sighs, rubbing his temple as ifIam the burden. “No man—certainly no king—denies himself comfort while traveling. You knew who I was when you married me.”
“I knew who yousaidyou were,” I reply. “You let me believe I was different.”
“You are different,” he snaps. “That doesn’t mean you own me.”
“I’m not trying to own you,” I say. “I’m asking you not to hurt me.”
He scoffs. “You seemed perfectly content without me. Laughing. Blooming. You didn’t pine. You didn’t fall apart.”
The accusation slices deep. “I missed you,” I say. “I loved you.”
“Did you?” he says sharply. “Because it looked like you were just fine without me. Do you wish to have the same freedoms?” he continues, voice rising. “You may take lovers if you wish. You are not bound.”
“I don’t want them,” I say immediately. “I want you. I chose you.”
Something in him twists—anger and possession tangling together.
“Don’t pretend this is about love,” he says. “This is about control. About shaming me.”
“I am not shaming you,” I cry. “I am breaking.”
He steps closer. “You do not get to wound me for doing what I have always done.”
“So everyone knew?” I ask, tears burning. “Everyone but me?”
His jaw tightens. “Enough.”
“You let me believe I was the only one,” I say. “You built a marriage on that lie.”
“I never promised exclusivity,” he says coldly. “You assumed it.”
“I assumed fidelity,” I whisper.
“That is not a crown a king wears,” he snaps.
“Then why did you marry me?” I ask, desperate now.
