Page 11 of Bred By the Emperor

“How long have you actually known this man?”

I consider the question. “About...” I glance at the clock. “…six hours.”

Julian groans softly.

Grandfather closes his eyes. “For the love of God, you cannot do this.”

“I know it sounds a little crazy.”

“It most certainly does.”

I smile, trying to charm him into going along with this. “Fine, maybe it is slightly insane of me to want this.”

“Slightly?” he says, aghast.

“A moderate amount.”

He throws both hands into the air. “You are considering marrying the emperor after six hours acquaintance, child! You only met him this morning!”

“Oh, I’m not considering it.”

His expression brightens. “Thank heaven. I knew you’d come to your senses.”

“I have already decided. I am going to walk down the aisle, Grandfather. Today. I love him.”

His head drops into his hands. “You cannot possibly know that.”

“I do, though.”

“Explain,” my grandfather snaps, displaying more kingly command than I think I’ve ever seen him show before. But answering him proves surprisingly difficult. How can I explain I have felt overlooked and consumed by my role as princess? How do I make him understand that when Malakai looks at me, I actually feel seen? Recognized as a woman as well as a royal princess?

“When Malakai looks at me,” I say softly, “it’s as though everyone else in the world disappears.”

Grandfather frowns. “He kidnapped you.”

“It was…kidnapping adjacent,” I concede. “I have informed him it was unacceptable.”

“And?”

“I believe he intends to kidnap me somewhat more respectfully in the future.”

This time, Julian doesn’t bother attempting to conceal his laughter. I scowl at him across the table. He collects himself, but I can still hear him chuckling softly.

Grandfather stares at me as if he is seeing me for the first time. Finally he says, “Whomever you wed, your marriage is essential to Kellimar’s safety and security. I have to ask. Did the emperor threaten you?”

“No.”

“Coerce you?”

“No.”

“Force you?”

I hesitate. “Apart from throwing me over his shoulder and putting me on his helicopter this morning, no.”

Grandfather’s eyebrows climb.

“But he also immediately agreed that Kellimar remains mine. You will find it spelled out in these documents. Please, I implore you to read them.” At this point, I am not above begging if it will get me what I want.