Page 12 of Bred By the Emperor

That finally seems to break through the king’s resistance.

“He agreed not to interfere with your rule?”

“Malakai didn’t even blink when I said I wanted to retain full control of my kingdom without his interference. He agreed immediately.”

“No negotiations?” the king asks skeptically.

“None.”

“No demands?”

“Not a single one.” Unless you count his demand to marry me, to which I have already said yes. We just need everyone to get out of our way.

Grandfather sits back in his seat. “Hm.” He picks up the stack of papers and starts skimming them, reading the terms that have been set out in summary on the first page. I wait with bated breath for him to finish reading.

“It does appear that you speak the truth, Lili.” He seems to be bewildered. “If this is really what you want…”

His pen hovers above the line that will grant me permission to marry Emperor Malakai.

“More than anything,” I breathe, willing him to connect pen and paper. Just sign the damn thing already.

But he doesn’t.

“If I sign this contract...You become an Empress.”

“I know.”

“Your duties will expand far beyond the borders of Kellimar.”

Oh God, he’s not going to do it. My pulse scrambles. “I will always put my country’s needs above my own, or anyone else’s.”

A smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. “You say that now. What about when you have children? Barring a catastrophe, your heirs will not inherit the empire.”

“That doesn’t matter, Grandfather.”

“So this isn’t an attempt to put your own offspring onto the imperial throne?”

“No,” I say firmly. “I couldn’t care less about that. When have you ever known me to covet power?”

A small smile touches his lips. “Then I wish you much joy spending the rest of your life arguing with that impossible man. Though I found the emperor most disagreeable, you have my blessing.”

“Oh.” I can scarcely believe my eyes as I watch him scribble his name across the paperwork. Before the ink is even dry, the door bursts open and in strides Malakai like an invading army. His wild green eyes find mine instantly.

“There you are,” he says. As if he didn’t know I was in here all along.

I laugh. “I’ve been negotiating.”

“Did you succeed?”

“I did!” I throw myself into his arms. He catches me and swings me around.

“Took you long enough. I waited all of half an hour before barging in here to intervene.”

“I appreciate your restraint, and I am glad you have my back.”

“Every second of separation was torment.” He kisses me hard.

Grandfather clears his throat loudly. Malakai sets me on my feet, seemingly surprised to discover that there are other people in the room.