Page 89

“I deserved to know,” I say adamantly. “And I shouldn’t have learned it from your father.”

He nods, and I see his throat bob as he swallows. “I should’ve said something.”

“Yes,” I agree. “You should’ve.” I step in close, placing my hand against his cheek, his ropey scar pressed to my palm. “I’ve seen youkill,” I say softly. “This knowledge was never going to be what scared me off.” I take a deep breath and drop my hand, taking a step back. “Just please promise me you’ll protect your conscience—I happen to be very fond on it,” I say wryly.

Memnon gazes at me deeply, then lifts his chin. “Command it of me—along with forbidding me to take other wives.”

I open my mouth to protest, taken aback

“You are a queen,” Memnon elaborates. “You command me, and I command you.”

“I don’t want to be commanded,” I say. “Nor do I want to command you.”

Memnon smiles slowly. “But Iwillcommand you, and youwillinevitably command me back because we are both headstrong and stubborn in our own ways. And we will clash, but then we will fuck and make up because I love you and you love me.”

I search his face.

“So I will begin,” he continues. “You are not to touch another man…or woman. You are mine and mine alone.”

I guffaw, thrown by his demand. “That wouldneverhappen.”

“Would it not? And how do I know?” he says. “Where is my reassurance?”

“There were no others before you either,” I say testily.

“But there almost was.” Memnon steps in close. “Would you have married that man had I not stopped the wedding?”

I search his gaze. The truth is, I don’t know. Women are supposed to be meek and agreeable. Livia beat that notion into me.

“Would you have let him touch you?”

“Memnon. I will never let another touch me,” I vow. “Andyouare not to touch another man or woman. Nor are you allowed to overuse your magic and lose your conscience.

“Oh,” I say as another thought comes to me, “and I want Eislyn to keep her hands to herself when it comes to you.”

“Or else what?” Memnon challenges, lifting his chin.

My power begins leaking out of me. “Or elseI will make her do so.”

My king’s eyes smolder, and he looks pleased. Quite pleased. “There’s my queen.” He leans forward. “Idolike the sight of you jealous.”

I give his shoulder a playful push, and he laughs again, then scoops me up.

I yelp, wrapping my arms around his neck as he strides out of the dining hall, heading deeper into the palace.

“I agree to your many commands,” he says, gazing at me fondly.

“As you should,” I say tartly.

I glance over his shoulder as he makes his way down a long hall with more marble and gold accents. “Where are you taking me?”

“Have you forgotten?” he says. “I’m still determined to get you to call mehusbandwhile my cock is buried in you.”

“Memnon.”

He grins. “Your mock outrage issucha turn-on, little witch.”

“You know,” I say conversationally, “you don’t have to say everything you think.”