Page 39 of The Death King

My eyes locked on her face. “No.”

“You always call for me.”

I had several whores who tended to my needs. In exchange for their service, they were given grand accommodations in the castle, access to my chef, a comfortable life for fulfilling my fantasies.

But I didn’t give a shit about any of them.

She waited for me to say something.

But my mouth remained shut, my fingers at my jawline.

“Is there something wrong?”

“There’s always something wrong.”

“Is it…” Her eyes flinched slightly, like she didn’t want to speak her mind, for once. “The woman down the hall…?”

I could see the jealousy in her gaze. The possessiveness. She considered herself to be my favorite lover because there was nothing she was unwilling to do for me. But whether her devotion stemmed from affection or ambition, I didn’t know. Any woman would kill to be my queen, to be the second most powerful person on this continent, to bear my son to rule the kingdom when I was gone.

But no woman would ever claim that title.

My gaze continued to bore into hers. “Leave my chambers, Natalie.”

“So, it is the woman down the hall?”

“I never said it was.”

“But you aren’t denying it.”

“Because I don’t owe you an explanation. I’m not yours, Natalie.”

She flinched at my words as if they were a slap to the face. She even winced momentarily.

“I can fuck whoever I want. Leave if that bothers you.”

She hadn’t looked at me since I’d snapped at her. Her eyes always found something else to regard, like the hem of her dress or the rug underneath her feet. In an attempt to collect herself, she smoothed out her dress and rose to her feet, carrying herself with a stiff spine as she walked away.

I listened for the door, hearing it open and shut again.

She was gone.

I reached for the decanter of scotch on the table and filled my glass before I took a long drink.

You’re angry. Khazmuda’s powerful voice entered my mind.

I’m always angry.

Angrier than usual, then.

I continued to drink my scotch as I stared at the fire.

What troubles you?

If I wanted to discuss it, I would have mentioned it…

Talk to me that way, and you may never talk to me again.

I closed my eyes in agitation.

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