Page 51 of King’s Promise

“Fuck,” I mutter. She’s still not here. I’m in charge, fuck this! I’m tired of waiting. “Summon Anya, I might have to add mandatory breakfast to the schedule.”

Pavel wants to grin as he knows she’s getting under my skin, but he knows to keep his mouth shut and the smirk off his lips.

“On it,” he replies as he pushes back his chair and heads out without delay to fetch my fiancée.

Minutes later, I hear voices in the hall. I’m immediately at ease when the sound of her voice echoes off the empty walls. This is more like it. I gulp the last of my coffee and slick my hair back with my hand. What the fuck am I doing? I’m nervous, I never get nervous over a woman.

“Anya.” I stand. “Good morning.”

“If you say so.” She bristles and stands next to Hazel who is flipping her sunny side up eggs out of the cast iron skillet and onto a white plate.

“I do.” I sit. “I apologize for my abruptness this morning. I’m not used to sharing my room.” There, enough said.

She shrugs and grabs a teacup before joining us at the table, but she sits next to Pavel, not me. She’s still pissed.

“Just a reminder, you can redecorate the house if you like. Make it comfortable for you, we’re living here, not my mother, as much as I love her, “I add. There, that should make her happy. It crosses my mind she might max out that credit card just for spite. However, I’m not concerned. I deserve it, but I know she’s not the type to do something so immature. As for her shopping sprees, she hasn’t figured out that I benefit from her lingerie and her new closet filled with clothes will be needed for the places I will take her to show her off.

The memory of her red push-up bra matching her lacy thong makes my cock jump. I’m surprised it doesn’t provide a knocking sound under the table. I busy my hand with my food which has grown cold, but I pretend it’s fine just to keep my mind clear and my hands occupied.

“We’ll have our wedding announcement in the paper with pictures after the ceremony. Our short honeymoon in the French Riviera is set and after that, I’ll need you to join some charities. Philanthropy is good for business. I’ll leave a list for you. Also, my brothers are arriving today, so dinner will be an opportunity for you to get to know them.”

“Do they share your charming personality?”

“I’d say they are more forthcoming than Nikolay,” Pavel interjects. I’m sure his intention is to reassure Anya they aren’t all grumpy like me and he’s trying to smooth things over. I’ve been difficult. I need her in a good mood for the busy week and it’s important to me she makes a good impression on my family. It didn’t matter before, but now that I know who she is, and I’ve had her in my bed, it’s suddenly important for my family to like her.

I remember Anya and her sister from our humble beginnings. She watched over her sister then like she does today. I had a crush on her, in fact, I’d masturbate to her lovely face, but she was too young to date. I wonder if she remembers. I keep this information to myself; I’m rebuilding my wall of indifference, so I won’t be compromised in the face of threats.

She’s effectively weakened my resolve to remain unemotional. She doesn’t know she’s chipping away at my wall day by day. I’m used to women seeking me out for money and prestige. No doubt there have been many who wished to be my wife. Anya doesn’t need anything from me, but protection and our marriage provides that for both of us.

I look for her ring finger and relief springs eternal, she’s still wearing it.

“Are you going to the reading of your father’s will Monday? We can leave on our honeymoon afterwards,” I suggest.

“Sure, I bet Mum could use the support.”

“How is she?”

“Fine. I speak to her a few times a week. Sergei has been there for her, and Konstantin although I hear you’re keeping him busy.”

“A man has to earn his keep.”

“Hm.” She purses her lips. No doubt she’s wondering about what she’ll be asked to do other than suck my cock and push out a few heirs. I can see why this might not be her dream considering her desire to make her own way in the world. I’m still trying to figure out how we’ll be able to navigate both our careers.

I watch her add a touch of cream and sip her hot tea. She takes small bites of food and doesn’t finish her ham.

“You need to eat, Anya.”

“I need to fit in my dress Sunday.” She hasn’t met my eyes. I’m sure it’s her way of punishing me for my coldness earlier and I deserve it. My heart sinks. I can tell she’s unhappy when the light is gone in her eyes and her cheeks lack color.

Pavel senses the arctic freeze in the room and excuses himself.

“What can I do to make it up to you?” I lean over the table, putting my hand over hers even though she has a fork in it.

“I shouldn’t have to tell you,” she grumbles under her breath as she takes another sip of tea.

She’s right. I know I’m moody and too blunt.

Hazel slips out of the kitchen as if on cue.

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