Page 131 of A Dance of Shadows

I wanted a husband I could work with, who could be swayed at least somewhat to my ideals… and I might have found that after all. But I’m no longer sure it’s enough.

I swallow against the tightening of my throat. I don’t have to make any definite decisions yet. If he rids us of Linus, the most immediate problem will be off my shoulders. Then I can see where we stand.

“Not yet,” I reply. “But the better I see the overall picture, the more likely some inspiration will come to me.”

“I’ll enjoy hearing it when it does.” He pauses. When he speaks next, it’s in a more measured tone. “Linus mentioned that you gifted him with a pendant blessed by Elox.”

My breath snags in my lungs. I will my muscles to stay relaxed as my mind scrambles for the right way to respond.

Is Marc jealous that I offered the relic to Linus rather than him—or puzzled by my intentions?

Gods willing, the best answer I can give will address both.

I let out a self-deprecating chuckle. “You can see that as more of my stubborn optimism. I thought perhaps the blessing might open his mind to more peaceful alternatives. Naturally, even if it does, it’s still up to him to choose which course to pursue.”

Marc’s momentary silence has my gut twisting. Then he sighs. “If only reining in his madness were that simple. It speaks to your determination that you’re trying every option you can find.”

Thank the All-Giver that he saw my explanation in such a generous light.

He kisses my hair again and then pulls away from me with a sigh. “I suppose we’d best get up to face the day. In his not-at-all-peaceful way, Linus left me rather a lot of mess to deal with—not the least of which is the prince of Goric.”

Neven—his punishment may not be complete. What if Marc decides even the minor attack is worthy of execution after all?

As I grasp for the right words to protect the young prince, the presence in my belly shifts. A limb jabs out as if trying to push my flesh even farther to make room, harder than I’ve ever felt it before.

Marc has already sat up—he didn’t notice. I hesitate for only a second before rolling onto my back. “Wait. Give me your hand.”

He gives me a curious look but offers his hand without questioning. I guide it to the place on my belly where I felt the movement and lay it flat against the thin layer of silk that separates our skin.

Marc goes completely still, waiting with an air of absolute concentration. For several thuds of my heart, I think my effort is in vain, that the baby is dozing again.

Then there’s another kick, right by his palm.

Marc inhales with a startled hitch. A grin that’s pure delight stretches across his face.

He beams down at me. “That’s our girl.”

He trusts my judgement on her gender, then.

I smile back at him, trying not to notice how very stunning he is when he’s so lit up with joy. “She’s getting restless, but I keep telling her she’s got to wait a little longer.”

A soft laugh spills from his lips. “Yes, she’d better. At least until we can get back home.”

I can’t think of a better time to broach this subject. I pause as if it’s only just occurred to me in the midst of my own tender emotions. “Husband, do you think perhaps Prince Neven could be offered a bit of leniency?”

Marc’s gaze sharpens in an instant. No matter how tender he can seem, his incisive side hasn’t disappeared. “What do you mean?”

I lower my eyes, deciding now is a moment for meekness. “I was only thinking… He’s barely grown. He acted rashly, but it didn’t look to me as if he intended to hurt Linus. Ifyouwanted to punch your brother just hearing what he did with me, it’s not surprising a man that young might have lost his temper briefly when seeing so many of his people asked to take on a painful task, is it? I don’t think it says anything ill about his overall character.”

If anything, it shows he has the passion to defend what he cares about, but I doubt Marc wants to encourage that quality in the empire’s conquered royals.

My husband’s expression goes distant as he thinks my words over, but his hand lingers on my belly. I’m sure he can make the association between the young prince and the trials our future child may face.

Finally, he shakes his head. “You and your peaceful ideals. You can’t expect me to let him go unpunished after a public display of hostility, whatever his intentions.”

“Of course not. But he was also publicly beaten to the point of unconsciousness. Perhaps you could find a fitting additional punishment that would improve his self-discipline rather than simply damaging his body.” Ideas whirl through my head. “He’s shown an interest in fighting in the arena. You could assign him to train with the soldiers. That should keep him out of trouble and remind him of his limits.”

Neven might even like it. It’d make him feel like he’s doing something—or preparing to do something—and that’s what he’s always seemed to long for most.

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