Page 195 of A Queen's Game
“Youactlike an apathetic king?” The foundation on which Marietta built her visage of Wyltam began to crumble. Did he truly care?
“I order Keyain and his men to let them come, let them join the temples, that it isn’t worth the resources to stop them—but it’s because I want them to be safe. I do not have them chase down those who flee to Enomenos; I do not cut down those who hide in The Weeds.”
She laughed mirthlessly. “How can you say that but then attack Enomenos and claim it’s for unity—attacking a city of free people?”
“I told you I wanted to force the conversation between Enomenos and Satiros,” the King snapped. The anger in his features, his scowl—his frown—made Marietta’s heart skip a beat. It made him ordinary, approachable, utterly like a typical person. For a moment, it was as if he didn’t wear his crown. For a moment, it was as if he trusted her with seeing his emotions. “Do you know why Keyain was in Enomenos all that time with you?” When she didn’t answer, he continued. “He was searching for the leader of the Exisotis, The Shepherd. I want to work with them, to unite Satiros with them. Gaining their trust would aid Satiros in becoming an Enomenoan city-state.”
“So, what happened during all this time? People continue to suffer because of your inaction. While you slowly implement change, your laws still consider pilinos lesser people.”
“But I make changes so that their children and grandchildren will know peace. It is the best I can offer.” The King stared into her eyes, the hurt of his situation obvious to Marietta, but she ignored it.
How could he do nothing? “Just make them equals now.”
“You don’t understand the type of destruction that would cause—for the elves who hold wealth in the city and with the other city-states of Syllogi. Marietta, know this: I wish I could.” His thumb brushed across her cheek, still caressing her face. “Do you want to know why I found you so curious?”
“Is this truth for a truth, Wyltam?”
“I don’t need our deal to be honest with you,” he whispered, his gaze on her lips. “When Keyain brought you to court, your existence shocked us because you were half-elven. Many saw that as a sign of weakness from Keyain, but want to know what I saw?” He leaned in, stopping before her lips. “Hope,” he murmured. “That those in this city-state with the most tainted views can change. Hope that you are just the beginning. So, Iseek you out. I ask you questions. I keep you safe—because you are the future of Satiros. You are the change.”
Breathless, she stared at him with parted lips. “I’m your symbol.”
“No, Marietta,” he said. “You are my future.”
Marietta held her breath. Was it true? Did the King want to help the pilinos citizens of Satiros? Marietta saw his emotion plainly in his face, the mask lifting and smoke clearing. The elven man who stood before her attempted to hide none of what he felt. If his words were honest, then Marietta could help him.
The change was incremental, but what difference would Marietta’s position at court make? Other nobles might be bold enough to marry a pilinos, to include them in court. Perhaps one day soon, Satiros could have both women and pilinos in positions of power.
Marietta searched the King’s face, his expression raw with furrowed brows and wide eyes. King Wyltam wasn’t a monster—just a man doing the best with the cards he was dealt, slowly playing his hand; and she was his hope to win, his hope of change. “Wyltam—”
The King kissed her, pulling her hard against him, both hands caressing her face. Letting go of all thoughts, she sunk herself into the feeling of being kissed by a man trying to change the world for the better. Marietta parted her lips, King Wyltam’s tongue sweeping past her own.
Stupid, so incredibly stupid.
But it was better than she imagined.
Marietta matched his intensity and wrapped her arms around his neck, standing on the tips of her toes. His taste, his touch, his need to pull her closer to him woke something in Marietta, something deeper than lust. For that moment, it was just them. He was just Wyltam and she was just Marietta. Histouch felt familiar, comforting, and his kissing gave in to her need, leaving her craving for more.
Her heart thundered in her chest, feeling alive as they stood in the dim of the landing. Therypon said to seek the truth and it led her to that moment—being held by King Wyltam, feeling his lips against her own; so she kissed the King and she let him kiss her back. Marietta was his future. Together, they could bring change to Satiros.
Wyltam pulled back, gazing down at her. “I have half a mind to go somewhere a bit more private, Marietta.”
“Why don’t we?” she murmured.
He gave a breathless laugh as his lips met hers again, pushing her back against the wall. Heat blossomed in her stomach as he kissed along her jaw and down to her neck.
They heard the footsteps on the stairs when it was too late. By the time they untangled from each other, the damage had been done. “No, this is a fucking joke.” Keyain stood on the step below the landing with two guards at his side. He shook his head, covering his mouth as he looked away. “Is this what returning her to our suite meant?” he asked, his voice rising. “So you could fuck my wife?”
Marietta didn’t dare take a breath. They had made a horrible mistake. In a moment, her plan fell apart, amounting to nothing. Every sweet moment with Keyain, every kiss, every fuck, was fornothing.
One of his soldiers placed a hand on his soldier. “Keyain, keep it down.” He shrugged off their hand and walked toward them.
Marietta glanced at Wyltam, who held his hand out in front of her. “She doesn’t love you, Keyain.”
“Clearly.”
“Why did you marry her? Why did you do this to her?” His deep voice was a growl, the anger underlying his tone making her want to kiss him again.
“Who are you to question that?” Keyain spat.
