Page 210 of A Queen's Game
“Say that again,” Marietta said, taking a step towards him, squaring her shoulders.
He laughed again, eyes shining. “Keyain said it was easy to get you riled. He also said you could scrap in a fight, so come at me, Marietta.” He took a step forward, flashing a smirk. “I’d love to pin you down. You don’t mind when other males have a go, right? Or is that just the King?”
“Enough, Ryder!” Amryth snapped, but he still approached Marietta.
Marietta stood her ground, her face softening in a sweet smile. “Perhaps the big, great Keyain isn’t as big or as great as he would have you believe. Tilan, on the other hand—”
“Enough,” Peryn said that time.
It was an order, but Marietta didn’t answer to him. “Keyain had his reasons to be jealous, but really there was only one main reason.”
“Enough, Lady Marietta,” he said again, jaw grinding.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I probably shouldn’t talk about the size of Tilan’s cock in front of the people who murdered him. Was itone of you who did it? Part of the little mission to save me from Olkia?”
“Marietta,” Amryth said, warning in her tone.
“What, they can’t handle the truth about Keyain? How about how Keyain enjoyed my presence more when I wished to die than when I was healthy? He’d rather keep me confined and suffocating than speak up for myself.”
“Enough!” Peryn yelled, taking Marietta by the arm. “I suggest you learn to stay quiet about sensitive information, especially regarding your rescue, Lady Marietta.” He let go and adjusting his leather armor. “Now, why do you wish to see Keyain during his meeting?”
Marietta glared at Peryn. “I need to talk to him.”
“You couldn’t do that in your suite?”
“He’s been avoiding me for a week.”
“I would too if I found you kissing the King,” Adalyn said with a glower.
Peryn held up his hand to Adalyn, not sparing her a glance. “Well, is it important?”
“Yes.”
“What is it?”
She didn’t come up with an excuse—shit. “Keyain should be the first to hear,” she said, hating to form a lie on the spot.
His eyes narrowed. “Like what? Enlighten me.”
Marietta crossed her arms. “It involves the future of mine and Keyain’s family.” The falsity rolled off her tongue, the guards exchanging surprised glances. “Would you like me to explain further, or can I please find which room my husband is in so I can tell him the news myself?”
Peryn cleared his throat. “Of course, follow me.” He turned to his companions. “You two stay here. Not a word to anyone else. I mean it, Adalyn.”
They nodded at his order. At least Marietta’s lie forced them to quiet. She made a point not to look at Amryth. Even from her peripherals, she could see her glare. They walked down an adjacent hall, turning onto the side hallways. “Third door on the left. The meeting should end any minute.”
“You’re free to leave,” Marietta said with a dismissive hand, irritated to be caught in an idiotic lie.
“I think I should wait—”
“So you can see Keyain’s reaction when I tell him you found out first?”
He scoffed, turning to Amryth. “You honestly chose her over us?”
Marietta’s breath held, not realizing she made such a choice.
“Yes,” Amryth replied. “And I would again a hundred times over.”
“What of Deyra? How would your wife feel—”
