Page 29 of The Ruler
“I assume she’s here to breed you an heir?” he said matter-of-factly.
I walked over and patted his shoulder. “What an intriguing idea, but she’s already past thirty. I think women run out of eggs around twenty-five; I would need someone young and fresh to breed my sons.”
“Yes, you’re right,” King said and looked up at me. “What did you want to ask me?”
“Oh, right.” I swung my hand to Pearl. “What was it you wanted to know?”
“I’ve already heard enough,” Pearl said, pushing her jaw out.
“Good. Then that would be all for now, Mentor King, thank you for coming,” I told the old man.
As soon as he was out of earshot, Pearl walked closer and scolded me. “Don’t tell me those men are allowed near children.”
“What? They’re some of our finest mentors.”
She scoffed. “If that’s true then you are in a serious need of upgrades.”
“You said you wanted someone experienced,” I argued and pointed back at the Manor, where Hanzo and King were returning. “I gave you men with experience.”
“You better pray that Archer is more human and less sexist or this project will be dropped faster than you can say inclusion project.”
“Archer is the best,” I assured her with a smile.
“Thank you, I agree completely,” a male voice from behind me said.
Pearl lifted her gaze and looked at Archer over my shoulder while I looked at her. My gut was wrenched with the way her eyes expanded and her features softened in interest.
“Welcome,” she exclaimed and pushed past me, walking straight into Archer’s personal space, taking his hands and glaring into his eyes with a smile.
My hands formed into fists at the way the two of them stood like lovers discovering each other for the first time.
“May peace surround you,” Pearl said, and her voice sounded downright seductive to me.
“Yeah, same to you,” Archer said and smiled widely before he ran the few steps to me. “Thank you, Lord. I can’t believe you delivered this quickly, and such an exquisite beauty – I’m a lucky man.”
He looked back at Pearl, who was still smiling.
“She’s not your wife,” I said too harshly.
“No,” Pearl chuckled. “No, I’m not. What gave you that idea?”
While Archer’s face fell in disappointment, I explained to Pearl, “Archer felt cheated in the last tournament and to appease him, I promised that he wouldn’t have to fight in the next one.”
“I’m so sorry to disappoint you.” Pearl tilted her head with sympathy. “If it’s any consolation you’re the best looking Nman I’ve seen here.”
Flames shot up my spine and I wanted to smack my hand into his pretty face. “Ha,” I snorted. “That’s because he looks like a fucking teenager with that stubble. Why not grow a decent beard, man?”
Archer rubbed his chin. “I like it this way and I’m certainly no teen.” His eyes shot suggestively to Pearl, who looked down like a shy virgin.What the fuck is going on?
“Ask him your fucking questions instead of flirting with him,” I boomed at her.
She blinked but finally managed her first question.
“Archer, what do you think is the most important part of your job?”
“Well.” He shifted his balance and thought about it. “Every boy is different, and they have different needs. I’ve realized that to treat them equally well, I have to treat them differently.”
“Interesting perspective; could you elaborate?” Pearl said.
