Page 45 of The Ruler
A slow grin spread on my face as I thought about her stupidity for making herself vulnerable to me with that question. Oh, so many rude answers popped into my mind, but something compelled me to stick to the truth. “If you were the prize…” I said and moved to sit next to her. “I would fight and so would every man in this kingdom.”
We smiled at each other, locking eyes and sharing one of those precious moments where nothing troubled me and I was fully present.
In that moment, I wanted her more than my next breath of air. She was so fucking beautiful with those big blue eyes and straight pearly white teeth. Even her nose was cute, and my hands tingled to reach out and touch her silky blonde hair.
Would she push me away if I kissed her? I was tempted to lean in and try, but I knew better. Winning Pearl wouldn’t be quickly done. I would have to take my time and think carefully before my every move. This seduction game would trump every chess match I’d ever played with her.
“Good thing that it’s just hypothetical,” she said and broke eye contact. “Since you already declared me too old and my eggs dried out.”
That comment broke the moment and I leaned back. “We’re going to the east coast tomorrow morning,” I said. “There are rumors of a group trying to start a rebellion. I need to confront them before they gather too much support.”
“And will I wait here?”
“No, you’re coming with me. You’re going to help me bring these lowlifes back in line.”
She laughed. “I’m a pacifist and a terrible fighter.”
“I know. Leave the fighting to me and my men.”
“So why do you want me there?”
“I want them to see that you’re with me.”
“As what? Your hostage?”
I shrugged. “Ally sounds better, don’t you think?”
“I’ll come,” she said softly. “It’ll be good to see more of the Northlands.”
“Of course, you’ll come.” I got up and moved away from her. “You don’t have a choice because you follow me, remember?”
CHAPTER 11
Edward the Lowlife
Pearl
“I saw a beautiful rainbow the other day,” my mother said when I met with her in the secure virtual reality room established when I’d met Khan the first time. “It made me think of you,” she said with worry in her eyes.
“I’m fine; there is no need to worry about me,” I assured her. “Tomorrow Lord Khan is taking me to the east coast to fight some rebels.”
My mother gasped. “That doesn’t sound safe.”
“I’m sure he won’t let anything happen to me; he’s very protective.”
Isobel leaned in and studied me closely, not asking the question I saw burning in her eyes. Had he touched me?
“Christina has pointed to a candidate for the inclusion project,” I said to change the subject. Her name is Kya Janae. Christina and she were roommates for years and according to Christina she’s an excellent educator. Would you look into her files, please?”
“I would be delighted to.”
“And the children?” I asked.
“Yes, about the children.” My mother frowned. “Forty children have been listed and I’m going over their files.”
“Forty?” I said surprised. “We only need ten.”
“The children on the list all have particular circumstances.”
