Page 28 of Oaths & Vengeance
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” I said, curtseying low.
Darrow bowed. “You’ve been most generous with your time tonight, and we won’t forget it.”
“I’d expect not,” the king said with a dark undertone.
Chapter 12
Aella
The same servant who handled our marriage documents led us to nearby chambers without anyone seeing us along the way. Inside, I found a large and beautifully appointed room with a massive, canopied bed on the far end. The color scheme was primarily burgundy and gold, with the curtains, furnishings, and décor all giving the space a dark, romantic atmosphere. To my left, a well-tended fireplace roared with flames. Darrow led me to the sitting area in the middle, where a small feast waited for us.
“Are you hungry?” he asked, pouring each of us a glass of wine.
I took mine from him and sipped it, finding the flavor rich and sweet. “A little.”
He took a much longer drink. “We should eat some of this, considering the effort they put into the meal.”
“I’m surprised they bothered this late at night,” I said, thinking there was enough for five people on the table.
Darrow took hold of a chicken leg. “Perhaps the king thought we’d bond further over food.”
“Doubtful,” I muttered, sipping my wine again. The wedding band on my finger glinted and reminded me of another issue. “You know I’ll need to take the ring off before I go home, right?”
He shook his head. “I had it spelled so no one can see it except those who know we’re married. You’ll also find it exceedingly difficult to remove.”
That explained why the magic emanating from it felt too strong to be a simple sizing spell alone. He’d layered something else into it without consulting me. I set my glass down and pulled on the band, but it wouldn’t budge. The bastard.
“Why?” I asked, glaring at him. We’d barely been married twenty minutes, and he was already making me question our nuptials.
Darrow gave me a sardonic smile. “So you won’t forget about me during our times apart, dear wife. Why else?”
Dear wife?The term of endearment must be some sick joke to him, a mockery.
I gave him a scathing look. “Trust me. Being married to an arrogant ass who is also my enemy will always be at the top of my mind. I won’t forget about you.”
He finished his chicken and leaned back. “Tell me three things my spies wouldn’t have uncovered about you.”
Was he kidding?
I nearly had whiplash at his change of subject, but fine, I’d figure out the ring situation later. “Tell me who your spies are, and I’ll better understand what they wouldn’t know.”
He laughed. “Nice try. Tell me something you hate.”
“Besides you?” I asked, lifting a brow. “The color yellow.”
“Hmm, why?”
“For one, most shades of it wash out my skin. For two, it’s my uncle’s favorite.” It was on our banners and much of the upholstered furniture around the castle. Whenever we had a celebration, he insisted we all wear it, and it always ruined some of my enjoyment.
“Interesting.” He studied me. “Then what is your favorite color?”
“Plum,” I replied, grabbing a roll to try. “Your turn. One thing you hate and one thing you like.”
“I prefer black above all other colors,” he said, glancing down at his riding outfit, which was the aforementioned color.
I finished chewing. “Why does that not surprise me?”
“It’s probably not much of a secret, but shockingly, we can agree on the worst color,” he said with a wry smile. “Nothing annoys me more than seeing your yellow banner waving on the battlefield or when the king forces us all together for something or another.”
