Page 30 of Kiss of Ice

“And you wouldn’t expect us to… er…”

“Consummate the marriage?”

“Um, yes.”

He looked at her thoughtfully.

His first instinct was to reassure her. He would never force himself on a woman who wasn’t willing. And after all, this was a political marriage, nothing more.

But then he realised it was a golden opportunity to unnerve her. Unsettle her. And perhaps when she went crying to her father, Salaq would be tormented by thoughts of his little girl being violated by his arch enemy.

He let his eyes harden.

“When we are married, Ren, you will be mine to do with as I please. If I choose to consummate the marriage, you will be expected to comply. As frequently and energetically as I require. Is that understood?”

His blithe assertion took her breath away. She blinked.

“You wouldforceme? Against my will?”

“Oh, it wouldn’t come to that, I assure you. You’d find it enjoyable. Pleasurable, even.”

Gods, he was arrogant. She gritted her teeth and imagined punching him in the mouth.

“I doubt that. And just so you know, I’ll fight you tooth and nail. You’ll have to hold me down and defrost yourself afterwards. I promise you I’ll make it as deeply unpleasant as I possibly can.”

Kam hid his amusement. She looked so fierce, standing there defiantly. He leaned forward and she flinched.

“Your objection is duly noted.” He turned away abruptly. “I’m hungry. Let’s eat.”

The long table in the centre of the banqueting room was laden with food – skewers of meat and fish, platters of grilled vegetables and creamed potatoes, trays of cheeses and fruit. Kam gestured towards it.

“I didn’t know what you liked so I had the kitchen prepare a selection. I hope you find something to your taste.”

There it was again. That sudden change of mood that constantly wrong-footed her. He pulled out a chair for her and she sat. A uniformed waiter poured wine into her glass. She sipped it gratefully.

“You went to a lot of trouble,” she acknowledged. Kam took the seat at right-angles to her.

“Most of the meat and vegetables are raised on the palace estate. I tend towards vegetarianism myself but please, have whatever you like.”

“So much choice. And just as I’m starting a new diet too,” she joked. He raised an eyebrow.

“Why?”

“Um, why does anyone diet? To lose weight.”

“Your weight looks fine to me.” Kam dug into his food and Ren was left to wonder if that semi-compliment had been a slip on his part.

She accepted some fish from the waiter and took a bite. It was delicious. They ate without speaking for a few moments, then Kam broke the silence.

“Tell me, how is the boy? The one with the infection?”

She was surprised he’d remembered.

“Better. The infection has run its course. The calora and panacea helped greatly.”

“How did he contract the disease in the first place? Sickle fever is usually restricted to deprived areas.”

“You don’t think Arjhan has deprived areas?”

---