Page 36 of Kiss of Ice

“In future if I request your presence, I expect you to comply.”

“Okie dokie. Anything else?”

“We have a full itinerary today. You need to get dressed.”

Ren laid her book down and met his furious gaze. He’d shaved, she realised. The stubble was gone and his chiselled jaw was currently tight with anger.

“And what is the magic word?”

He couldn’t believe his ears.

“What?”

“When you ask me to do something, what is the magic word?”

Seven hells, he was going to fucking kill her.

“Ren, we don’t have time for this.”

She picked up her book again.

In a moment of clarity, he realised what she was doing. It was a test. Last night he had threatened to physically punish her if she didn’t do his bidding and now she was calling his bluff.

He leaned down and spoke in a low growl only she could hear.

“If you don’t get up right now, I’ll force you to tour the palace in your nightclothes.”

“You need only say one word, your Majesty, and I will do as you ask. Or are you too proud to use simple courtesy when addressing your wife-to-be in front of others?”

His lips tightened.

“Fine.Please, Lady Morenna,pleasewill you get out of bed and get dressed so I can show you the gods damned palace!”

She lay the book down and nodded. He waited. She didn’t move.

“For fuck’s sake, what now?” he shouted.

“I can’t get changed till you leave.” She smiled sweetly. “We’re not married yet.”

Muttering expletives under his breath, he stomped into the lobby. Ren nodded at Jaina.

“Fetch my dress, please. No, not that one. The one over the chair.”

Jaina picked up the garment dubiously.

“This?Are you sure, my Lady?”

“Oh, absolutely. And no make-up. I think I’ll just stick with the natural look this morning.”

She nearly giggled at the thinly disguised horrified glances her maids gave her. She pulled the dress on over her head and walked out of her bedroom. Kam whirled round.

“Finally! Let’s go and…” He stopped. “Why the fuck are you wearing that? I thought I threw it out of the window.”

“Yes, I had Zelen retrieve it. He’s so useful, isn’t he? He always knows where everything is.”

She smoothed the dress over her hips. It was, she now realised, a very ugly gown that did nothing for her figure. But oh, the look on Kam’s face. It was priceless.

“Are you deliberately provoking me, woman?”

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