Page 97 of Kiss of Ice

“You’re paler than usual,” she said. “Have you been dieting?”

“No, of course not.” Though come to think of it, she hadn’t eaten much since she’d gone to see her father. And she’d been far too nervous for breakfast this morning. “Why? Do you think I should?”

She prodded at her waist. Maybe she should have tried to drop a few pounds before the wedding. Ruth snorted.

“No, definitely not. You look beautiful. Besides, I think the Emperor likes you just the way you are.” The maids giggled.

“And I’m sure he’ll prove it tonight, my Lady,” winked Amal. A warm feeling crept over Ren. Tonight would be her wedding night.

Kam had promised he would allow her to decide if and when they consummated the marriage. It was her choice. What if she… she swallowed. What if she said yes?

Don’t be stupid. He still sees you as a way to get back at your father.

At least now she understood why. She knew his reasons. Would it be so bad if she gave herself to him fully?

An image flew into her head. Him lying naked with her. Touching her. Stroking her. Parting her thighs and taking her with his huge…

“That’s better. You have some pink in your cheeks now,” Ruth observed. “Let’s get you into your dress.”

“Ooh, the dress!” Leshi clapped her hands. “Can we take it out of the bag now?”

“Hang on, what about underwear?” Ren laughed. “Is there a slip or something that goes underneath?”

“Nothing.” Ruth’s voice was decisive.

“Huh?”

“This dress is a work of art, I’m not having anything spoiling its lines. Take your dressing gown off.”

Ren clutched the edges of her robe, unwilling to reveal her bruising.

“Um, can I have some privacy?”

Ruth rolled her eyes. She clapped her hands at the maids.

“All right, ladies. Out you go. Let me get the blushing bride into her dress.” She ushered the girls out, ignoring their complaints. “Now then, dear. Take off your robe.”

Slowly, Ren dropped the robe and closed her eyes. She heard Ruth’s intake of breath.

“My Lady! How did that happen?”

“I’m sure I don’t need to tell you. I’m guessing you’re seeing it right now.”

“Your father. He hit you.”

“It was an accident, he didn’t mean to.”

“Still.” Ruth paused. “I can’t pick and choose the things I see in your past. And what I see is that your father hasn’t treated you well for many years.”

“He’s never hurt me before.”

“Maybe not physically.”

“It’s none of your business!” Ren bit her lip. Why the fuck was she still defending him? She softened her tone. “Look, I don’t want Kam to know so I’d be grateful if you didn’t mention this.”

“But my dear, surely you should see the healer?”

“There’s no time now. I’ll see him after the ceremony.”

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