Page 106 of Kiss of Ice

But then he saw her expression. A mixture of horror and pity. He was puzzled. Surely she could see he was doing this for her?

“He deserves it. You know he does.”

“I know what he’s done is wrong. But he’s my father. I don’t want you to kill him.” She gazed at him imploringly. “Don’t let him turn you into a monster. You’re better than that.”

Her words shook him to the core. A distant echo of another woman’s plea.Don’t become the monster everyone thinks you are.

“But… what he did to you…”

She knelt and put a hand on his arm. Her father’s face was turning blue, but she kept her eyes on Kam.

“Look at me. I’m all right. I’m healed, Kam. Now let him go.”

For a moment she thought he’d refuse. But reason finally broke through his rage and he turned to Salaq.

“Your daughter just saved your life. Remember that.” He let his light dissolve and Salaq fell to the ground clutching his throat. Kam turned to face the crowd.

“You are all witnesses. Let it be known throughout the empire that Salaq was tested in Virtuous Combat and found to be unworthy. He forfeits all claim to the throne, both now and the future.” Kam leaned down and whispered in Salaq’s ear. “Leave. And if I ever see you near the palace again without invitation, I’ll set the dogs on you.”

Salaq staggered to his feet.

“Daughter…?” he croaked. Ren steeled herself.

“You heard my husband. Go home.”

Defeated, he limped for the gate. The crowd watched silently as Salaq the Unworthy departed the palace for the last time.

It was over. The adrenaline left Kam’s body, to be replaced by weary triumph. He’d finally neutralised Salaq. He would have preferred to see him dead, but this way was just as effective.

People liked signs and omens. And Virtuous Combat, as archaic as it was, was a ritual that held mythical significance. The loser was deemed undeserving. It didn’t matter that it ultimately came down to a battle of strength or skill. People believed in it. Salaq was done.

He opened his mouth to speak to Ren. But she was gone.

Forty Six

“You look like shit, my friend.” Shade examined Kam closely. “Do you require a healer?”

“Probably. I think he damn near tore my arm off.”

They were sitting alone in the salon. The wedding guests had been hustled back to the Grand Ballroom, still agog over the unexpected events, and supplied with enough food and drink to keep them entertained for the next couple of hours.

Shade poured them both a liqueur.

“Your gamble paid off. His supporters will no doubt gravitate back to you now that he has been rendered impotent.”

“See? I knew it would work out. Cheers.”

“You knew nothing of the sort.” Dark clouds writhed irritably about Shade’s face. “It could so easily have gone the other way. You are a moron.”

“Your support is always such a comfort.”

“You are the Emperor, Kam. You cannot afford to be so hot-headed.”

“Says the guyliterallymade of smoke.”

Shade narrowed his eyes.

“It also strikes me that with Salaq neutered, you have no further need of a marriage of convenience.”

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