Page 12 of Kiss of Ice

Even as the abhorrent idea formed, he mentally shook himself. He wasn’t that person. He wasn’t that cruel, that calculating.

Or maybe he was. Maybe Salaq had made him that way.

He tuned in to what Shade was saying.

“…as your first wife, she would have seniority. But it does not prohibit you from taking other wives. The Emperor has that prerogative. Your father had eighteen wives over the course of his life. Several at the same time.”

“Don’t remind me. All those women around was very confusing for a growing boy.”

“You do not seem confused by them now.” Shade’s tone was dry. “When youdoget married, my friend, you might want to cut back on your dalliances.”

“Gods damn it, Shade, you’re not selling this idea to me at all.”

“Just think about it. A match with Salaq’s daughter could be highly advantageous.”

“Fine. I’ll think about it,” Kam said grudgingly. “But first I want to know what she looks like. If she’s anything like her father, forget it.”

“Let us hope she resembles her mother. I believe he never remarried after her death. That must have been, let me see, when the Lady Morenna was just a child.”

“Poor girl. Growing up with Salaq as your only parent.”

“Maybe marriage would be her escape. Maybe you can rescue her.”

Kam looked at her name on the list again.

Or maybe I can use her to take my revenge on Salaq.

Six

“Sit up straight, Morenna. How many times do I have to tell you not to slouch?”

Her father rifled through a pile of papers at the table, disregarding the soup which the staff had brought as a first course.

“Sorry, father.”

She pushed her shoulders back from their default position and managed to knock her fork off the table. She retrieved it sheepishly, knowing her father would be irritated. His jaw tightened but for once he didn’t point out her habitual clumsiness.

“I haven’t seen you much recently. Where have you been?”

“In the gardens, mostly. The weather’s been so lovely.”

“Oh?” Her father glanced at her, his eyes cold and grey. “I was in the gardens the other day. I did not see you.”

“I decided to go for a ride. I borrowed Mistral.” Ren threw in the stallion’s name in case her father thought to check up on her. “I hope that’s okay. I didn’t want to disturb you. I know you’re busy.”

“I am. The estate doesn’t run itself.” He leaned back and picked up a spoon, dipping it into the soup. “I hear our new Emperor graced the people of Arjhan with his presence. I’m surprised he dare show his face after his desertion.”

She flashed on the crowds pressing forward eagerly.

“People seem to like him.” Her father turned towards her sharply. “Or so I hear. Obviously they don’t know what he’s really like.”

She took a mouthful of soup, avoiding his stare. He went back to his papers.

“Don’t eat too much of that,” he said casually. “It’s laden with cream. You don’t want to put more weight on, do you.” It wasn’t a question.

Ren carefully put her spoon down.

“Yes, father.”

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