Page 14 of Kiss of Ice

“You, apparently.”

Blood thundered in her ears. She knew it. He’d tracked her down. Now she’d be outed as a common thief. She’d brought shame on her family.

“Father, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean this to happen,” she said desperately. “I didn’t think he’d find out who I was…”

“What are you babbling about?” her father said impatiently. “He’s invited us to the palace in two days’ time. He’s looking for a bride and apparently his advisors have recommendedyouas a match.”

Her mouth fell open.

“What?”

“Oh, but this is delicious.” A wide smile spread across the Marid’s face. “He’s realised he can’t keep me at bay forever. So he’s trying to control me. He thinks by bringing me into the fold I’ll become subservient. Play by the rules.”

“Huh?”

“Keep up, child. This is an astute move by the young Emperor. I should have expected nothing less.”

“Father, I don’t understand. What do you mean, the Emperor is trying to control you?”

Salaq tutted impatiently.

“Because I so nearly took the throne. Have you forgotten, girl? The people united behind me. If it hadn’t been for that infernal Ifrit,Iwould be ruling Nush’aldaam now. Imagine, a Marid as Emperor.”

“But you were only trying to do the right thing. Trying to fill a void after Mazhab died. Why should Kamran be angry about that? The people needed an Emperor andhewasn’t around so…”

“Quite. I was doing my duty. But Kamran doesn’t see it that way. He’s chosen to paint me as an over-ambitious usurper. Now he seeks to ensure my loyalty by wedding you.”

Now it made sense.

Mazhab’s death had left Nush’aldaam without a ruler. Kamran had deserted his post and her father had bravely stepped into the breach. She was aware a leadership battle had followed but her father had kept her well away from it. He had protected her from the unpleasantness.

Instead, she had spent her time trying to help the people who were suffering because Nush’aldaam had been rudderless. People like Tovah.

Anger flared. How dare Kamran come back with no explanation and no apology for the chaos he’d caused? And now he wanted to marry her because it wasexpedient?Fuck that.

“I’ll write the reply myself,” she said firmly. “I’ll tell him just where he can stick his marriage proposal.”

“Not so fast, my daughter.”

Salaq tapped his chin as he thought.

This could be a perfect opportunity. By agreeing to the marriage, Kamran would think he’d won. That he’d secured Salaq’s fealty. But in reality, he was inviting his own downfall.

As his father-in-law, Salaq could bide his time. Linger in the background. Wait patiently. And if, after the wedding, something unfortunate were to happen to the Emperor, well then… who better to guide the young Empress in her royal duties than her wise father?

If Salaq couldn’t have the throne, then he would be the powerbehindthe throne.

His gaze swept over his daughter again. Would Kamran want to marry her when he saw her? If the rumours were true, the Emperor preferred women with more aesthetic qualities. Petite athletic ones. And plenty of them.

Morenna was most decidedly not his type. But perhaps he would overlook her physical faults if he thought she was the means to defeating his enemy.

He tried to look at his daughter objectively. She had an acceptable face. Everything was symmetrical at least. And surely she could be made to look presentable? Some cosmetics, a little grooming…

“Father?”

Her voice broke into his thoughts.

“Perhaps we should meet him and hear his proposal.”

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