Page 20 of Kiss of Ice

“It wasyouwho approachedme, your Majesty.” Her father’s voice was silky. “I had no hand in this. I only want what’s best for the empire.”

“We both know how far you’ll go to fulfil your twisted ambitions. And yet you’ve failed at every turn. Your alliance with Aelfric led directly to his death. Your attempt to win over the Vetali backfired. And as for what you did to me…”

“Unless you have any evidence, your Majesty, it would be a mistake to accuse a Lord of the Jinn of any wrongdoing.”

Ren frowned. She wasn’t sure what Kamran was referring to but it was clear the two men had far more history than she was aware of.

“You know I don’t have evidence, Salaq, or you would have been tried for treason by now. But you know what Idohave? I have your daughter. You may think you’re using her to gain more power. But in fact,I’musing her. As a leash around your throat.”

Ren’s mouth went dry. She strained to listen as her father answered.

“You’d stoop to using a defenceless woman as a weapon?”

“Oh, I’d stoop to so much more. Because that’s what you’ve forced me to become, Salaq. Someone with as few morals as you. So chew on this. If you make any more moves against the throne, if you utter one more treacherous statement, I will take it out on your daughter. I’ll make her suffer.” The Emperor’s voice fell to a snarl. “I’ll suck every last drop of joy and hope from her, just as you did my father. And I promise you, I will break her.”

There was a long silence.

My father won’t let that happen to me, Ren thought wildly. He’ll tell the Emperor he can stuff his marriage. He’ll tell him I rescind my consent.

“When are you planning to hold the ceremony?”

For a moment, Ren thought she’d misheard. Her father hadn’t reacted at all to what he’d just been told. But then she understood.

Her father trusted her. He knew she was strong, that she could withstand any treatment the Emperor meted out. He had faith in her. Her heart swelled with pride.

“You’re right father,” she whispered to herself. “He will never break me.”

She backed up a few paces and then returned to the throne room, making sure to cough before she reached the door. Both men were facing her way when she went in.

“So,” she said, forcing a smile. “What have you decided?”

Nine

“I think it best to have a short courtship and hold the wedding as soon as possible,” said Salaq. “Don’t you, my pet?”

His endearment made her heart lift.

“Whatever you say, father.”

“After all, you’re not getting any younger. I’m sure his Majesty will be keen to try for an heir in the fullness of time.”

“Father!” Ren blushed hotly.

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” said Kam mildly. “But I agree. A short courtship to satisfy protocol. And then a state wedding.”

“A state wedding?” She hadn’t given any thought as to what the wedding would actually entail.

“Of course. Were you expecting us to elope?” He was laughing at her. She drew herself up.

“Whatever you wish is fine by me, your Majesty.”

“Then we are agreed,” said Salaq. “My daughter and I will return home to begin preparations. If the palace is able to give us notice of when the formal courtship will begin, your Majesty, we will be ready.”

“It began ten minutes ago. When she gave her consent.”

A smile played round his lips as he watched Ren struggle to contain her outrage. Salaq interjected.

“But your Majesty, we have not established a timetable. Will you be calling on her? Is she to come to the palace every day? How will the courtship proceed?”

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