Page 93 of Kiss of Ice

“You saw Salaq yesterday?”

She nodded.

“I wanted to find out the truth for myself.”

“And did you? Did your father tell you the truth or did he feed you more lies?” She flinched and he softened his tone. “What did he tell you, Ren?”

“Everything. He told me everything. I know what he did to you.” She let out a shaky breath. “And I’m sorry. I’m so deeply sorry for what happened to you, Kam. I understand now why you hate him so much.”

There was a long pause. Kam was startled to see her eyes were bright with tears again and he was shaken. She was crying forhim?

“I didn’t mean for you to find out the way you did. I shouldn’t have blurted it out. But I’m glad you know.”

“Me too. But now we have to call off the wedding. I’m withdrawing my consent.”

In the silence that followed, Kam felt the blood slow in his veins. His chest tightened and it was an effort to force out a single word.

“Why?”

“My father told me that as Empress, I would take over as ruler if anything…” she licked her dry lips. “If anything were to happen to you. I believe he’s still plotting against you, your Majesty.”

Kam gave a hard little smile.

“I don’t doubt it.”

“You… you knew?”

“I knew he’d probably find a way to twist the marriage to his benefit. But I’m ready for him, Ren. He’ll never take me by surprise again, I assure you. And in the meantime, he’ll have no choice but to act as if we’re one big happy family.”

“But he means to harm you!”

“He won’t get the chance. Our marriage will be a public demonstration of his allegiance to me. His supporters will become my followers. Divisions in the empire will finally heal. It’s a calculated risk but it’s worth it.”

Ren felt a chill settle round her heart.

“You still see me as a tool,” she murmured.

“What? No!” He cursed his poor choice of words. “I don’t see you as a tool, Ren. I see you as an asset.”

“And that’s better, is it?”

“Gods damn it.” He dragged a hand through his hair and paced agitatedly. “I’m out of practice at having to explain myself. Especially to a woman.”

“Look, there’s nothing to explain. I’m not allowing the marriage to go ahead, Kam. I can’t let you get hurt because of me.”

“Oh? And why do you care?” He looked at her steadily. “I seem to remember you screaming that you hated me not so long ago.”

“But we also… you know.” She bit her lip. “In the bath. And at the inn. I thought we were becoming… friends.”

“Is that what you think we are?Friends?”

She flushed.

“I… I don’t know what we are. But I know I won’t be responsible for anything happening to you. So call off the wedding and let that be an end to it.”

“I’m afraid that’s not an option for me.”

She rose to her feet, frustrated.

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