Page 63 of Conspirators' Kingdom

“Good?” she asked, scowling. Taisiya tried to pull away from him, but he held her still.

“Bloodthirstiness is barely acceptable in a mercenary. In a queen, it’s disastrous,” he answered. Her eyes softened for a moment before she pursed her lips.

“And yet, to become queen, I’ll need to make corpses of your siblings.”

“Not necessarily. Banishment, being forced to take the mark of disinheritance, being completely disgraced—all of these are options. Khety won’t go without a fight, but the rest? If we work together, I suspect we can outmanoeuvre the lot of them,” he offered.

He could see her slip on that carefully closed expression, but the tension went out of her posture. Mereruka relaxed as well.

“I would prefer to kill as few people as possible. If they’re dead, they can’t be useful,” Taisiya said.

Mereruka nodded.

“Then we’re of a mind on this. A few of my siblings are rather important in the running of Maat. If possible, I would prefer to corner them into taking a mark rather than see them dead. They can be replaced in their duties, of course, but it would make a transition unstable.”

When she looked up at him, her eyes tightened with concern.

“If you’re fatigued, we can discuss this tomorrow.”

“Is that genuine worry I hear, wife?” he teased.

She pulled away from him.

“Just practising my acting skills.”

Mereruka laughed. He pulled her tight again.

“I’m thrilled you’re so dedicated. Shall I practice my part as well, as your smitten husband?”

She frowned.

“You can practice all you like without me.”

“Don’t be so cold. I’m The Prince of Dreams, and your wish is my command. If we are to maintain a united front, the people of Maat should believe I am head over heels for you. When we arrive in Maat, what will your first outrageous wish be?” he smiled.

“My trading rights.”

Mereruka chuckled.

“And?”

“A divorce.”

“Denied!”

“Some Prince of Dreams you are.” She rolled her eyes, but the corners of her lips were turned up. Progress.

“You wound my pride. Go on, what else?”

“Wedding gifts so numerous and extravagant that even Queen Betrest will have reason to raise her brows. After all, I gave the first batch to my family.”

“And?”

“And? Isn’t that enough?” she asked, her brows raised.

“Remember, I’m a wealthy, besotted prince. Cultivate some greed so that I might show you my affection through indulging you.”

She smirked.

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