Page 115 of Bride By Coronation

"She never told me that."

"Correct. You couldn't know before, but now you can. However, it's not ever to be public knowledge."

Fiona leans against the desk. "But Zara knows?"

"She does," I reply.

Her eyes darken, and she looks at the floor.

"She would have told you now that you're queen."

Fiona meets my eye. "Would she have?"

"Why do you think Zara wouldn't?" I question.

She shrugs. "It feels like the people I'm closest to have been hiding some of the most important aspects of their lives."

"That'll end now," I tell her.

She glances out the window, not looking convinced.

I slide to the end of the bed. "Valentina isn't a bad person. I'm sure over time you'll learn to love her."

She narrows her greens, snarling, "Like you do?"

My chest tightens. I declare, "I've never been in love with her and never will be. But we are friends, and don't make me choose between you and her."

Fiona glares at me and snaps, "Because you'll choose her?"

I scowl. "No. You're my wife. I'll always choose you."

"You just warned me not to make you choose," she points out.

I scoff. "Exactly. So don't put me in that position. It'll only create problems between us."

"But you'd be done with her if I wanted you to be?" she pushes.

Uneasiness heats my stomach, yet I answer, "Yes. I would cut off our friendship and only interact with her if it regards The Underworld. Is that what you want?"

Fiona doesn't flinch, and tension fills the air.

I wait her out.

She finally lowers her voice and shakes her head. "No. I wouldn't want to ruin your relationship if you're only friends."

"No?" I challenge, feeling a mix of relief and caution.

"You're only friends?" Her voice holds a hint of vulnerability.

I sigh. "Fiona, how many times do I need to tell you so you believe me?"

She pushes off the desk. "No more. I'm sorry. Is this the closet?" She points at the door again.

"Yes."

Her eyes light with mischief. "Great. Assuming I can snoop around and see what's in there?"

"Of course. Plus, it's not snooping when you own it," I point out.

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