Page 21 of The Mountain King
“I’m certain you’re quite capable.” He bared his teeth in a smile. “However, my future queen—”
“Yourwhat?”
He blinked, innocent. “Didn’t we already have that discussion?”
“No. We did not.”
“Ah? I am remiss. Well, what I was saying—”
Kailigh rose hurriedly. “Well, I’m sure you’ve things to see to. Will you have someone escort us to the party?”
“Changing the subject, Kailigh?” He smiled, inclining his head. “Very well. I don’t ask your daughters to mate against their will, mistress. Remember that. They are free to choose men they can love. But they must choose.” He held her eyes. “Their mother should set a good example in her conduct. And stay home while the warriors exact vengeance.”
She fled his knowing suggestive smile, too discombobulated by the wholequeenthing to argue about being told to stay home like a good little girl. A man might toy with the word marriage, or wife—but a ruler didn’t play with the wordqueen.
