Page 185 of Prize for the King
Xander scoffs. “Sure, tell yourself that. Men have needs, darling.”
Sidonius shoots him a reproachful look. “King Xander, you are speaking to a queen.”
But Xander only waves his hand dismissively, a nasty smile playing on his lips. I see what their ploy is. They try to insinuate my husband went to the brothel for their services, and thus humiliate me further. If I hadn’t known what he was really up to, it might have worked.
As it is, all I can think of is that these vile men have no right to cast stones. They are all lechers and pigs, and I know that not just from Magnar, but from my father’s notes, too.
But that doesn’t help me. I can’t start hurling accusations or they’ll throw me out, and I’ll lose whatever chances I have.
“That must be such a shock,” Richard says with fake sympathy. “If it pleases you, my queen, we shan’t divulge the circumstances of your husband’s arrest. We’ll let you keep your honor.”
He expects me to thank him, but the words won’t go through my throat. I have another idea.
“It hasn’t escaped my attention that all witnesses are men in your employ, Richard. For an accusation this serious, an impartial witness should be presented. Do you have one?”
“Impartial?” he asks, raising his brows in mock bafflement. “Are you suggesting my men wouldlie, Caliane?”
“Of course,” I say with a scoff. “They are your men, therefore they should be loyal. If you tell them to lie, they will, unless they don’t respect your orders. So which is it? Do your men lie for you, or do you lack authority?”
Richard thumps his fist on the table, his eyes bulging with fury,all his polish gone. “Do not speak this way to your better, you slut,” he grits out through clenched teeth. “I will not be questioned by an Agnidari whore!”
The other kings mutter and shake their heads while Sidonius stands up in agitation.
“King Richard, please! If you don’t calm down, I will have to ask you to step out. This is no way to speak to a queen!”
“And the way she speaks to me is fine?” he roars, pushing away from the table. He stands, his fist clenched. The table is a wide obstacle between us, and I feel safe with that barrier in place, though maybe I shouldn’t. Maybe I should get Richard to hit me. Then he would be tried, too, and they would have to let Magnar go if they wanted to exonerate Richard.
“If it were my father, you would have been impressed,” I say cooly, trying to rile him up more.
My father congratulates me in my mind’s ear.“If you make them lose their temper, you win.”
“Your father is dead, and you let his murderer fuck your cunt every night,” Richard spits, his shoulders heaving with every breath.
“He is much more satisfying in bed than a human man,” I say with a nonchalant shrug. “Oh, but I’m sorry, you must be so envious! I know you feel so insecure about your manhood, you have to threaten your wife not to dally, because you know you can’t satisfy her yourself. I apologize, Richard. This must be a sensitive topic for you.”
“You… What…”
He makes to round the table, his face twisted in absolute rage. Bernard rises, ready for it, and grabs his arm. He’s a large, burly man, and Richard’s junior. He easily holds him back.
“Steady, or it won’t work,” he says quietly. “Remember what we’re doing here.”
“What won’t work, gentlemen?” I ask sweetly, stepping closer. “What are you referring to, Bernard?”
“Only the carrying out of justice,” the king of Cassia says, his face neutral. “It will not work if it’s disrupted by violence.”
I know my face must sour, because Xander snorts, shooting me an insolent look.
“We’ve been doing this for years, darling. You’re only a woman. Your mouth is good for one thing, and it’s not talking.”
“I will forgive you because I know your words stem from fragility,” I say with a sniff, twisting my hands harder and harder behind my back. “Such a lovely wife you have. You must feel quite humbled, seeing as her beauty is high above yours.”
I hit the mark. Xander’s face turns grim, and he levels me with a glare full of loathing. When he speaks, spit flies out of his mouth and stains the table.
“Careful, or you’ll hang next to your beast of a husband.Youshould be humble, little girl. In fact, you should beg for mercy on your knees. Under this table.”
“That is out of line!” Sidonius shouts. “Gentlemen, what is wrong with you? Need I remind you the Kings’ Peace can be applied to verbal exchanges, as well? Caliane has been abused horribly, and in my hearing, too! Have a care!”
“Shut up, Sidonius,” Richard growls, and I flinch back, my eyes wide as I look at the Master of Peace.
