“I beg your finest pardon?”
I reached for her, but she shoved my chest away.
“What do you mean? We consummate our marriagetomorrow—before Elohios, Veridis, and all of Radaan.”
A frown settled over me. “I spoke with Rodrick today. He advised against such activities.”
“Such activities.” Her scoff scraped. “Tell me, hasRodrickever carried a child?”
“He’s a respected healer.”
“And did he describe us as fragile creatures? As delicate flowers needing silence and plush cushions?” Fire flashed in her eyes, words sharp and accusing.
“You carry my heir.” My voice dropped to a growl. This was no game. “I will not jeopardize that.”
“You would cage me?” she snapped.
A dragon screamed in the distance.
My frustration cracked. I caught her hip, pulling her close, fingers tangling in her hair. She clutched my arm, grip fierce.
“I would keep you safe. Protection is not a cage.”
“And did you think to consult a midwife? Awomanwho has seen birth, not some man who makes half-educated guesses about the female body?”
“If I summoned one, the palace would erupt with rumors.”
“You’re ashamed.”
The accusation burned. I recoiled, dropping my hands as if she were a hot coal against my skin.
“Dragons above, Kallias.” She swore softly, leaping down to seize my jacket as a dragon’s shadow swept overhead. “I didn’t mean–”
“I crossed an ocean for you. Faced dragonfire for your honor. I left my kingdom vulnerable—”
She flinched as I went on, each statement firmer than the last.
“—I placed you before my court and named you Queen. You dare accuse me of shame?”
She took my rebuke, fingers still clutching my jacket, her anger easing as if she understood the true reason behind it.
Her mockery. The accusations. They unearthed wounds that had shaped me into the man I was. Each one stung. A small voice lingered in the back of my mind, whispering, fueling my fear. She was not Eldeiade. I was stronger now. Wiser. I would not allow it to happen again.
“Why didn’t you send for one?” Her expression gentled, hands slipping beneath my lapels, close to my heart.
I exhaled, easing the tension in my shoulders. “Because your condition is a weakness others would exploit. I dare not announce it—not until Tallon is dealt with. Preferably dead.”
“Edith knows.”
“Greaves and Rodrick as well. They will keep silent.”
“You trust the healer so completely?”
I scoffed. “I threatened to kill him if he so much as grunted to allude to it. But you believe he is incorrect?”
Her smile turned sly. “I know he is. Draconis women are not confined to their beds when carrying a child. If I asked Radaanian women, I suspect they would say the same. They do not shrink from their husband’s attention unless they were made to feel unwelcome from the start.”
“Then tomorrow’s ceremony?”
