"Why you've been so insufferable about this woman."She shook her head, marvelling."I’d want to fuck her too."
“You’re courting death!”
"Calm down, she's yours."Nyraxa rolled her eyes, shifting her weight to one leg."I’m not crazy enough to go for a viper."Nyraxa stepped back, and as she did, something in her hand caught the light.A folded parchment.
Ragnar's eyes locked onto it."What is that?"
"This?"She held it up.“Oh, just a recipe.”She brought it to her lips, her eyes narrowed dangerously."From the Khatun."
Azul's footsteps slowed as she approached her chambers.Her hand found the door handle; it was warm.
Her heart dropped.
As expected.
She closed her eyes, and with a breath, the door swung open.
"Where have you been?"
The voice came from the shadows by the window.
Azul forced her body still, despite the shudder that threatened to spread.Sharp pain shot through her heart.Whatever peace the night had given her vanished.The words lodged in her throat.She gritted her teeth and forced her head to look up at the man waiting for her return.
Somadina stepped forward into the thin sliver of moonlight.
He was awake.
That shouldn't be possible.
She had increased the dose nightly—careful to avoid resistance.Surely she hadn't made a mistake?
"Unable to speak?"He grabbed the vase by his side and flung it.Azul bit down hard on her tongue as it smashed against the wall beside her.
“I was just on a walk—”
“Do you take me for a fool?Akwaugo, what game are you playing?"
Azul held his gaze even as he came dangerously close; his eyes were stormy and unsettled, and she knew her departure this time was a mistake.
"I play no game, Okpalaeze.I only—"
"Liar."
A slap followed a heartbeat later.
Her head snapped to the side, the force of it sending her staggering.Pain exploded across her cheek, and she failed to catch herself before stumbling to the floor.
Her ears rang, her mouth tasting of iron.
Before she could recover, his hand was in her hair, yanking her head back.His face was inches from hers, and though her heart was flailing, she had no choice but to maintain her composure.
"Who did you go to meet?Was it a filthy spy?Did they bring news of your barbarian?”
She held her tongue.There was no use trying to explain herself; he was too paranoid.His other hand closed around her throat, covering it almost entirely, as if telling her he could end her life at any moment.
"I loved you.I've clothed you; I've let you act in my name.I have given you everything!And you—" His grip tightened, choking her."You have spent every moment since we met again trying to destroy me."
When we met, you tried to fucking kill me!
