Page 89 of The Defiant Wife

Give me one crack in that ridiculously calm face.

I push the heavy oak door open with my elbow. Just as expected, he's sitting behind his large desk, completely focused on a set of architectural drawings spread in front of him.

His sleeves are rolled to his elbows, exposing his forearms.

For some reason, my eyes briefly stop on the faded scar across his knuckles before I quickly force myself to look away.

Focus.

Poison tea first.

Admire your husband later.

"Brought you some tea, Your Highness," I announce cheerfully as I place the tray beside his papers. He doesn't look up immediately.

He finishes writing one last note before finally saying, "I didn't ask for tea."

"I know."

I fold my arms.."Consider it a kind gesture from your kind, loving wife."

He finally looks at me. Then at the mug. Then back at me. His eyes narrow just a little.

He knows.

I can tell he knows I'm planning something. But instead of asking questions, he simply reaches for the mug.

"No pressure," I say, trying to sound casual.

"It's . . . a special blend."

He lifts one eyebrow. "Very memorable."

Without another word, he raises the mug to his lips and takes a large sip.

I stop breathing.

Come on . . . Any second now.

A cough. A splutter. Anything.

Instead . . . He swallows. Calmly. He places the mug back onto the saucer with a quiet clink.

Not a single expression changes. Nothing. He simply looks at me.

My mouth slowly falls open.

What? How? Does this man not have taste buds? Is he secretly part camel?

The silence stretches until he finally speaks. "In Turkey," he says quietly, leaning back in his chair, "there's an old wedding tradition."

I blink. " . . . What?"

"The bride serves the groom coffee with far too much salt." His eyes stay on mine. "If he drinks it without complaining, it's meant to show that he's willing to accept whatever hardships marriage brings."

He pauses for a moment. Then looks down at the mug before meeting my eyes again. "Your tea is . . . exceptionally salty, Diya."

A tiny pause. "But I have a high tolerance for hardship." Heat rushes straight into my face. "And I am willing to face all hardships in this marriage . . . especially the one you are going to throw my way."