Page 96 of Kneel Before Me

“Did you enjoy it?”

Her mouth fell open. Maximus knew she wasn’t used to him speaking so bluntly. He was hardly used to it himself. But there were moments in one’s life that lent themselves to honesty, and Maximus understood he was living through one right now. There was no more time to hide behind his fear.

“Did you?”

“You know I did. Now answer the question.”

Daphne pursed her lips. She was going to make this difficult. Like she always did. Maximus decided to wait her out, leaning back in an exaggerated show of nonchalance. He crossed his legs, taking a casual sip of wine. Finally, Daphne said, “It…wasn’t horrible.”

Maximus let out a laugh. “Am I to consider that praise?”

“I wouldn’t categorize it as such.”

He leaned in. “You liked it. Admit it.”

“Is this why you called me here? To interrogate me about our kiss? It was just a kiss, Maximus. I’m sure you’ll have many more.”

“I only want them with you.”

Daphne shot him a skeptical look. He could understand her hesitancy—they had an arrangement, after all. But his heart was changing direction, and he no longer had the strength to stop it.

“The villagers don’t share your opinion.”

Maximus knew they were both still thinking about what the men had chanted. If he could have them all killed for it, he would. “The villagers do not sway me.”

“Maybe they should.”

“Only I control my heart.”

Her eyes narrowed. “You shouldn’t say things like that.”

“Why not? It’s true.”

Her skepticism only grew; he could see the doubt and confusion in her eyes. Her response was so quiet he barely heard it. “You don’t mean that.”

“Of course I do.”

He could tell by her expression that she was surprised—he was almost surprised he’d had the courage to say it. But he was done hiding.

“What about our arrangement?”

“The terms have changed.”

“The terms can’t just change,” Daphne cried. “I have to agree to them.”

“Then agree to them.”

“Agree to what? You having feelings for me? You said you weren’t ready to be with anyone. You said you were still in love with Lilibet.”

It felt strange to hear Daphne say her name. But not necessarily bad.

“You don’t really want me, Max,” she continued quietly, the space between them shrinking with every moment. “You want her.”

“I do want her. And I miss her. I will always love Lilibet.”

Daphne raised her eyebrows but didn’t interrupt.

“But Lilibet is not here. She will never be here again. I must think of my own future and the future of the kingdom.”