Page 30 of Queen of War and Ruin

“Yes.” She sniffs as her hands twist together at her waist. “That’s why.”

This is leading somewhere I don’t want to go.

My stupid, reckless heart shivers inside its cage. If I could stab the bastard right now, I would.

“And that’s why you wanted to consummate our marriage.”

The words fall like ice from my lips. Lilias blinks and stares at me, her mouth open. Tears shimmer in her eyes.

“What?” she says. “No, that’s— That’s not⁠—”

“So it couldn’t be annulled,” I continue as the ruthless logic falls into place. “Because, if our marriage fails, you belong to Blayne.”

Lilias stares at me like she doesn’t understand the words coming from my mouth. I shake my head.

That’s why she wanted me. That’s the only reason.

So she could avoid something even worse.

And, fool that I am, I let myself believe there was something more. As if our marriage could ever be more than two people shoved together against their will by forces outside of their control.

The tiny balcony suddenly feels too small, my chest too tight. I can’t breathe.

No, godsdamn it. I can’t fall apart. Not here. Not ever again. I take a step back, toward the door. I need to get away from this woman, and I need to find some wine. A lot of wine.

“I see,” I say. My voice is as cold as the wind that comes off the Barrier Mountains in the heart of winter. “I understand.”

“No,” Lilias replies. “I don’t think you do.”

Panic flares inside my chest. My lungs aren’t working; the walls are closing in around me.

Wine. I need wine, now. All the wine.

Lilias reaches for me. I flinch like she’s trying to hit me.

“At least you prefer me to the man who betrayed your entire kingdom,” I snap. “I guess I should be flattered.”

Lilias grabs my wrist as I step backward through the door.

“Stop it,” she growls. “Where are you going?”

Our eyes meet, throwing sparks into the darkness. Lilias looks like she wants to punch me, and honestly, I don’t blame her. I yank my arm out of her hand.

“I’m going to find a priest who can divorce us,” I reply. “And a barrel of wine big enough to drown in.”

“What is wrong with you?” Lilias cries.

“Me?” I bark. “What do you think I am, a prince?”

She looks at me like I’ve just slapped her.

“Fuck,” I snap. “I didn’t ask for this marriage either, Princess.”

And then I run away before my wife starts to cry.

Chapter 17

Zarek