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But then he calls me by the one name he shouldn’t, ruining all those misguided notions.
Kat.
How could he call me by that name?
A name that, once upon a time, was spoken with tenderness and loyal friendship. A name that is still tied to my most joyous childhood memories, which he made sure to tarnish with his betrayal.
How dare he even utter such a lie?
For that is exactly what that name signifies to me now—a beautiful lie once uttered by my would-be usurper.
Just his audacity in using such a nickname brings up all the animosity I have for him. It reminds me that if it weren’t for this so-called king of the east, I wouldn’t have felt the need to leave the security of my castle to fight for what is entitled to me by birth.
Resentment and loathing fuel all my senses, successfully erasing my nervous state, coaxing me to turn around to face this wretched king at last.
“There is no one here by that name, Levi. You will address me as your queen, for that is who I am to you. Nothing more. On your knees.”
Emerald eyes stare back at me, and for a brief second, I almost make myself believe that I see a flash of hurt and longing in their wondrous green meadows. My heart squeezes in my chest as I chastise it for being so naïve in having such a ludicrous thought. And even though I manage to straighten my spine when Levi dutifully lowers his head and takes a knee before me, the vise grip around my heart tightens, making it almost impossible to breathe.
“My queen,” he offers, his tone now as cold as the chilled wind blowing outside.
I take a moment to look him over now that his gaze is fixed to the floor. My hands clench into fists with the sudden need to run my fingers through the various black-ink braids on his head. His shoulders are even broader than I remember them to be, two square boulders on an imposing frame.
Even in his submission, he’s magnificent.
As magnificent as any weapon forged from steel could be. A weapon that just a few days ago intended to strip me of everything I hold dear.
After the thumping of my loud heartbeat simmers, I take a step back and order him to rise.
“Stand, Levi. What use is it for you to kneel to me when there is no one around to see you do it?” I order, not making any efforts to hide the bitterness in my tone.
Levi stands back up straight, and within an instant, I curse myself for the mistake I’ve unintentionally just committed. I should have kept him on his knees a while longer for my own benefit.
With Levi towering over me now, it takes all of my will power to keep my expression as even keel as his. Because like this, there is no question of who amongst us two is the more intimidating. Even the simple task of looking him dead in the eye, requires me to crane my head back, ensuring I accommodate him and not the other way around.
I don’t like it.
And by the glimmer in his jeweled eyes, he not only knows how displeased I am, but is also taking great satisfaction in my aggravation.
“You’ve grown since we last spoke,” he states plainly, with no emotion whatsoever in his voice.
“Most children do. Or would you have preferred I had stayed a child? Gods know it would have made things simpler for you,” I reply stoically, mimicking his tone.
And although my neck is starting to hurt keeping eye contact with him, my glower never wavers from his.
“Easier, yes. But not very gratifying,” he rebukes with a sardonic grin.
Is he joking?
The gall of him!
“I see the years have treated you kindly, Levi. I don’t remember you having a funny bone in your body when we were kids,” I retort with the fakest of smiles.
“Are you saying I didn’t have a personality?” He arches a brow.
“Not one that was amusing.”
When his nostrils flare, my smile turns genuine.
