Book 2: The Situation Is Grim

Rafe

The throne room is stifling. I’m not the only one who thinks so. All of us in all our finery are fanning ourselves, tugging at collars and sleeves, and just generally miserable.

It had to be a hot day. The nobles are already agitated from the heat, and I’m going to have explosive news of my own. This is a bad combination.

“Maybe we should have met out in the courtyard again?” Ainslee asks me softly.

I can see sweat beading between her beautiful breasts as she breathes in and out, and I want to call the whole assembly off and lick her clean. Instead, I sigh. “I don’t think it would help, and it’s too late now. No matter where we hold this debacle, it’s going to be a circus.”

Ainslee puts a hand on my arm. “Don’t let them bully you. We both know there’s no other choice.”

I pat her hand and give her a slight smile. “Don’t worry, my love. I won’t.”

“Can we get this over with, Your Majesty, please?!” the old noblewoman from