Her smile went luminous. “I will. Even were you not you, I would pledge such loyalty to my husband. But because you are you . . . that much and more.”
Just as he wanted. “When you spoke of your father, in spite of disagreeing with some of his principles love shone in your eyes. I want you to love me as thoroughly as your
husband. As a man, rather than a king. Will you give me that as well, lovely Kasia?”
She lifted her brows. “That kind of love requires time, tending, a full, open heart. But given how much I feel for you already, after so short an acquaintance . . . I think
it safe to promise I will. Shall I let you know when I do?”
Ah, how quickly he had come to treasure that amused smile of hers. “Please. Do you want to know the final thing that sealed your fate?”
She looped her arms around his neck. He would not have expected such ease already, but he would not argue. “Of course.”
“You said you were a Jew proudly. I want you to be my wife as proudly, to serve me from your heart. Will you give such allegiance to both king and empire?”
Now her face hardened. Would she be surprised to know he was glad of that? Glad she stiffened in his arms? “Will I be your wife proudly? Yes. Will I take pride in what my
husband accomplishes for his empire? Yes. But will I give you the same allegiance I give Jehovah? I cannot. You are my husband and king. But he is my God.”
He slid a hand into her hair and urged her head back. “Good. I would have been disappointed if you promised to give up such a crucial part of yourself. And would not have
believed you, which would have cast your other oaths in doubt.”
She relaxed—until he pressed his mouth to her neck. Then her pulse kicked up, and her hands gripped the back of his robe, his hair. “So the king values honesty.”
“The king hears lies all day. From you, lovely Kasia, I want only truth. For you, I want not to be the king. Call me Xerxes, my love.”
“Xerxes.” His name sounded like music on her tongue. And when she looked into his eyes, he knew that she offered all she was.
For the first time in his life, he held a treasure all his gold could not buy. But somehow he held it anyway.
He never intended to let go.
*
The moment Kasia awoke she became aware of the solid arms around her, the broad chest upon which her head rested. Contentment flooded her.
Xerxes shifted onto his side and held her close, leaned down to kiss her. His kisses were like strong wine the night before, lulling her into a realm between waking and
sleep, where sensation was magnified. She wished it were still night so that she could lose herself again. But reality must return with the morning light. He would have to
put back on his kingly robes and attend to the many guests in the palace, the business of managing an empire. She would have to get settled into her new home among the other
wives.
He chuckled against her mouth. “What thought troubles you, my love? You tensed up.”
“I am sorry.” She summoned her smile again. “It is only that I hate the thought of leaving you.”
His eyes sparkled, his lips turned up. “Perhaps the king should command the sun to reverse itself.”
She chuckled and snuggled against him. “There are some things even the king of kings cannot do.”
“Sad but true. We will be interrupted soon. And I see new worry in those captivating eyes. Tell me what it is so that I can erase it.”
The stroke of his hand on her back made her smile. “I know not what to expect now.”
“Ah. The drawback of cutting your preparation short.” He kissed her nose. Her heart nearly burst at the sweetness of the gesture. “Well, my love, in a few moments the
servants shall slip into the room to help us dress. Then I shall go back to strategizing my invasion of Greece, and you shall settle into your new rooms, which shall be
second only to the queen’s.”
She blinked at how easily he spoke about going to war. “Are these rooms not occupied by another wife?”
Xerxes arched a brow. “The best ones are, yes.”
“Could I not take an empty one somewhere?”
“Kasia.” Though he chuckled, confusion shadowed his amusement. “It is how my favor is made known.”
“I know, but . . . the exceptions made for me already have not settled well with the others. I am still uncomfortable in all this wealth . . . and I do not relish being
moved with each new addition.”
His gaze was both fond and wary. “You think you will be so easily displaced from my favor?”
“I was warned to expect it.”
“You are so open.” He chuckled and then paused, contemplation in his eyes. “It will not be understood—but then, I enjoy confusing everyone now and again. You may pick
whatever room you want, lovely Kasia, and you may keep it as your own whenever we are in Susa. I will give the instruction as soon as the servants arrive. For now, give me a
kiss to last me until I see you tonight.”