A knot grew in her throat. “Jasmine?”
“The one safe friend, I should think.” A corner of his mouth pulled up. “With no son to fight for and a daughter secure in my affections, she remains above the eternal
plotting.”
“Good.” Her breath whooshed out. “I like her very much.”
His eyes narrowed, as if thoughts crowded his mind. “You will do well to model her in one respect—keep your thoughts free of ambition. Much as my soul yearns for you, my
reason must still consider the best of the empire. The offspring of a Jewess might go far, but no son we have together will ever be king. Know that now. I will not have you
getting ideas in a few years that will endanger either our love or the security of my other children.”
She pulled her hands free of his as fire seared her cheeks. “You lecture me about my non-existent ambitions for a son who may not ever exist? This, Xerxes, is why talk of
love should be reserved for later in a relationship. If you knew me, you would never insult me with such a warning.”
The blasted man looked amused. “I may have known you only a week, my love, but I am well acquainted with women in general. Though the weaker sex, they inevitably outdo men
in conniving. At this moment, you are the epitome of humility and modesty. I would keep you that way—but once-sweet maidens often become ambitious shrews in the royal
house.”
She folded her arms over her chest. “I am duly advised. And let me assure you in turn, my husband, that I have no desire to see any child of mine on the throne. I will
consider my life full if I can keep them far from intrigue and but live with your affection.”
That one-sided pull of his mouth was as aggravating as it was alluring. “A lovely sentiment, but short-sighted. Much as it pains me to contemplate it, I will not live
forever. Will you then be content to take the small portion your marriage contract entitles you to and retire to some obscure home? Would you not prefer your children have
the means to care for you in your old age?”
“‘Means’ does not necessitate obscene wealth. But I will take your words to heart and be sure I never grow accustomed to these comforts.”
Xerxes threw his head back in laughter and slid an arm around her shoulder. “You go to an extreme, dear one. Comfort you will always have. Luxury may not be as forthcoming,
unless your sons provide it . . . or unless you curry the favor of my heir.”
At the warning in that last part, she lifted her brows. “Is that another game your wives play? Seeking the good opinion of your sons?”
His lips thinned. “To varying—and sometimes dangerous—degrees. At least it has been so in past reigns. I once caught my elder brother in a compromising situation with one
of our father’s youngest wives. As I watch my son grow into a man, I can but hope he has the sense to avoid such traps.” He arched a brow her way. “What think you? Did he
strike you as sensible enough for that?”
She frowned at the sharp question in his gaze. “I have never met your son, my love.”
Amusement replaced the inquisition. “Of course you have. Your first morning here, when we came to see you in the garden.”
Searching her mind brought nothing but a vague recollection of the others who had been with him. “Really?”
“Indeed. Darius, my brother Masistes, and Haman were all there.”
“I shall take your word for it.” Lips twitching up, her anger faded. “I can recall only how my heart swelled when I saw you with Chinara. I care not what position our
someday-children have in the empire—I just hope you love them like that.”
“Ah, Kasia.” He held her tight. “Never change.”
She snuggled against him and let peace wash over her. “Only as you desire and the Lord wills.”
He pulled away with a sigh and a glance toward the heavens. “I have guests to greet. Shall I walk you back to your pathetic little room?”
She laughed and slapped his chest lightly. “Go to your feast, Xerxes. I will linger here another moment.”
After a warm kiss, he took a step away but then paused. “Have you explored the compound yet?”
The very thought had terrified her each time someone proposed it. She shook her head.
Xerxes smiled. “In the next few days, I will show you our winter home in its fullness.”
She smiled and raised her arm in farewell. “I will look forward to it.”
He strode away with all the confidence of a man who ruled half the world. Kasia smiled and shook her head. Her husband was so sure of himself he could mount an invasion of a
continent . . . while she was so insecure she could not venture beyond this one building. Perhaps after he showed her around, it would not seem so overwhelming.
A frisson of unease washed over her, and she froze. She was not alone. Her eyes scanned the flowers and trees, the fountain pulsing with clear, sweet water. Her gaze snagged
on the form of a woman. A woman whose stomach was round with child, whose face was hard as stone, whose eyes spewed unmitigated hatred.
Kasia gulped. “Good evening, my queen.”