Page 134 of The Crown’s Temptation

I nuzzled my head into his chest. “And of course my husband can summon them because he is strong and handsome and just the very thought makes me want to make another baby right this very moment.”

He grabbed my wrist. “Asha. Do not joke.”

I kissed him softly. “I am not. Once I am no longer dead we can have as many as you want, just in case one of us dies again⁠—”

“Asha.”

I giggled. “Truly. I want everything.”

He stared at me then, not saying a word.

“You look like a man in love,” I murmured.

“Perhaps I am.”

We stayed like that for a while.

Then he spoke abruptly. “Much of these plans seem to involve a great deal of time with Eravic.”

I nodded. “Yes. He and Maridale are the reason for the Arrolyn to begin with."

"He is in love with you."

I looked away. "I do not know that."

“Arabar told me recently that Eravic spent a year clearing Tearsar of undead, searching for something. Now I understand that something was the Arrolyn. That is more than simple duty or affection.”

"Eravic is good," I said quietly. "I have no idea if he has feelings like that for me. But I will not lie to you." I paused. "We had an interaction once before."

Colsar frowned. "What do you mean?"

"The night before our wedding. He gave me my first kiss and my first—" My cheeks burned.

"You fucked him?" His voice was sharp in a way I had never heard it before.

"No. I did not fuck him. I was a virgin before we met. You licked the blood off me yourself." I could not hide the irritation from my voice.

"You're right. I'm sorry."

"He kissed me because I asked him to. And he used his fingers on me."

"And that is the man I am supposed to be fine with you visiting every night?"

I looked at him. "Yes. I found Jessamy undressed near you twice since we have been married and you say you did not fuck her and I believe you." I pressed my breasts to his chest. "Look at me."

He looked at me.

"It is no secret there are men who want me just as there are women who want you. Kissing me once. Touching me there once. You cannot hold that against me. Even then I had not met you and I stopped things there because—" I stopped myself.

"Because what?"

"Because I wanted my husband to know that this part of me was for him and only him."

I looked at him. "It has been yours. You have had me in every possible way. I have given you two children. You owe me trust."

He nodded. "You are right. I cannot help my jealousy. And I will kill him if he touches you. Just like I will kill Teorin when I⁠—"

"You will not kill Teorin, Colsar. He is unwell and we both know it." I took his hand and pressed it to my lips. “Can we perhaps discuss your kill and revenge list another time?”