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“Because I believe this is going to end one of two ways. Vippera will kill you, or you’ll kill her.”
“I don’t get it.” She chuckles, not out of humor but of shock. “She’s your wife. If you know this about me, you could have just gone to her and told her everything.”
“She’s not my wife, not yet,” I say. “And hopefully, not ever. The truth is that I don’t wish to marry her, but I’m bound to her by way of a contract.”
“Contract?”
“Yes. You see, the only way out of it is through death. The best I can do is hope that I train you well enough to take care of this problem for me.”
“You want me to kill Vippera?” she asks.
I ignore her question, unable to look her directly in the eye.
“If you fail… then at the very least, you can still die what’ll undoubtedly be an entertaining death.”
“Oh gods…” she quivers, her voice breaking.
The urge to rush to her side springs up again, but I shove it away. I’ve pushed my emotions away for so long that it’s become second nature to me to be cold, but this case is particularly difficult for me.
Again, I become tempted at the sight of her trying not to cry. I cannot help but feel responsible for all of this. This time, I brush it off, making the judgment that maybe she’ll use this as motivation to get out of here.
After all, if I were her, I would not waste time moaning. I’d use this chance to get away.
Still, there is a sting in my heart. I must be strong and see this through.
“Come on, then, let’s get you back to the cell.”
Without another word between us, I escort her back to her holding area and leave in a hurry. I make way for my quarters, eager to rid myself of the dirty feeling in my body with a wash, after which I’ll retrieve some lunch. Only then will I be ready to tend to my normal duties for the day.
With a heavy sigh, I step through into my room, my gaze cast downwards at the floor. Only at the clearing of a throat do I notice the others in the room. I peer up, finding Vippera glaring at me with eyes that could burn a hole through the thickest of scales.
Behind her in the corner is Slyth, mouthing silent words of apology. I face Vippera, leveling my gaze with her as I defiantly straighten myself up.
“What are you doing here, Vippera?” I ask.
“I’m the one who’ll be asking the questions here,” she hisses. “Just where the hell were you?”
I retract, wide-eyed at the audacity of her to demand such a precise answer. I draw a deep breath, resuming my unbothered stance.
“It’s no business of yours what I do with my free time.”
“I’m your wife!” she exclaims, her voice rousing to a shrill.
“Not yet,” I say calmly. “For future reference, you are not to enter my private quarters without my direct permission.”
I square up to her, inches from her face. “Do I make myself clear?”
I step away, walking to my desk where I begin sorting the loose parchment papers sprawled out across the table.
Vippera’s angry footsteps march over as she slams a hand down on the table, raising her voice to such a level that it breaks the sound barrier. “I know where you’ve been! You’ve been sleeping around, haven’t you?” she hollers, pointing an accusatory finger at me.
“Listen, I don’t know what princes are like back in Jalma, but I don’t concern myself with such silly affairs.”
At the thought of sleeping with others, my mind immediately springs to Aurora. I’m only glad that naga can’t see each other’s thoughts.
“No,” snaps Vippera. “You’re just taking advantage of your last few days being unmarried. I’m willing to bet you have a mistress on the side.”
“How much, exactly?” I retort, spinning to face her. “Are you willing to lose your entire wealth?”
