Chapter 128: The Way Things Are

~ DAVID ~

Her face was a thundercloud. Pride and caution roiled in my chest.

I loved how protective she was of others—it would make her a wonderful Queen. But her insistence on forcing the already molded minds of others to her ideals was… dangerous.

Patience was needed. Patience and strategy.

"Zara," I said, stroking her cheek. "Those women hold no interest for me. At all. Even the servants will tell you so. Please. That's not what's important here."

She nodded quickly, but her eyes were darting around like she was searching for something. I took her hand again and waited for her to meet my eyes. "I can handle this. But it won't be by public proclamation. These practices are already outlawed in Arinel."

"But, if you don't make it really clear, he might come after her!" she whispered.

"I will be clear. Make no mistake," I growled.