Page 95 of The Barbarian King's Assassin (Magic and Kings 1)
A frisson of unease went through me as she offered a soft greeting. “My King.” Zasha performed a deep curtsy and overly respectful head bow that had me eyeing her with suspicion.
“Zariina.” Konstantin kept his expression and tone monotone and guarded.
She clasped her hands and kept her head down. “Pardon my rude intrusion. I couldn’t help myself. I must atone for my shameful behavior the last time we met.”
He stepped farther into the room while I chose to flank him, moving slowly, seeing if anyone else hid in wait.
“No apologies needed. I’m sure you were understandably shocked. It’s not every day one is told they must marry a barbarian from Weztroga.” He sounded sincere and polite. Even self-deprecating.
“You are being much too kind. I was horrible to you, and I’m so sorry.” Finally, her head lifted. Her eyes were moist pools that made me want to poke them out.
I knew that look. That manipulation women used on men. Konstantin was much too astute to—
“There is nothing to apologize for.”
“You are too kind, Your Majesty. Your forgiveness gives me great pleasure. And let me add, I will be the best of wives to you. Promise.” She took a step forward, hands clasped, still plying him with those big eyes.
I must have snorted out loud and not in my head because her gaze suddenly swung to me and narrowed.
“Who is she?” A low but sharp query.
I’ll admit, after the days we’d spent together, I kind of expected a better answer from Konstantin than, “Nobody. Just one of my many servants.”
The open disdain begged for a slap. I held myself back. No being jealous. He just acted his part of the plan.
Zasha grabbed his hand. “While she unpacks your things, I’ll help you wash the dust from your travels.”
Rather than tell her he could do it himself, Konstantin let her lead him to a bedchamber. I watched them go, jaw possibly on the floor. This wasn’t part of the plan. In the plan, he was reluctant to be with her. Only doing it for a greater purpose.
I heard her soft laughter. His lower timbre chuckling in reply. Logically, I knew they did nothing. Not with the door wide open. It didn’t stop my rage. Dismissed so the Barbarian could go off with a woman who’d suddenly gone from petty viper to apologizing virgin.
I gripped my sword tight. Killing her too soon would ruin all our plans. I’d promised to help Konstantin get close to the grand vizier. Not just for his revenge. I had questions about my parents. Questions the grand vizier might answer and die for if I didn’t like the reply.
“Oh, Konstantin,” she exclaimed sultrily. Her laughter was even sultrier.
What had he done to make her respond like that?
How could he?
Jealousy hit me hard and furious. I stalked out of the suite and ran into my father.
“Where are you going looking like death? Where is the king?”
“Playing nice with his fiancée,” I growled.
“Oh.” Jrijori raised his brows. “I was under the impression she hated him.”
“She’s had a change of heart.”
“And you’re not happy about it.”
I clamped my lips. “I don’t know why I’m angry. It’s not like I ever intended to stay with him. And the plan was always first and foremost him marrying her to have a legitimate claim to the emperor’s throne.”
“I never did like your plan, and I’m surprised you even suggested it, given it has the man you’re in love with marrying and bedding another woman.”
“I am not in love!” I couldn’t have been more indignant.
“Then why the jealousy?”